Aaron Rankin

Account Manager

Aaron Rankin is an Account Manager and Chief Motorcycle Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Born and raised in North Carolina, he began his career in the NC National Guard and went on to serve 30 years in law enforcement, retiring as a captain in 2023. He became a certified driving and motorcycle officer instructor, a successful NASA-SE race competitor and an award-winning racer. Aaron joined the BMW Performance Center in 2014, advancing to Chief Instructor in 2021 and Account Manager in 2023. His work is driven by a commitment to helping riders build confidence and skill.

Ricardo Rodriguez

Chief Motorcycle Instructor

Ricardo Rodriguez is Chief Motorcycle Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Born in Puerto Rico, he began riding motorcycles at age seven and launched his professional career with BMW in 2010. In 2012, he earned certification from the BMW International Instructor Academy, achieving top rider scores in both On-Road and Off-Road training. Ricardo also served nine years in law enforcement, where he helped establish the Concord Police Department’s Motor Unit. Today, he leads instruction at the Rider Academy in both English and Spanish. As well as work, Ricardo enjoys hiking, cycling and spending time with his family.

Richie Few

Lead Motorcycle Instructor

Richie Few is Lead Motorcycle Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Riding since the age of seven, Richie began his racing career in 1989 competing in motocross throughout the Southeast, earning multiple first- and second-place finishes across several series. After retiring from motocross, he transitioned to road racing in the WERA 60cc class, where he went on to win multiple championships. Richie joined the BMW Performance Center in 2014 and is dedicated to helping riders build confidence, safety and skill on two wheels. Off the track, he enjoys hunting and restoring classic cars.

Mackenzie Tricker

Mackenzie Tricker is a full-time Motorrad Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she moved to the United States to pursue her motocross career and now lives in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Mackenzie is a three-time Loretta Lynn’s Motocross Champion (2013–2015) and a five-time National Enduro Champion (2019–2023). With a passion for riding and teaching, she enjoys sharing her years of experience with other riders and helping them grow their skills. Along with motorcycling, Mackenzie enjoys mountain biking and water-skiing.

Michael Hardin

Michael Hardin is a Motorrad Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Growing up in the mountains of South Carolina, he began riding dirt bikes at age 10 and has been passionate about motorcycles ever since. Michael has been connected with the BMW brand for nearly 25 years and started his Rider Academy career in 2014. Combining a love of riding with a dedication to teaching, he takes pride in helping students become safer, more confident riders at every skill level. Outside work, Michael enjoys golf, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Katie Benson

Katie Benson is a Motorrad Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy and a decorated professional motocross racer. Originally from Delaware, she has been competing since the age of four and has earned multiple national championships along with numerous off-road wins and podiums. In 2020, Katie was named the American Motorcyclist Association’s Female Racer of the Year. She joined BMW as a motorcycle instructor in 2023 at just 20 years old and continues to race professionally. Passionate about helping others improve their skills, Katie emphasizes the value of technique and practice over simply riding fast.

Roberto Rodriguez

Roberto Rodriguez is a Motorrad Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he began riding at age seven and has experience on both off- and on-road motorcycles. Roberto first visited the BMW Performance Center in 2011 while preparing to become a law enforcement motor officer. After taking the two-day GS1200 off-road class, he was inspired to pursue a career with BMW and achieved his goal of becoming an instructor in 2014. When Roberto is not riding, he enjoys camping with his family, cycling and piloting small general aviation aircraft.

Melinda Justus

Melinda Justus is a Motorrad Instructor and MSF RiderCoach at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. A native of Hendersonville, North Carolina, she has spent more than 17 years in the motorcycle industry, driven by a lifelong passion for riding. Melinda is dedicated to rider education and safety, focusing on building skills that help both novice and experienced riders enjoy motorcycling responsibly. As a female rider of smaller stature, she shares unique insights to help others overcome similar challenges. When she’s not at work, Melinda enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, and traveling.

Michael Bass

Michael Bass is a Motorrad Instructor and MSF RiderCoach with more than 20 years of experience training motorcyclists. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Michael discovered his passion for riding at 26 and transitioned into instruction after serving in the U.S. Navy. He holds endurance riding certifications from the Iron Butt Association, including the Saddle Sore and Bun Burner challenges, and has professional expertise in tire engineering that complements his work in the motorcycle industry. When he’s not instructing, Michael enjoys the great outdoors and pursues ambitious adventures such as hiking the Appalachian Trail and riding the TransAmerica Trail.

