The Biography of Jim
Thoughts on the Life of the Man.
An unedited, semi-authorized account of the life and times of one of least recognized adventurers of our time.
Thoughts on the Life of the Man.
An unedited, semi-authorized account of the life and times of one of least recognized adventurers of our time.
Born in the Louisiana swamps to an acrobat rigger and a Brilliandeer-Lopper, Jim’s life was destined for adventure from the start. Early on, it was obvious that he was fearless even in the face of the most daunting challenges. At three years old, he got behind the wheel of his first motor vehicle, a 5 hp model T replica. Since then, he has spent a lifetime obsessed with anything with an engine and wheels; with the exception of lawnmowers, of which he has particular disdain.
At 8 years old, Jim graduated to the true motorized love of his life, the motorcycle. His first was a Suzuki 80 cc trail bike. It was this first bike that planted the seed of love for the motorcycle, that has now grown into a mighty oak.... a mighty oak of love for motorcycles. It was also on this bike that Jim cut his teeth and developed his now famous standing adventure riding style.
After graduating high school, Jim attended Texas A&M University where he acquired his first street bike, a Harley Sportster. Everything seemed to be going his way, until one fateful, sunny day when two crazed, hillbilly girls pulled out in front of him on their imposing Honda Spree 50. A 40 mph collision with the massive Spree spewed bodies and pieces of metal all over the roadway. It would be 6 months of rehab before Jim was to resume his life of adventure and exploration. On the day of his release from the doctor’s care, with insurance check in hand, he purchased his first sport bike: a Suzuki Katana 750. If he had learned one thing from his wreck, it was that he needed a motorcycle that went faster, so he could power around obstacles.
After law school, Jim moved back to Louisiana and began practicing law. His life of adventure was revived in an instant when one of his friends suggested they buy mountain bikes. The arrival of his Specialized hardtail Stumpjumper would spawn a new era... the era of the mountain bike. This bike and an issue of "Mountain Bike" magazine changed Jim’s life forever. The magazine feature an article on the toughest mountain bike race on the planet, called "La Ruta de Los Conquistadores"; a 3 day, 300 mile race in Costa Rica that goes through 9 ecosystems; from the Pacific Ocean to the Carribean; through the jungle and over the mountains. After reading the article, and despite having little mountain bike experience, Jim knew it was his calling. He would compete in the race 4 times from 2001- 2005.
In addition to La Ruta, Jim has ridden several other ultra endurance mountain bike races, including the 65 mile Ouachita Challenge, 3 times ,and the 50 mile Syllamo’s Revenge, 2 times.
In 2004, Brad and Jim rode the Aprilia and the BMW on their maiden voyage; an on-road and off-road adventure trip to Las Vegas and back. It was also about this time that Jim and co-founder of JX2 Adventures, Joe Parker, met. The acquisition of the Aprilia and the BMW was the impetus for Joe getting his first dual purpose motorcycle, a Kawasaki KLR 650.
In 2005, Jim and Brad set off on another westward adventure to Tombstone, AZ; Riding into town on the same dirt trails as Wyatt Earp and his brothers. Jim concedes the Earps rode it first, but he counters that he and Brad rode it faster.
In 2005, Jim and Brad set off on another westward adventure to Tombstone, AZ; Riding into town on the same dirt trails as Wyatt Earp and his brothers. Jim concedes the Earps rode it first, but he counters that he and Brad rode it faster.
Around this same time, Jim further diversified his quest for adventure by competing in numerous races, including adventure races and triathlons.
In 2007, Jim and Brad set off again, but this time on sport touring bikes; Jim on his Kawasaki Concours 14 and Brad on his BMW 1200RT. In an eight day whirlwind, they zoomed through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona, amassing over 3,000 miles. Their destination was the spiritually awe-inspiring Monument Valley. It was here, after a long day of riding, that Brad was said to have spoken to some of his ancient ancestors, and where Jim saw a glimpse of his future...the future of JX2 Adventures.
In 2007, Jim and Brad set off again, but this time on sport touring bikes; Jim on his Kawasaki Concours 14 and Brad on his BMW 1200RT. In an eight day whirlwind, they zoomed through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona, amassing over 3,000 miles. Their destination was the spiritually awe-inspiring Monument Valley. It was here, after a long day of riding, that Brad was said to have spoken to some of his ancient ancestors, and where Jim saw a glimpse of his future...the future of JX2 Adventures.
