Shauna McKnight | Arts & Life Co-Editor

“Live to ride, ride to live” is a common phrase heard among motorcyclists. Junior graphic design major Seth Moeller has a love of motorcycles that was instilled into him during his childhood.

His love of adrenaline is a life-long one. When he was young, Moeller was always climbing trees, jumping off of things, and climbing to the top of towers on the playground. Moeller grew up around motorcycles, and had a family friend who took him on motorcycle rides when he was young.

“He’s like a second father to me. We would drive around, and I would ride on the back of his bike, I just thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Moeller said. He also had a moped at age 14, which he said helped him when learning to ride a motorcycle.

Moeller bought his first motorcycle last year.

“I was kind of addicted to Craigslist and Ebay for a while,” Moeller said. “I checked it religiously for a long time, looking at bikes…when I finally found the one I wanted, I contacted the guy as soon as I saw the listing. The guy said he had just put the bike on Craigslist 20 minutes ago.”

When he bought the bike, Moeller did not know how to ride a motorcycle. However, it didn’t take long for him to learn.

“It probably took a whole afternoon,” he said. “When we were first looking at bikes, my dad tried to teach me how to grasp it, but I never really got it until I bought mine. I just drove it around the parking lot for a few hours and that’s how I learned.”

Moeller has never been in a motorcycle accident. He considers himself a very cautious and aware rider.

“You should be looking for cars instead of expecting them to look for you,” Moeller said. “I always look ahead at intersections to make sure no one is coming. If I’m aware of my surroundings, then it’s easier to stay safe.”

He does however, have a guilty pleasure when it comes to motorcycles: the speed.

“I’m kind of an adrenaline junkie,” Moeller said. “I don’t usually go very fast, but every once in a while it’s fun to crank it up. The rush of going 100 miles per hour sometimes is really cool.”

Another reason he purchased his motorcycle is to save on gas. Moeller estimated he saved about $1,500 riding his motorcycle this summer.

“I spend 10 dollars on a tank of gas that lasts me a month, versus spending 50 dollars to fill up my jeep and that lasts only about 2 weeks,” Moeller said.

Moeller says that buying a motorcycle is like living out a dream of his.

“I know this sounds cliché, but I always wanted one and now I have one. I love being by myself on the open road and in my own little world. You can kind of clear your mind and de-stress,” Moeller said. “It’s just like my dream come true.”

Photos courtesy of Seth Moeller