ADVENTURE
Ex-military man Aaron Mitchell around world on his Suzuki DRŽZ400.
Where are you right now? I am finally back home. For now I am crashing at my parents’ place while I get myself sorted financially.
You’ve just returned from a pretty epic ride…
Yes. I started at home in England and pushed east through Europe into Russia. I then rode to Vladivostok in the far east of Russia via Mongolia. From Vladivostok I shipped the motorbike to Vancouver where I rode down the West Coast, into Baja, Mexico then south through Central America. From Panama I sailed with the bike across the Caribbean to Colombia and pushed south towards Chile and then across to Argentina to fly out of Buenos Aires to Barcelona, Spain and then it was back to England. The trip took 505 days and 32,000 miles.
What gave you the idea? Had you travelled before?
I have travelled a lot and my army career sent me to incredible places too. This was my second time travelling around the world and I wanted to do it differently to the backpack route I followed first time around. Prior to this trip I had only been riding a bike for two years. But, I figured people had completed similar trips, with similar levels of experience, so why can’t I? One of my inspirations for the trip was reading Mondo Enduro. I loved the style of travel and that was what I tried to adopt for my trip. Your bike of choice was a Suzuki DRZ400. What was the thinking behind this? I chose it because it was simple and light enough for me to pick up. These were essential as my mechanical knowledge was limited and I wanted to get off track.
Did you have any problems with it?
I did very few modifications to the bike. Suspension was stock. I fitted an expedition fuel tank as the standard tank took only ten litres. I did get a seat made in Guatemala for £15 which is mega. The only real problem I had was a drive gear breaking in Russia. It was a steep learning curve working out how to ship parts into the country.
What was the best moment of your journey?
I think arriving home and realising that I completed what I set out to do. I wasn’t just surviving, I was living.
And the worst?
When I broke down in Moscow. It was so early on in the trip and suddenly I was stuck with a broken bike in some random workshop. I didn’t have a clue how to sort it out, but with help from around the world, literally, I got the part and carried on the journey.
Most useful bit of kit?
It would have to be my phone. It’s not just a phone anymore. It was my map, the connection to family and
‘When I was in Mongolia I honestly used Youtube to learn how to ride sand for the first time’
friends and my camera. When there was a problem with the bike or challenging borders I could use it to research ways to fix the situation. When I was in Mongolia I honestly used Youtube to learn how to ride sand for the first time. (Millenials, eh! – LP.)
What is your top tip for Bike readers who might be thinking of attempting their own adventure?
Don’t overplan. Remain flexible because opportunities and experiences will present themselves when you least expect it.
Are you planning any more adventures?
Currently I am converting a van into a mobile home. The idea is to use it for cheaper living and to travel more back here at home. As for the biking, I still want to visit Morocco and Iceland on the bike. Plus I would really like to do a coastal ride of the United Kingdom. Follow Aaron and his adventures here: