Motorcycle travel has always been more than covering distance. For many riders, it’s a way to explore landscapes, meet people, and, in some cases understand a bit more about themselves.
For filmmaker, traveller, and adventure rider Nick Jacobs, his journeys sparked the creation of Project Biker, a platform showcasing his content across YouTube and Instagram.
The Rider Behind Project Biker
Jacobs started his riding on road bikes but later moved to adventure and trail riding, venturing beyond tarmac onto gravel tracks and remote trails. These journeys sparked a deeper sense of exploration and became the foundation of Project Biker.
His motorcycle films began as a creative outlet for documenting rides, but Jacobs’ skills quickly evolved. Moving beyond typical online motorcycle content – which often focuses on on-bike footage and commentary – Project Biker embraces a more cinematic, travel-film approach, where storytelling and introspection shape the experience. He began incorporating emotive voiceovers – adding context, depth, and reflection to capture the true essence of each journey.
Jacobs prefers to document both the challenges and triumphs of the journeys in his films, crafting an emotional arc that helps resonate with viewers. As he told The Trail and Adventure Motorbike Podcast:
“I actually really enjoy hammering home the point that – there is struggle but then when you do get through that, it makes the ending of it all that much sweeter.”
Latest Film from Project Biker – West of Santander
One of the most recent Project Biker films is West of Santander, which chronicles a journey through the Picos de Europa in northern Spain.
The film opens with Jacobs travelling by ferry from Portsmouth to Santander, feeling unexpectedly disconnected despite heading to a place he usually loves. At the start of the trip he’s riding with another motorcyclist, Drew. After disembarking, they share a short stretch of the journey before parting ways – Drew continuing on toward Morocco while Jacobs heads off alone into the Picos Mountains, following sections of the Trans Euro Trail (TET).
Riding solo through the Picos gives Jacobs space to reflect, and these introspective moments become central to the film. On camera, he candidly examines personal challenges, including a recent breakup and the temptation to use adventure riding as an escape.
Shortly into the trip a mechanical setbacks forces an unexpected detour to the city of León, where he must wait a few days for his bike to be repaired. Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of urban streets, Jacobs longs for the solitude of the mountains and the freedom of the ride.
The real tension in the film peaks when Jacobs’ bike becomes completely bogged down in deep mud, miles from anywhere. After a long and exhausting attempt to free it on his own, a local farmer eventually arrives. Working together, they finally manage to wrestle the bike loose. As he gets back on the road Jacobs comments:
“When you spend hours stuck in a field, you emerge with a renewed appreciation for being able to move freely.”
As he reflects on the journey, a subtle parallel emerges between being physically stuck and feeling stalled by his own thoughts. Jacobs begins to wonder whether solo travel is truly worth it – and, ultimately, whether any of his creative efforts really matter.
He does find his answers, but you’ll have to watch the film yourself to see how the story unfolds. (Link below)
Final Thoughts
In an online landscape dominated by short-form content and constant posting to appease algorithms, Jacobs takes a deliberate approach, releasing films only when the story feels complete. His approach mirrors adventure riding itself – shaped by encounters, challenges, and moments of quiet reflection.
Like many Project Biker productions, West of Santander blends stunning locations with striking cinematography, thoughtful composition, considered narration and polished editing. Paired with Jacobs’ humility and introspection, the result is motorcycle content that feels both authentic and compelling.
As a creator of motorcycle content myself, Nick Jacobs and his Project Biker channels are a source of inspiration. His introspective approach is intrepid and likely resonates with many viewers, giving his films a deeply personal touch while letting the creative skill behind them shine through. In a relatively short time, Jacobs has established himself as a gifted motorcycle filmmaker and storyteller, capturing the spirit of adventure riding with both creativity and sincerity.
West of Santander was named runner-up in the People’s Choice Award at the Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival, an event celebrating motorcycle travel films from around the world.
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