At five years old, he moved on to a three wheeled all terrain vehicle. Despite his deftness at operating the three wheeler, his daring exploits were cited by many industry experts as the sole reason for their discontinuation.
Jim grew up in rural Louisiana, and found himself operating the ranch pickup and tractors, even at the young age of 6 years old. It was during this time that he began his exploration of the Louisiana backwoods. Most of his early expeditions were of modest length, but nevertheless have become legend in LA folklore. It was during this time that he explored the Tchefuncte River, often referred to simply as the "Jim-functe", and the El Camino Real Trail, which has been called the "El Camino Jaime". These early expeditions were where he developed an affinity for blues guitar.
Jim grew up in rural Louisiana, and found himself operating the ranch pickup and tractors, even at the young age of 6 years old. It was during this time that he began his exploration of the Louisiana backwoods. Most of his early expeditions were of modest length, but nevertheless have become legend in LA folklore. It was during this time that he explored the Tchefuncte River, often referred to simply as the "Jim-functe", and the El Camino Real Trail, which has been called the "El Camino Jaime". These early expeditions were where he developed an affinity for blues guitar.
At 12 years old, Jim had graduated to a Yamaha 2 stroke racing bike, and he branched out in his pursuit of adventure to include Scuba Diving. At the time, he was one of the youngest divers in the United States, actually receiving his diving certification just before his 12th birthday. For the next few years, he changed his attention from exploration of the back country to the deep sea. With these escapades, he found himself in such remote areas as Bonaire, The Cayman Islands, the Yukatan Peninsula, and the Virgin Islands, where it is rumored he discovered the wreck of the Rhone. While it cannot be proven, there is some evidence that the movie "The Deep" was loosely based on Jim’s discoveries. (Prior legal matters and the possible existence of confidentiality agreements prohibits any further discussion regarding this matter. The mere presence of this disclaimer should not be deemed as an indication that there was, or was not, a prior legal matter and/or a confidentiality agreement.)
Graduation from college led Jim to law school, where to the casual observer, his days of adventure seemed to grind to a halt. However, this time period was what he refers to as his "research era". It was only through dedication and diligence that he was able to study the night time habits and customs of homo sapiens. His sacrifice and selflessness in spending countless long hours studying these nocturnal habits enabled Jim to write a series of well respected sociological essays, titled: "Hey...How you doing?"
Competing on a mountain bike was a new passion, but it didn’t stop Jim from continuing his love affair with motorcycles. It was also in the early 2000s that he began taking motorcycle trips. The first was on sport bikes with two friends from Shreveport to Austin in 2000. Several years later, Jim’s life would be changed again... and again it was the result of a call from a friend. This friend (let’s call him Brad), had just acquired an Aprilia Pegaso 650, a dual purpose bike. The two had discussed buying motocross bikes, but the Aprilia brought forth new possibilities: a dirt bike that is street legal. In short order, Jim bought his first dual purpose motorcycle, a BMW 650 Dakar.
It was during this same time that Jim joined Joe for the Arkansas portion of the Trans America Trail, an all dirt route mapped out from Kentucky to the west coast.
The mid-2000s was the time when JX2 Adventures was born. Although Jim and Joe didn’t realize it at the time, their burgeoning adventure company was about to take off. It was Joe who called and suggested they ride the Ouachita Challenge; and it was Joe who called and suggested they paddle the Colorado 100, a 100 mile kayak race on the Colorado River. Despite not having any paddling experience, fully evident when Jim was corrected, by a snobby, know-it-all pro-class kayaker, for paddling with his paddle upside down; the two were still able to outrun two very skilled paddlers in a sleek rental canoe. Jim reports it is his belief that these two guys were professionals, and that the cowboy hats and the ice chest of beer were merely a cover.
