Real-World Adventure Motorcycling Since 2015
I’m Drew Faulkner, a mechanical engineer, motorcycle enthusiast, writer, podcaster, and rally organizer from Southwest Ohio. I started MotoAdventurer.com in January 2015 to share my motorcycle adventures, lessons learned, and occasional misadventures with other riders.
What started as a way to keep myself entertained through the winter has grown into a resource for adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists looking for honest reviews, practical advice, and inspiration to explore beyond the pavement.
I’ve been riding motorcycles since 2011, progressing from daily commuting and long-distance endurance rides to off-road exploration and amateur cross-country racing. Along the way, I’ve learned that the best adventures don’t necessarily involve the biggest motorcycle, the most expensive gear, or the most miles. Sometimes, they’re found on a forgotten backroad, deep in a Kentucky holler, or somewhere you probably should have checked for mud before riding into it.
What You’ll Find Here
Moto Adventurer covers the things that matter to real-world motorcyclists. That includes adventure and dual-sport motorcycle reviews, gear testing, maintenance and modifications, navigation, route planning, riding techniques, and trip reports from the Appalachian region and beyond.
As an engineer, I enjoy understanding how things work and figuring out whether the latest motorcycle or accessory actually delivers on its promises. I approach reviews from a practical perspective, considering performance, reliability, cost, and how products perform outside a showroom.
I also do much of my own motorcycle maintenance and modification work. I’m not a professional motorcycle mechanic, but years of wrenching have taught me plenty. I’ll share what I’ve learned, including the mistakes, because sometimes knowing what not to do is just as valuable as knowing what works.
My goal is to provide useful information based on real experience, not simply repeat manufacturer specifications or marketing claims.
Exploring Appalachia
Southwest Ohio and Eastern Kentucky are home, and the Appalachian region provides an endless supply of roads worth exploring. From winding pavement and gravel backroads to challenging dirt, mud, and rocky trails, this area offers more adventure than many riders realize.
In 2017, I started the Red River Scramble, a grassroots adventure and dual-sport motorcycle gathering in Kentucky. What began as an informal meetup grew into an annual event attracting hundreds of riders from across the country. Organizing the rally has given me a deeper appreciation for route planning, navigation, terrain management, and the community that makes motorcycling special.
I’m also a volunteer with the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway, helping support access to the roads and trails that make this region such a great place to ride.
Moto Adventurer Unscripted
In 2020, I launched the Moto Adventurer Unscripted podcast with my co-host, Mark. We discuss adventure motorcycling, dual-sport culture, motorcycles, gear, maintenance, navigation, and the experiences that shape us as riders.
The podcast extends the conversations started on this website, bringing together practical advice, industry discussion, and perspectives from riders who approach motorcycling in different ways.
Why I Do This
I believe motorcycling is about more than buying the next motorcycle or bolting on another accessory. It’s about the places we discover, the skills we develop, the people we meet, and the experiences we collect along the way.
I’m not here to tell you which motorcycle you must ride or how your adventure should look. I want to help you make informed decisions, get more out of your motorcycle, and find your own version of adventure.
Whether you’re shopping for your first dual-sport, preparing for a long-distance trip, learning to navigate off-road, or looking for your next Appalachian backroad, I hope you’ll find something useful here.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll see you out there.
Drew Faulkner
Founder, MotoAdventurer.com
Host, Moto Adventurer Unscripted
Organizer, Red River Scramble
It’s awesome that whenever I read a motorcyclist’s bio I can hear the echos of my own. The passion motorcycles bring out in us is so universal. Thanks for writing about your adventures!
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It’s become an insatiable fever without end. I never get home from a long ride and feel anything other than the need for more. It is awesome to meet other people suffering from the same condition!
