Sean Desmond: Rider of the Month November 2016!
Last Updated: November 30th, 2020
SEAN DESMOND: Riding is in the blood
For a lot of us, our riding career starts in the dirt. Talking with Sean it became evident he grew up riding dirt bikes. Listening to his stories of riding along train tracks in rural New Jersey and playing around on kid-built “unofficial” motocross tracks doing his best Jeff Emig imitation took us back to our own childhood. Grew up in the 70’s? Who didn’t do their best Evel Knievel imitation on hand crafted jumping ramps that lasted maybe two runs before falling apart? Or before the jumpers needed to make an impromptu visit to the emergency room.
When we flippantly say riding is in our blood, we don’t think it is ACTUALLY in our blood. For Sean Desmond, when he says riding is in his blood, he means it! One look at a picture of his great grandfather on an 1920’s Indian motorcycle and one instantly knows a piece of his great grandfather’s DNA just HAD TO BE transferred to Sean. For this reason and many more, we’re happy to present Sean Desmond as our Rider of the Month for November 2016!
JUST A MATTER OF TIME
When college came into focus for Sean, he determined he couldn’t afford a motorcycle and continue his studies. As he started his professional life, motorcycling remained on the back burner until his work life collided with a latent desire to ride. While working for Larry Williams, owner of Moto Euro magazine, Sean blasted back roads on a Moto Guzzi he borrowed from Larry. He was instantly hooked and set upon a plan to be back on two wheels. Of course, that plan included TEAM Arizona.
“I was hooked. I was so motivated I didn’t even care it was August in Phoenix. I took the Basic RiderCourse at the beginning of August 2012 in sweltering heat. I obtained my motorcycle endorsement and purchased a Triumph Thruxton; my first ever street bike!”
ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO!
Completing the TEAM Arizona Basic RiderCourse and buying the Triumph was just the beginning of a marathon that includes six different motorcycles (Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Ducati 1100 Evo Monster, Ducati Multistrada S Touring, Ducati 899 Panigale, Aprilia Tuono RR) and more than 10,000 miles for each of the last four years. Sean typically averages 2-300 miles per weekend.
Sean also started a Meetup Group called Arizona MotoEuro for people who were enthusiastic about riding and owning European Motorcycles. While the group is now discontinued due to Sean’s commitment to pursuing a recreational pilot’s license, at its height it grew to more than 200 individuals throughout its two years in operation. The personal ties to many of the group members still remain and you can see Sean on rides with former group members on any given Sunday.
THE NEXT LEG
We’re excited to see what’s next on Sean’s plate. He loves doing track days with Desert Road Racing (DRR). He especially enjoys being able to tap into the potential of his high performance sport bikes. The ability to see the same corners over and over without the threat of oncoming traffic or cops also appeals to him. For sure, he’ll be at the next DRR track day.
After acquiring the pilot’s license, Sean wants to engage in more Adventure Riding. Don’t be surprised if you hear about Sean riding from the southern tip of South America to Alaska. After all, being on two wheels is in his blood!
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!
