Contributors
Barbara Alam
Immersed in motorcycling since she was 17, Barbara is Secretariat to the Parliamentary Motorcycle Group, and helps run the charity ‘Motorcycle Outreach’. Travelling on her own, or as a guide for GlobeBusters, her biking horizons have taken her across Europe, North America, the Sahara and into West Africa on her BMW F650 Twin; her most exhilarating trip however, was 100 miles across Cornwall on Simon Milward’s old Triumph Trophy, known locally as the ‘Torrey Canyon’. She agrees with Tolkien, that “not all those who wander are lost”.
Immersed in motorcycling since she was 17, Barbara is Secretariat to the Parliamentary Motorcycle Group, and helps run the charity ‘Motorcycle Outreach’. Travelling on her own, or as a guide for GlobeBusters, her biking horizons have taken her across Europe, North America, the Sahara and into West Africa on her BMW F650 Twin; her most exhilarating trip however, was 100 miles across Cornwall on Simon Milward’s old Triumph Trophy, known locally as the ‘Torrey Canyon’. She agrees with Tolkien, that “not all those who wander are lost”.
Matt Bailey
Released unexpectedly from his career in the City, Matt went away on his shiny new bike to figure things out. Ten years later and his now rather battered bike has taken him throughout the Americas, Europe, and Africa. He has often been moved by the amazing people he met and the things he has seen, and has captured his experiences in photographs. He’s witnessed the land of the midnight sun, crossed searing deserts and frozen mountain ranges, and enjoyed a decent cup of tea in the most unexpected places. He still hasn’t figured things out.
Released unexpectedly from his career in the City, Matt went away on his shiny new bike to figure things out. Ten years later and his now rather battered bike has taken him throughout the Americas, Europe, and Africa. He has often been moved by the amazing people he met and the things he has seen, and has captured his experiences in photographs. He’s witnessed the land of the midnight sun, crossed searing deserts and frozen mountain ranges, and enjoyed a decent cup of tea in the most unexpected places. He still hasn’t figured things out.
Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent
Ants is a veteran of lengthy journeys in unsuitable vehicles. She’s co-piloted a pink tuk tuk, from Bangkok to Brighton, wobbled around the Black Sea on a zebra print Honda Cub and battled the mud and mountains of the Ho Chi Minh Trail on an ancient (also pink) Honda Cub called the Pink Panther. A TV producer and author, Ants is currently riding in NE India.
Ants is a veteran of lengthy journeys in unsuitable vehicles. She’s co-piloted a pink tuk tuk, from Bangkok to Brighton, wobbled around the Black Sea on a zebra print Honda Cub and battled the mud and mountains of the Ho Chi Minh Trail on an ancient (also pink) Honda Cub called the Pink Panther. A TV producer and author, Ants is currently riding in NE India.
Issa Breibish
Issa embodies internationalism. He’s a Canadian writer, adventure rider and world traveller of Libyan/British descent. He’s spent the past two years travelling the world by bike as one-half of We Love Motogeo, following a route that makes little sense to anyone, while supporting his non-profit organization, the Lost for Good Project. Issa’s been chased by animals, detained as a spy in North Africa and waited out a hurricane in the bowels of a ferry. He’s not a spy, but is a lover of decent coffee and great yarns.
Issa embodies internationalism. He’s a Canadian writer, adventure rider and world traveller of Libyan/British descent. He’s spent the past two years travelling the world by bike as one-half of We Love Motogeo, following a route that makes little sense to anyone, while supporting his non-profit organization, the Lost for Good Project. Issa’s been chased by animals, detained as a spy in North Africa and waited out a hurricane in the bowels of a ferry. He’s not a spy, but is a lover of decent coffee and great yarns.
Nita Breibish
Two passion-driven wheels, two small hands and one big nomadic heart. With her weather-beaten camera she’s looking to change the world one click at a time. In constant awe, this self-proclaimed professional dabbler and world traveller is the photographer half of We Love Motogeo. She’s breaking down barriers, challenging travel misconceptions and uncovering new notions of home. Thirty-two countries and counting!
Two passion-driven wheels, two small hands and one big nomadic heart. With her weather-beaten camera she’s looking to change the world one click at a time. In constant awe, this self-proclaimed professional dabbler and world traveller is the photographer half of We Love Motogeo. She’s breaking down barriers, challenging travel misconceptions and uncovering new notions of home. Thirty-two countries and counting!