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Hey Drew! I was also at the Triumph Dragon Raid in ’14 (you mentioned you were I believe on another section of your blog). I am terrible with names, but wonder if we met. We went down with our friends who both have Triumphs…even though I was on my Honda CBR250r and my husband was in his Miata 🙂 Cherohala Skyway was fantastic, more so on the way back after the rain stopped, fog cleared and sun was out. The fast and sweeping road is really nice. Blue Ridge Parkway was also cool, though my stomach did some flip flops when I’d see the drop-offs. Not sure if we’ll make it this year, as one Triumph friend is moving to California and the other is going to be a father in August. Love your blog; looking forward to reading more, especially concerning Dayton area. I grew up north of Dayton. Plan to take a motorcycle trip up to “my parts” some time this spring and see the old stomping grounds, take pictures and of course post about it. Live in Cincinnati now. Take care!
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Thanks for browsing! I remember your CBR250 distinctly in fact (great looking bike); my Speedmaster wasn’t parked very far away. I’m looking forward to getting down there again this year; I hope it’s drier this time. Hopefully we’ll see you then!
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Thanks! And yep nicer weather would certainly be great. Enjoy this week – forecast is looking good for Monday at least.
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Yes Ma’am! I was riding on February 21st last year… Old Man Winter wouldn’t let go this year! You too!
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Drew, I can offer a way to beat ol man winter… Spend part of the year in Australia… Only down side is too much ride time and no winter to rebuild the machines… Thanks for checking out my blog… https://nativeiowan.wordpress.com/.
Vroooommmm…
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Excellent idea! I will take that under advisement; I would say Australia is on the bucket list… however my wallet might disagree with my ambition.
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When ready give me a holler… ready to ride any time. vroooommm.
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Boy Drew, are we brothers from another mother, or what? We share the same obsession, and, the love of the very same bike! Needless to say, I have some reading to do-just to catch up with your Ohio based adventures. Maybe, you will check out mine, as I flesh them out on my blog= because, you’ve inspired me to post more of my writings on similar, yet NH based, and, from a different background stories. Never quite sure where to begin or end- I over respond on occassion- oops! I’ll read more of your adventures- now that I found you! Thanks for keeping the passion alive during the cold, Winter months! Dave
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Thanks Dave! Winters here have been awful over the past couple years, I’m sure even worse in your part of the country; I figured this was the best way to “weather the storm”. I plan on having more DIY stuff up soon, combined with more street eats if I’m lucking. Thanks for stopping by!
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Drew, is there any chance that you would Cosnider making & selling a few of those polyemethyle methacrylate grips to followers? I’m always looking for ways to ensure tend my season. & these would be awesome! Based on the fact that you already have a layout, the hardest part is bending it. I would probably leave MI email clear, so, paint isn’t even needed!
Let me know what your thoughts are…
Dave
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Dave,
I’m a free-market capitalist, the thought has absolutely crossed my mind. Bike fitment is typically where the concern lies. Many folks have asked me about my hand guards and fly screen, the problem is that they’re bike specific because I use existing fasteners. Shoot me an e-mail and I’ll be happy do discuss further.
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Drew,
We have the same bike. Mine is a 2012, and, yours is a 20xx? Without taking my Sox off, I’m guessing a ’12 as well, based on. Your 2 year ownership and 24,000 mIles so far…
Even if you have a 2013, there is no difference between handlebars, grips, etc… Yes, I mounted bar end mirrors, but, I don’t see any issue with that. I can go back to stock, if needed! Also, pleasemail let me know what you used for grip warmers, and, whether you think they are great. I want to buy and I stall only once- if you know what I mean.
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2013, yes sir. Email sent!
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it is great to know someone who is like minded and enjoy motorcycling as much as I do. I am glad you visited my post. I am organise the rides to the northernmost point of India in the month of July, august and September. It would be great if you can make it.
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My wife and I love to travel, including international travel. Hopefully someday we’ll make it to India!
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that would be great. Have a good weekend. Cheers!
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A pleasure to meet you and a sincere Thank You for your service.
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Thanks for reading! The honor is mine, not a day goes by that I don’t call on the experience gained from the military; in the words of Brad Pitt “Best job I ever had!”
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