Dead Man Riding – The Legacy

Features, Lifestyle I By Justin Cornelison I September 29, 2022

We don’t normally (never) write about motorcycles, but today is different.  I met Mike Gilbert in 2010 while living in Dubai, through my wife and his.  Being an ex-pat living in the Middle East, you tend to gravitate towards people who share the same interests.  Mike & I both shared a passion for cars, and he was Canadian and myself American – so naturally we had a lot in common.

I moved back the the States in 2013, and would stay in touch with Mike through Instagram – following along his around-the-world trip with his wife Samantha, and newborn son Ace.  They would eventually settle in New Zealand, opening a motorcycle adventure tour company.  Disaster struck in early 2020 when Mike was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, with the COVID pandemic shutting off New Zealand from the rest of the world shortly after – effectively ending his booming tour business.

Mike passed this past spring after a two-year battle with the disease.  Before he passed, he was able to take one last ride around the South Island of New Zealand.  Filmed and produced brilliantly, I wanted to showcase it on Winding Road Magazine.  The cinematic short film is beautiful, showcasing not only stunning scenery, but the story of Mike and his family.

Please consider donating to Ace’s future education fund here.

Ride in Paradise, Mike.

“When diagnosed with cancer, Mike vowed to share his story and journey and mobilize as many people as possible to take care of themselves and take action if they had a feeling that something wasn’t quite right, but also not to let challenges get in the way of living outside the lines.  He embodied the spirit of life, love and adventure.  So do him proud and do the same.  Make a plan, take a trip, do what scares you and most of all take care of each other.

Much Love and enjoy The Last Ride. Sam and Ace x Dead Man Riding”

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

Three Iconic Ferrari Daytonas, Including a Legendary NART-Campaigned Competizione, Offered Exclusively Through a Sealed Bid at RM Sotheby’s

Sealed Bid brings three significant examples of the Ferrari Daytona to market including a 1973 Daytona Competizione with Le Mans and Daytona history BLENHEIM, Ontario,…

June 05, 2025
Lamborghini Temerario VS Ducati Panigale V4

A Challenge Down to the Wire The super sports V8 biturbo HPEV from Sant’Agata Bolognese and the V4 superbike from Borgo Panigale star in an…

May 23, 2025
De Tomaso Unveils the Production Specification P72

A Vision From 1965, Revived for the Future Affalterbach, Germany – May 14, 2025 – Today, De Tomaso Automobili proudly unveils the production specification P72,…

May 14, 2025
Bowers & Wilkins introduces the Pi8 McLaren Edition

Designed to take its award-winning earbuds to new heights of prestige and exclusivity The award-winning Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds receive new McLaren-inspired styling…

April 03, 2025
Valhalla: The Ultimate Drivers Supercar in Final Validation Testing Phase

Aston Martin Valhalla pictured on-road and on-track during final validation sign-off at both IDIADA, Spain and in the UK Driven on track by Aston Martin…

March 31, 2025

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.