Nich Brown
Nich is Overland’s sub-editor and his reading of ‘Jupiter’s Travels’ in 1979 tops a short list of early experiences that fuelled his continuing obsession with biking. Having spent the last three decades working in and around motorcycling, he still harbours a dream of following in Ted Simon’s RTW tyre-tracks. In the meantime, he takes every opportunity to explore new roads and tracks on his 660 Tenere, only occasionally falling off… and has just spend 2 years exploring the Antipodes on an Enield.
Nich is Overland’s sub-editor and his reading of ‘Jupiter’s Travels’ in 1979 tops a short list of early experiences that fuelled his continuing obsession with biking. Having spent the last three decades working in and around motorcycling, he still harbours a dream of following in Ted Simon’s RTW tyre-tracks. In the meantime, he takes every opportunity to explore new roads and tracks on his 660 Tenere, only occasionally falling off… and has just spend 2 years exploring the Antipodes on an Enield.
Megan Ciotti
Megan is an Italian-American Anglo-Scot who was born in Michigan, reached puberty living in Suffolk and matured while exploring the world. Widely travelled, particularly the Americas ‘by any means’ she then spent 18 months living in Indonesia working with human rights activists and 6 months in Guatemala doing something similar. Blessed with an English degree, Megan continues to crash scooters in exotic places…
Megan is an Italian-American Anglo-Scot who was born in Michigan, reached puberty living in Suffolk and matured while exploring the world. Widely travelled, particularly the Americas ‘by any means’ she then spent 18 months living in Indonesia working with human rights activists and 6 months in Guatemala doing something similar. Blessed with an English degree, Megan continues to crash scooters in exotic places…
Brian Clarke
A mechanic and Martial Arts instructor in an earlier English life, Brian now writes for various magazines and has contributed to ‘The World’s Great Adventure Motorcycle Routes’. Fed up with jo and life, his solution was to get on his bike and travel. In 2010 he rode from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to Alaska and his travels remain ongoing. He has covered over 70,000 miles on ‘the bike with no name’, his trusty Ténéré, possibly the first ‘Ten’ to reach 49 continental US states and all but one Canadian province. He awaits a bridge to Hawaii.
A mechanic and Martial Arts instructor in an earlier English life, Brian now writes for various magazines and has contributed to ‘The World’s Great Adventure Motorcycle Routes’. Fed up with jo and life, his solution was to get on his bike and travel. In 2010 he rode from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to Alaska and his travels remain ongoing. He has covered over 70,000 miles on ‘the bike with no name’, his trusty Ténéré, possibly the first ‘Ten’ to reach 49 continental US states and all but one Canadian province. He awaits a bridge to Hawaii.
Tiffany Coates
Tiffany is probably the world’s foremost female adventure rider with several RTW trips under her belt, nearly all of them on her faithful 1992 BMW R80GS ‘Thelma’. Selling her hair to buy tools, she embarked on her first journey to India with just two months riding experience, and hasn’t looked back since, except to maybe check if her pillion is there. She’s been chased by wolves and policemen, the Nicaraguan Mafia and by stampeding elephants. When not exploring, or acting as a motorcycle guide, Tiffany can be found at home near Land’s End.
Tiffany is probably the world’s foremost female adventure rider with several RTW trips under her belt, nearly all of them on her faithful 1992 BMW R80GS ‘Thelma’. Selling her hair to buy tools, she embarked on her first journey to India with just two months riding experience, and hasn’t looked back since, except to maybe check if her pillion is there. She’s been chased by wolves and policemen, the Nicaraguan Mafia and by stampeding elephants. When not exploring, or acting as a motorcycle guide, Tiffany can be found at home near Land’s End.
Merv Colton
Merv is a photographer with a travel bug. He has camped and hiked all over Africa and has been known to use donkeys to carry his camera gear. Merv won the Irish National Wildlife Photography competition and has worked as a sports photographer, thinking that if you can photograph Irish Hurling, you can photograph anything. Merv and Sarah, both Jupiter’s Travellers, are currently on a 2 year trip exploring South America at a very slow pace, priding themselves that their Unimog never gets stuck, just sometimes stops and rests a while.
Merv is a photographer with a travel bug. He has camped and hiked all over Africa and has been known to use donkeys to carry his camera gear. Merv won the Irish National Wildlife Photography competition and has worked as a sports photographer, thinking that if you can photograph Irish Hurling, you can photograph anything. Merv and Sarah, both Jupiter’s Travellers, are currently on a 2 year trip exploring South America at a very slow pace, priding themselves that their Unimog never gets stuck, just sometimes stops and rests a while.
