Meet the 2020 Twisted Throttle Ambassador Team!

Over the years, Twisted Throttle has proudly supported a number of riders in their motorcycle endeavors. This year, we are kicking it up a notch and bringing on a team of dedicated, enthusiastic riders who are doing great things in the world of power sports! Our team, which you will meet in just a minute, is a mixture if influential riders who are making waves in the industry.

How are they making an impact?

Building custom motorcycles…

Racing 4×4 rock buggies…

Traveling the world raising money for charity…

Advocating for responsible trail usage…

The list goes on!

Below, you will meet the team and find out why they are a great match for Twisted Throttle/DENALI Electronics. We suggest you give them a follow, to stay up to speed on everything they are doing this year. You will occasionally find blog posts here, written by team members highlighting their adventures and first hand experiences using our products out in the real world. We are excited to work with this team in 2020, and we hope the content they share will prove useful to all of our readers, followers, and customers.

Tony Prust – Analog Motorcycles

Tony Prust, owner of Analog Motorcycles, started the brand in 2008 out of passion, principal, and necessity. Combining skills from his past careers and interests including audio engineering, and carpentry, he focused his interests and imagination into creating motorcycles and components that were complex in thought and design, yet simple and pure in execution just like analog music, thus the monster was born. Tony works with all makes and models of motorcycles from BMW and BSA, to Yamaha and Zundapp. He specializes in the unloved orphans. The land of forgotten toys is his asylum, the misfits are the residents and Tony is the surgeon. To say that he loves a challenge is an understatement.

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently riding?

TP: I have ridden scooters and off road bikes since I was a teenager and have been street riding motorcycles since 1994. I have ridden off road dirtbikes and quads in dirt, mud, gravel and sand dunes. Have had a street bike since 94 for road riding. Have done a lot of track riding since 2002 and started road racing in 2019. I currently daily ride a Ducati HyperMotard 1100s and a KTM Exc530. I also have a KTM Superduke 990 and Hypermotard 796 I race on track. And a custom built 1972 Triumph Bobber for around town.

TT; Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

TP: I have ridden all over this country and the last few years have mostly been around the greater midwest region where I live. 2020 holds more track riding and racing for me.

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics?

TP: We have partnered with Twisted Throttle and Denali Electronics for the past couple years. They have an extensive product line and the Denali LED lighting options are incredible. Best bang for the buck in the industry for quality product by far.

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

TP: We always have several projects in the works so there will be some cool new builds coming down the pipeline for 2020 with Denali Electronics lighting. But we are most excited to go racing this year. I will be racing the Hyper8 (Ducati Hypermotard 796) and the Duke9 (KTM Superduke 990) and a buddy will be racing the Husky7 (Husqvarna 701sm) under the Analog Motorcycles Racing Team. Should be fun!

TT: Where can people follow/find you?

TP: www.analogmotorcycles.com or on Social Media IG @analogmotorcycles FB /analogmotorcycles and TW @analogmoto or at the track 😉

Read Tony’s latest stories about building the Hyper 8 and his racing experiences so far this year HERE

Pat Trahan

Patrick Trahan is considered an adventurer more than a racer. Everything started in 1998, when he bought his first motorcycle , a KLR650, and shipped it to Morocco to participate in his first rally. But he had never ridden before. So it was quite the challenge, but he finished the rally. The road ahead of him would be one filled with adventure. He become the first Canadian to participate in Dakar on a motorcycle only 1,5 years after his debut. 12 years after that, he has completed 15 rallies around the world, participated in 3 Dakar rallies and finish 55th in 2010. He now organizes rallies in Quebec, works with Honda Canada has ambassador, fabricates rally kits, etc. He lives his passion and has multiple more projects to come.

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently riding?

PT: I have been riding since 1998, I have concentrated my efforts in rally raid racing, but I also have done some adventures riding around the world. I am riding an Africa Twin, CRF250L and CRF450L.

TT; Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

PT: I have ridden around the world, mostly deserts, the only 2 continent I did not ride are Australia and Antarctica. My favorite place to ride is Morocco.

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics?

PT: I have worked with Twisted Throttle since my adventure around Africa and they have built me an amazing bike and they have supported me since.

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

PT: I have a big rally next spring probably in Morocco. I have also many rallies that I do organised in Quebec and I am planning a trip on the Africa twin in Russia.

TT: Where can people follow/find you?