Caleb Smith

Caleb Smith is a Motorrad Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Originally from the Carolinas, he brings extensive experience in off-road, on-road track and mini-moto riding, combining safety with the thrill of two wheels. Caleb is dedicated to empowering riders to build confidence, sharpen skills and enjoy the sport responsibly. His teaching reflects both technical expertise and a passion for making every ride safe and fun. Outside the Academy, Caleb enjoys cycling, visiting his local brewery and spending time with his wife and their dogs.

Wendy Naessens James

Wendy Naessens James is a Motorrad Instructor and MSF RiderCoach at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Growing up as a military brat, she began riding in 2009 and has since experienced nearly every facet of motorcycling, from long-distance touring to track, trail, ice and flat track riding. In 2021, Wendy joined BMW and was also featured as the BMW Motorrad rider in the WYBDR documentary film. She has contributed to industry magazines, appeared on podcasts and serves as a BDR Ambassador and BMW MOA volunteer. Aside from riding, Wendy enjoys swing dancing, travel and Saddle Seat horseback riding.

Thomas McCord

Thomas McCord is a BMW Delivery Specialist, Motorrad Instructor and MSF RiderCoach at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, he spent four years road racing in the SuperSport class before building a 17-year career as a self-employed business owner. Thomas later entered the motorcycle industry with Touring Sport BMW, where he advanced from sales to General Manager. That role led him to the BMW Performance Center, where he now enjoys both cars and motorcycles. As well as work, Thomas values time with his three children and two Great Danes and enjoys billiards and golf.

William Brent Seay

William “Brent” Seay is a Motorrad Instructor and MSF RiderCoach at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. A native of the Western Carolinas, he has extensive experience teaching beginner motorcycle courses and advanced riding skills, having led more than 30 MSF classes at five different schools. Brent has twice earned second place in Police Cone Rodeo competitions and has contributed to the design of national cone courses and charity motorcycle events. Apart from riding, he enjoys woodworking, playing music, painting and spending time with his family and newborn daughter.

Chris Johns

Chris Johns is a Motorrad Instructor and Master Technician at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy with more than 20 years of experience specializing in BMW motorcycles. The top qualifier for Team USA in the GS Trophy in New Zealand, he has also competed in Pikes Peak, flat track and Bonneville land speed events. Chris moved from California to Greer, South Carolina, to pursue his dream of working at the BMW Performance Center after serving as a judge for the 2024 GS Trophy Qualifier. Beyond work, he enjoys motorcycle racing and time with his wife and family.

Samantha Lane

Samantha “Sam” Lane serves as an MSF RiderCoach at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Born and raised in Upstate South Carolina, she grew up riding ATVs and mountain bikes before acquiring her first motorcycle at 17. After a decade at the BMW X model plant, Sam transferred to the Rider Academy where she shares her passion for riding and teaching new motorcyclists. She uses an adaptive coaching style to meet the needs of diverse learners and create a safe, fluid riding experience. When she's not working, Sam enjoys traveling, snowboarding, camping and gaming.

Terry Smith

Terry Smith is a Motorrad Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. A Charlotte, North Carolina, native, he began riding dirt bikes at age 10 and has been passionate about motorcycles ever since. After experiencing a BMW R 1200 GSA in 2013, Terry developed a love for adventure riding and committed to sharpening his on- and off-road skills. He joined the Rider Academy in 2023 and enjoys working with both new riders and those looking to advance their abilities. Terry emphasizes “seat and peg time,” encouraging riders to practice proper techniques to build confidence and improve performance.

J.D. Magan

Jonathan “J.D.” Magan is a Motorrad Instructor and MSF RiderCoach at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. He began riding at age six, developing his skills on dirt bikes through trials and enduro races before later competing in the 2022 GS Trophy Qualifier in Greer, South Carolina. A natural coach, J.D. is known for the patience he brings to teaching new riders in the MSF class. He holds a business degree from Northeastern University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A Massachusetts native, he now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, and enjoys golf, travel and boating.

Jodi Driesen Gulia

Jodi Driesen Gulia is a Motorrad Instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Born and raised on a farm in Iowa, she discovered motorcycle riding later in life and quickly recognized its transformative power. Having begun her own training at BMW, Jodi is deeply committed to meeting students where they are and helping them unlock their potential on two wheels. Known for her patience and enthusiasm, she creates an environment where riders of all levels can thrive. Besides motorcycling, Jodi enjoys designing her mountain cabin, investigating fraud, and hiking.