Bill Dragoo
Bill rides so he can write and writes so he can ride. He has ridden his BMW R1200GSA over much of the US and Mexico, taught adventure riding in Bolivia, toured Colombia, done single track in Costa Rica, ridden Zongshens in China and Ducatis through Italy. In 2010 he competed for the United States in BMW’s International GS Trophy in South Africa. He and his lovely wife Susan make their home in the center of the world as Bill calls it, Norman, Oklahoma, USA.
Bill rides so he can write and writes so he can ride. He has ridden his BMW R1200GSA over much of the US and Mexico, taught adventure riding in Bolivia, toured Colombia, done single track in Costa Rica, ridden Zongshens in China and Ducatis through Italy. In 2010 he competed for the United States in BMW’s International GS Trophy in South Africa. He and his lovely wife Susan make their home in the center of the world as Bill calls it, Norman, Oklahoma, USA.
Graham Field
It took 20 years for Graham to realise he could combine his obsessions; bikes and travel, and 25 to gain the courage to put his experiences down on paper. After riding Europe and N America with friends, he headed off alone for a random destination somewhere east of Essex. He kept riding, but never really found it, recounting his tales in his first book ‘In search of greener grass’. An exploration of the Middle East then resulted in ‘Ureka’ his second book, published by Shuvvy Press in 2014.
It took 20 years for Graham to realise he could combine his obsessions; bikes and travel, and 25 to gain the courage to put his experiences down on paper. After riding Europe and N America with friends, he headed off alone for a random destination somewhere east of Essex. He kept riding, but never really found it, recounting his tales in his first book ‘In search of greener grass’. An exploration of the Middle East then resulted in ‘Ureka’ his second book, published by Shuvvy Press in 2014.
Jacqui Furneaux
After being a nurse and health visitor for thirty years, Jacqui set out on an unplanned journey. Starting in Thailand, she explored South-East Asia before a foray into Pakistan and India. She then bought a 500cc Enfield and set off again… through Asia, the Antipodes, and the Americas. She made it home to Bristol after seven years on the road, and her trusty Enfield is still her only means of transport. She’s one of the first Jupiter’s Travellers and has turned her experiences into the wonderful ‘Hit the road Jac!‘ published in 2017 by Shuvvy Press.
After being a nurse and health visitor for thirty years, Jacqui set out on an unplanned journey. Starting in Thailand, she explored South-East Asia before a foray into Pakistan and India. She then bought a 500cc Enfield and set off again… through Asia, the Antipodes, and the Americas. She made it home to Bristol after seven years on the road, and her trusty Enfield is still her only means of transport. She’s one of the first Jupiter’s Travellers and has turned her experiences into the wonderful ‘Hit the road Jac!‘ published in 2017 by Shuvvy Press.
Simon Gandolfi
Simon is the author of a dozen books and his work has been translated into a dozen languages. He is tri-lingual, spent many of his formative years in Africa, has travelled widely by motorbike through Asia and the Americas and resided in a variety of countries before settling in an ancient cottage with views to the hills of his native Herefordshire. His most recent book, Old Men Can’t Wait, published by Shuvvy Press, follows his extraordinary motorcycle journey north, through the Americas. He plans to one day get his full motorcycle licence…
Simon is the author of a dozen books and his work has been translated into a dozen languages. He is tri-lingual, spent many of his formative years in Africa, has travelled widely by motorbike through Asia and the Americas and resided in a variety of countries before settling in an ancient cottage with views to the hills of his native Herefordshire. His most recent book, Old Men Can’t Wait, published by Shuvvy Press, follows his extraordinary motorcycle journey north, through the Americas. He plans to one day get his full motorcycle licence…
Pat Garrod
Pat somehow combines his passion for Africa and overland travel with being a practising family doctor. He has crossed Africa four times and ridden 4-years around the world, always 2-up with his pillion Ness whom he proposed to in Timbuktu. Author of ‘BEARBACK, The world overland’ and contributor to the Overlanders’ Handbook he keeps a Land Rover in Cape Town to explore the lesser-known game parks of Africa. An obsessive windsurfer for years Pat is now hooked on kite surfing and dreams of sailing around the world ‘to fill in the gaps’.