PT: Facebook – Patrick Trahan

Instagram – @CRF250LRally @Pat_Trahan @LeChallengeblanc

www.touaregaventures.com. www.challengeblanc.com, www.crf250lrally.com,www.endurosnow.net, www.rallyedeparent.com

Bree Molitor – 4×4

Bree Molitor has been involved in off-road racing since 2012, and she currently drives the rock racing buggy the Avenger. She has also been a media representative in various forms within the off-road industry for many years. Bree currently travels with the Southern Rock Racing Series for the 2020 season and co-hosts the live coverage of their events, and often competes with that series and others. She also enjoys trail riding off-road vehicles on her family farm in Tennessee whenever possible. 

TT: How long have you been driving? What types of riding/driving have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently driving?

BM: Since 2012 I have been involved in the sport of Rock Racing. I currently drive the Avenger, a rock racing buggy that my dad and I race together. I also ride/race UTVs, such as our turbo RZR 1000. I love the adrenaline rush of racing, but also a laid back trail ride. It’s great to be able to do both!

TT: Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

BM: I have raced at various offroad parks all over the Southeast, with one of my favorites being Adventure Offroad Park in TN. I’ve been to the sand dunes at Silver Lake in Michigan, and we even took the buggy as far as California once for a special race. I look forward to trying new parks and venues in future race seasons.

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics?

BM: I’m excited to represent a different segment of drivers – 4×4 offroad racing/driving – and helping to merge that segment with these companies and their products. I think it’s a great combination!

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

BM: The 2020 race season, for me, means not only competing as a driver, but also being involved in the media aspect of the sport. I travel with the Southern Rock Racing Series and co-host the live coverage of all the series races, so I get to enjoy the sport from many different angles! It’s great being able to not only compete when I want to, but also get to know the other drivers and industry leaders on a more personal level behind-the-scenes of the races. And of course, getting behind the wheel doesn’t always have to mean a race – I equally love to just spend an afternoon out hitting the trails with family and friends.

TT: Where can people follow/find you?

BM: You can find me on Facebook (@BreeMolitor), check out the “Hillside Live” shows on the Southern Rock Racing Series facebook page, and go to nationalrockracing.com (or YouTube!) to learn more about the sport of rock racing. 

Anna Baklund

Anna Baklund has been chasing adventure on motorcycles since 2015. Whether she’s camping off her dual sport or riding remote enduro, it’s the beauty of the wilderness that keeps her coming back for more. She enjoys sharing her adventures and hopes that by sharing, it encourages others to find what they’re passionate about. With trail stewardship at the forefront of her message, she hopes to promote responsible riding so that future generations can enjoy access to our public lands.

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently riding?

AB: Motorcycles became my life almost 5 years ago. I started 2-up on the back of a dual sport, which led to me buying my first small dual sport! I’ve gradually expanded into other avenues of riding – all of which I love. Nowadays, I ride a KTM 690 Enduro R for my dual sport adventures, a KTM 350 EXC-F for my dirt bike endeavors, and a Triumph Daytona 675 for my road trips. It’s so hard to choose a favorite because they all serve a different purpose and fulfill different experiences!

TT: Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

AB: Motorcycles have been my gateway to adventure. In the last few years I’ve managed to ride all over the West Coast and up into Canada. The states and provinces I’ve visited so far include: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and British Columbia. I’ve sat on mountain tops I would’ve never dreamed possible and cruised down some of the most scenic coastline in the country.

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics?

AB: I’m excited to partner with Twisted Throttle for 2020! As someone who explores multiple avenues of the sport, TT is a great resource because they stock a wide array of products to satisfy all types of riding. Not only do they have a diverse selection, but options that are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere! One of the highlights of this partnership for me personally is the collaboration I’ll have with other riders to share how we all make the ride more enjoyable!

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

AB: I have lots in the works for 2020! I’m stoked for a couple international trips riding both dirtbikes and adventure bikes. More on those trips to come! But I’m also excited to continue exploring new areas here at home too. One of the bigger projects I’m undertaking this year is becoming more involved in off road advocacy, promoting responsible riding, and aiding in trail maintenance.

TT: Where can people follow/find you?

AB: If anyone is interested in checking out my rides and endeavors, you can find me on Instagram @annabaklund !

