Philadelphia native businessman, journalist, and publisher; a motorcyclist who regularly crisscrosses the country to encourage fellow bikers and fans with his positive riding experiences. His free monthly digital magazine, SportsBike Inc. (SBI), was established in 2010 and in seven years has become the nation’s top resource in the world of motorcycle “edutainment.”
As a modern day Renaissance man, Lane, 42, has explored a myriad of creative jobs. He explains that he is simply living his dream.
“I just kind of came out of the abyss,” laughed Lane. “I didn’t come from a background of being an athlete that turned into a businessman; I didn’t have that regular route of introduction into the industry. You know, who is this guy and who does he work for and what does he really do? All of those questions are legitimate in this industry where people appear today and are gone tomorrow — but I have never been put off by people trying to figure me out. I’ve never been offended by it because I did it.”
There are more than six million motorcycles registered in the U.S. and Lane clearly understands that motorcycle magazines are a critical part of that mobile industry.
His SBI Magazine has unique coverage of the culture and subcultures of the sport bike industry, the magazine features road racing, drag racing, custom bikes and stunt riding with contributions from authorities in each discipline. Lane is proud of his regional roots, and has been showcasing the region in both SBI and as host of the documentary-style show reality show, “Life in the Fast Lane (LITFL).”
“The series is going to shine a light on and show what goes on both in front and behind the scenes; a look at my life in the motor sports industry,” said Lane during a break in filming season one. “All of the work and all of the fun and all the madness that comes along with being a publisher, editor in chief, consultant, host, emcee … I am going to get a chance to take everyone on my ride from the offices of the magazine and the streets of Philadelphia to the paddocks of MotoGP and the global stage of motorcycle entertainment.
“So now, when people ask me what I do for a living, they can just watch the show. I’ve always said that I can show you better than I can tell you!” While Lane has been able to carve out unprecedented access to the world of motorcycle entertainment and business, he remains candid about the role race plays in his complex career.
“The motorcycle industry, again without it being a racial thing, is a White man’s industry,” notes Lane. “Like, my job, technically, did not exist. Sure, being a publisher and a moto-journalist existed, but the full capacity of what I am in the industry did not exist until I started doing it. When I put a value on it, and a value on myself and my self-worth and I was cool with it, that’s when I started defining myself. Being a publisher, a personality or brand ambassador and influencer—are all viable streams of income.”
Ultimately, Lane hopes that his multimedia outlets will encourage others, especially people of color, to consider non traditional career options.
“The city of Philadelphia has really helped nourish me as an individual,” said Lane. “It is important for people to see someone that looks and talks like me and came from where I came from doing what I am doing. I’m hoping that it will send a huge message to anybody else that looks like me to know that they have options—and it is up to them to make those moves. You can decide to get off the block and do something different. I would hope that people would recognize the entrepreneur in themselves and also acknowledge the courage that they have within themselves to do what needs to be done.”
