Drifters Don’t Rest
Charlie Perring runs DRIFT, leading expeditions and adventures around the world, from moto raids through the Gobi desert, to the steppes of Kazakhstan, skiing through the Arctic Tundra and far beyond…
Are you a natural born adventurer?
I suppose so, I’d always wanted to join the army when I was young and was always active with the Scouts, building camps, exploring, so I guess there was something there that spiked my curiosity.
How did DRIFT happen?
After 20+ years in the corporate world in the sports and entertainment business, event managing projects like the Ryder Cup matches and the Rugby World Cup, my remit was becoming more political and that wasn’t my bag, so I decided to make some life changes, challenge myself and start doing what made me happy every morning… planning and leading adventures.
What led you to make the jump to being a self-employed Indiana Jones?
“The best experiences in your life are found when you step out of your comfort zone.”
It was in December 2013, I’d been asked to join a team of three to participate in an Arctic Biathlon and headed up to the far north for a long weekend of Dog Sledding, Nordic Skiing and other snow-related survival skills and ended up meeting my future business partner who was running the programme… we struck a chord, as did the environment and it all evolved from there.
Any adventure highlights?
Plenty; trekking through the Jordanian desert to Petra and on to Wadi Rum, old school style in the footsteps of Jean Louis Burkhardt (the Swiss explorer who ‘re-discovered’ Petra and brought it back to the attention of the western world), Nordic Ski touring in Scandinavia along the Troll Trail, and most of the ‘Moto’s’ I run, especially those across Bolivia, Burma and Central Asia.
Why Portugal?
I’ve been coming out to Portugal since the early 70s, my great aunt and grandfather having bought property here in the late 60s, so it’s like a second home for me.
Any favourite spots?
A few – the Canal de Tavira just past Fuzeta, the ridge-line looking south from Barranco do Velho and Fonte Ferrea north of Sao Bras for a coffee during a morning dirt ride.
Expat or a local?
Oh, very much a local, I hope.
What’s the best thing about life in Portugal?
Tough to beat the weather, although the summer gets a bit too hot for me and it’s not a place to trek or ride from June to
September. I’ve found the interior a revelation; most people I’ve met here tend to stick to the coastline and miss out on the hill country that’s only a few kilometres behind their backs.
I’m also grateful for all the tracks and fire breaks that have been cut across the country for us dirt riders to enjoy, the hospitality and generosity of the local Portuguese and the love and understanding from my wife (to be), that what I do makes me what I am.
Anything you miss?
Hmmm, a proper English pub with a log fire, and the seasonal changes that are more acute further north, and the ‘high’ mountains, which are probably where my heart resides.
Words of wisdom?
Many people are hesitant to take that first step but I’m walking proof that if you want to make changes and see what you’re capable of, you don’t need to be superhuman – you just need to get out and do it. Which brings me onto one of DRIFT’s motto’s: if you rest, you rust.
What’s next ?
I’ve some recces to do between now and the end of May, hopefully up to Peneda Geres
National Park in Portugal’s far north and a few days in Lebanon and Egypt for trips planned later this year and in 2023. Then a five day moto in Romania in the Carpathian Mountains, followed by another ride in Tajikistan along the Pamir Highway. Then a Charity Challenge in the UK, a trek through the Dolomites in the autumn, a climb of Mt Toubkal in Morocco and a moto in Vietnam to round off the year – a lot to catch up with after a couple of quiet Covid years!
“If you rest, you rust.”