ALL SET FOR ADVENTURE!
All roads lead from London as overland travel gurus share their expertise and experience...
The Adventure Stage, sponsored by Spada, is always packed with inspirational talks and invaluable advice from the people who’ve been there, done it and got the T-shirt, washed it in a river, then lost it somewhere in the jungle… This year’s speakers range from the world’s youngest adventurers to the most experienced on the planet, solo female riders and even a homebuilt sidecar. You’ll be leaving with a head full of ideas.
For times of each talk see page 15.
● Bruce Smart
YouTube legend (TeapotOne), Bruce Smart will be sharing experiences from his epic global adventure on a Suzuki GSX-R1000, facing adversity in Africa and how some things don’t always go to plan.
● Ben King
Ben left the UK on a Honda CRF250L aiming to go around the world, but got caught up in the hospitality of the middle east before the pandemic brought him home. He’ll bring energy and amazing stories from the road, and on the appeal of a small capacity adventure bikes.
● Robert Hughes
If you own an adventure bike and want to get it dirty but don’t know where to do it, then this is the talk for you. Rally Moto’s ‘Burt’ Hughes will be discussing bike prep as well as outlining details of his series of events around the UK.
● Vanessa Ruck
Following a serious hit-and-run accident, Vanessa Ruck decided to learn to ride a motorbike and from that she has grown a whole new life on two wheels. From overseas adventures to racing enduro, Vanessa is proof that with a bit of grit you can conquer the world.
● Nick Sanders
Arguably the most travelled man on the planet, Nick Sanders has been around the world on two wheels more times than there are days in the week. Nick will be on stage to share some of his stories from the road, as well as talking about his adventures ahead.
● Jack Groves
At the age of 23 Jack set off on a used Royal Enfield Himalayan hoping to break the record for the youngest rider to circumnavigate the globe. Jack will be talking about bike choice and also how to turn dream into reality.
● Michael Guy
MCN journalist and adventure motorcycle expert Michael Guy will be on stage to talk through the new bikes we can expect for 2022, from the Aprilia Tuareg to the Moto Morini X-Cape, the Ducati DesertX and even the rumoured 450cc Royal Enfield Himalayan. Place your bets on which of those is going to make a dent on the market.
● Chris Donaldson
Chris left Belfast in 1979 at the age of 21 to ride a Guzzi Le Mans to Australia. He never made it Down Under, but he did make it through 33 countries. His next adventure is to complete his Aussie mission.
● Simon Weir
Everything you need to know about riding in Europe from the former editor of RiDE. He’ll be looking at the paperwork, legislation and pitfalls of a European adventure in an ever-changing world, from the impact of Brexit to the ongoing restrictions from Covid.
● Alex Navarette
Riding to Barcelona on an electric motorcycle in the middle of winter may not be your idea of fun, but that’s exactly what Alex did, riding his Energica more than 1200 miles to Spain, stopping for 16 charges along the way. Is it the future?
● Fern Hume
For those with dreams of far-off adventures but the realities of daily commitments to contend with, Fern will be revealing the allure of the fortnight fly-ride adventure. Whether it’s Nepal or South America, Fern will be on hand to help turn dream trip into reality.
● The Sidecar Guys
Two men, three wheels, and an extraordinary tale of adventure from riders Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes, who conquered the world on their home-made Honda SH300 derived scooter and sidecar. 35,000 miles of hilarity, mishaps and hard-won knowledge.
● Tiffany Coates
Few have travelled as extensively as Tiffany Coates, riding an old BMW R80GS around the world and also guiding other riders through some of the toughest riding conditions on the planet. She’ll be talking about self-preservation and decision making on the road.
● John Small
If you’ve toured the UK and Europe and fancy going further afield then Morocco could just be the place for you. Get the lowdown on the basics of getting there and how to get the best out of your trip. It’s more manageable than you might think.
● Timothy Angus
Fourteen months, 37,000 miles, one V-Strom 650… and the journey of a lifetime for Tim and his wife Sue. This talk looks at the practicality of two-up travel and how to make it manageable.
● Nathan Millward
Nathan Millward has travelled the world but knows some of the best riding can still be had much closer to home. England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, all have some great riding as Nathan explains.
● Henry Crew
In 2018, a then 22-year-old Henry Crew embarked on what would become a 50,000 mile adventure on his Ducati Desert Sled. 381 days later he made it home to England, raising money for the Movember Foundation along the way.