[WLF] PRO-Files: Ed Luke - 03

It was early 1970, several of us neighborhood kids gathered around a 19” console TV to watch the man himself, “Evil Knievel”, attempt to jump 13 trucks on his motorcycle. Even though he didn’t make the landing, it didn’t stop us from going outside, leaning a plank of wood on top of a few cement cinder blocks, and jumping steel trash cans on our bicycles. If I remember, I was able to clear three. This is a far cry from riding motorcycles, but to a bunch of kids it was as close as we were going to get.

Being the son of an Air Force officer we moved around the country a lot.  It wasn’t until I was 14 that I got my first motorcycle - a Honda Trail 70.  I know this is not a true MX bike, however to my older brother and I, it sure was. We rode the snot out of that bike! Our travels continued taking my family to another part of the country and we had to sell the bike. This was one of the hardest things having to let go as a kid.

The icy blue waters of Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, Canada 

After a  few years I purchased a used Suzuki 250R quad racer. Living close to the desert and the sand dunes, this was a magnet for these types of toys. I spent several years riding this quad until my first major life change… marriage. With my new found love I put my other love of riding on hold while we enjoyed the life as newlyweds. It wasn’t until several years later my 2nd & 3rd life changing experiences took place - the birth of our two boys.
I now had two new riding partners on little quads for several years.   It wasn’t long until we all advanced to dirt bikes.  Riding was a family affair and a big part of our lives.

My wonderful family....Parker (left) My Amazing wife Leah and our son Paxton

This is where it gets real and personal.  On September 09, 2009, my 4th major life changing experience occurred.  I entered the hospital for routine testing one day and never left as I underwent an emergency triple bypass heart operation. Needless to say, this was totally unexpected and definitely a life changer for my family and I.

As I recovered, with a new outlook and a profound appreciation on life, I began the healing process, both mentally and physically. Honestly, I truly look at life with a different perspective now and I surely don’t take it for granted!

While stopping to get gas in my truck a few years back, I noticed a guy on a fully loaded adventure bike. I got to talking to him about this type of riding and all the advantages that it had to offer. It sounded pretty cool to me! As I drove away I said to myself, “I want to be that guy!!” So I looked around at all the different types of adventure bikes out there and ended up on the KTM990. This was the bike for me. I see it as the dirt bike on steroids.

The Adventure riding has opened up a whole new world for me. The people who share in this type of riding are some pretty damn cool people! The ability to drive on miles of pavement, then ride down a long dirt road and set up camp for the night all on one bike is an experience like no other! Though I’m really not a big group rider, more of the smaller group type, I’m perfectly content traveling “solo”. Riding solo is not a reflection of me being anti-social; I’m far from that. But for those who often ride like this you know just what I mean, and for those of you who have thought about it? Try it! It may not be for everyone, but for me, it gives me a chance to recharge and clear my head, plus do a little personal soul searching, not to mention, gain a healthier appreciation for my family and life! 

Back in March of 2012 I started my Instagram page, @edluke7  I did this for two reasons; First, I wanted to capture life through my eyes, so if something should ever happen to me that prevented me from enjoying my passion, I’ll be able look back on all the fond memories from my photos.

Second, I truly want  to share and connect with others, both far and near, who enjoy some of the same passions and adventures that I do. I’ve been told that I may be addicted to I.G, which may be true, but what I get from it is priceless.  I’ve met and made so many new friends from all around the world that it’s like I'm going on vacation every time I look at everyone’s amazing photos!

☜ CHECK OUT @EDLUKE7 ON INSTAGRAM