This isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s life.
Kimberly’s Bio
I rode a motorcycle for the very first time in Sept 2005 when I took a MSF BRC class. (How did I get started?)
When I took the Basic Rider Course, at the end of the first day I went out and bought a brand new bike. I rode the wheels off that bike, and did my first track day in May 06. I was hooked but it wouldn’t be until 07 until I could manage to get back out to the race track. 2009 ended up being my first full season. I love racing (How I started racing) and just can’t get in enough seat time. In addition to the track, I still ride about more than 10,000 miles a year on the street and dirt.
I have always enjoyed mentoring others and spreading the passion. It was an easy decision to join the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) as a coach, for the state of New Mexico in 2007. I try to coach at least 6 classes per year and give every one of my students a hand out of my favorite sites, references Motorcycle Gear, Organizations, Clubs, Websites, Books to read, Places to go for further education, and Equipment that I have experience with.
In addition to the MSF, I also work with the SMRI and other organizations as a track day instructor, when time allows. I had the privilege to work as th SMRI New Rider Director for a number of years. I’m in charge of the Sunset Safety Clinics club helps to provide. Every track day I work with large groups of riders. Generally, the SMRI hosts six to seven track days each season. In 2009, the track school was filmed by the US Air Force to encourage personnel to take their “need for speed” to the track.
I’ve assisted Nick Inetasch with his Sunset Clinic in CO, which became the YCRS one day schools. In 2014 I became a YCRS certified instructor, I’ve worked a great deal with all of their instructors, participated in the schools as a student and instructor. At least two full days each month I do private instruction at the track and some times in the dirt working with riders, (I’m far from an expert in the dirt, but I can help people get more comfortable) helping them with cornering techniques and body positioning. It’s great to watch someone go from being stiff and worried. To relaxed and having such a fantastic time that they can’t stop grinning.
After stepping back from SMRI for a few years after 2016, gave me time try out a few new things. I have to say trying all these new things have really made me a much better rider and instructor.
I just can’t seem to stay away from instructing roles. In 2017 I started to work as an instructor for West 38 Moto, they are an off road school with a focus on riding the large adventure bikes.
In 2019 I went to my first Endro race, I was surprised at just how much I liked it. I do enjoy doing the Enduro races around NM, AZ, UT, TX, and CO.
In 2020 I attempted my first ever Trials event, this of course has meant I had to buy another bike. In spring 2021 I did another Trials event, this time it was in Novice (I’m going to say this was really my first try at Trials). Can’t wait to see how this plays out. I really enjoy it, it’s making me a much better rider. It’s really helping improve my finesse on the bikes. The more things I try with the bike the more I have to offer students. I feel that instructors must try new things to keep their ability to teach fresh. Taking classes from the other courses out there gives me more things to help me teach riders the basics.
In early 2022 I completed the USMCA certification. It’s something I’m pretty proud of. I’ve been working more on the curriculum that I use when I instruct.
It can be very satisfying to influence new riders and see those riders months later, still riding. I still love to hear stories of how the help I gave them has positively affected a rider when I get to see them again.
This site when it started was primarily dedicated to my racing efforts. However, over the past 17 years I’ve explored many other faucets of the motorcycling lifestyle. It’s lead me down other paths, like coaching others on the race track, dirt riding, or on a forest road, as well as, the MSF classes.
My goals for every season is to try something new, be sure to take a riding class to be sure I’m still doing the right things and using proper techniques.
So far each season has had it’s challenges, but with out those how do you improve? I prefer to think that each year it’s just going better and better. My program continues to evolve, I’m please to just be able to ride all the different venues that I can. It’s hard to beat getting to, travel to great locations for dual sport rallies, to have to opportunity to coach adventure bike classes, ride as much single track as I can, help someone get more comfortable on the street, try some more Enduro races, and get better at the Trials events.
Contact Information:
Kimberly Prichard
Diomede Racing
kim@diomederacing.com
Santa Fe, NM
505.670.0938