Pat somehow combines his passion for Africa and overland travel with being a practising family doctor. He has crossed Africa four times and ridden 4-years around the world, always 2-up with his pillion Ness whom he proposed to in Timbuktu. Author of ‘BEARBACK, The world overland’ and contributor to the Overlanders’ Handbook he keeps a Land Rover in Cape Town to explore the lesser-known game parks of Africa. An obsessive windsurfer for years Pat is now hooked on kite surfing and dreams of sailing around the world ‘to fill in the gaps’.
Timandra Harkness
Timandra won the 1997 Independent newspaper column-writing competition with a short piece on goat-borrowing. She now writes for newspapers and magazines including the Daily Telegraph, WIRED and BBC Focus and is the presenter of Radio 4’s ‘Futureproofing’ show. She rides a Honda VFR800 but is prepared to be unfaithful to it in the name of journalism and/or getting out of her comfort zone.
Timandra won the 1997 Independent newspaper column-writing competition with a short piece on goat-borrowing. She now writes for newspapers and magazines including the Daily Telegraph, WIRED and BBC Focus and is the presenter of Radio 4’s ‘Futureproofing’ show. She rides a Honda VFR800 but is prepared to be unfaithful to it in the name of journalism and/or getting out of her comfort zone.
Andreas Hulsmann
Andreas has been travelling by bike and with his camera, for over 20 years. He has been involved in journalism since the 1980s in one form or another and is currently the editor of Motorrad Abenteur magazine in his native Germany. His images have graced the pages of Touratech and Rukka catalogues and we are delighted he’s now contributing to Overland and offers a photography workshop at The Overland Event.
Andreas has been travelling by bike and with his camera, for over 20 years. He has been involved in journalism since the 1980s in one form or another and is currently the editor of Motorrad Abenteur magazine in his native Germany. His images have graced the pages of Touratech and Rukka catalogues and we are delighted he’s now contributing to Overland and offers a photography workshop at The Overland Event.
Frédéric Jeorge
Frédéric started travelling before he knew how to walk, thanks to his mother Liliane. When he’s not on the road, he has been an active political lobbyist promoting and defending motorcycling as President of FEMA and as a member of the board of FFMC (French Federation of Angry Riders). Right now, he lives in southern France and is probably plotting a trip somewhere. His plans for the future always include a good meal, moving to New Zealand and finally buying a bike with shaft drive.
Frédéric started travelling before he knew how to walk, thanks to his mother Liliane. When he’s not on the road, he has been an active political lobbyist promoting and defending motorcycling as President of FEMA and as a member of the board of FFMC (French Federation of Angry Riders). Right now, he lives in southern France and is probably plotting a trip somewhere. His plans for the future always include a good meal, moving to New Zealand and finally buying a bike with shaft drive.
Sheila Kiggins
Sheila rides, writes and plays the blues. She recently rode Australia, because they speak the same language, ride on the same side of the road, have good beer (!) and because kangaroos appear easier to dodge than cyclists. Ruby Thursday, her 1200 GS, has recently been retired and she’s now down to just the two bikes; a Triumph Adventurer and 2Moos Lautrec, the Africa Twin. She is famous for her ability to charm rain from a clear blue sky and was officially ‘Art’ for one hour in 2009 as part of the 4th Plinth project in Trafalgar Square.
Sheila rides, writes and plays the blues. She recently rode Australia, because they speak the same language, ride on the same side of the road, have good beer (!) and because kangaroos appear easier to dodge than cyclists. Ruby Thursday, her 1200 GS, has recently been retired and she’s now down to just the two bikes; a Triumph Adventurer and 2Moos Lautrec, the Africa Twin. She is famous for her ability to charm rain from a clear blue sky and was officially ‘Art’ for one hour in 2009 as part of the 4th Plinth project in Trafalgar Square.
