Meet the Team
How it began
Founded by Rosson Richardson, Austin Moto Adventures is driven by the love of exploring wondrous places on motorcycles and sharing that exhilarating experience with others. We proudly plant our flag in the heart of Central Texas, offering a world-class ADV motorcycle training resort, along with premium tours and events.
Our objective is to inspire and prepare the adventure motorcycling community with all the skills and know-how they require to explore marvelous places, whether on pavement or off-road. We strive to promote and enhance safety, to create a culture of support and knowledge, and to offer a tribe to all those who share our enthusiasm for motorcycles.
Meet Our Team
Rosson Richardson
Austin Moto Adventures, President & Instructor
Rosson founded Austin Moto Adventures in the fall of 2022. The passion behind the project came from not only a lifetime of motorcycle riding, but also the recognition of how much ADV riding changes the lives of its tribe in a positive way.
From 10 years old on, Rosson always found a way to be on a bike. Beginning with crashing a childhood friend's KDX 80 at 10 years old, to racing GSXR 750s in his twenties, he has ridden all types of motorcycles on all types of terrain.
In 2005, Rosson threw his leg over a Triumph Tiger and his world changed forever. Adventure riding became a part of his DNA and an insatiable appetite for more adventure riding and more motorcycles ensued.
Rosson was trained at another academy and was honored when he was invited back to become an instructor one week after his training academy ended. Rosson quickly realized that his passion for adventure motorcycling fed his unknown passion for coaching and mentoring. Watching students come through the class and seeing their transformation as riders, and as people, his mission became to spread the ADV way of life, this tribe, to as many people as possible.
Rosson considers Austin Moto Adventures to be his calling, and he welcomes all who wish to join the ADV community to reach out and find their tribe at Austin Moto Adventures.
Tim McWhorter
Austin Moto Adventures Executive Vice President
Tim is a husband of 30+ years, father to four amazing children, a business owner, and an avid motorcycle rider. Tim owns Marlondo Leather and Fish Ladder Marketing (parent company of Sentinel Supply). He's blessed to work with several of his children in both businesses and thankful for the flexibility these business ventures offer.
Tim's passion for adventure motorcycle riding is a natural outlet for his wanderlust. Exploring the entire world is on his agenda. He's working hard to cross off the exploration of countries, continents, and bucket list treks on two wheels whenever possible. Since his first ride on a Honda Trail 50 at the age of 5, he's been hooked on two-wheeled travel. Tim has ridden in Canada, Mexico, India, crossed 5 BDRs and one BDR-X off the list, and ridden tens of thousands of miles across the United States.
Tim is honored to be part of the team at Austin Moto Adventures where he manages partner/sponsor relationships, retail opportunities, tours, and assists in operational oversight and business development.
TJ McWhorter
Austin Moto Adventures Director of Operations, Lead Instructor, and Tour Guide
TJ has motorcycles in his blood. Born in 1995 to awesome parents with the "adventure bug," he has always found comfort in the roads less traveled. His passion for adventure ignited in 2006 on a year-long road trip across the United States with his parents, three siblings, and the family dog. Visiting many national parks and state parks along the way, TJ has been to all 50 states and continues his quest to see the world on two wheels. This transformative experience sparked his love for exploration, which naturally led to a deep affinity for motorcycles, especially adventure bikes.
TJ began riding ADV bikes in 2016 when he and his Dad attended their first adventure rally. Since then he has ridden tens of thousands of miles offroad in the mountains of the PNW, the deserts of Southern California, and the Texas Hill Country. He has won adventure rallies, co-founded an ADV riding team, and ridden with men and women from all across the world. TJ's current mission is to inspire everyone to become better riders and teach the upcoming generations to confidently handle and enjoy adventure motorcycles on any type of terrain.
When he's not riding, you'll find TJ laughing, drinking good beers, and enjoying life no matter what comes his way. He warmly invites you to come get dirty and join the tribe here at Austin Moto Adventures.
Rodney Hess
Austin Moto Adventures Assistant Instructor
I've been riding motorcycles for many years, but adventure riding opened the door to something bigger—exploration, challenge, campfires, and the kind of friendships you only find on the trail. In 2018, I bought my first adventure bike, completed both formal and informal training, and soon after rode the New Mexico BDR. That experience turned a long-held dream into a lasting passion.
Through Austin Moto Adventures, I found my tribe. Today, I'm passionate about helping riders build the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to ride these bikes well and to pursue adventures of their own. There's nothing better than seeing someone grow more capable, more comfortable, and more inspired every time they ride.
