A new video series ‘Year of the Jubilee’ produced by filmmaker Troy Adamitis, launched its trailer today with the goal of inspiring a new generation of off-road riders. The series captures powerful motorcycling moments from 2020, a year of challenges, uncertainty, despair, and also triumphs. 

When Covid hit in March of last year, business became extremely difficult for an already-suppressed motorcycle industry still recovering from the downturn of 2008. But that would soon change, “People were at home, they were quarantined, and they rediscovered motorcycling,” says KTM North America CEO John Hinz.

Despite mask restrictions and stay at home orders, off-road motorcycles of all types were suddenly flying off showroom floors faster than dealers could restock them. With many of the ‘Stick and Ball’ sports shut down, parents were considering motorcycling a new viable option to keep their kids occupied and away from screens during the pandemic. 

The title of the video series, ‘The Year of Jubilee,’ recognizes a special moment that comes along after 50 years. For motorcycling, the iconic film ‘On Any Sunday’ released 50 years ago, inspired scores of new riders to enter the sport. Filmmaker Troy Adamitis, one of the best storytellers in the industry today, hoped to have a similar impact by stoking the flames of an already-resurging motorcycle industry.

The first of the 3-part series launches tomorrow, Friday April 9th, with episode one focusing on the amateur side of motocross. It shows the obsession, dedication and sacrifices parents make to get their children to the race track every weekend. Also the raw emotions kids go through while testing their limits and experiencing both victory and defeat — all valuable lessons they will carry with them throughout their life.

Not unlike ‘On Any Sunday,’ the new series will cover a wide range of motorcycling styles, including the professional end of off-road racing, motocross and even trials competitions. We’ve also been told there are plans to expand beyond the initial 3-part series to include recreational pursuits like Dual Sport and Adventure riding.

The Year of Jubilee is presented by RIDE Motorcycles in a joint industry effort sponsored by KTM, Husquvarna, GASGAS, Troy Lee Designs and USMCA. It remains to be seen if this new film series will have the same kind of impact as the late Bruce Brown’s ‘On Any Sunday’ masterpiece. Many great filmmakers have discovered those are big shoes to fill. Yet, after getting an early preview of episode one, it’s clearly an intriguing film that makes you want to get out and ride. It also has the potential to reach beyond a traditional motorcycling audience. 

Look for new episodes to drop on the Ride Motorcycles YouTube Channel. Share it with your friends and neighbors who don’t ride (yet), and perhaps we can all have a part in introducing a new generation of riders, young and old, to the joys of motorcycling!

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.