[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]< Back to our coaches[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”716″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Stayin’ Safe Senior Instructor (20 years)

As a youngster, Pete honed his estimable riding skills while off-roading in the Tennessee hills. So when asphalt was later invented, it was only natural that he apply his craft to the pavement. In the years since, he’s done just about everything on a motorcycle–from flat tracking to dualsporting to long-distance touring. He toured East Africa on a 500cc Triumph a la “Jupiter” about ten years ahead of Ted Simon. He didn’t make it around the world, or write a book, but he did eventually add Japan, all of Central America, much of Mexico and Canada, plus a Germany/Norway jaunt to his globe-trotting adventures. He’s also worked extensively as a motorcycle tour guide, leading tours of Mexico for Pancho Villa Moto Tours and showcasing his beloved southern highlands to travelers from Norway to New Zealand. His only regret? Not spending more time on the half-mile dirt tracks.

With Pete’s guidance, we set up our first “Safe in the Smokies” ride back in 1995, and he still delights in leading our guests to hidden “local knowledge” nuggets that few visiting motorcyclists ever get to see.

Pete’s far more than a tour guide, however. He’s a highly trained and skilled rider with nearly two decades of experience delivering expert on-road radio commentary. Despite his proficiency on two wheels, Pete regularly seeks out new opportunities to further his skills through participation in additional training programs. Among those accomplishments, Pete has successfully completed Basic Motor Officer Training, earning that coveted certification. Additionally, Pete is also a stained glass artist, a former Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, and at one time pursued a career in public health administration.

He lives in a quaint home that he personally designed and built in a secluded private setting in North Georgia. There, at any given time, one might find as many as twenty motorcycles in his garage (although he’s currently holding at a dozen or so). Although you’re more likely to find him and his companion Jackie out exploring the far reaches of North America.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”718,719,720,721,722,723″ img_size=”225×225″][/vc_column][/vc_row]