Meet Tim Griffin, the Evel Knievel of Congress

The Arkansas Republican jumps dirt bikes on his days off



SHERWOOD, Ark. – It’s not every day you see a politician flying five feet off the ground with a 235-pound Suzuki two-stroke between his legs, but come out to the Highway 89 dirtbike racetrack on a weekend when Congress is out of session, and there’s a good chance you just might.

It’s a warm Sunday morning in August at a dirt track outside Little Rock, and Arkansas Republican Rep. Tim Griffin is about to strap on blue racing boots, a chest protector, gloves and a helmet for a day of decompressing on the motocross track.

With his yellow bike and gear in place, the congressman zooms toward the track alone, leaving a cloud of dust behind him. His bike screams around a curve and he revs his engine before an oncoming dirt ramp sails him into the air. He sticks the landing and continues back around for another go.

In his final months as a House member, Griffin, who is running for Arkansas lieutenant governor instead of seeking another term in Congress, has plenty to think about, but at this moment, avoiding a face plant into the dirt is his first priority.

“You’re not thinking about anything out there except making sure you’re staying on the motorcycle,” he says. “It’s a good release, just like a long run. It’s an adrenaline rush. It’s always been something that helps clear your mind.”

Griffin started riding as a child with his father in the mid-1970s, and at 46 years old, he’s still spending his weekends out on the track. He currently co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, which he has used as a platform to promote motorcycle ownership and advocate on behalf of riders. He’s even spoken on the House floor to recognize Motorcycle Awareness Month, and earlier this year, he hosted a motorcycle ride near Little Rock with constituents.

While his decision to leave Congress will leave the chamber with one less advocate for riding, for Griffin, a victory in November will put him in a strong position to run for governor.

But for now, Griffin’s right where he wants to be: suspended in the sky on a Suzuki RM250 over a field of golden Arkansas dirt.

“You go so fast and you’re so focused on making sure that you’re safe that you don’t have a lot of time to think up in the air,” he says. “Once you get up there, it all comes back to you, and it’s great.”

Video produced by Adam Sechrist.