Andrew Salter – Baffle Culture 

Salts began his obsession of motorcycling after watching David Beckham and his mates tackle South America on custom Bonnie’s and wanted a bit of the action. He started an Instagram page called ‘Baffle Culture’ where he posted builds and everything that captivated the motorcycle culture he found infectious, this mainly being cafe racer and retro inspired stripped back builds. Four years later and Salts has ridden around some of the worlds best riding routes whilst growing Baffle Culture ‘BC’. BC is now an established company based at Baffle Haus which is being used this year for ride outs and various events based in Wales near Cardiff. Salts rides his custom BMW R nineT which has been at the forefront of Baffle’s Instagram page. His bike along with the other members builds and ventures can be followed @baffleculture!

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles?

AS: I would’ve been riding for five years this summer from when I picked up my 125cc Mutt Motorcycles which in my opinion best resembled the Triumph Bonnie.

TT: What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite?

AS: I’ve stayed on the road and haven’t yet ventured off road. I’m fortunate to say my day-to-day life see’s me play professional cricket, it’s been ‘advised’ to keep the potentially more dangerous riding to my life outside of professional sport, which I’m looking forward to. All things from track riding to heading into the wilderness is on the list.

TT: What am I currently riding?

AS: I’m riding my custom R nineT with the best headlight out there available! 😀 Really can’t wait to cover the build on Baffle Culture with both professional videography and stills, that’s very much in the pipeline.

TT: Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

AS: I’ve been lucky to ride in some stunning countries on the best roads I could imagine. South Island New Zealand (Queenstown to Glenorchy), SA Cape Town (Chapmans Peak), Australia (Gold Coast), South France (Pyrenees) and not to forget the Brecon Beacons in my home Country Wales.

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics?

AS: I was looking everywhere for an LED headlight for the R nineT build. It’s the stand out feature so I was delighted the M7 was compatible and went so well with the Motogadget pin indicators and Daedalus rear LED strip brake light. The build quality is awesome and I’m really looking forward to getting Denali incorporated in our future builds.

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

AS: First and foremost we’re doing our best to kick Corona’s ass! Our season launch has been postponed along with some evening events at Baffle Haus. That said, the team behind Baffle are working hard to plan and rearrange our calendar to catch up on lost time. Our mantra is to share the ride and for us that means we’re going to do our best to support local companies and personnel who need it most.

TT: Where can people follow/find you?

AS: Please check us out and give us a follow on Instagram at @baffleculture. We recently renovated some garage space to host this culture and we’re all proud of how it’s turned out @bafflehaus. We’ve also just started our YouTube channel ‘Baffle Culture’ where we’ve uploaded two episodes of all things Baffle TV.

Jim Pruner

Jim Pruner is a detail-oriented, motorcycle-obsessed adventure seeker who blogs, vlogs and reviews everything bike related. An average Joe when it comes to riding ability, this Father of three teens is married to a very patient wife of 20 years named Jenna. Based out of Airdrie, Alberta, Canada which sits in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies, Jim is never idle and always looking for a chance to travel somewhere new then share all about it on social media. His day job as a Heavy Duty Technician for Caterpillar gets in the way of his leisure time, but lucky for him only for half the year. Jim’s fleet of bikes changes frequently, because he’s all about sampling the latest and greatest thing on two or even three wheels.

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently riding? 

JP: I began riding when I turned 12 years old 33 years ago in 1987. That was on my beloved 1983 Honda XR80 dirt bike. I’ve spent most of my life on asphalt and off road while riding everything from Hondas to Harleys. I love them all, but my heart is currently taken with adventure riding on my 2019 KTM 790 Adventure. I also have a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2SX SE, but am looking at trading it for something else new and exciting to blog about. Undecided as of yet what lucky bike will win that honour.

TT: Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years? 

JP: Tuktoyaktuk, the Alaska Highway, the Canadian Rockies, Montana, Idaho, California, England and the French Riviera. The last 2 years have been unbeatable for my riding career. I even had the chance in December 2019 to tour the Arai Helmet factory in Japan!

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics? 

JP: I always want to be the first to try the newest, fanciest and smartest motorcycles and accessories. New technology fascinates me and sharing a quality product with other people to solve their problems is really what I live for. I’m sort of like a product explorer. When I met Erik from Twisted Throttle at AimExpo 2019 in Columbus, he showed me some of the potential mods for my 790 using Denali products that almost seemed like I had personally ordered them built only for me. It’s a match!

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works? 

JP: Most of my plans for 2020 are getting crushed by the Covid-19 fallout, but it can’t stop me from exploring the world-class adventure terrain of Western Canada where it’s impossible to find a boring adventure trail or take an ugly photo. Ideally, I’ll also get some riding time in Tokyo, California, Texas and maybe Baja if things work out. Mountains, deserts and seashores are in my plans.

