The Road Dirt Crew
Rob Brooks
Founder, Senior Editor, Chief Cook & Bottle Washer
Rob claims, “Motorcycles are in my blood, in my DNA.” This has not been independently verified. What is verifiable, nay certifiable, is Rob’s love of bikes, whether riding, writing, or wrenching on them. With a long family history of motorcycling, Rob has traversed America on two wheels (and a few sundry locales across the globe) but calls north Georgia, USA his home, along with his wife, two daughters, a grandson, and a menagerie of pets.
Phil Gauthier
Associate Editor, Writer & Part Time Digital Biker Nerd
Yes, he’s one of those. Phil raced Motocross as a young buck, then rejoined the motorcycle craze after the nest emptied. Active in the 70’s precursor to X-Games, Phil never really grew up, which helps since he spends most of his time supporting video and other content over the web. When not touring twisties on his Road Glide with his “Mild Hog” crew, Phil enjoys time on any Apple device, eating & cooking, and spending time with his family – especially his three beautiful grandkids.
Ted Edwards
Editor-at-Large
Ted Edwards requires constant adult supervision. Without it, he will end up party crashing Laguna Seca, small town quilt shows or cattle drives. The next step involves getting recklessly caffeinated at his local cafe and writing the story. This Northwest native’s work has appeared online as a trip writer and gear tester for Bike Bandit and in print for the Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiast newsletter.
J. Joshua Placa
Editor-at-Large
J. Joshua Placa is the former Editor-in-Chief of Cruising Rider and Motorcycle Cruiser. He has contributed to major dailies, travel and adventure publications and most major moto magazines. Whereabouts unknown, it is believed he is holed up in some clapboard desert shack, comfortably hiding from the Vatican.
Ryan "Ryhno" Nolan
Contributing Author/Photographer
When Ryan isn’t road racing in the CCS Midwest series, he enjoys Motorsports photography, exercise, wearing pink, and a good whiskey. Motorcycles are more than a passion for him. His wife learned this firsthand when motorcycle racing was added to their wedding vows. Ryan’s love of motorcycles comes from his dad, who rode a Suzuki TS185 back in college. For Ryan two wheels is greater than four and single malt scotch is best in a double dose.
Neale Bayly
Contributing Author/Columnist
Neale Bayly is an adventurer, philanthropist and photojournalist who has traveled the world on motorcycles, and has been featured in over 100 publications worldwide. Born in the UK but now residing in North Carolina, Neale loves all things two-wheeled, whether motorized or pedal-powered. But his heart is for children, as evidenced by his foundation, Wellspring International Outreach, which supports orphanages around the world. An avid “health nut”, Neale admits a weakness for a good bowl of chips and salsa.
Mike Boyd
Contributing Author/Photographer
Mike is a photographer, drone wizard, and decorated Vietnam combat veteran. Mike flew Huey helicopters in ‘Nam, was shot while dropping in to rescue soldiers in a hot LZ, and is an unquestioned patriot. Mike maintains the coolest fleet of AMF/Aermacchi era Harley-Davidson Sprints, as well as half a dozen other motorcycles, and loves capturing bikes and rides through the camera lens, whether at ground level or 100 ft. in the sky. He may be a shade under 5’8” or so, but he’s 10 feet tall to us.
Geoff & Barb Nickless
Contributing Author/Photographer
Geoff has always loved motorcycles. His Dad owned a Harley 74, with a sidecar, in the late 30’s. Geoff had a Kawasaki TR90 as a kid, and raced Suzuki RM 250s. His idol, Kenny Roberts, provided him with press passes from ’78 through ’85, and so began Geoff’s race photography. Barb married into the equation and has taken up photography only recently. No more carrying the backup equipment! She loves all racing, especially flat track. Both enjoy meeting riders and their families and aren’t afraid to get close to the action.
@nicklessphotos
Nathan "GenZ Biker" Baron
Contributing Author/Videographer
Also known as “GenZ Biker”, Nathan brings a youthful and new rider perspective to the Road Dirt crew. As a popular “Moto-Vlogger”, Nathan is influencing and inspiring a new generation of riders to get out on two wheels. A recent graduate of Marquette University, Nathan’s “GenZ Biker” YouTube channel and accompanying social media pages display a great enthusiasm and connection with the heart of motorcycling, and are challenging the industry to innovate and creatively grow the sport for the future. Nathan loves his family, his girl, his bike, and a good local ice cream shop with friends.
Mark Zweig
Contributing Author/Columnist
A thrice-married college professor with 5 daughters who recently got his Medicare card, Mark started working in bike and motorcycle shops at age 12. Since then, he’s owned hundreds of motorcycles of all kinds- everything from a Yamaha Mini Enduro to a new British racing green Triumph Thruxton 1200. He has also done prize-winning restorations of many classic European and Japanese motorcycles over the years. Mark has started, bought, and sold many businesses, two of which were on the Inc 500/5000 list. He recently joined Janus Motorcycles as an investor and advisor, and his current rides include a Janus Halcyon 250, a ‘66 Benelli 250, and a ‘68 Kawasaki Samurai, among others.
mzweig@zweiggroup.com
Kelsey B. Crawford
Social Media/Advertising Specialist
Kelsey grew up around motorcycles. From as young an age as she can remember, her father (Senior Editor Rob) and grandfather owned and rode motorcycles, and Kelsey spent much time on the pillion growing up, riding and road tripping with them. So it was only natural that Kelsey would come to work for Road Dirt, handling the social media presence and helping manage advertising. Motorcycling is in her blood, just like her old man. Kelsey and her husband live in north Georgia with their young son (a future rider), their dog and three lazy cats.
Christian Pierce
Contributing Author
When Christian says he studies motorcycles, he’s being absolutely serious. He received an early education in the bike culture, as he was raised in Laconia, New Hampshire, site of one of the biggest and oldest motorcycle rallies in the country. That education continued into college, much to the delight of his parents, as he studied motorcycle movies while working on a film degree and later examined lesser-known motorcycle manufacturers while completing a degree in the history of technology. He’s complemented that book knowledge with some hands-on experience as well, earning a trade degree in motorcycle repair. When he’s not writing or wrenching, Christian enjoys listening to 80s “hair bands,” sampling local brews, and traveling with his family.
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