We had the good fortune of connecting with Germán Santana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Germán, what matters most to you?
Do what you love…while you can.

The phrase above applies well in my case because I truly love riding motorcycles. I have been riding since 2019 but it was until late 2022, after reading a book that I got really interested in long trips, just like the one I did in Arizona. I realized that I am no longer in my 20s or my early 30s and if I want to live a happy life, I have to act on what I love and it has to be NOW. Waiting only adds to the chance of feeling regretful when my body can’t stand 12 hours riding a motorcycle through dirt roads with double digit temperatures.

That’s why I ride and that’s I am making a point on doing more “long trips” every year.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been working at Google since 2011. It has been my only job after college and destiny had me land working in Digital Advertising and I love it.

Working for one of the best companies in the world is not easy. The competition is fierce and impostor syndrome is real. Everyone is an overachiever, not only at their job but also outside of it. The person sitting next to you probably climbed Mt. Everest multiple times and they happen to be also amazing musicians and that can be intimidating…

I choose inspiration instead of intimidation. I listen and learn from my coworkers and I thrive to be like them in my own field, which is motorcycles.

I have always admired leaders that inspire by example, like Winston Churchill, so like him, I let me actions lead the way and inspire others to be the best versions of themselves at work and outside of work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start with breakfast. A good everything bagel from Angel’s Cafe in Williamsburg does the trick.

After that, I’d take my friend for a tour in Central Park South, just to check it out but we wouldn’t spend too much time uptown because the fun is most definitely in the Lower East Side and that’s exactly where we are heading after Central Park.

After all that walking, we would get ramen in Minca Ramen, one of the best spots in the city. Then we would just bar crawl, there are so many cool bars that is just hard to point one of them.

To finish the night, we would go to Mr. Purple, they have an incredible rooftop and it would be the best way to finish up the day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank all the people who have always supported my adventures on two wheels, especially my dad, Germán, who was the first person I called after I bought my first motorcycle. My siblings, Juan and Catalina, who are always encouraging and happy about my next adventure; and also my mom, Maria, who doesn’t really like to get the details about my riding but nonetheless she has shown incredible support.

I’d be remiss not to thank Paloma, my partner in crime, she gives me the wings to pursue my dreams.

Lastly, Ted Simon and his book Jupiter Travels. If Ted was able to travel the world on his motorcycle in the 70s, with no GPS, no cellphone, etc. I sure can in the 21st century.

Instagram: @santana_rides

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/germansantana

Image Credits
All pics were taken by the amazing Zoltan Suhay. His instagram is @z_motophoto

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.