TT: Where can people follow/find you? 

JP: webbikeworld.com and bestbeginnermotorcycle.com is where I publish written bike and gear reviews. We also have a webbikeworld YouTube channel, a FaceBook group that I manage and I have a personal Instagram account where I post fun stuff under the name @webbikeworld.jim

Julie Nordskog

Julie’s first love was a Harley-Davidson 1972 Sportser Ironhead. Over the past five years, she has learned to ride dual sport on her KLR 650 and excelled as a long distance touring rider on her 2019 H-D Road Glide. She qualified as a member of the Iron Butt Association (2015), completed the New Mexico BackCountry Discovery Route (2018), and became one of the few female Finishers of the 10,000-mile Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (2018). Through riding and writing (blogs, print magazines), Julie strives to support and promote women in the motorcycling community. Julie’s next motorcycle challenge is the ten-year anniversary ride of the Hoka Hey in August 2020.

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently riding?

JN: I learned to ride in 1995 on a ’72 Harley-Davidson Sportster Ironhead. It wasn’t until 2015, after a long break for family, that I began riding more seriously. That year, I became an Iron Butt Association member with the completion of a 1,000-mile ride in under 24 hours on an H-D Dyna Glide. And it wasn’t long before the ADV world captured my imagination. I dreamed (still do) of riding my KLR 650 to Tierra del Fuego, the Southernmost tip of Argentina and Chile.

Although I have to admit I’m more skilled at touring than off-roading, I love both styles of riding! Currently, I own a 2019 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, 2001 Kawasaki KLR 650, and, the latest addition to the corral, a 2014 Yamaha TW-200.

TT: Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

JN: In March 2018, my husband and I completed the New Mexico BackCountry Discovery Route. We spent ten days on the trails riding and camping. In July of the same year, I became an official Finisher of the 10,000-mile Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge on my stock H-D Dyna. We were required to sleep outside next to our motorcycles for the duration. I rode about two-thirds of the route on my own. Completion took me 21 days.

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TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics? ­­­­

JN: The combination of these two rides—the NMBDR and the Hoka Hey– made me appreciate how much the gear, preparation, and practice of ADV riding applies to and improves my experience as a long-distance rider. I’m so excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and Denali Electronics as I outfit myself and my touring bike ADV-style for the next great cross-country adventure. I want to learn everything you know!

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

JN: In August 2020, I will participate in the ten-year anniversary Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Riders never know what to expect, as we are not told the route in advance. We receive printed directions from checkpoint to checkpoint (about 2,500 miles apart) and cannot use GPS. It’s an adventure of the unknown on secondary backroads around the country. To qualify as a Finisher, one must adhere to the route exactly (and they know because all riders carry commercial trackers). If you get lost, you have to return to the exact point you deviated from the route and start over. Well… sometimes the journey is a little more than 10,000 miles. I joking call these “bonus miles” although, in the moment, getting lost doesn’t seem so funny. Nonetheless, the HHMC is not a race—it’s about your personal journey and, come what may, finishing.

 TT: Where can people follow/find you?

JN: I can be found on Facebook and Instagram under the handles @womenridetheirown and @hokaheyrider942. Also, look for my blogs and articles on Women Ride Their Own, Countersteer, and Ride Texas magazine. (QUESTION: Add TT’s Twist and Turns to this list?)

Starting August 9th, 2020 you’ll be able follow all the Hoka Hey riders live tracker signals on the Hoka Hey Community Facebook page. Look for “Squirrel.”

Skylar Weaver

Skylar started his motorcycle career with an unplanned motorbike trek through Vietnam on his trusty 1967 110cc motorbike. He hasn’t looked back since, and in August 2019 Skylar kicked off a grand Pan-American motorcycle adventure from Washington DC to Patagonia to raise awareness of Alopecia. As of the March 2020, he has made it to El Salvador and will plan on reaching Patagonia over the next year.

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently riding?

SW: My first foray into the moto world was in Hanoi, Vietnam when I made spur-of-the-moment purchase of my 110cc, $250 steed that took my backpack and I across the whole of rural Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh. That introduced me to ADV touring, taught me engine power isn’t everything, and poised me for my next big adventure…

TT: Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

SW: Starting in August 2019, I kicked off my solo, multi-year, cross-continent moto adventure from Washington, DC to Patagonia for charity. Moving slow, enjoying the road, and immersing myself in cultures throughout, I’ve now made it 5,000 miles through the US, Mexico, Guatemala, and am writing this from El Salvador! 

