Meet Our Grand Prize Motorcycle Winner: Dirk Payne of Louisiana
When we launched our 25th Anniversary Sweepstakes, we knew the prize—a brand-new 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure—was something special. The response from readers was overwhelming, with riders across the country getting their tickets and dreaming of where they’d take their first trip on the prize machine.
In the end, one name was drawn, and Dirk Payne’s life took a thrilling new turn.
Dirk is a 56-year-old licensed Master Plumber from Louisiana, and the proud owner of Sunshine Plumbing. Alongside his wife, Dianna, Dirk has built both a business and a life centered on family, community, and—of course—motorcycles.
A Life on Two Wheels
Dirk’s motorcycle journey began early. “I was just 8 when I got my first bike,” he recalls.
Growing up in the country, he was always chasing freedom, first on BMX bikes and then on the motorcycle his dad gave him. “The speed, the sound, the feeling—it just clicked. From that day on, I was hooked.”
Over the decades, Dirk’s riding style has evolved with each chapter of his life. From sport bikes in his 20s to sport tourers in his 30s, he most recently moved on to a 2024 Indian Roadmaster.
Dirk has always sought that perfect mix of performance, comfort, and adventure. Winning the GS Adventure, he says, feels like coming full circle back to the world of adventure bikes.
Ask Dirk about his favorite riding memory, and he’ll tell you there are too many to choose from. But a trip through the Ozarks with his best friend Nick Wilson still stands out, as does a recent week in Texas Hill Country with Dianna at the 1901 Rally. “Incredible riding, amazing food, and some of the best small-town stops you could ask for,” he says.
Still, the ride that awaits him on the GS promises to top them all. Dirk is already planning a three-week solo trip from Baton Rouge, LA, through the San Juan Skyway and Million Dollar Highway, across Utah and Nevada, into California and back. Along the way, he plans to hit 10 national parks. “Just me, the open road, and a whole lot of unforgettable miles ahead,” he says.
For Dirk, riding is his lifeline. He describes motorcycling as therapy, a way to strip away the stress of running a business and reconnect with himself.
“The road unfurls before me, daring me to keep up. The roar of the exhaust rips through the silence, the wind strips away the tension. It’s not just thrill-seeking. It’s therapy. It’s survival,” he muses.
Getting the Call
Winning the RoadRUNNER sweepstakes was more than just luck for Dirk. He lost everything in the devastating floods of 2016, including a beloved BMW. So, when RoadRUNNER called with the news, Dirk says it felt like fate.
“I literally had to sit down. I was in shock. It was glorious. This felt like a second chance,” he said
Off the bike, Dirk is a family man first. He and Dianna cherish spending time with their children and granddaughters. He’s passionate about fitness, staying active with weightlifting, and is dedicated to giving back to his community.
Whether it’s helping the homeless, assisting seniors with home repairs, or simply lending a hand where it’s needed, Dirk is the kind of guy who will be there when you call.
Looking Ahead
As a RoadRUNNER subscriber, what Dirk loves most about the magazine is how it fuels his touring dreams. “Every issue feels like a roadmap to our next great escape. It’s not just reading—it’s dreaming with the engine running,” says Dirk.
Now, with a brand-new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure in his garage, those dreams are about to get even bigger. “I can’t wait to hit the road and create new memories from the saddle, exploring new places and sharing the journey with my wife. This bike is the beginning of a whole new chapter.”
Congratulations, Dirk! We can’t wait to see where the road takes you next.