Eli Kretzmann
Before he could ride a bicycle, Eli was zipping around the farm on a Honda 50. But the farm was too small for Eli’s horizons. Now he rides bigger bikes, bigger places; Asia, for example. To support his travel vice, Eli splits his time between whitewater rafting guiding in Idaho and running his business, Over The Edge Travel, which offers custom built tours of Nepal & India – with more countries soon to come…
Before he could ride a bicycle, Eli was zipping around the farm on a Honda 50. But the farm was too small for Eli’s horizons. Now he rides bigger bikes, bigger places; Asia, for example. To support his travel vice, Eli splits his time between whitewater rafting guiding in Idaho and running his business, Over The Edge Travel, which offers custom built tours of Nepal & India – with more countries soon to come…
Pat Lewis
Patrick’s passion for adventure was born at an early age while regularly getting lost in the Australian bush on a 50cc bike. After exploring Australia and then South America on a motorbike he made the difficult transition to the high seas and is now discovering the world in a 35ft sail boat. Sailing through the Arctic brought plenty of thrills but when he washed up on the coast of Africa he wasted no time buying a cheap dirt-bike and strapping it to the deck of the boat. He now has one foot in the water and one on land as he continues to explore West Africa.
Patrick’s passion for adventure was born at an early age while regularly getting lost in the Australian bush on a 50cc bike. After exploring Australia and then South America on a motorbike he made the difficult transition to the high seas and is now discovering the world in a 35ft sail boat. Sailing through the Arctic brought plenty of thrills but when he washed up on the coast of Africa he wasted no time buying a cheap dirt-bike and strapping it to the deck of the boat. He now has one foot in the water and one on land as he continues to explore West Africa.
Norman Magowan
Belfast born Norman has been a two-wheeled nomad since the age of 17. With wife and co-leprechaun Maggie, he rode 35,500 miles from Chile to Alaska, and tells the story in the ‘Adventures in Yellow’ series of motorcycle travel books. Although a space scientist by profession, he and Maggie are currently back on the road going RTW. His burning ambition remains to one day touch the ground on a 1200GS.
Belfast born Norman has been a two-wheeled nomad since the age of 17. With wife and co-leprechaun Maggie, he rode 35,500 miles from Chile to Alaska, and tells the story in the ‘Adventures in Yellow’ series of motorcycle travel books. Although a space scientist by profession, he and Maggie are currently back on the road going RTW. His burning ambition remains to one day touch the ground on a 1200GS.
Sam Manicom
Sam was born in the Belgian Congo but came to England with his parents when he was 10. His first trip was a backpacking voyage of discovery across Europe, India and Australia, which often saw him down to his last $10. After a few years in retail management he learned to ride a motorcycle and 3 months later set off to ride the length of Africa. This one-year trip turned into an eight-year epic across 55 countries and spawned four books from those years on the road with his airhead BMW, ‘Libby’.
Sam was born in the Belgian Congo but came to England with his parents when he was 10. His first trip was a backpacking voyage of discovery across Europe, India and Australia, which often saw him down to his last $10. After a few years in retail management he learned to ride a motorcycle and 3 months later set off to ride the length of Africa. This one-year trip turned into an eight-year epic across 55 countries and spawned four books from those years on the road with his airhead BMW, ‘Libby’.
Derek Mansfield
From submariner to tech company entrepreneur, Derek Mansfield’s life has been nothing if not varied. He’s known for his wonderfully surreal writing style, acerbic wit, and a penchant for Moto Guzzis. His remarkable adventures in eastern Europe, the Baltics, Balkans, Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan are immortalised in two volumes of his acclaimed ‘Notes from the Road’.
From submariner to tech company entrepreneur, Derek Mansfield’s life has been nothing if not varied. He’s known for his wonderfully surreal writing style, acerbic wit, and a penchant for Moto Guzzis. His remarkable adventures in eastern Europe, the Baltics, Balkans, Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan are immortalised in two volumes of his acclaimed ‘Notes from the Road’.
James Marr
James’ first attempt at overlanding was back in the mid-80s, driving his Suzuki jeep to Morocco in search of tree-climbing goats, a journey fondly remembered for the litany of disasters. Not one to be put off by a few mishaps, he’s since travelled extensively in Africa, producing two books. James and his wife are currently cruising the Americas.
James’ first attempt at overlanding was back in the mid-80s, driving his Suzuki jeep to Morocco in search of tree-climbing goats, a journey fondly remembered for the litany of disasters. Not one to be put off by a few mishaps, he’s since travelled extensively in Africa, producing two books. James and his wife are currently cruising the Americas.
Andy McGregor
Andy has managed to get cold and wet in just about every white-water river on earth and rides the most extraordinary machinery; a BSA A7, which may be considered an odd choice for someone who is, infact, a rocket scientist… He’s chosen his native Scotland as his base and records his continuing travels with exquisite, prize winning photography, more of which we hope to showcase soon.
