If our American History had been taught in the schools as it is presented by Stan Ellsworth on American Ride - we would all be enthusiastically fascinated and proud of our country's history - and we would be certainly be more knowledgeable about the events, men and women who helped shape this country from its beginning. Three Cheers for Stan Ellsworth - a master teacher. He not only brings intelligence to his historical presentations - but a fired-up enthusiasm/passion that leaps off the screen right into the viewing audience heart and mind. American Ride is riveting and certainly worth while entrenching oneself into this particular show. It soars above most TV fare that is offered these days.
14 Reviews
This guy is great!
patwin55-131 March 2012
I don't know what I was expecting when I first tuned into American Ride, especially when Stan Ellsworth first came on the screen. I saw a burly, long-haired and mustachioed Harley rider with a gruff voice and denim vest. In two minutes, I was totally enthralled. U S History class was never like this! Stan is passionate about his country, and is able to present its history in an interesting and entertaining way. I have learned more about the Revolutionary War and its heroes than I ever knew before. Stan often explains battles by drawing on a tabletop. and rides his Hog directly to the New England sites I have heard of all my life but will probably never see. His eloquent narrative is illustrated with classic American artwork, and is have heard him get choked up from time to time. This excellent show needs to be seen by every citizen of the United States, whatever their age. I cannot praise this program, and Stan Ellsworth, highly enough!
Best History Series I have viewed
shoell116 June 2013
I never thought a rough looking biker would be the one to bring American History not only to life, but do it in a captivating way. I am currently looking at getting this series on DVD to watch again and share with family members who don't have this available in their area. He not only brings life and color to the episodes, but you get many less than known stores which add more to history than your typical book study. Mr. Ellsworth has a way of adding in enough emotion to allow you to realize this is not just a job, but a passion for him.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to see history through a new set of eyes. Stan is a great narrator and look forward to the next season.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to see history through a new set of eyes. Stan is a great narrator and look forward to the next season.
"Not your high school history class"
sales-581-50722213 January 2013
If you want to understand why American has been the greatest nation on Earth, and why we are the way we are, watch American Ride. The foundation of America is yours to learn for the very first time. These shows are "Not your high school history class". Stan Ellsworth will take you to where American History happened. Not just the physical locations, but with his ability to bring early American history to life with stories and reasons why they happened.... not just cold facts.
This should be required viewing in every American History class in America. We need to remember where we came from to know where we are going.
This should be required viewing in every American History class in America. We need to remember where we came from to know where we are going.
Stan Ellsworth and American Ride
newkid_227 April 2015
I kind of stumbled onto this program a little over a year ago while surfing through the guide. I've been hooked on it since. Though history wasn't one of my best subjects in school, it was interesting because I had a few teachers who were passionate about teaching. As passionate as they were, Stan Ellsworth's passion for history is leagues above. I love that he's out there on his "Iron Horse" as well. If teachers in general presented their subject matter like he does, we wouldn't be trailing the most of the world in many aspects of education. No matter where he and the crew are, whether it be in the Rocky Mountains doing a story about finding the Northwest Passage to New Orleans revisiting the Louisiana Purchase, to Normandy Beach and D-Day, you can't help but get caught up in it. From being excited about discoveries of the famous explorers of America to the somber feeling of lives lost in the battles for our independence or against the German war machine in Europe, and interviews with survivors, you are there with them. It's that fascinating. I've recorded many of the episodes and often will watch a half dozen in a row. Thanks for bringing us back to reality, Stan, Harley Davidson and the rest of the crew.
Entertaining & Informative
maboh29 September 2015
Extremely well done show. Also a great show for older children and teens. I hate to miss any episode about the Revolutionary or Civil Wars. When Stan Ellsworth talks about either of these, you get a SOLID background that gives you the REAL feeling of what was going on, how the people lived, what they sacrificed, a lot of real world details that put you right into their era. I love all the pictures, drawings, and illustrations shown from that era, as well as the video of how these places look today. Stan grips you with his fervor and energy. In learning many things not well known from the standard textbooks, you have a greater understanding about the issue of Freedom and Liberty. Today, we take for granted the invaluable gift we've been given from the enormous sacrifices of so many people. Watching this show helped me see the crippling effects of today's Federal Bureaucracy. Bureaucrats should not be dictating to Us and Congress. Who you vote into Congress DOES make a difference. This show portrays the many simple people who made a great difference, one man and one woman at a time.
From Mild Interest To Indispensable!
robinsaun24 November 2015
Stan Elsworth is the greatest documentarian ever! I too was thrown a little by this huge Harley rider--who dressed the part--I thought I would be bored,then realized 30 minutes later...
I needed to know who this guy was.
Not only did he tell you things you wouldn't know unless you were a student of history, but he connects many seemingly disparate events and shows you the people, who you know nothing about, and how they truly mattered in our nation's most critical moments.
The most salient aspect is his love of this country. Through all of the wars, he brings both sides strengths and weaknesses, and how they played out. The Civil War episodes are completely astounding! It was hard to keep up with who was Union or Confederates at times, but that just shows how fairly he treats the subject. He points out the cowards and heroes from both sides.
Again, there's no doubting his love of country.
It is storytelling at it's zenith.
Somebody please get him a bigger budget. He won't disappoint!
I needed to know who this guy was.
Not only did he tell you things you wouldn't know unless you were a student of history, but he connects many seemingly disparate events and shows you the people, who you know nothing about, and how they truly mattered in our nation's most critical moments.
