MD 40-3 proudly presents Master Sergeant Kyle "MIKLO" Williams, a dedicated Air Force member with 22 years of service. Throughout his career, he served in various roles including Airfield Management, AMMO/Munitions/Ordinance, and currently as an Inspector General. He’s deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, showcasing his commitment to duty and service. MIKLO's unwavering commitment to our chapter, and the CVMA community, makes him a deserving choice to be the first MD 40-3 Rider of the Month.
JOKER: When did you first become a member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA)?
MIKLO: December 2021 with CA 33-5.
J: What inspired you to join the CVMA?
M: I was searching for a way to give back to the Veteran Community and there is no better way to do it than riding motorcycles and helping other veterans.
J: How did you first get into riding motorcycles, and what made you stick with it?
M: I’ve been riding anything with 2-wheels since I was 5 years old. I started riding in the deserts and dunes of Southern California. When I was old enough, I made the transition to the street. Riding is its own kind of therapy. I raced dirt for many years and love the thrill of jumping off epic dunes. There is a freedom to it, being out in the open. It’s a completely different feeling and experience than viewing the world through a car windshield. Plus, I’m always down for a good “Smash and Grab” ride. #IYKYK
J: Can you tell us about your first motorcycle and what it meant to you?
M: My first street motorcycle was a 1998 Suzuki TL 1000 R. It was more of a F-U to my parents who didn’t want me riding a street bike. I purchased it with my own money and rode the tires off it. Looking back, it was stupid to buy that as my first bike and I’m glad I didn’t kill myself, but it kept the passion alive and I’ve owned and ridden many bikes throughout the years.
J: What do you ride now and why is it the perfect motorcycle for you?
M: I currently own a 2000 Indian Challenger and a 2023 Indian Pursuit Dark Horse. I was in the market for another motorcycle and was about to buy another HD Road Glide when Indian released the teasers for the Challenger. I decided to wait and see what it was all about. It is an amazing bike that comes off the line as a performance-oriented bagger. Every model comes with inverted front forks, Brembo brakes, Fox suspension, electronic windscreen, and a plethora of other options that don't cost as much as an HD. The power and torque are great! The Indian is much more refined, and I can rip on it much better than previous bikes as it better fits my typical riding style.
J: What modifications have you made to your motorcycle, if any, and why?
M: This is a fun one! 2000 Challenger: Blackout Industries vertical plate kit. Custom Dynamics rear lighting. 2” lifted and adjustable front/rear suspension. 13” Lyndall rotors and race pads. Custom designed/painted brake/shift pegs, floorboards, passenger pegs, front/rear crash bars from SBC Performance. Sawicki Speed 2-1 exhaust. Original Moto Garage carbon fiber front fender. Barnstorm cycles dash conversion. Forever Rad/Prior Performance lp6 headlight conversion. Custom Corbin seat. Roland Sands Design sector risers. Hart Luck ODI Moto Bars. Beringer hand controls. Klock Werks flare windscreen. Barnett race clutch. Mad Monkey Motorsport/Revolution Performance Big Bore Kit, S&S cams, custom tuned by Hoonies Garage.
2023 Pursuit: TAB performance slip-ons w/zombie baffles. OEM mid-rise bars. Klock Werks flare windscreen.
J: Can you share a memorable moment or experience from one of your rides with the CVMA?
M: Every ride with the CVMA is great but one that currently stands out the most is when I was a member of CA 33-5. We had a group of 15+ people that rode from the central valley to our state meeting in Southern California. It was such a fun experience to have everyone ripping down the highways in one seamless group of riders.
J: As the member of the month, what do you hope to bring to the 40-3 community?
M: To share my passion of helping veterans through riding motorcycles. We all hopefully joined to be part of something bigger than ourselves. At our core, we are an association with a foundation built on the camaraderie of riding together to do good for and give back to the veteran communities we serve and are part of.
J: What’s your favorite thing about being a member of Chapter 40-3?
M: We are a much smaller chapter than I came from, but my favorite thing is the reason I joined the CVMA. We are all here because we love riding motorcycles and helping veterans. That also means helping each other. Most of us have similar experiences and traumas. I love being there for my brothers and sisters, to help them heal, to grow, and join in our united focus of helping those who need it.
J: What’s the most challenging aspect of being a combat veteran and a motorcycle enthusiast, and how do you overcome it?
M: The hardest thing I ever had to face was that I needed help after I returned home from Afghanistan. I was angry and bitter at the world and was pushing away my family, but I didn’t know what to do and I was too proud and embarrassed to ask for or seek out help. My ex-wife told me I needed to go to therapy, and I only started going to appease them. It turned out that it was what I needed and probably the most critical and important decision I ever made. Going to therapy was lifesaving. I learned how to love myself and find validation internally and not seek it elsewhere. I started to see the world through a different lens and know that life is good. I was able to repair some previously destroyed relationships and foster new and meaningful ones through mutual respect, adoration, and love. I continue to go to therapy; it’s such a good thing. I want to give that to my brothers and sisters in the CVMA and provide aid to others who have served regardless of whether they have been in combat or not…and we get to do it on motorcycles! Who doesn’t love that? My current wife has two combat tours, is still actively serving in the Air Force, and we can understand our experiences in a supportive and meaningful relationship.
J: If you could plan the ultimate ride, where would it be and why?
M: I have always wanted to do a cross-country road trip. America is a beautiful place that is full of history. It would be amazing to ride across it and stop to see historical landmarks along the way.
J: What advice would you give to someone considering joining the CVMA?
M: In my opinion, joining the CVMA is a selfless decision. It is literally in our motto “Vets Helping Vets”. Joining is an act of service that can also help you heal through shared experiences. It’s not about wearing the patch, it’s about what the patch represents and the reason why we do it.
J: What’s your favorite road snack for those long rides?
M: Anything that won’t go bad, melt, or leak into my bags. Usually, beef jerky or whatever road food is available to easily grab at the next gas stop. I pretty much always ride with a full-face so eating on the road isn’t an option. And water! Copious amounts of water!
J: What was your most embarrassing moment on a motorcycle?
M: There are probably a few. Laying a bike down in a parking lot because you forget to put the kickstand down, bags flying open on the road. As a Road Captain for both my previous and current chapter, it’s probably taking a wrong turn and getting lost! GPS is a great tool but is not always perfect.
J: Anything else you’d like to say/share as the featured member?
M: I am proud to be part of this association. We have the opportunity and capability to forge bonds and relationships internally and in our local communities
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