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics?

SW: Twisted Throttle has already been an amazing supporter of my grand charity ride, with each piece of gear they’ve provided being invaluable. A trip like this takes you through some varied environments — I need gear that can handle it all. Twisted Throttle and their partners provide exactly that.

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

SW: In 2020 I will continue my Pan-American moto **Adventure for Alopecia, **moving south from El Salvador where I currently am, through Central America, around the Darien Gap, into Colombia and around South America all the way to Ushuaia: “the end of the world”. And all of this for charity to raise awareness of Alopecia—an auto-immune disorder I have that causes spontaneous hair loss—through a nonprofit I founded called Adventures for Alopecia https://projectafa.org/

TT: Where can people follow/find you?

SW: On instagram @sky_earth_water https://www.instagram.com/sky_earth_water/ and @AdventuresForAlopecia https://www.instagram.com/adventuresforalopecia/

On Facebook at @AdventuresForAlopecia https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforalopecia 

Online at www.ProjectAFA.org http://www.ProjectAFA.org to learn more about the cause and to donate.

Nipun Srivastava – Image Drivers & The Nirvana Team

At 14, Nipun commandeered his Dad’s motorcycle and fell hard, on the ground and also in love with two wheeled motor machines. He’s been racing in the dirt, fooling around off-road and

shooting photos everywhere he tours ever since! He currently rides the BMW R1250GS HP, amongst a few other motorcycles he’s accumulated over the years. An avid 4×4 enthusiast, his

daily driver is a tastefully modded Jeep. His passion is now his work as he leads a creative team for Image Drivers LLP (India).

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently riding?

NS: Motorcycling has been a thing for me since childhood. From drooling on Dad’s military issue Royal Enfields to finally get one for myself the year I turned 18. At 31 now, I’ve raced in the dirt, toured countless miles on multiple machines and seen almost the whole of India on two wheels. I currently manhandle the BMW R1250GS HP, the realisation of a dream. Adv touring is my thing.

TT: Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

NS: India, Nepal, Tanzania, Zanzibar. The mountains, hills, beaches, the snow and the desert. It’s all been happening on two wheels!

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics?

NS: I’ve always been a sucker for Auxiliary lighting. The conditions we ride, here in India, it’s one of the first things I put on a motorcycle/4×4. Using the Denali D4 over the past 30k kilometers, I enjoy the quality of kit and seamless integration onto my vehicles. Only logical, that I go ‘all in’ with Denali Electronics!

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

NS: I go North, I go South, I go West and if there’s time I’ll go East too. I want to push my BMW R1250GS hard (no puns intended!). Ride my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 to the factory it was born in. Go off-roading 4×4 in the forests of Goa, at night.

TT: Where can people follow/find you?

NS: @Imagedrivers on Instagram, Image Drivers on Facebook, Image Drivers on YouTube. www.image-drivers.com and www.theroadtonirvana.com on the Web.

Corey Lofton

Corey has been riding motorcycles since age 8 and is the content creator and owner of Dual Sport ADV. He is an avid enthusiast for the Adventure bike segment and enjoys showing people how adventurous we can be through the Dual Sport and Adventure segment of bikes. He currently rides a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, and explores all areas of the Southeast US. Corey plans to travel the eastern segment of the Trans Am Trail this year from North Carolina to Northwestern Arkansas.

TT: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What types of riding have you done over the years and what is your favorite? What are you currently riding?

CL: I have been riding since I was 8 years old. I grew up trail riding, transitioned to enduro, Dual Sport, and now adventure riding! My favorite by far is adventure riding because there are no boundaries! I am currently riding a 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.

TT: Where have your adventures taken you in the last few years?

CL: Over the past few years, I have primarily ridden in the Southeast. I have been to Idaho riding one summer. My favorite place to ride are in the mountains of Arkansas in the Ozarks.

TT: Why are you excited to partner with Twisted Throttle and/or Denali Electronics?

CL: I am extremely excited to work with Denali Electronics to promote the adventure segment further and grow the industry!

TT: What do you have to look forward to this year? Any big projects or adventures in the works?

CL: I am currently trying to a plan a trip to ride the Eastern part of the Trans Am Trail!

TT: Where can people follow/find you?

CL: People can find me at DualSportADV on Instagram!