Ryan’s top tips

If you ever want to do 1000 miles in a day, don’t use the highest pubs in the UK as your excuse. They’re in the midst of great riding roads that mess up your average speed.

I’m glad I’ve ticked 1000 miles off the list but it’s not an enjoyable way to spend time on a motorbike. The only way to do it is sit on the motorway, burn petrol and square your tyres off, which is a bit meh. But it’s proved to me that I’ll ride anything anywhere. I can already feel a plan brewing for the next trip.

Ride the North Coast 500. That was the highlight of my riding career – even better than beating the train from London to Bristol. You’ve got to do it. But take two or more days to get the best from it.

If you live near twisty roads try an MV Turismo Veloce Rosso. Despite the dash and switchgear. It calls me from the garage in a way my R1250GS never does. If I was two-up touring I’d want something with more grunt, but other than that there’s nothing the MV can’t do. Always carry a puncture repair kit and a pump… everywhere.