Andy has managed to get cold and wet in just about every white-water river on earth and rides the most extraordinary machinery; a BSA A7, which may be considered an odd choice for someone who is, infact, a rocket scientist… He’s chosen his native Scotland as his base and records his continuing travels with exquisite, prize winning photography, more of which we hope to showcase soon.
Lisa Morris
Lisa’s love for two-wheeled travel parallels a soft spot held for scuba diving. She travelled extensively worldwide for over a decade, taking timeout to become a diving instructor and run Red Sea liveaboard trips. Lisa is currently riding the Americas and relishes sharing tales on the road as a freelance travel writer in UK and US publications. Motorcycling from Argentina to Alaska bestows the best of both worlds; topside exploration and fun’derwater.
Lisa’s love for two-wheeled travel parallels a soft spot held for scuba diving. She travelled extensively worldwide for over a decade, taking timeout to become a diving instructor and run Red Sea liveaboard trips. Lisa is currently riding the Americas and relishes sharing tales on the road as a freelance travel writer in UK and US publications. Motorcycling from Argentina to Alaska bestows the best of both worlds; topside exploration and fun’derwater.
James Patterson was born on a ranch in southern Manitoba and for many years worked as a farm hand across Canada. His first big motorcycle ride was a weekend trip spun out of control and took him from Canada to Argentina on a 1980 XJ650. He is now based in Scotland where he writes fiction and essays for various outlets including Wanderlust, World Literature Today, and Cagibi Magazine.
Lois Pryce
Lois is travel author, freelance journalist, speaker and presenter. She’s also co-curator of the Adventure Travel Film Festival. In 2003 Lois left her job at the BBC to ride from Alaska to Argentina astride her Yamaha XT225. On her return she wrote ‘Lois on the Loose’, which was published in the USA, then the UK and translated into several languages. In 2006 she was off again, this time travelling the length of Africa in 4 months, and she published ‘Red Tape and white knuckles’ on her return. ‘Revolutionary Ride’ is her latest book about Iran.
Lois is travel author, freelance journalist, speaker and presenter. She’s also co-curator of the Adventure Travel Film Festival. In 2003 Lois left her job at the BBC to ride from Alaska to Argentina astride her Yamaha XT225. On her return she wrote ‘Lois on the Loose’, which was published in the USA, then the UK and translated into several languages. In 2006 she was off again, this time travelling the length of Africa in 4 months, and she published ‘Red Tape and white knuckles’ on her return. ‘Revolutionary Ride’ is her latest book about Iran.
Simon Roberts
Motorcycle adventurer, intrepid explorer and bare-handed wrestler of snow leopards (sort of), Simon was a keen touring cyclist until he was overtaken by loaded motorcycles on a steep Yugoslav climb in 1981. His Eureka moment. From then he toured the sweeping roads of Europe with his wife Julie until 2002 when tragically, Julie died of cancer. In 2005 he set off on a solo adventure to Kathmandu, being fortunate to take tea with Bin Laden’s brother. He now lives in France, working successfully as an illustrator. Simon says, ‘Do It now! Every day counts…’
Motorcycle adventurer, intrepid explorer and bare-handed wrestler of snow leopards (sort of), Simon was a keen touring cyclist until he was overtaken by loaded motorcycles on a steep Yugoslav climb in 1981. His Eureka moment. From then he toured the sweeping roads of Europe with his wife Julie until 2002 when tragically, Julie died of cancer. In 2005 he set off on a solo adventure to Kathmandu, being fortunate to take tea with Bin Laden’s brother. He now lives in France, working successfully as an illustrator. Simon says, ‘Do It now! Every day counts…’
Martin ‘Sticky’ Round
Martin is a professional freelance writer. For almost 30 years he has specialised in scooters; mostly of the vintage and home-built variety. This passion has seen him ride to events all over Europe punctuated by two-stroke engine rebuilds using stuff found at the roadside. He operates on the philosophy that you don’t have to get shot at in Swaziland to have an adventure, and that just setting off on a tuned Lambretta can add to any challenge…
Martin is a professional freelance writer. For almost 30 years he has specialised in scooters; mostly of the vintage and home-built variety. This passion has seen him ride to events all over Europe punctuated by two-stroke engine rebuilds using stuff found at the roadside. He operates on the philosophy that you don’t have to get shot at in Swaziland to have an adventure, and that just setting off on a tuned Lambretta can add to any challenge…
Don Silcock