Bradley Nelson
Austin Moto Adventures Master Technician
Bradley Nelson has been riding motorcycles over 25 years and off road adventure riding for 15 of those years and also spent 3 years exploring Germany and western Europe on two wheels. Bradley graduated from the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in 2016 with certifications from both BMW and Harley Davidson.
He went on to a multi line dealership in Fairbanks, AK to gain experience on Honda, Buell, Royal Enfield and Victory motorcycles. Bradley has also been a Certified Level III BMW Motorrad Technician. Bradley is a retired US Army MP and married to the amazing Brigitte Nelson. Bradley is also a member of the elite Dust 2 Dawson group of people known only as the Fuckengruvers.
Scott Jones
Austin Moto Adventures Team Member
Scott has spent a large portion of his life on two wheels, logging countless miles across nearly every kind of terrain and motorcycle. His riding experience ranges from cross-country touring, canyon carving in Southern California and the Texas Hill Country, to years of trail riding on dirt bikes with his family. After watching Long Way Round, Scott discovered adventure riding, and it quickly became his true passion. The combination of exploration, self-reliance, and community drew him deeply into the ADV world, where he continues to pursue new routes and challenges.
Active within the motorcycle community, Scott enjoys connecting with fellow riders and sharing lessons learned from years in the saddle. He believes strongly in the transformative power of motorcycles and the camaraderie that comes with them. Scott brings a practical, real-world perspective and genuine enthusiasm for helping others grow as riders. He's especially passionate about helping riders build the confidence and skills needed to explore farther, ride safer, and fully experience the community that makes adventure motorcycling so rewarding.
Eric Pinnell
Austin Moto Adventures Coach
Eric discovered his passion for motorcycles on the streets of San Francisco and has spent the past 25 years exploring every road and trail he can find. Now calling the Texas Hill Country home, he loves helping new riders gain confidence and discover that with the right mindset, anything is possible. When he's not on two wheels, you'll find him soaking in loud and fast rock 'n roll and the freedom that fuels his adventurous spirit.
Les Ward
Austin Moto Adventures Team Member
Les is an Austin-based adventure motorcycling enthusiast whose passion for exploration began thousands of miles north during six years living in Alaska. It was there that seeing a BMW GS for the first time opened the door to the possibilities of travel and adventure on two wheels.
Since launching his career in public safety in 1999, Les has gained a unique blend of experience across emergency medical services, law enforcement, and firefighting—including extensive training across multiple rescue disciplines and experience in wilderness and urban-based search and rescue operations. Over those same years, Les spent significant time training and mentoring fellow first responders.
Today, Les channels that background into coaching adventure riders, offering a grounded, practical perspective shaped by real-world decision making and risk management. His goal is to help riders gain confidence, develop useful skills, and experience the freedom of adventure motorcycling while prioritizing preparation, thoughtful judgment, and respect for the places and people encountered along the journey.
For Les, adventure riding isn't just about the destination—it's about the freedom, self-reliance, and discovery that come from exploring the world on two wheels.
Phil Simms
Austin Moto Adventures Instructor in Training
I was born in 1985 and raised by my grandmother in Houston and San Antonio, Texas. My love for motorcycles started in high school when my best friend had a bike I was always trying to sneak out for a ride. After graduating, I finally bought my first motorcycle—a 1985 Honda Rebel 250—and rode it until the wheels practically fell off. Growing up riding BMX and skateboarding, motorcycles felt like a natural extension of the two-wheeled freedom I'd always loved.
In 2007, at 22 years old, I joined the U.S. Navy. During my time in the service I bought my first Harley-Davidson Road Glide in 2012 and spent many miles touring the country, especially riding to and from Norfolk, Virginia. After leaving the Navy in 2014, I attended Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, where my passion for motorcycles expanded beyond just riding to understanding and working on them.
My adventure riding journey really began in 2021 at the Sturgis Rally when I first rode a Harley-Davidson Pan America. Since getting my own in 2022, I've explored places like Moab, Utah, trained with Austin Moto Adventures, and found an incredible ADV riding community. When I'm not riding, I'm with my wife and two kids or wrenching on Harley-Davidsons.
Aria Stone
Austin Moto Adventures Executive Assistant & Communications Coordinator
Aria Stone is the Executive Assistant and Communications Coordinator at Austin Moto Adventures. With 15 years of experience in executive support, event coordination, and brand communications, Aria keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes — managing client communications, coordinating logistics, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
She's worked with venture-backed startups, luxury hospitality brands, and experiential marketing agencies, and speaks three languages fluently. When she's not keeping Rosson on schedule, you'll find her on her Ducati Scrambler exploring Hill Country back roads.