The mid-2000s was the time when JX2 Adventures was born. Although Jim and Joe didn’t realize it at the time, their burgeoning adventure company was about to take off. It was Joe who called and suggested they ride the Ouachita Challenge; and it was Joe who called and suggested they paddle the Colorado 100, a 100 mile kayak race on the Colorado River. Despite not having any paddling experience, fully evident when Jim was corrected, by a snobby, know-it-all pro-class kayaker, for paddling with his paddle upside down; the two were still able to outrun two very skilled paddlers in a sleek rental canoe. Jim reports it is his belief that these two guys were professionals, and that the cowboy hats and the ice chest of beer were merely a cover.
In 2008, Joe called again. Despite developing a healthy dose of suspicion regarding anything Joe suggested, Jim agreed to meet Joe in Austin, TX for what Joe called an "adventure race". As it turned out, the race was a scavenger hunt. Although, Jim and Joe had little experience in this field, and were unable to find the starting line for over an hour, they were able to place in the top 20, securing their spot in the national finals in Las Vegas. Alas, they were unable to compete in Vegas, ending their short reign on the scavenger hunt tour.
2009 would be the year that it all started to come together for Jim and Joe; and JX2 Adventures. Joe had ridden into town unexpectedly. All in an instant, a master plan developed. Joe was putting together an expedition to travel the Continental Divide, from Canada to Mexico, on dirt roads. As Joe described this trip, Jim had an epiphany. He described it as a ray of light from heaven that was reaching down, touching him on the shoulder... except the ray of light was like a motorcycle being ridden by God. Jim suggested they both ride the Continental Divide ride together, and that they use it for a test ride for the ultimate adventure. The adventure the two of them had discussed many times but had never really thought could happen. A trip around the world. It was then and there that the initial plan was laid out. They would ride the Continental Divide in July 2009, and leave on their World Tour in June 2010.
2009 would be the year that it all started to come together for Jim and Joe; and JX2 Adventures. Joe had ridden into town unexpectedly. All in an instant, a master plan developed. Joe was putting together an expedition to travel the Continental Divide, from Canada to Mexico, on dirt roads. As Joe described this trip, Jim had an epiphany. He described it as a ray of light from heaven that was reaching down, touching him on the shoulder... except the ray of light was like a motorcycle being ridden by God. Jim suggested they both ride the Continental Divide ride together, and that they use it for a test ride for the ultimate adventure. The adventure the two of them had discussed many times but had never really thought could happen. A trip around the world. It was then and there that the initial plan was laid out. They would ride the Continental Divide in July 2009, and leave on their World Tour in June 2010.
Looking back on his life, Jim says it is like he has lived two lifetimes, only divided by 2. He credits all he has done and the richness of his life to having a wonderful family and loyal friends. In all of his endeavors, whether it was skiing, diving, riding motorcycles and mountain bikes, racing, boxing, playing music, or moving to new towns to avoid ex-girlfriends, Jim has given it his all.
When asked about his future adventures and the "World Tour", Jim said, "This adventure is about more than just riding around the planet. It’s about discovery, both of the world and of the self...It’s about living out a universal dream... celebrating the journey of life, in a journey of a lifetime. The spirit of adventure and exploration is as old as mankind itself. We won’t be the first to take such a journey, and we won’t be the last. But our hope is that by sharing our journey with others, we can bring something positive to the lives of those who are less fortunate. " Finally he adds, "I don't always drink beer, but when I do, I drink Dos Equis."
Jim and Joe will soon set off on this journey of their lifetime. They reluctantly admit it will likely be deemed the greatest expedition of all time, but they promise to keep their feet on the ground...except when they are riding.
Please, Join them for the exciting Adventure that is
" No Looking Back" World Tour 2010
When asked about his future adventures and the "World Tour", Jim said, "This adventure is about more than just riding around the planet. It’s about discovery, both of the world and of the self...It’s about living out a universal dream... celebrating the journey of life, in a journey of a lifetime. The spirit of adventure and exploration is as old as mankind itself. We won’t be the first to take such a journey, and we won’t be the last. But our hope is that by sharing our journey with others, we can bring something positive to the lives of those who are less fortunate. " Finally he adds, "I don't always drink beer, but when I do, I drink Dos Equis."
Jim and Joe will soon set off on this journey of their lifetime. They reluctantly admit it will likely be deemed the greatest expedition of all time, but they promise to keep their feet on the ground...except when they are riding.
Please, Join them for the exciting Adventure that is
" No Looking Back" World Tour 2010
