We asked Ben H. about his experiences with riding and motorcycle rentals, and got some background on his love of bikes. Read on to learn about his favorite routes, roads, and more. 

Tell us about your riding experience. How long have you been riding, and how many bikes have you owned? How did you first become interested in riding?

I started riding in my early 20s. I lived in Manhattan, couldn't afford a car or a parking space, and wanted a way to get out of the city on the weekends. I got my license and bought a little 250 to buzz around the twisty roads along the Hudson, and as a way to avoid taking the subway.

Have you taken any long moto trips? Tell us about them - where did you go, where did you stay, who did you ride with?

I took a 4-month long trip starting in Boston, and on to Seattle and then Phoenix—where I had to leave the bike and have it shipped back, because of winter weather. This was a totally spur of the moment trip, and I had only planned out the destinations and stops a few days out. I met up with my cousin halfway through and we mostly camped our way across the country in various national parks. I was on an NC-700 (I rode that poor thing into the ground) and my cousin in her Civic; we joked that Honda should have sponsored our trip. My now fiancée rides as well, and we take trips all the time to Santa Barbara, the Borrego Springs Desert, but have not been anywhere super far yet.

Tell us some more about you - where do you live? What kind of work do you do?

I'm a bartender living in Los Angeles, I like to be close to the ocean and the mountains, especially here in Southern California where we have perfect riding days all year long.

What are your hobbies - what do you enjoy doing when you're not riding?

Aside from riding I am an avid hiker and love to camp. I also cook all the time, and am currently working on a cookbook after some friends kept asking me for recipes.

Tell us about your experiences with Twisted Road - as either an owner, as a rider, or both. What do you enjoy most about being part of our community?

It is very convenient as an owner; all I have to do is chat with the renter to arrange a time for them to come pick up the bike. Insurance and vetting is all on Twisted Road, so there's nothing for me to worry about.

What are your favorite rides near your hometown?

• PCH up to Santa Barbara, then from there Route 33 to Ojai, and even farther to Maricopa if you have time.
• Angel's Crest Highway through Angeles National Forest
• Mulholland Drive/Highway from the Hollywood Hills all through to Malibu (and the various canyon roads in Malibu as well).
• Ortega Highway from San Juan Capistrano which turns into the Pines to Palms (Route 74) and takes you all the way to Palm Desert

Last question - where do you hope to ride one day?

I would love to ride through Southern Europe, starting in Portugal and ending at the bottom of Italy's boot.

We know that our community of riders, owners, and moto-enthusiasts are the best source for input on local events, roads, routes, restaurants, landmarks, gear, and all things moto.

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Check Out Ben H.'s Bike For Rent On Twisted Road