Meet the Advisors
Chris Bronstorp
Austin Moto Adventures Advisor
Chris Bronstorp has been riding motorcycles since 2006 and was introduced to adventure riding in 2016 and hasn't looked back. Since his first go-around on a large adventure bike, Chris has completed several BDRs, including the CA, NM, UT, CO, AZ, and part of the NV. He's also spent a good deal in Baja California on his R1250GS. Chris lives and breathes the motorcycle community. Most of his friends are riders, and he married a woman he met at a motorcycle show. When he's not riding, he spends time with his three kids. He also has a passion for automotive design, the fine arts, and physical fitness. And of course he spends his free time planning his next adventure ride.
As an advisor, Chris has extensive experience in the motorcycle industry. He has been a GM for a BMW Motorrad Dealership, a regional manager on the corporate level for the same brand, and a director of operations for a number of dealerships throughout the US. With his extensive experience in the motorcycle industry, he is excited to help support the Austin Moto Adventure team to reach its full potential as a world-class training facility.
David Bailey
Austin Moto Adventures Advisor
David Bailey is an adventurer, writer, musician, and creative who comes to Austin Moto Adventures with a wide-ranging background in non-profit leadership, leadership development, community development, counseling, psychology, sales, and visual arts. David graduated from Vanguard College with a degree in religious studies, worked for years in various church positions, and was awarded a doctor of ministry from Jameson Christian College in recognition of his work with at-risk youth. Born and raised in Canada, David traveled for more than 20 years doing leadership development in Africa, and then lived on the Gold Coast of Australia for five years, where he was involved in community development. Currently, David is the community relations partner for a national, publicly traded funeral and cemetery corporation based in Houston, and the proud owner and rider of a BMW R1250 GS.
Rich Gibbens
Austin Moto Adventures Advisor
Rich has been riding and racing motorcycles for more than 30 years. He started riding dirt bikes as a kid and then moved on to motocross racing in his teen years. Starting in 2004, he began creating, organizing, and leading dual sport adventure rides and rallies in and around the great state of Texas, including the Texas Adventure Ride (a four-day adventure in the Texas Hill Country), the Around the Bend Rally (a four-day adventure in the Big Bend region of Texas) and MexTrek (a multi-day adventure ride in the mountains of northeast Mexico). More than 4,000 riders have attended Rich's events over the years. Rich is also the author of dual sport adventure ride guides for the Texas Hill Country, Big Bend, and northeast Mexico.
Rich has extensive experience in sales, management, and leadership. Rich is also an Army veteran, the highlights of which include three years with 5th Special Forces Group as a qualified green beret and as an Infantry Officer with the 10th Mountain Division.
Our Founding Principles
The values that guide everything we do at Austin Moto Adventures.
Expertise and Competence
Instructors at Austin Moto Adventures maintain high standards of excellence in their work. They use techniques and offer services only in areas where they are qualified by education, training, or experience.
Integrity and Honesty
Instructors promote integrity by being honest, fair, and respectful. They avoid making false or misleading statements about their qualifications, services, or experience.
Professional Responsibility
Instructors adhere to professional standards, understand their obligations, and adjust their methods to meet the needs of each rider.
Respect and Dignity
Instructors respect every rider's rights, dignity, and worth, regardless of cultural or individual differences.
Welfare and Care
Instructors prioritize the welfare and rights of their riders. They work to resolve conflicts and perform their roles responsibly, minimizing harm.
Responsible Coaching and Community Contribution
Instructors are aware of their ethical responsibilities to the community. They apply their knowledge to contribute positively to the sport and society.
Continuous Improvement
Instructors at Austin Moto Adventures commit to self-reflection, mentorship, professional development, evaluation, and self-care to continually enhance their coaching skills and performance.
Instructor's Credo
Our commitment to every rider who trains with us.
Safety First, Always
As a rider at Austin Moto Adventures, I prioritize safety above all else. I commit to following safety guidelines, wearing appropriate gear (ATGATT), and continuously improving my riding skills.
Respect and Responsibility
I respect fellow riders, coaches, and the environment. I take responsibility for my actions on and off the road.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
I embrace a learning mindset, understanding that improvement is a constant journey.
Enjoyment and Camaraderie
I ride to enjoy the thrill and camaraderie with my tribe. I aim to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Adventure with Purpose
Every ride with Austin Moto Adventures is an opportunity for adventure, but I ride with a purpose.
Integrity in Riding
I commit to riding with honesty and integrity.
Sharing Knowledge and Support
I am open to sharing my riding experiences and knowledge with others.
Environmental Consciousness
I ride with environmental consciousness, minimizing my impact on nature.
Embracing the Journey
My journey as a rider is as significant as the destination.
Unity and Encouragement
I believe in unity and encouragement within our riding community.