Don is originally from the UK but left a long time ago and now splits his time between Sydney and Bali. His passions in life are travel, scuba diving, photography and his recently rekindled love of motorcycles. Now he reckons that adventure motorcycling is the best way to combine interesting travel with good photography, but has yet to work out a way to pack all the scuba gear on the bike…
Don is originally from the UK but left a long time ago and now splits his time between Sydney and Bali. His passions in life are travel, scuba diving, photography and his recently rekindled love of motorcycles. Now he reckons that adventure motorcycling is the best way to combine interesting travel with good photography, but has yet to work out a way to pack all the scuba gear on the bike…
Brokentooth
By day, Oliver Solaro is a mild-mannered blue collar grunt, until he leaps into a phone booth and emerges 18 minutes later as rogue moto raconteur Brokentooth. Armed with Kevlar kilt and the superhuman ability to exist in perpetual denial, he rides his trusty mount, Agatha where no KLR has gone before; across snow fields, up rivers…
By day, Oliver Solaro is a mild-mannered blue collar grunt, until he leaps into a phone booth and emerges 18 minutes later as rogue moto raconteur Brokentooth. Armed with Kevlar kilt and the superhuman ability to exist in perpetual denial, he rides his trusty mount, Agatha where no KLR has gone before; across snow fields, up rivers…
Margus Sootla
Margus is from Estonia and began riding and pushing unreliable soviet bikes when he was 12. Curiosity meant the farthest places from the village always provided the most interest but also the longest push home… Remaining inquisitive, learning mechanics, improvisation ultimately led him to be the first Estonian to circle the World on a motorcycle. A physicist-astronomer by education, he’s bored with the electronic gadget race in photography, and is one of the few who still shoots old-fashioned medium format film on travels, using a camera that’s as old as he is.
Margus is from Estonia and began riding and pushing unreliable soviet bikes when he was 12. Curiosity meant the farthest places from the village always provided the most interest but also the longest push home… Remaining inquisitive, learning mechanics, improvisation ultimately led him to be the first Estonian to circle the World on a motorcycle. A physicist-astronomer by education, he’s bored with the electronic gadget race in photography, and is one of the few who still shoots old-fashioned medium format film on travels, using a camera that’s as old as he is.
Jason Spafford
As a self-confessed thrill-seeker, Jason’s primary passion is adventure, above and below the waterline. Travelling expansively across the globe for fifteen years was driven by a devotion to scuba diving; he became a dive-guide while working as an underwater photographer and videographer, publishing his work extensively. Jason is now motorcycling through the Americas incorporating his addiction for photography and filming while on the road.
As a self-confessed thrill-seeker, Jason’s primary passion is adventure, above and below the waterline. Travelling expansively across the globe for fifteen years was driven by a devotion to scuba diving; he became a dive-guide while working as an underwater photographer and videographer, publishing his work extensively. Jason is now motorcycling through the Americas incorporating his addiction for photography and filming while on the road.
Matt Stevens
Matt was born and raised in the North East USA. After almost ‘getting it together’ with a proper job in news broadcasting, he realised it wasn’t really for him and went back to Extreme Sports instruction in Montana. He now lives between Alaska and Hawaii (because he’s not as hard as he thinks!), has been known to travel on impulse and uses his trusty 650 BMW ‘Juanita’ whenever he does.
Matt was born and raised in the North East USA. After almost ‘getting it together’ with a proper job in news broadcasting, he realised it wasn’t really for him and went back to Extreme Sports instruction in Montana. He now lives between Alaska and Hawaii (because he’s not as hard as he thinks!), has been known to travel on impulse and uses his trusty 650 BMW ‘Juanita’ whenever he does.
Mike Strah
Mike is from Ontario. In late 1993, he moved to Veracruz, Mexico to live and work as an English language voice artist, narrator, translator, and teacher. Having ridden much of north America, it was here he discovered a motorcycling paradise and has been trying to get the word out ever since. He loves utilizing the timeless quality of B&W imagery as a means of capturing countries as historically varied as his adopted Mexico.
Mike is from Ontario. In late 1993, he moved to Veracruz, Mexico to live and work as an English language voice artist, narrator, translator, and teacher. Having ridden much of north America, it was here he discovered a motorcycling paradise and has been trying to get the word out ever since. He loves utilizing the timeless quality of B&W imagery as a means of capturing countries as historically varied as his adopted Mexico.
