The Rally Staff

Aaron Pufal - Biography

Aaron Pufal is a storyteller, adventurer, and creative visionary whose life and work embody the pursuit of meaning through motion. As the host and producer of the ADV Cannonball Podcast, he has built a reputation for turning raw, real-world adventure into rich cinematic storytelling, capturing the grit, humor, and humanity of long-distance motorcyclists pushing themselves across continents. His work blends the authenticity of travel writing with the tension and intimacy of narrative fiction, creating a bridge between modern adventure culture and timeless storytelling. He is also the author of Chasing Legends: Motorcycle Stories from the Podcast Trail, a book that brings together the most compelling voices and journeys from his years behind the microphone.

Before stepping into the world of podcasting and event creation, Aaron spent over two decades as a professional yacht captain, commanding vessels for billionaires, royal families, and heads of state around the world. His maritime career took him from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the storied harbors of the Mediterranean and the rugged coasts of the Pacific Northwest. In that world of quiet luxury and constant movement, Aaron developed a sharp understanding of logistics, leadership, and human psychology. The insight he gained from navigating both storms and social hierarchies now informs much of his writing and storytelling, revealing the contrast between privilege and perseverance, comfort and authenticity.

But Aaron's drive to lead has never been limited to luxury or leisure. When Hurricane Matthew devastated the Bahamas, he flew several relief missions into the islands, delivering the first aid supplies to reach the hardest-hit communities. While living in Washington State, he served as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder, answering the call whenever it came. And when war erupted in Ukraine, Aaron put himself on the front lines of the humanitarian effort—running body armor, field medical supplies, and intelligence into the country by day, and training freedom fighters in battlefield medical techniques by night. For Aaron, service isn't separate from adventure; it's the highest expression of it.

Today, Aaron channels his hard-won experience into the ADV Cannonball Rally, a coast-to-coast motorcycle endurance event that celebrates self-reliance, endurance, and the spirit of adventure. The rally attracts riders from around the world who share one common goal: to test their limits on the open road. Under Aaron's leadership, the Cannonball has become both a competition and a community—part endurance rally, part pilgrimage for those drawn to challenge and camaraderie.

When he's not organizing events or recording new episodes, Aaron is writing a novel that blends his deep love of adventure motorcycling with the intrigue of espionage and personal redemption. He divides his time between Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the open road, chasing stories that explore the boundaries between man, machine, and meaning. Whether at sea, on a mountain pass, or behind a microphone, Aaron Pufal remains true to his core philosophy: the road is not an escape—it's where life is lived most honestly.

In support of the podcast, Aaron and ADV Cannonball Records produce original music that can be found on Spotify, Apple iTunes, and many other platforms.