About Austin Moto Academy
Our Staff
Miles Stone
Founder/Owner
Some would say I am obsessed with everything motorcycle. Over 30 years ago, to the disapproval of my mother, I pushed home my first bike: a 1972 Honda CB125s. A friend helped me rebuild the motor, I moved out of my parent’s house, and my life with motorcycles began. As a financially strapped young man I found forgotten bikes, moved them into my kitchen or bedroom and brought them back to life. As I made more money I bought nicer bikes but still rebuilt and maintained them, as well as my friends’ bikes, just because I loved doing it. I logged many miles across this country and others on a variety of bikes. The experienced riders, mechanics, and shop owners that I have known over the years have helped me follow my dreams on a motorcycle. Now I realize that being a part of the motorcycling community means giving back. Austin Moto Academy gives me the chance to share not only my knowledge, but my passion for bikes as well. I can talk motorcycles all day.
Vince Junod
Rider/Coach
I first rode motorcycles here in Austin in the early 90’s. After spending time in New York City and teaching English at Waseda University in Tokyo, I returned to Austin in 2010. It’s been great to be back in a place where I can camp, kayak, and ride motorcycles in my free time. I love teaching and have really enjoyed helping others learn to ride safely and responsibly.
Rob Carpenter
Rider/Coach
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 9 years old. I am a self-taught rider, as I started on a dirt bike in a plum orchard. I have ridden my motorcycle across the United States from coast to coast including many events and rallies. I currently own and ride Harley Davidson, Honda and Ducati motorcycles. I started coaching in 2017 and found that it is an amazing thing seeing a brand new rider who has never ridden a motorcycle before, take the first steps on their motorcycle journey. I have taught using the MSF programs beginner and intermediate classes. I am enthusiastic about coaching and hope to meet you on the range.
Jimmy Ledford
Rider/Coach
Originally from Michigan, I started riding motorcycles in 2003 when a friend let me ride his 1999 Suzuki GSXR 600. I immediately fell in love with riding. Shortly after I got my first bike and took my first Basic Riding course in Virginia to get my endorsement. Over the years I’ve had a variety of motorcycles. From 250cc-1300cc, and everything in between. Currently, I own a Ducati Hypermotard SP. I’ve been fortunate to be able to develop my motorcycle skills over the years through multiple riding courses, track time, racing, becoming a RiderCoach, and even living in multiple countries which allowed me to experience different perspectives/cultures of how they view motorcycles. I’m an avid trackday rider, and my passions include cars, bikes, and motorsports which always accompanies coffee. I love teaching motorcycle classes. I get to share my passion with others by showing how seriously fun it can be, but still being safe about it.
Jim Steele
Rider/Coach
I have a love and passion for motorcycling, as well as coaching and instructing. I started riding motorcycles at the age of 9 and grew up riding dirt bikes and racing motocross, before eventually receiving my motorcycle license. I got my license at 16 by attending a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course very similar to the safety course we teach/coach today. I have been a certified MSF/Harley-Davidson instructor/RiderCoach for over 27 years and currently ride a Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited. I am dedicated to motorcycling safely while turning aspiring riders’ dreams into their reality. A car can get you from one point to another, but a motorcycle…will move your soul!
One word of advice: once you confirm a date for the class, book an appointment to get your license. Otherwise you will be excited to ride but have to wait until you can get your motorcycle endorsement added to your existing license- which could potentially take weeks or months.
I took this over Total Rider and Riding Academy at Harley Davidson because the schedule was flexible. This school allowed you to skip the in-class session by taking eCourse and bringing the certificate on the first day of riding class.
The instructor, Rob, was pretty chill and open-minded. He taught everyone with patience every time we made mistakes. He also shared his motorcycle journey with us, which I listened to as a lesson.
Long story short, everyone in class passed the test! He went over the courses to make sure everyone understand the instructions.
If you're looking for a riding academy to get a motorcycle endorsement, this is the place for you. And make sure you practice your balance, brake, and clutch skills with your bicycle before you enroll in the class. It will help you ride a motorcycle (I'm dead serious).
Vince always gave great feedback and never “mansplained” anything to us which I really appreciated. Great guy, great class and SO much fun learning a new skill.
Rob made the both the written and riding portions of the class engaging through examples, demonstrations, and personal anecdotes. His passion for motorcycles is palpable and it makes the class that much more enjoyable. We had varying skill levels in my class of eight, and everyone learned something and became a stronger rider. This (new) location was a great environment to learn in, too. It's easy to find if you are in the general area (I was nervous I may miss it since Google Maps is a bit off). It is basically the only large, paved area around (attached a picture just in case it helps for triangulating). It was a great space to learn, without being bothered by cars or other distractions. Would highly recommend the Austin Moto Academy + Rob!