Deaf American Inspires Iranian Teenager as Racers Bond On and Off the Track
In motocross, one of the fastest growing extreme sports, riders tear through rugged terrain. The sound of the roaring engine can let riders know when to shift gears, or if competitors are gaining ground.
But that’s not the case for 19-year-old Ashley Fiolek, who’s deaf.
“Motorcycle riding is a hearing sport, really,” said Fiolek “Being deaf you have to rely on the vibration.”
At just 110 pounds, Fiolek throws around her 220-pound motorcycle. She’s turned a childhood passion into a full-time profession.
“Sometimes it’s frustrating for me – being deaf – because I think people look at me that way – and think that I’m not capable,” Fiolek said. “But that’s actually motivation for me.”
This two-time X Games champion is among the fastest female motocross riders in the world. Half a world a way, another young rider was watching, and was inspired by her story.
Noora Moghaddas grew up in Iran. There, almost everyone told her that riding motocross was not something a girl should do.
“I thought she was somehow like me,” Moghaddas said.
So they started a friendship via email. Moghaddas wrote of not giving up on her dreams, and the hope of one day meeting Fiolek. That dream came true when Fiolek’s sponsor flew Moghaddas to compete. The two young women bonded over their shared obstacles.
“We both have some challenge – for her the deafness – for me, being a female in Iran,” Moghaddas said.
Though Moghaddas lost the motocross race, she gained a friend and role model in Fiolek.
Together they showed determination which makes life’s twists and turns easier to navigate.
One of the fiercest beasts on the road, the limited edition ‘Spartan V’ is surely going to rule the road in the times to come. Featuring tube-frame, carbon fiber body, this vehicle merely weighs 661 pounds. It is equipped with Ducati 1198S engine that generates 170hp. Engine is mated to six speed sequential gearbox. With its lightweight construction, Spartan gets a sprint from 0-100km/h in less than three seconds, with its top speed locked at 280km/h. Surprisingly, it doesn’t have AC, turn signals, windshield wipers and doors. The road wrecking vehicle has its performance enhanced with switchable electronic traction control, 
low center of gravity and spectacular braking. All these things together make it a road beast that gives you a rocking ride. Spartan V has been specially developed for the ultimate driving experience and will be a limited edition series, as only 300 of them will be made in Australia with a starting price tag of about $85,000.
Intended for the year 2025, the “Colt” by designer Raymundo Burgueno is a bike concept that runs on an electric engine to provide a clean drive on city roads. Designed to look modern with a retro feel, the zero-emission bike features an automatic gear system and removes the manual clutch for a smooth ride. Presenting a clean, simple form, the city bike comes with a range of 150 miles on a single charge. Though the bike takes a bit more time for recharging than filling up a gas tank, but there is nothing like a sustainable ride that reducing your carbon footprint just makes up for the extra time.
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Some of the biggest names in freestyle Motocross performed daring stunts at the 8th annual Big Air Kids Fair at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
More than two-dozen young patients and at least 200 people gathered outside the hospital to watch the talented riders display their spectacular, often heart-stopping, tricks.
Former professional Motocross rider Steve Bauer founded Big Air Kids Fair in 2003 as a way for the Motocross community to give back to the local community. The event, which features riders back flipping through the air, among other stunts, has since become a popular event for the kids at the Children’s Hospital.
Inspired by designs of Persepolis, designer Mohammad Reza Shojaie has come up with a motorcycle concept that features two-wheel-drive system and hydraulic suspensions with pro-link springs to allow safe and comfortable ride. Dubbed “Ostoure” (meaning Legend in Persian), the Super-naked Bike despite its rough class presents a delicate design. The unusual suspension of front wheel requires the bike include two additional radiators on both sides to support the central radiator. The futuristic motorbike integrates two optional indicators, one on its head and the other is HUD indicator, embedded in the helmet, which flaunts speakers, AC system and Bluetooth connectivity as well. The Ostoure generates commands from a module devised on right side of the handle bar, as if the rider is steering an airplane.
Hardcore biking freaks no longer have to bear the unpleasant feeling of letting their bike drench in rain or tolerate the scorching heat while they take to the comfort of their tents. The Nomad Ténéré Expedition Tent promises to shelter both the biker and the bike. The tent has 30 square feet of interior room, which is enough to cover two adults. Made from rip-stop nylon, with a polyester floor, and weighing 13 pounds when it’s all packed up, the tent has an outer sheet to cover the bike, whereas an inner sheet keeps the bikers out of the elements.
Fantasize a voluptuous beauty riding this stunningly seductive bike with her flaming red locks flowing in the air. This amazing piece of art called the Machine_Fly has been designed by Gonzalo Gurrero, and it does actually seem that bike is all ready to take a flight. The incredible concept supports an unconventional look with no front lights and no wheels, after all it doesn’t have to fly. Wearing a luxurious appearance, the bike looks sleek and shiny with silver handles and yellow buttons. Draped in a combination of red and black, the machine has no breaks and supports an exhaust pipe in the rear to give it a forward push.
Drawing inspiration from Art Deco Steam Locomotives, designer Wes Rhoad has developed a motorbike concept by the name “Zero Moto” that looks to build upon the electric motorcycles with better speed and operating range. Running on electric motors, located in the front and rear wheel-hub assemblies, to allow in-wheel drive, the futurist motorbike includes an all-wheel steering system for better controls. The front and rear wheels of the motorbike turn opposite to each other to decrease turning radius at normal speed, while on the other hand, the wheels turn in the same direction for quick lane changes at high speeds.
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Another celebrity is playing sexy aboard a bike, and this time it’s Keira Knightley, star of box office juggernauts like the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise.
Seen here in a sleek bodysuit straddling an equally dashing vintage Ducati, Knightley was spotted in Paris shooting a Chanel perfume ad.
The only turn-off? Unlike American beauty Marisa Miller, Knightley’s photo shoot involved a tow vehicle and training wheels for the bike.