The most salient aspect is his love of this country. Through all of the wars, he brings both sides strengths and weaknesses, and how they played out. The Civil War episodes are completely astounding! It was hard to keep up with who was Union or Confederates at times, but that just shows how fairly he treats the subject. He points out the cowards and heroes from both sides.
Again, there's no doubting his love of country.
It is storytelling at it's zenith.
Somebody please get him a bigger budget. He won't disappoint!
background music is a bit to load, hard to hear all the dialogue .
maryloucul5 October 2015
My husband and I , were very happy to see Am. Ride, back on today. We have really enjoyed the previous seasons. BUT- the background music this season, seems to be louder. Too LOUD, it makes it hard to clearly hear all of the dialog. Could you please consider softening the music some, it is distracting. Thank you keep up this informative program. Thank you. Like I stated my husband and myself do really enjoy your program, and the only reason I gave the vote rating an 8 out of 10 , is because of the loudness of the music. We have noticed a few other programs, having this same problem too.
I am wondering why you are requiring 10 lines as a minimum for a review? I think I have stated my revue clearly in my first 5 lines.
I am wondering why you are requiring 10 lines as a minimum for a review? I think I have stated my revue clearly in my first 5 lines.
History done with an individual focus
dscheffer19 August 2019
Stan Ellison is enthusiastic about his subject and makes American History personal and interesting to boot. He clarifies historical moments so well you are part of the events. And he dies this not only at a high level, but at an individual level by focusing on specific participants in the event. This show is as good as it gets
Kick a leg over, let's take a ride.
jonbadart22 August 2018
Let me sum this series up quickly ~ I've learned more about American history from this show than I did in all my years in school. How nice it is to finally get some real detail about the events and people that formed, and ultimately built this country. Host Stan Ellsworth doesn't stop at quotes, dates, and important events, he gives a level of background and context to things in a way your high school history class never could. And while there's no doubt how much he loves his country, make no mistake about it, our host doesn't give in to the temptation of spin or manipulation. Whatever the subject, you come away feeling you've gotten an unbiased view of things. With 'American Ride', you're getting it the way it was, warts and all. For instance, there's no sugarcoating of slavery here, nor with any of the other black marks in our history Stan takes us to. Good and bad, it's all here.
At times, there can be a little too much filler, mostly in the form of our host riding his motorcycle down the roads of American history, but by and large, the content of these programs is quite wonderful. In particular, in the treatment of the Revolution and Civil War periods. For us amateur history buffs, the depth and detail we get in these VERY easy to digest programs, is something we've been craving from television for a long, long time. And it doesn't end there. He does a series later in the show's run, profiling 'Presidents and Patriots'. Here we get to know some of the names we've heard about all our lives, finally, in some real depth. Not just learning what they did, but where they came from, and how exactly they got there.
It's a shame this series couldn't have gone on longer, but towards the end, repetition did start to rear its ugly head. Still, three cheers to Ellsworth, and a big thumbs up to the series. You'll enjoy watching them again and again.
At times, there can be a little too much filler, mostly in the form of our host riding his motorcycle down the roads of American history, but by and large, the content of these programs is quite wonderful. In particular, in the treatment of the Revolution and Civil War periods. For us amateur history buffs, the depth and detail we get in these VERY easy to digest programs, is something we've been craving from television for a long, long time. And it doesn't end there. He does a series later in the show's run, profiling 'Presidents and Patriots'. Here we get to know some of the names we've heard about all our lives, finally, in some real depth. Not just learning what they did, but where they came from, and how exactly they got there.
It's a shame this series couldn't have gone on longer, but towards the end, repetition did start to rear its ugly head. Still, three cheers to Ellsworth, and a big thumbs up to the series. You'll enjoy watching them again and again.
Love watching your Shows!
susanbrooks-2945014 November 2018
Dear Sir,
If you would have taught History when I was in school, that would have been my major! History is so very important and you make more than interesting. The way you explain our history makes me want to know more and see more of what you talk about. Thanks you for this show!! My question is can I purchase any of your shows on DVD? If so, please send me information as to how I can get copies.
Love this show
roadrunnr-6358630 October 2017
I came across American Ride by accident and now I continue to see when the nexr show is on. I wish History classes where as enjoyable and informative as Stan is during the show. I'm still learning things about our history and hope our younger generation does not forget what our country has been through good and bad it is a part of USA.
American Ride
lizmyersavon18 May 2018
I wish that Stan Ellsworth had been my American History teacher. This body of work that he has produced not only gives greater detail than what the typical high school class will give a student but corrects a lot of the myths both good and bad. I am going to have my grandchildren watch this series. They will probably come away knowing more than their teachers. Robert C. Myers, Ph.D.
Keeps me on the edge of my seat
AbundantDay12 February 2019
I just found this program on cable and saw one episode today. Somebody really does their research and this guys presents it incredibly well, as others here have indicated. If every episode has the same effect, I'm hooked. Two things I was thinking as I watched. One is that this guy needs to run for Congress. Secondly, it made me sad to consider how many take our country, our servicemen and our founding fathers for granted. We owe huge gratitude to so many. Also, our citizens and immigrants need a real thorough indoctrination in the depth of leadership and integrity of our forefathers. I was surprised to learn this has aired since 2011. What an incredible idea for a series and so well written and delivered. This gave me hope that there are many more such patriots in our great nation, who will not let our nation turn into a cesspool of dishonor and liberalism.
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