Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Juip
Hi Kari, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Coming from the media agency world for the past 15 years, motorcycles had become my sole escape. Commuting, day rides, vacations; I tried to always squeeze in a ride. Then a few years back, I was beyond fortunate to have the opportunity for a moto tour in Uganda after a work project in Rwanda. It was the fist time I was able to completely shut off, soak in the amazing surroundings, and be pumped full of adrenaline as we chased our guide through the pouring rain in the darkness of night, after a long day of fixing breakdowns. It was an adventure to the core (in my book at least). And after trips like that, the bug is an easy one to catch. Everyone knows it. The motorbike industry, especially adventure bike folks, share a bond in the need, drive, and grit to get out wherever & whenever they can. It’s a freedom that takes focus, openness, and vulnerability. It’s the trips that are so nerve-racking you almost talk yourself out of going, but once you’re out in some of the most challenging conditions, you wouldn’t trade it for the world. And for that reason, there’s an amazing mutual respect between people with so many different backgrounds, beliefs, & life stories. So when this opportunity came up to equip like minded folks with the courage, skills, and grit to experience an amazing & thrilling side to life, I jumped onboard.
When we started this venture, my role was to run operations for a potential adventure bike training facility in Park City, UT. Our plan? Keep it simple. We had a full time trainer with a current training curriculum, an investor with a passion, and myself with some OCD-ness for getting things done and doing them right. We scored 50 acres of property not far from Park City, bought 6 T700s for a starter fleet, and some wall tents folks could camp in. Simple!
Then, as quickly as we started, we ended up parting ways with the trainer; making our team of 3 down to just 2. And that door closing opened so many in giving us the ability to connect with and support an amazing community of skilled trainers from across the States. With a tweak of our business model and lots of exciting conversations, we turned our focus to building a facility that would bring in this wide variety of qualified trainers. There may not be a certification program for adventure bike trainers, but our goal is to host only the most qualified, skilled, safe, and like minded trainers. Each of them with different styles, focusses, backgrounds, genders, personalities, you name it. Students can then learn from a selection of trusted trainers based on what they’re looking for in skill or training technique. All trainers that have poured their heart and soul into building a proven curriculum, perfecting it, and continuing to better it. It became a much better business model instantly, and we couldn’t be more stoked.
3 years, and many whiskies, later, we’ve built a fully off-grid infrastructure with a well, solar, propane, septic, 6 primitive yurts, a training course, moto shop & hang out, and a shower house that feels nothing short of luxurious. And in 2025, we’ll be adding an event space with a dining hall, commercial kitchen, lounge, and a bar area.
This coming summer is the first year we have a fully packed riding season with a variety of well known trainers, along with some non-moto events as well. We’re excited for a busy year ahead!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our biggest challenge has been in building a fully off-grid resort on land zoned for agricultural. We knew it would be a large investment to accomplish our vision, but the amount of time & effort to get every tiny component designed, stamped, permitted, and built has been no small feat. A 1st hand PHD in permitting, construction, and off-grid living; all while building a new business to utilize it all. It’s been time consuming, expensive, and so drawn out that it’s really affected us getting into the market before others could jump in and hit the ground running.
We’ve been impressed with GRIT Moto Ranch, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Grit Moto Ranch is an adventure bike training haven just outside Park City, UT. We match riders with experienced trainers who know how to push you to grow, build confidence, and make sure the adventure is as unforgettable as it is challenging. Ride hard, rest up, and revel in the satisfaction of grit under your tires, a sunset that feels earned, and that perfect mix of exhaustion and exhilaration after a day on the trails. Grit’s not just a mindset—it’s a way of life, and we make sure it’s tough, rewarding, and a little bit badass.
Our trainers are a diverse crew, each bringing their own experience, style, and personality to the table. We stick to the basics when it comes to safety and training, but we also give our trainers the freedom to do what they do best—teach, inspire, and share their love for adventure riding. We’re here to build up the adventure bike community and offer a basecamp where riders can learn, build confidence, and get ready for whatever comes next. Not sure which trainer or class is your perfect fit? We’re happy to talk it through and point you in the right direction.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I wish I knew and could have better planned for the challenges of zoning, permitting, off-grid building, and construction in general. While in some ways it’s been fun to learn, coming in with the knowledge I now have would have made the process much more efficient in time and costs.
My advice for someone looking to build out a new property with a unique experience is to first make sure you have the county on your side for permitting, then find a builder you can trust. Before you start designing. It took us 4 builders to find the right one, but now that we have him, I wish he were part of the decision making from the beginning. Not only would he have some ownership & knowledge of the big decisions, but he would be able to guide us in what would actually save time & money over what may end up costing more in the long run. Our current builder is communicative, organized, and has a great network of contractors that respect him. And while I know he has even bigger clients than us, it never feels that way. Given the dependency you have on builders on a big project, it’s so worth it to take the time to find the right one.
As for the business side, always be able to pivot. It’s great to have a plan, but being able to adjust, tweak, or toss out that plan is equally important. We were disappointed to part ways with the original plan of having an in-house trainer, but the doors it opened in moving away from that model are priceless. We’re now able to build a facility trainers are excited to teach at, and offer a better experience for students to learn. A win on all sides.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gritmotoadventures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritmotoadventures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gritmotoadventures/
