Fallen Brothers
Michael Stanfield
August 15, 1946 – March 7, 2014
Michael Stanfield, owner of Freedom Cycles, Warrensburg Cycle and
Freedom Rally Racing passed away Friday, March 7th, 2014. As a
beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, Michael will always
be remembered for his hard work, generosity and tenacity. He has impacted the Kansas City riding community with his genuine passion for
the powersports industry since opening his first dealership in 1976.
From spending the weekend riding at local motocross events, enduros
and hare scrambles, supporting the nearby motorcycle road course and
motocross tracks, sponsoring charity rides and community events,
Michael gave his heart and soul to the powersports community. Michael
leaves behind Jenni, his wife of 49 years; his brother Marion and wife
Charmian; sons Jim and Jeff, their wives Donna and Amy and 4 grandchildren, Matthew, Madison, Drew, and Collin. The family owned and
operated dealerships will continue to uphold Michael’s mission in providing an exceptional customer service experience for all our customers.
Michael’s passion for motorcycles began early as he began selling
Husqvarna motorcycles out of his garage. The first dealership opened
in 1976 in Warrensburg, Missouri- the year of the bicentennial- sporting the name Freedom Cycles. In 1981, Freedom Cycles moved from
Warrensburg to Grandview, Missouri. Michael began building relationships with customers, the riding community and fellow powersport
business owners in Kansas City. In 1995, Michael and Jenni opened a
30,000 square foot dealership to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, which still serves as the current home for Freedom Cycles.
With the continued success of Freedom Cycles, Michael and Jenni
added another 45,000 square feet to the existing building in 2010, perfectly appropriate for their 45th wedding anniversary!
Outside of the day-to-day dealership operations, Michael spent
decades racing locally and nationally and building relationships with
those who shared his passion for the motorcycle industry. He enjoyed
supporting the local tracks, the local riders and raced every weekend,
showing his tenacity and passion for the sport. The natural camaraderie
of the powersports industry flowed over to his personal adventures as
Michael attempted his first Dakar Rally in 2011 at the age of 64. Michael
attempted the Dakar Rally again in 2012 after forming Freedom Rally
Racing, a U.S. based support team designed to assist international and
domestic riders achieve their dreams of completing the world’s most
challenging off-road rally. Freedom Rally Racing only enhanced
Michael’s passion for riding and more importantly, his passion of helping others achieve their dreams and aspirations.
When Michael was not racing, he enjoyed scuba diving, traveling and
spending time with his family. Beyond the powersports industry, Michael
cared whole-heartedly for his powersports family and the local community. His contributions extended far beyond supporting community
charity rides. Michael insisted on shopping locally for dealership supplies and hiring local contractors in order to support local businesses.
Each year, the dealerships donated food to the local Harvesters, as well
as adopted families on Christmas with the Salvation Army. Michael also
arranged for associates to spend time away from their normal workday
to volunteer for the Salvation Army.
There is no doubt Michael Stanfield will be missed, but his impact on
the Kansas City riding community will be everlasting.
82 Wide Open