I'm Jay Lovejoy. Marine Corps veteran, retired police lieutenant, BMW rider, and a student of the craft—on every ride.
Meet the rider ↘After a career built around service, responsibility, and helping others develop, I've found a new rhythm on two wheels. Home is North Carolina's Piedmont Triad. The Blue Ridge and the winding roads of Virginia are where I love to roam.
My Marine Corps years took me aboard CH-53E helicopters as an aerial gunner. Then came 30 years with the Winston-Salem Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant and field commander in 2024.
Today, I bring that same curiosity and commitment to riding: practicing tight turns, exploring mountain roads, and sharing what I learn. Photography still comes along for the ride—especially when a back road leads to a piece of forgotten history.
A background in instruction, leadership, and continual practice. Each plays a different part in the rider I am today.
Certified Aerial Gunner Instructor with experience aboard the CH-53E. Marine Corps service included Operation Eastern Exit, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm.
Veteran · Instructor background30 years with the Winston-Salem Police Department, from 1994 to 2024. A career grounded in judgment, preparation, and leading people.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaCertified Field Training Officer and Certified Traffic Crash Reconstructionist. Experience directing professional development and field training for more than 60 officers.
Professional training experienceCompleted under the Authority School name
Completed BMW U.S. Rider Academy’s Precision Riding School, then known as Authority School, in 2026. My full rider-development record includes BMW on-road and off-road schools, BikeSafeNC, ongoing practice, and planned training below.
View rider development ↓Developing a veteran-owned training business in the Piedmont Triad, focused on helping riders build confidence through purposeful motorcycle practice.
Explore RideCraft ↗Former portrait studio owner, lifelong photography enthusiast, and FAA Part 107 certificate holder. An eye for the places and stories a ride reveals.
A different view of the journeyLong days in the saddle, Blue Ridge scenery, and the pleasure of a well-chosen curve. The RT is at the heart of my touring story.
A decommissioned police bike brought back to life after nearly four years sitting. Serviced front to back, with restored calipers and new brake pads. Next chapter: cones, practice, and working toward competitions.
Preparation, patience, and a willingness to keep learning shape every mile.
Knowing the motorcycle, caring for the equipment, and approaching each ride with a clear head are part of the experience. My service background has made preparation a habit.
I value purposeful practice: smooth inputs, deliberate turns, and time spent developing familiarity with the bike. Cone work gives me a place to focus on the details.
Formal training, feedback, and reflection all have a place in my riding. There is always something to refine—and always another road worth exploring.
My motorcycle training record, ongoing practice, and next steps in rider development.
Completed August 17–18, 2024.
Two days of hands-on training focused on control, balance, and awareness for real-world street riding. Exercises develop low-speed handling, countersteering, cornering, emergency braking, obstacle avoidance, and off-road recovery to build precision and confidence.
BMW course overview ↗On-road rider trainingCompleted April 21–22, 2025.
Two days of hands-on adventure training focused on balance, body position, and motorcycle control across varied terrain. Exercises progress from off-road fundamentals to gravel, sand, mud, ruts, emergency braking, steep climbs and descents, and hill recovery to build confidence beyond the pavement.
BMW course overview ↗Off-road rider trainingCompleted under the Authority School name
Completed August 3–4, 2026, in Greer, South Carolina.
Two days of precision riding built around techniques developed for law enforcement. Training emphasizes tight turns, complex cone patterns, coordinated clutch, throttle and brake control, emergency braking, and high-speed obstacle avoidance.
Placed second in the class competition.
BMW course overview ↗Precision Riding SchoolCompleted four BikeSafeNC classes, most recently on August 21, 2026, with the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Returning for continued feedback reflects my commitment to refining my skills and developing my approach to riding safely on the road.
Rider developmentPlanned in Burlington, North Carolina, for Spring 2027.
Planned training · Not yet completedRegular practice focused on tight turns, smooth control, and familiarity with the motorcycle. Developing skills through repetition and working toward motorcycle competition participation.
Independent skill developmentExploring RiderCoach opportunities and the requirements for instructor preparation.
Interest only · No credential claimedHave a riding story, a favorite mountain route, or a reason to connect? I'd enjoy hearing from you.
Based in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad.