About Us

Russ Crowley currently owns a Yamaha FZ6N and KTM RC 390. When it comes to vintage bikes, his favorite motorcycle is the feisty BMW R32 with its menacing flat twin boxers and signature aircraft engine that became the blueprint for two-wheel models. He likes pulling different bikes apart and examining their crankshaft, pistons, heads, and valves. 

In his free time, he tries to test as many bikes as he can to honor the designers, riders, and engineers who bring us better machines each year. Russ also holds a particular interest in the LAMS segment and triple cylinders. Himself a riding enthusiast, Russ has had experience with racetracks from around the world including Willow Springs Raceway in California and the Imola Circuit in Italy. 

Walter Short is a big fan of motorcycles and has built an excellent career as a contributor writer for ThrottlePack. Walter's love for motorcycles hasn't stopped since he was a teenager, and this has given him a unique and deep knowledge of the industry. His knowledge and his willingness to share it with other enthusiasts have made him an important part of the team.

Walter has become a respected voice within the motorcycle community, often collaborating with fellow experts, manufacturers, and riders on various projects. His dedication to inspiring the next generation of motorcycle enthusiasts has also manifested in his work as a mentor for young riders and aspiring writers.

Walter's personal motorcycle collection is a testament to his passion, boasting an eclectic mix of classic, modern, and custom bikes. Each motorcycle in his collection has a story, and Walter enjoys sharing these tales with fellow enthusiasts. It's not uncommon for him to be found wrenching on one of his bikes in his spare time, always eager to learn more and further hone his skills.

As Walter Short continues to contribute to the world of motorcycle journalism, he remains a beloved and respected figure within the community. With an unwavering commitment to his craft and a genuine love for all things motorcycle-related, Walter's impact on the ThrottlePack website and the wider motorcycling world shows no signs of slowing down.

Dean Marino is a motorcycle enthusiast and talented writer who has turned his passion for two-wheeled adventures into a successful career. As one of the leading contributors to the popular "ThrottlePack" website, Dean brings his extensive knowledge, personal experiences, and captivating writing style to fellow bikers and readers around the world.

Growing up with a love for speed and adrenaline, Dean's life took an exhilarating turn when he got his first motorcycle at the age of 16. Since then, he has dedicated his life to exploring the world of motorcycles, from cruising the open roads to tackling tight corners.

With a unique ability to convey the thrill and excitement of motorcycling to his readers, Dean's articles and reviews on "ThrottlePack" have garnered a loyal following of fellow enthusiasts who appreciate his honest insights, practical tips, and engaging storytelling. From road tests and gear reviews to in-depth articles on motorcycle culture and history, Dean leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of sharing the joy of motorcycling with others.

Dean can often be found working on his own motorcycle projects or exploring new routes and destinations to share with his readers. His adventurous spirit, combined with a deep-rooted passion for motorcycling, makes Dean Marino a respected and influential voice within the biking community.

Benjamin Rathbun, 53, has been around the block on his Harley-Davison…a few times. Starting out as a Youth Pastor in the early 90s with an antique but cool ride (a 1973 Honda CBR450), he moved on to a Yamaha XJR1200 when he moved to Michigan to be a lead pastor for 15 years.

Life took a turn in 2015, when after a divorce, he bought a blacked-out Honda X4, became a fitness model, and later the director of a lupus charity. A few years later, he met the love of his life…online. Because she was from Peru, didn’t speak much English, and wouldn’t video-chat with him, Benjamin wasn’t sure if she was legit. So he did what anyone would do: he joined season 5 of "Before the 90 Days: 90 Day Fiance" to find out in front of millions of viewers.

His Harley-Davison was featured in episode 7 as he tightened the passenger seat and with brake grease on his face, spoke of his love for Mahogany, his 24-year-old love interest.

Since then, life has taken more twists and turns than a hairpin mountain loop. He moved on from his directorship in Michigan and settled in North Carolina taking the love of his high-speed hobby with him. Now you can see him roaring up the Outer-Banks Coastline on his Harley with one of his four kids on the back. And as for Mahogany? You’ll have to wait for the next TLC show to air to find out. But for now, he’s diving head first into all things motorcycles and contributing his experience and knowledge of bikes he’s gained over the years for your benefit.

I first got into motorcycling in my early twenties and have owned a handful of motorcycles thus far. I presently ride a 2017 Kawasaki Z900 which has treated me well. Having recently moved from Illinois to Boise, ID I have enjoyed going from exploring country roads to riding through beautiful mountain vistas. 

I reside in Boise with my wonderful wife and our two rambunctious cats. We like to play board games and have quasi-regular Dungeons and Dragons sessions. 

My favorite thing to do on my motorcycle is to strap my camping gear to the back of it and go out on motocamping adventures. My second favorite thing to do is to go get ice cream with my wife on the pillion seat instead. 

In addition to motorcycling, I am an avid cyclist. I have been cycling longer than I have been motorcycling. I’ve recently started to branch out from road bikes to mountain bikes with the change in scenery as well. I advocate for all manner of two-wheeled adventures on and off the road. 

I am new to the world of writing but I graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in History so I am no stranger to research and writing.