Dynamic Duo
We all suffer from the human condition and are often the architects and builders of our dream impeding walls. We look at someone that is traveling the world solo on a big moto-adventure, and think, “Well, you don’t have kids!” Then the world gives you a sludge hammer to break down this self-built wall of denial, with beautiful examples of contradiction! Welcome to the grass on the other side, meet Shawn and Hailey Thomas.
Shawn has been an adventure rider for years and teaching others to get out there and experience the backroads that only your moto can reach. He is also one of the kindest souls you will come across. He is always smiling and the more difficult the road, the more dirt on the suit, the bigger the smile gets. He is out there living an adventure motorcyclists’ life and is filling each moment not just with riding with friends, leading tours and teaching adventure riding but also with amazing adventures with his daughter, Hailey.
Many of us keep our 2-wheels on the pavement where traction kisses the tires, but the places that are hidden, that take a little adventure to get too, these are the roads that pull at Shawn expanding his personal journey into motorcycling and chasing zen.
I met Shawn a few years back at an overland event when were we doing a podcast about my solo journey around North America (later that weekend his gear was stolen from the truck, so the interview never made the air). Fast forward to our discussions around the world adventures he is doing 2-up with his daughter Hailey! Shawn is a brand ambassador for BMW, and they could not have picked a more dedicated individual to the lifestyle and showing what can be done with our bikes and our kids!
As travelers, we have the unique opportunity to experience the world in this day and age when many borders are open, and flights head to almost every country in the world. As parents we have the unique opportunity to help form amazing human beings, travel is a fantastic teacher, add to that adventure travel on a motorcycle and oh the lessons that the world holds! “On the bike, we are connected, it is her and I, connecting in a way that I have not found anywhere else.”
So when you think about building a wall again, pull down that brick and find inspiration in the spirit of a pre-teen that is out finding adventure with her dad! Whether on an adventure bike, a sport bike, in the US or out in the world, Hailey is understanding the love her father has for motorcycles and embracing it all her own! They have a YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdoz0AC65NI) to inspire and share the story of their rides through places like: “ the tropical rainforest, jungles, and beaches of Costa Rica. An epic tale of adventure, exploration, play, surfing, riding and capturing the unique bond between a father and daughter strengthened through the passion of motorcycle and travel.” So run it through that big screen and take mental notes needed to get you out there living in an adventure!
Extra tid-bits to know.
Shawn is a bit of a renaissance man and not only is he an adventurer, but he is an industry “know-how” in many ways. He does group and individual trainings, media production and is a photo and video journalist. Learn more about Shawn at www.stromoto.com.
Read more about his journey with Hailey here https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/authors/shawn-thomas
Written by Danell Lynn, Guinness World Record Rider –www.danelllynn.com, @danelllynn
Photography copyrights & Images: Shawn Thomas