Ride Thoughts with Hiago Freitas
What's up, people!! My name is Hiago, I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I actually used to hate motorcycles. The first time I rode was my brother's CBR500R. I took it around our neighborhood and told him he was crazy for buying one because it is so dangerous. But 4 months later, somehow, I bought my first motorcycle—a Kawasaki Z900. I fell in love with riding and started to make so many great memories.
Sadly, I was in a bad accident that ended up with 2 compound fractures in my arm. Thank God I was able to recover and still be able to ride. But it was that accident that led me to start my social media platform and share my journey with everyone.
Who or what inspired you to start riding?
I got into motorcycles when my brother got his first bike, a CBR500R. I rode it around the neighborhood and hated it at first, but eventually, I came around to it lol.
What do you look for in riding gear? Style, comfort, or protection?
I look for all three. You never know what's going to happen when you swing a leg over your bike, so it’s nice to have something I can wear at all times and still look good, be comfortable, and know that I’m protected in case something happens.
How has your riding style evolved over the years?
It has progressed a lot. When you first start riding, you want to experience the adrenaline and all the other fun stuff that comes with it. But the more you ride, the more you learn to respect the machine and the consequences that come with it, so you start enjoying the ride itself rather than just chasing the adrenaline.
What's your dream motorcycle, and why?
Tough one, because I already have my dream bike, but I’d say the M1000R so I can add to my hyper naked collection.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out riding?
Don’t feel pressured to do something you’re not comfortable with. We all have our own journey, and your time will come.
How has riding changed the way you view life?
Understanding that there will always be someone with a nicer, faster, and bigger bike—so appreciate what you have and enjoy it.
What's the craziest thing that's ever happened to you while riding?
I was in a very bad accident a year and a half ago. A lady cut across four lanes, and I T-boned her. I broke my arm completely in half, and both bones punctured the skin. Luckily, I was able to walk away from the accident and continue to ride. Even though it wasn’t my fault, that accident taught me so much and has changed the way I ride forever.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned from riding?
To treat every vehicle as if it’s your enemy and always expect them to do the wrong thing.
What's next for you in your riding journey?
Continue to learn, grow, and help others in the community. The bike community is like no other, and I’m super glad to be a part of it.
Instagram: Z.H.TWO
YouTube: HiagoF
