Rider | Rider type | Rally for Rangers

As an 8 year old I didn't eat school lunch so I could buy my first motorbike. I had no idea my early love for riding would eventuate into a mission that might do someone some good in the world in majestic places with outstanding people. This task has tested every measure of my motorsports/driving instruction background, paired with great support from blessed team members. I still pinch myself to be involved in such a beautiful endeavor that would be so much fun! I treat Rally for Rangers as a pivot or jump start to a vivid perspective of great things in life......

Motorcycling is in my family, and even though I and my brother was raised without them, we somehow both ended up with motorcycles being a major part of what defines us. My father used to ride dirt bikes (and race) in the army, and I have photos of my grandmother riding in WW2. Since I was 14 I knew the bike I wanted was a R1150GS Adv - big enoguh to travel long distances and adventurous to take me to places I have never heard of. I got my license at the earliest opportunity and have been riding daily since. I study maps during work hours (guilty) of places I wish to explore, spend hours figuring out how to mount my soft luggage, and day dream about seeing what nature, geology/geography, ecosystems/fauna the world has to offer. The motorcycling nature of RfR puts it in its own league of adventure travel.

I am a native Los Angeleno with deep family ties to Mexico. I attend school and worked in both countries and am also a citizen of both. I started riding motorbikes when I was 12 until I was 16, spending that time on motocross tracks, deserts and vacant lot shenanigans. I resumed riding again at 48 once my daughters were in college and have not stopped since. I try to take at least 2 lengthy motorcycle trips, domestic and international as well as 1 or 2 different types of motorcycle classes a year. I own my own business which gives me the freedom to pursue this passion. Our family consists of my wife, 3 daughters and 2 parrots. I owned and ridden many types of motorcycles, I enjoy eating all foods except coconut and experimenting with unknown cuisines . I believe a good martini after 5 is good for the soul. I enjoy wandering whenever possible. I am excited to be part of this journey, which came my way on a lark. I met Tom at a pre-pandemic Rawhyde event, after a bit of chit-chat he gave me his card. I decided to reach out to Tom after seeing that card sitting on my work bench for over 2 years now... and here we are. I’m really looking forward to being more than a tourist.

Wesley is a founding member of the Rally for Rangers. Since its inception, as an avid motorcyclist, Wesley spearheaded the Rally for Rangers, raised awareness internationally about the National Parks of Mongolia, and rode in all rallies.

Wesley is the founder of Trend Digital, www.trend-digital.com, which specializes in post-production imaging services for e-commerce clothing and fashion retailers. Wesley is also a photographer, adventurer, and traveler and has documented the tribes of Omo Valley, Ethiopia, to the nomadic shamans of Mongolia. He currently lives in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. but don’t hold that against me, I learned an incredible appreciation for nature here. I’ve spent time living in and riding Motorcycles in Portland OR, Chico CA, Brooklyn NY, Atlanta GA and currently reside on the South Shore of Boston MA. I’m avid hiker, runner and camper and am so in love with our state and national parks here in the US. I fell in love with two wheels as early as I can remember, starting out with BMX bikes and taking advantage of motors whenever possible. I love riding, all kinds of riding, and do my best to get as many hours in the saddle as possible. I studied finance in college and have built a career in software sales in financial services, primarily working with startups that serve financial advisors with automated solutions. My amazing wife and 3 daughters encourage my motorcycle habit and great outdoor adventures, and I’m forever grateful for their support.

Tom Medema developed a passion for national parks at a young age on family vacations throughout the American west. This passion turned into a career as a park ranger spanning nearly 30 years. Tom is equally passionate about national parks and public lands around the world and has worked with parks and monuments in South America and Europe as a subject matter expert in the field of interpretation and education. The opportunity to support the protection of natural and cultural heritage of parks and protected areas around the world is an opportunity he is excited and humbled to be a part of.
Tom is a sports and outdoor enthusiast, spending much of his free time enjoying two-wheeled travel by mountain bike, road bike, and motorbike. Over the past 20 years he has owned Harley-Davidson and BMW bikes and is currently riding an F800GS on the back roads and trails of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia in preparation for the next epic and compelling adventure protecting the worlds special places one motorcycle at a time.