Campfire Shenanigans

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In my opinion, there is nothing quite like it… end of a long day, cold beer in hand, sitting round a campfire with friends and colleagues, sharing a tale or two of travels completed and actions yet to take. It got me thinking of the things I love most when on the road so in no particular order… the sound of rain on my tent, snuggling back into my Rab Sleeping Bag on a cold morning, that first cup of coffee (maybe in the same sleeping bag), the jet like roar of my MSR XGK-EX stove, clean socks and pants after a long day on the bike, therapeutic bike maintenance the morning of the ride (and the strange reassurance of correct tyre pressures) and the soothing rustle of my Terra Nova Quasar – maybe its just me then…

Domestic Travel

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With so many of us longing for longer distance travel options and with restrictions still in place for both EU and non EU entry and exit, let alone the changing dynamic of return to the UK – domestic trips are the answer. In November I was able to return to Scotland (still deep in area by area lockdown) and toured a little of the West coast (avoiding the NC 500) and the wild beauty of the highland uplands. After meandering up the A82 and missing my ferry for Skye, like many I chose the “long way round” and the 836 and one of my favourite roads via the River Tirry. Scotland has some amazing roads, fantastic food and lovely wild camping spots – reminded me of Norway in places and with lockdown continuing into 2021, I will be back this November.

Overland Event

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I was lucky enough to join Paddy and his team supporting Metal Mule at the Overland Event in September. The event is not just another bike rally as nearly all the presenters are either published authors, have written for Overland Magazine (that includes me), or are film makers. Paddy describes the event as an “immersive experience that has a uniquely relaxed atmosphere” — and he is right. It was a relaxing but frenetic September break and Paddy delivered a varied agenda with motorcycle travel at its heart. There was food, drink, and music from around the world, and hundreds of riders with stories to tell, motorcycle test rides, historic and modified travel motorbikes on show, specialist equipment vendors, author presentations and workshops. I had my XT660Z and R1150GSA on show, much beer was drunk, many friendships renewed, the bands were great and where else can you get woken up to the sound of a travelling accordion player.

What’s keeping me going?

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I realised recently that I had not posted here for 17 months — it’s been a difficult two years for many people and I don’t know anyone who has not been touched by the impact of Covid… we have lost three friends and family members to this disease and now in the summer of 2021, it feels like we may be coming out of the restrictions and some sense of normality is returning. Recently I dug out my passport, applied for my official Welsh Covid vaccination certificate, and dusted off my currency cards and eastern European maps and have been planning for 2022. I have lots of people to be thankful for, friends, colleagues, my three lovely children, their partners and a beautiful granddaughter and wife. Life in the Overland Workshop has been great distraction, bikes may have low annual milages but are ready to spring into long distance action when called up… and I have rediscovered the delight of local one day trips. Stay safe all, see you on the other side xx

The cost of adventure – London Motorcycle Show

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I get asked a lot about bike choice, should I get a BMW, a CRF, a T7, are KTMs reliable… the list is endless but the most common theme seems to be the cost of the bikes. Paying 18K for a new bike is a massive commitment, PCP is not for everyone, so how about a classic fully equipped low mileage adventure bike for less than £4500. This year I am going to be at the 2020 Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show on the Metal Mule stand with my XT660 Ténéré encouraging low cost travel, cheap digs, fuel efficiency and low purchase prices – trust me you don’t need that new R1250GSA to have a great time. So if you are going to the show, stop by and say high and check out the bike, the gear and some of my route suggestions.