Geoff & Barb Nickless

Author: Geoff & Barb Nickless

Interview with MotoAmerica Champ Jake Gagne

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Apr 18, 2022 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

Race days are exciting for everyone, but a MotoGP race is palpable! The sound waves from the paddock are the first thing to hit you. Mechanics revving the engines to listen for the crispness of their tuning and the buzz of riders, teams, and fans gathering before the race is electric. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) did not fail to disappoint all who gathered for this event April 8-10th, 2022. Upon arrival to the MotoAmerica paddock early Friday morning, everything was ready to go, and the teams were already into their race routines. Jake Gagne was relaxed and obliging when asked if he could spare some time to chat with Road Dirt. “Of course, anytime!” was his reply. The following is our conversation that morning in the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing tent.

Through the Lens: Wayne Rainey

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Mar 9, 2022 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

As motorcycle racing series are all revving up for the 2022 season, we thought it appropriate to shine the “Through the Lens” spotlight on Wayne Rainey, multi-year AMA and GP World Champion, and founder/president of the MotoAmerica motorcycle road racing organization. We’ve covered MotoAmerica since its inception and launch in 2015, and have personally interviewed Wayne on several occasions. Humble and friendly, Wayne is also focused and driven, from his early racing successes to restoring American motorcycle road racing to its former and future glory.

Through The Lens: Kenny Roberts

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Jan 7, 2022 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

Kenny Roberts is a legend in American motorcycle racing. Born in Modesto, California in 1951, Kenny took to racing at a young age, quitting high school to compete in dirt track and going pro by the time he was 18. In 1978 Roberts became the first American to win a Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing world championship, now known as MotoGP. A two-time winner of the AMA Grand National Championship here stateside, Roberts is only one of four motorcycle racers in AMA history to take the coveted AMA Grand Slam, with wins in the mile, half-mile, short-track, TT Steeplechase and road racing.

Through The Lens: Wes Cooley

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Nov 19, 2021 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

Geoff Nickless is a legend in motorcycle racing photography. Snapping flat track, motocross and road racing since the 1970s, Geoff has captured the greats of the sport, and has a museum-worthy collection of extraordinary photos from the golden age of American motorcycle racing that is unrivaled. He’s shared some of his favorites here before, and when we learned of Wes Cooley’s passing last month, we reached out to Geoff for his favorite Cooley photos over the years. He wholeheartedly obliged.