Adam Baudoux has always had a passion for riding, a fact made obvious as he sits in his garage surrounded by motorcycles. His hair is salty now, but he’s looking over at a photo of his younger self mid-air as his bike sails over a jump. “My idol was Evel Knievel growing up,” he says. “So, I started riding when I was six years old. I started racing when I was 11 years old.” Baudoux’s garage walls covered in medals are proof that he knows a thing about passion and hard work. Read on to see how he balanced work and life, and how he’s gone about making time for motorcycles, one of his true passions.
Hard Work and Dedication to the Trade
As it happens, hard work is a theme in Baudoux’s life. He quit racing at 28 to become an ironworker, and was a master of his trade for 34 years. Although he’s quick to comment that he retired from the motocross circuit, he’s never given up his passion for riding. As someone who’s had to live life on the road to make a living, he can’t let go of the passions that ground him.
“Riding dirt bikes, fishing, and hunting are basically what keeps me going today. With construction, you’re always driving. I was never close to home.”
Adversity and Perseverance
One of the struggles Baudoux found throughout his career was trying to find a way to balance his work ethic, sanity and responsibilities at home.
“I had to come home and cut the grass and it just was killing me,” he says. Anyone in his shoes could relate. However, he’s quick to say that everything changed when he got his Exmark mower.
“You talk about comfortable. You can adjust it to suit your body. You’ve got the arm rest for your arms. It made cutting grass a breeze. I like it now. I used to hate it.”
His Exmark mower has also made his least-favorite chore more comfortable than ever. Not only is he getting his lawn cut quicker than ever, but he still has the energy to hop on his bike.
“Riding motorcycles and being in the construction trade took a toll on my body. Getting old, you’ll realize your joints and everything else ache.” But, with his Exmark mower, “It was like sitting in a La-Z-Boy chair. So, I knew right then and there that I had to have one because of the comfort—and the quality of it.”
Is there anything else Baudoux enjoys besides a ride on his motorcycle, and getting his lawn mowed in record time? As we finish, Boudeaux chuckles and admits, “I do like that red!”
