Kai Raecke was a motorcycle rider, adventurer, media personality, world traveler, journalist and editor of Easyriders magazine. He was born on December 22, 1956, and he passed away on April 22, 2020, at the age of 66, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. In this article, we will explore his life story, his achievements, his contributions to the motorcycle community, and his charity work.
Early Life and Education
Kai Raecke was born in Germany and grew up in a small town called Laufen, near the Austrian border. He attended Rottmayr-Gymnasium Laufen, a high school that specialized in classical languages and music. He developed a passion for motorcycles at an early age, and started riding when he was 14 years old. He also loved traveling and exploring new places, and he visited many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.
He moved to the United States in 1978, and settled in North Hollywood, California. He studied at California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He also became a naturalized American citizen.
Career and Achievements
Kai Raecke started his career as a freelance writer and photographer, covering various topics such as travel, culture, sports, and entertainment. He worked for several publications, such as Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, Playboy, and National Geographic. He also wrote several books, such as “The Motorcycle Diaries: A Journey Around the World on Two Wheels”, “Easyriders: The History and Culture of a Motorcycle Magazine”, and “Riding with the Wind: The Adventures of Kai Raecke”.
He joined Easyriders magazine in 1985, and became one of its most prominent and influential journalists and editors. Easyriders was a monthly magazine that focused on the lifestyle and culture of motorcycle enthusiasts, especially the chopper and custom bike scene. Kai Raecke wrote many articles and features for the magazine, covering topics such as motorcycle reviews, events, rallies, road trips, interviews, tips, and stories. He also contributed to the magazine’s photography, design, and layout. He was known for his witty, humorous, and engaging writing style, as well as his extensive knowledge and experience in the motorcycle world. He became a respected and admired figure among the motorcycle community, and earned the nickname “The German”.
He also participated in many motorcycle events and competitions, such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Daytona Bike Week, the Laughlin River Run, and the Baja 1000. He won several awards and trophies for his riding skills and his custom bikes. He was also a member of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, one of the oldest and most famous motorcycle clubs in the world.
Charity Work and Legacy
Kai Raecke was not only a motorcycle lover, but also a humanitarian and a philanthropist. He was involved in many charity projects and causes, such as helping children, animals, veterans, and the environment. He founded and supported several organizations, such as Kai’s and Cora’s Charity for Kids, the Kai Raecke Foundation, and the Easyriders Foundation. He also donated money, time, and resources to various charities, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society, and the Sierra Club.
Kai Raecke passed away on April 22, 2020, after a long and brave fight with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family and friends, and received many tributes and condolences from his fans and colleagues. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in his favorite places, such as the Pacific Ocean, the Grand Canyon, and the Alps. He left behind a legacy of passion, adventure, creativity, and generosity. He inspired and touched many lives with his words, his actions, and his spirit. He will always be remembered as a motorcycle legend, a world traveler, a media personality, and a kind soul.
According to SNBC13, a funeral ceremony was performed for him on May 1, 2020, at Gates Kingsley Gates Mortuary in Canoga Park, California. The city of Pereira, Colombia, also issued a proclamation in recognition of his charity work, especially for the children in need.
Conclusion
Kai Raecke Wikipedia is a tribute to a remarkable man who lived a full and rich life. He was a motorcycle rider, adventurer, media personality, world traveler, journalist and editor of Easyriders magazine. He was also a humanitarian and a philanthropist, who helped many people and causes. He died at the age of 66, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He left behind a legacy of passion, adventure, creativity, and generosity. He will always be remembered as a motorcycle legend, a world traveler, a media personality, and a kind soul.