Founder Story
From the Lounge Room to the Long Road
The Real Story Behind Nomad Moto
Not every brand starts with funding, a boardroom, and a strategy deck.
Some start in a lounge room—with nothing but a vision, a bit of grit, and a fire that won't burn out.
My name’s Kurt. I’m the founder of Nomad Moto.
This is the story of how I got here.
Growing Up With Nothing but Grit
I didn’t come from much. My parents were migrants—my mum Fijian, my dad French-German. He was born in Casablanca and happened to be the 11th British citizen born there. His mother, my grandmother, was from North Sydney. My grandfather worked as the accountant for the famous British Club in Casablanca and later became the President for a stint.
On my mum’s side, we’re part of Fijian history—We were the first recorded mixed-race family in the country’s archives.
We didn’t have money. But we had pride. And big dreams.
I grew up in Rozelle, an inner-city suburb of Sydney. I’d stare out at the city skyline and imagine riding a motorcycle through the Australian outback. No access. No money. No chance. But the dream was always there.
School Wasn’t My Thing
The education system never fit me. I struggled to focus, and I’ve never been wired for details.
But I’ve always been able to see the big picture.
I’m the kind of person who moves fast, takes the hit if needed, and keeps going.
At 24, I took out a $30,000 unsecured bank loan and launched my first business—Arbor Age, a niche magazine for the tree industry. I ran it from my parents’ lounge room.
Around that time, I read a quote that changed everything:
“There is no way out. There is no way back. The only way is through.”
That became my motto, and it still is.
28 Years of Building from Nothing
From that lounge room, Arbor Age grew into a national publishing company. We had over 50 staff, multiple magazines, and founded and ran the largest expo for the outdoor industries in Australia.
But in 2011, my focus shifted—back to my old dream.
I had an idea for something new: Adventure Rider Magazine. A publication for real riders. The ones who actually hit the tracks—not just collect gear.
I picked up the phone and called Miles Davis, then Marketing Manager at BMW Motorrad Australia and one of the most respected ADV riders in the world.
I pitched the idea. He backed it. That call helped launch something that shaped ADV culture in Australia for years to come.
The Brotherhood of the Ride
Another key figure in my journey has been John Hudson, the man behind the APC Rally. He’s been part of this story since day one—offering advice, feedback, and keeping it real. We still speak nearly every day.
John played a major role in shaping Adventure Rider Magazine, and today, he’s just as influential in Nomad Moto. He's not just a mate—he’s a compass for what works out there in the real world.
From Tingha to Dorrigo — A Community Is Born
Back when the mag was running, we started small gatherings out at Tingha, NSW.
Just a few riders catching up, talking bikes, and sharing the road.
Those early meetups grew into something bigger—what’s now known as ADV FEST.
Held annually in Dorrigo, ADV FEST is more than just a festival. It’s a gathering of the tribe.
Riders from every walk of life sharing stories, ideas, and a deep love for Adventure Riding.
Starting Again — Nomad Moto
In 2022, I sold the publishing business after 28 years.
Then I found myself back where it all began:
In a lounge room, chasing a new idea—this time for a better kind of adventure gear.
And that’s where Nomad Moto began.
We’re not corporate. We’re not trying to be flashy.
We build tough, waterproof, modular gear for riders who ride.
It fits pannier racks or runs rackless. No overpriced gimmicks. No over-engineered fluff.
Just real gear, tested by real riders—starting with me.
The Way Through
I’ve been on the other end of the stick. I’ve had gear fail in the bush. I’ve been ripped off by brands that don’t ride what they sell.
That’s why I live by one simple rule:
The customer is always right.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all riders. We all want gear that works.
And we all want to know someone on the other end gives a damn.
So that’s Nomad Moto.
It’s not just a business—it’s the next chapter in a life that’s always been about backing myself, building what matters, and helping other riders chase the ride they’ve been dreaming of.
From Rozelle to the red dirt.
From publishing to panniers.
Still dreaming. Still building. Still doing it the hard way.