In a thrilling season premiere of “Ride With Norman Reedus” on AMC, the one and only Keanu Reeves revved up his motorcycle and joined forces with Norman Reedus for a breathtaking journey through the untamed landscapes of the Utah desert.
On this high-octane adventure, Keanu, at 59 years young, and Norman, a seasoned 54, embarked on an awe-inspiring ride that traversed the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats, a place renowned for speed records and adventure.
Norman Reedus, the rugged star of “The Walking Dead,” set the stage with poetic reverence, stating, “Out here, it’s like being in another world. Utah is the last frontier of the old Wild West. A place where outlaws sought refuge and pioneers could forge their own reality.”
The cameras followed as Norman and Keanu, two legends of the silver screen, roared side-by-side through the vast and enchanting Utah desert. “I’m seeing Utah with Johnny Utah,” Norman declared, playfully referencing Keanu’s iconic character from the 1991 classic, “Point Break.”
Their friendship had been kindled over the years by a shared desire to ride together, and now, it was finally coming to fruition. Norman Reedus expressed his excitement, “It’s our first chance to spend real time together. And I can tell already that this is gonna be an epic ride.”
Keanu Reeves, the Hollywood enigma, took a moment to share his unique perspective on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats. In a disarmingly candid moment, Keanu admitted to the camera, “I might be getting all the facts wrong,” setting the tone for an authentic and unforgettable journey.
As they cruised through Utah’s enchanting landscapes, the conversation veered towards Keanu’s Arch Motorcycle Company, a project he’s been passionate about since 2011. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he introduced Norman to the KRGT-1 model, describing it as “kind of metro modern.” Keanu, casually clad in Alpinestars denim, blended effortlessly into the adventurous spirit of the ride.
Keanu’s love affair with motorcycles began in Toronto, where, as a child, he was captivated by the arrival of motorcycle gangs each summer. The allure of freedom, camaraderie, and raw power became etched in his memory. Keanu nostalgically recalled, “It felt like freedom. It felt like alternative. It felt like power. You know, like, ‘Waah!’ They’d come in. Camaraderie, the whole thing. And so it began.”
Norman chimed in, expressing his admiration for Keanu’s down-to-earth nature, saying, “You know, like, you’re sitting on the ground, getting filthy, drinking coffee, talking about stuff like this. It’s nice to see you on the ground,” as they toasted to the adventure ahead.
This journey unfolded over three thrilling days, spanning 500 miles through Utah’s awe-inspiring terrain. The riders explored the urban charm of Salt Lake City, witnessed the feats of a world-class racing team in Summit County, marveled at the captivating beauty of Canyonlands National Park, and culminated in a triumphant ride to Moab, where the celebration of motorcycles and fire lit up the night.
Amidst the adventurous tales, Keanu Reeves and Norman Reedus shared insights from their illustrious careers. Keanu queried Norman about his filming schedule for “The Walking Dead,” only to discover that he shot for eight months, and in the most recent season, nearly a year and a half continuously. This revelation left Keanu in awe.
Keanu, no stranger to intense filming schedules, recounted his experience filming “The Matrix 2” and “The Matrix 3” for a staggering 22 months. The discussion was filled with admiration for the groundbreaking nature of “The Matrix” films. “The best sci-fi has something to say about who we are and what we are and what we’re doing. So much of it was just foresight into the world that we live in now and simulation and AI. All sorts of roads you can go down from ‘The Matrix’ to apply to the modern world!” Keanu exclaimed as they cruised along a highway.
Their journey led them to Salt Lake City’s Garage On Beck, an old auto-body shop turned restaurant, famous for its chicken and waffles. Here, they gleaned more insights about the Moab celebration from JP Coles, the organizer of Motos in Moab, which only fueled their enthusiasm for the adventure ahead.
Over breakfast the next day, the conversation turned to sports, with Keanu playfully questioning, “Does shooting pool count as a sport?” Revealing his affinity for the sport, he shared tales of playing pool and hockey during his formative years in Canada. Norman couldn’t resist asking Keanu about the iconic sports film, “Youngblood.” To Norman’s amazement, Keanu casually mentioned, “I was in ‘Youngblood,'” unveiling his role as the French-Canadian goalie in his first 35-millimeter film. His co-stars included Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze, whom he fondly remembered as a “beautiful spirit” and recalled the enthusiastic spirit Swayze brought to “Point Break.”
Keanu elaborated on Swayze’s dedication to skydiving during filming and shared a thrilling behind-the-scenes story. Director Kathryn Bigelow took a cameraman up in a plane to capture Swayze performing daredevil stunts, including somersaults and breathtaking maneuvers, all of which ended up in the final cut of the movie. The conversation flowed, with a deep sense of admiration for the films that had shaped their careers.
Norman Reedus, in a heartfelt confessional, reflected on the significance of those who inspire personal growth. “If you’re lucky, you cross paths with that someone who inspires you to look inward, challenges you to be better. And those lessons that you take with you last a lifetime.”
Their journey continued with an unexpected but delightful detour to Peoa, a mountain town where they encountered sled dogs and appreciated the serenity of the surroundings.
As they delved into the nuances of acting, Keanu Reeves offered a unique perspective. “I love ‘fake fighting.’ I love the ballet, the dance. Violence is always so intense, right? It means so much. It’s like a fight for your life. Fight for something. Fight to protect,” he explained passionately.
The next stop was a Wild West mining town, a place being lovingly restored. Here, they encountered spiritual people who embraced their unique manifestation of life.
But the true highlight of their adventure was the awe-inspiring majesty of Canyonlands National Park. Keanu confessed that, as he grows older, he finds himself contemplating geology and the history of rock formations. His philosophical musings on the earth’s history resonated with Norman, who remarked, “I like listening to the inner workings of your mind.”
Their adventure took a thrilling twist as they embarked on a wild ride on the Colorado River, taking in the breathtaking natural wonders surrounding them. Finally, they reached the motorcycling mecca of Moab, where Motos in Moab had earned a reputation as the “motorcycle Burning Man.” Norman Reedus was so captivated by the experience that he humorously declared he might never leave.
In Moab, Keanu and Norman signed autographs for adoring fans and savored sushi in a hidden underground dining room. The festivities included music, bonfires, and fiery spectacles that left everyone in awe.
Norman Reedus shared his profound appreciation for the state of Utah, where people don’t wait for life to happen – they seize it. It’s a place where improbable ideas create new worlds, and it’s a testament to the spirit of ingenuity. Norman, reflecting on the journey shared with Keanu, conveyed, “It’s a place where improbable ideas create new worlds. And for a state that’s all about ingenuity, couldn’t script a more perfect ending, and I’m happy to have shared it all with Keanu.”
Keanu Reeves, with gratitude and enthusiasm, gushed about the celebration, the location, and the remarkable people they encountered on this unforgettable journey. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for being part of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
For all the adventure, excitement, and camaraderie shared between Keanu Reeves and Norman Reedus on this thrilling ride through the Utah desert, make sure to stay tuned for the next episode of “Ride With Norman Reedus” on AMC, titled “Northern Italy with Josh Holloway,” promising another unforgettable adventure!
