There is no better feeling than leaving your cares behind and hitting the open road on a motorcycle—the speed, the freedom, surrounded by nothing but nature. It's so good that it's impossible to keep to yourself, and this spirit of sharing joy on two wheels is what unites Motorcyclist Map, a 195,000-member strong community dedicated to finding the best motorbiking routes, and Insta360.
Taking place from May 15 to 18, 2025, Appalachian Spring is one of Motorcyclist Map's bi-annual events that bring together users from their thriving online userbase to experience recommended trails and, more importantly, raise money for local charities. On this particular weekend, bikers from all across the U.S. and Canada arrived in Mingo, West Virginia, to put the pedal to the metal and raise money for the local charity Cruising For Kids.
It's an event Insta360 couldn't miss, as the Insta360 X5 action camera was crafted with motorcycling in mind. It's ruggedized, waterproof, comes with replaceable lenses, and when attached to your bike with one of our sturdy mounts, you can capture your whole ride in intense 8K 360°. Unlike other motorcycle cameras, X5 gets great footage in all conditions, all day and night.
The new 360° PureVideo Mode, which utilizes an innovative Triple AI Chip system, automatically optimizes the dynamic range and removes visual noise in low light conditions, perfect for capturing night rides through the city or catching the sunset out on the freeway. Plus, the built-in wind guard and upgraded noise cancellation algorithms ensure that you can hear every roar and rumble of the engine.
It's no surprise that over a third of Appalachian Spring 2025 attendees already had an Insta360 camera for recording their adventures—and the rest were eager to put X5 to the test at our workshops! Not only did we show the bikers how to get the best out of the X5 when making motorcycle vlogs, we received great feedback that will ensure Insta360 remains the best motorcycle camera company.
During the event, we had the chance to speak to Motorcycle Map founder Behram Jamasapi about this biking community and what makes Insta360 integral to the riding experience.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and this community?
Born and raised in India, I spent 32 years there and started riding at 12—originally out of necessity. But thanks to my dad, that necessity soon became a lifelong love. Over two decades, I rode everything from a 30cc to a 150cc, logging around 140,000 miles through daily commutes and long-distance adventures. 13 years ago, we moved to the U.S., and Raleigh, NC, has been home ever since—my wife made sure of that! But, from broken bones and close calls to pure freedom on two wheels, motorcycling has been more than a passion—it’s been a lifelong journey that inspired the creation of the Motorcyclist Map platform.
What was the inspiration for this event? How long have you been holding it?
The inspiration behind a motorcycling event like ours is rooted in more than just the love for the open road—it’s a chance to support meaningful causes like charity and community upliftment, give a boost to local businesses that welcome us with open arms, and strengthen the friendships and bonds that form when riders come together. It’s where throttle therapy meets heart, creating memories, impact, and connections that go well beyond the ride.
What motivated you to start hosting charity auctions at this event? What's been the biggest success story?
The motivation to start hosting charity auctions at our events came from a desire to turn our shared passion for riding into something that could make a real difference. We already had an incredible community coming together—so why not channel that energy to support great causes like helping kids, veterans, and first responders? It started small, but the response was overwhelming. One of our biggest success stories was raising US$13,000 for Cruising for Kids at our Appalachian Spring 2025 event. Seeing the impact of that support—how it helps real families—is what keeps us going and reminds us why we ride with purpose.
Why did you decide to use Insta360 cameras at Appalachian Trail 2025?
We decided to use Insta360 cameras at the Appalachian Spring 2025 event because they’re perfect for capturing the full experience—every curve, smile, and scenic moment. With riders coming from across the U.S. and Canada. We wanted to document the event in a way that truly brings the ride to life. Insta360’s dynamic, immersive footage lets us relive the memories, showcase the beauty of our routes, and highlight the spirit of our community like never before. Plus, it’s just plain cool seeing yourself ride from every angle!
What do you think the future holds for 360° motovlogging?
With 8K360° shooting, reframing, and new additions with X5 such as replaceable lenses, the way it can film in low-light, audiences can experience a ride as if they’re on the bike themselves. There's Bluetooth compatibility too so you can make your videos personal. And as tech improves and becomes more compact and affordable, 360° content will likely become the new standard for motovlogging.
By the end of Appalachian Spring 2025, over US$13,000 had been raised for charity, and countless magic moments had been made in the process.
Check the video below to see how Insta360 X5 can turn your rides into cinematic motorcycle memories.
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