Howard Mudd: TEAM Arizona Rider of the Month September 2015!
Last Updated: December 1st, 2020
Part of the joy of providing motorcycle rider training is that we meet the most interesting people in the world. Our Rider of the Month for September 2015 crushes it in the “interesting” department. A former All-Pro NFL Offensive Lineman turned NFL Super Bowl winning football coach has a lot he could teach us. However, with tremendous amount of humility, he reached out to us for training and the experience has been pure gold. It is with great excitement and unadulterated joy we introduce you to Howard Mudd.
When 72 year old (at the time) Howard Mudd walked into the Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic Level 1, we were unsure he would be physically capable of completing the course. Decades of playing football, years of coaching, and surgeries galore means that Howard walks in a unique way. A way that cannot really be described, but merely experienced. He makes no excuses for his physical state; he merely “gets on with it”. To say he blew us away would be an understatement. His drive to improve, his willingness to try new techniques, and his ability to adapt are impressive. Not only did he complete Level 1, he went on to attend the Total Control Track Clinic at Willow Springs and attend a track day at Inde Motorsports Ranch. Incredible.
Howard explains what motivates him to ride to the best of his ability:
Like playing in the NFL, riding a motorcycle well means putting forth a massive effort. Playing well in the National Football League requires practice, managing risk, planning ahead, rehearsing, and total dedication. Winning a game in the NFL is difficult. When you put a good effort forward there is a massive reward. Same goes for riding. Riding a motorcycle well comes close to capturing that feeling. Being on two-wheels provides a parallel to being in the NFL.
Howard’s riding career had fits and starts in his twenties, but it wasn’t until he was 45 that he started riding in earnest. He bought a Harley Davidson Road King and within six months a left turning vehicle put him in a hospital bed for six weeks. Not to be deterred, he purchased Titan upon recovery.
His riding career took a turn when he ran into a guy he once coached. They reconnected around riding and his friend convinced him to consider a BMW. After speaking with a motor officer who rode a RT, he decided to take the BMW plunge. Today, Howard rides a 2014 BMW R1200GS purchased from Victory BMW. He absolutely loves this bike. Howard waxes about his riding experience:
I enjoy riding. I enjoy the total requirement to operate a bike properly. Making the calculations for cornering, riding the corner properly, everything it takes to operate the motorcycle correctly. Using all of my faculties is stimulating to me. Mind, body, spirit. I tried golf, was real serious about it, but I never came home without complaining about the golf outing. In contrast, I never come back from a motorcycle ride and wish it was better. The riding experience itself is just exhilarating.
Howard will be spending some time in the Pacific Northwest to support his family; a move that surprises none of us who know his heart is as big as his smile. We’ll miss him while he’s away, but we’re certain we’ll meet up with him soon on two wheels.
Riders, we want to honor YOU! Do you know someone who should be TEAM Arizona’s Rider of the Month? Entering their name is SIMPLE.
- Email Bill (bill@motorcycletraining.com )
- In the subject line, type “Rider of the Month”
- In one paragraph, tell us why this rider deserves the title TEAM Arizona Rider of the Month!
Let’s have some serious FUN with this gang! There are some great stories out there and we don’t want to miss them, so tell us about yourselves!
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