There aren’t many people who immediately impress with their politeness, friendliness, personality, talent and ambition which is a mile wide at its thinnest point; but when that spark of inspiration is still a youngster, you realise that you are waaaayyy later to the party than you first thought!
Meet Mad from ‘Dad & Mad’ on all your favourite social media channels. Here she is, holding her own (and my book), with Sophie McGinn – Brand Activation Manager with Ruroc Motorcycle Helmets and her Dad, John – the Dad in ‘Dad and Mad.’
So I drove through horrendous Welsh weather, which didn’t let up until Chepstow to test ride some of the cracking new rides from Indian Motorcycles for 2024, try some awesome lids from Ruroc and leathers from Enginehawk. When I arrived at the Ruroc HQ in Gloucester, I ordered a bacon ciabatta (brown sauce, natch) and sat myself down at one of the car park picnic benches to check the bikes, merch and gear going on all around me.
I had already checked in with the test ride guys, booked my rides and placed my book on the desk so I was in no rush to do anything more than enjoy my breakfast.
“Excuse me,” I hear to my left, “Is there anyone sitting here?” I crick my neck to see who it is. and I meet the polite owner of the question. Mad has also got a bacon sandwich, she sits next to me and we start this conversation that I would expect of a person twice or three times her age.
The sun is shining and Mad’s dad saunters over and sits with us. I reach into my pocket for one of my Loose Gravel poker chips, which I thought would impress Mad, only for her to reach into a bag for a Mad&Dad poker chip, badge and assorted stickers! Like Wow!! She has even got her merch sorted!!
John and I talked about the amazing world of Mad&Dad, Loose Gravel, bikes, social media and the crazy world today. I really like what these guys are doing. It is intriguing, honest, fresh and relevant in todays biking world.
Just like I aspire to be.
Ian ‘Ianto’ Gravell is a disabled businessman, author and adventurer.
When he is not working, or writing he is riding his motorcycle to exciting places around the world.
Keep tabs on his adventures by reading his blog, newsletter and book – Loose Gravel – Broken Bones, Broken Dreams made good on a Broken Road.