Tom Trantow

I started my YouTube channel just as a way to document the journey of learning trials. That got some attention as my skills grew and I soon began sharing what I was learning and viewers became more interested. I realized I had more to offer the trials community and want to continue giving back. My previous life as a teacher and communicator kindled the desire to make something more than just YouTube videos. I wanted to assist riders to get past the frustrations that come from trying to learn things in the wrong order. I know these 1st hand. I wanted to teach real skill development by breaking down techniques into drills and fundamentals in a safe way to learn and keep riders motivated through milestones of achievement.  

I have always been into actions sports. I played Soccer, Basketball, Hockey, Tennis and Waterskiing growing up. Then I fell in love with Volleyball in high school and got to play at The Ohio State University from 1999-2003. I majored in Interactive Communication and never knew exactly what I would end up doing with that degree. Fast forward 20 years and I have a wife, 3 daughters and have been in Retail Management for 15 years. Prior to that, I was a substitute teacher. I have coached multiple sports and have always enjoyed teaching. 

15 years ago, My Dad taught me to ride a Harley Sportster and I rode street bikes on and off until an accident made me want to sell the bike. When Covid hit, I wanted a social distancing sport that I could keep doing despite everything shutting down.  3 dirt bikes later and I still wanted to get better at riding. It seemed like everyone I was watching on YouTube was advocating for trials as a way to improve skills.

If an activity doesn't provide increasing challenge, mental and physical tests, competition, and a chance to socialize, then I don't usually stick with it for more than a year. Trials has all of these, and I am hooked! I went all in and documented the process of my riding and used my creativity, storytelling, and desire to teach to launch my YouTube channel. I have gotten so much already out of the sport that I want to share my passion and give back to the community. I have started taking photographs and partnered with Next Gen Mototrials to support our local youth. 

Pro Rider Sam Fastle as well as Trials Coach Ray Peters and Trials 2 competitor Oliver Smith have also agreed to help contribute content from their vast riding experience and so the Trials Progression team is growing.