Kevin Turner
Kevin had been a financial journalist and copywriter for a number of years before he was finally found out and sacked for incompetence. Taking that as his cue, he set off around Europe, which produced his first book, ‘Bonjour! Is This Italy?’ Kevin’s love of all things motorsport informs much of his writing, and when not dawdling around trackdays on his ZX6R or falling off small logs on his KTM, he contributes to various automotive and travel publications. His second book, ‘From Crystal Palace to Red Square’ records further travels in typically hapless fashion.
Kevin had been a financial journalist and copywriter for a number of years before he was finally found out and sacked for incompetence. Taking that as his cue, he set off around Europe, which produced his first book, ‘Bonjour! Is This Italy?’ Kevin’s love of all things motorsport informs much of his writing, and when not dawdling around trackdays on his ZX6R or falling off small logs on his KTM, he contributes to various automotive and travel publications. His second book, ‘From Crystal Palace to Red Square’ records further travels in typically hapless fashion.
Paddy Tyson
Paddy is a wandering Irishman who has been travelling the world by motorcycle since 1991. He writes for various motorcycle publications in the UK and North America and provides light-hearted entertainment for those willing to sit through a presentation of earlier travels. Previously a lecturer, journalist, political campaigner and dispatch rider, he now edits Overland, is an advisor for the Ted Simon Foundation and a director of Shuvvy Press Ltd. He drinks an inordinate amount of tea.
Paddy is a wandering Irishman who has been travelling the world by motorcycle since 1991. He writes for various motorcycle publications in the UK and North America and provides light-hearted entertainment for those willing to sit through a presentation of earlier travels. Previously a lecturer, journalist, political campaigner and dispatch rider, he now edits Overland, is an advisor for the Ted Simon Foundation and a director of Shuvvy Press Ltd. He drinks an inordinate amount of tea.
Austin Vince
Always prepared to undertake the extreme, he pioneered the overland route through Siberia to Magadan while completing 2 RTW trips on his DR350 and is the king of budget motorcycle travel. Austin is still pioneering, but now within the world of film making and is the organiser of the international Adventure Travel Film Festivals in the UK, USA, Australia and who knows where next. He has created the brilliant Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa and is one of the funniest public speakers you are ever likely to see.
Always prepared to undertake the extreme, he pioneered the overland route through Siberia to Magadan while completing 2 RTW trips on his DR350 and is the king of budget motorcycle travel. Austin is still pioneering, but now within the world of film making and is the organiser of the international Adventure Travel Film Festivals in the UK, USA, Australia and who knows where next. He has created the brilliant Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa and is one of the funniest public speakers you are ever likely to see.
Alan Whelan
Alan is a ghost writer and copywriter. He has undertaken three epic motorcycle trips through Africa, all of which spawned books: Lancashire to Cape Town in search of the ultimate cuppa on a Triumph (African Brew Ha-Ha), a moto adventure in Ghana (The Black Stars of Ghana) and a circumambulation of Lake Victoria on a boda boda (Empire Road). He has given over 50 talks and presentations about his travels.
Alan is a ghost writer and copywriter. He has undertaken three epic motorcycle trips through Africa, all of which spawned books: Lancashire to Cape Town in search of the ultimate cuppa on a Triumph (African Brew Ha-Ha), a moto adventure in Ghana (The Black Stars of Ghana) and a circumambulation of Lake Victoria on a boda boda (Empire Road). He has given over 50 talks and presentations about his travels.
Robert Wicks
South African born Robert works in sports marketing and has always had a passion for motorcycles and adventure. He’s the author of four books in the acclaimed Haynes Adventure Motorcycling series and has travelled to more than 50 countries, on all continents. He is a regular contributor at adventure motorcycle gatherings, an avid outdoor enthusiast, has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, is a keen photographer and a qualified paragliding pilot.
South African born Robert works in sports marketing and has always had a passion for motorcycles and adventure. He’s the author of four books in the acclaimed Haynes Adventure Motorcycling series and has travelled to more than 50 countries, on all continents. He is a regular contributor at adventure motorcycle gatherings, an avid outdoor enthusiast, has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, is a keen photographer and a qualified paragliding pilot.
Will Wilkins
Born and brought up in sarf ees London, Will didn’t get into bikes until he was about 21, but the bug bit when he learned how much fun his congestion beating machine was. 18 bikes later he still loved riding, so used his bike to get home from Australia. In the real world he is a freelance Production Manager on large scale events, renovates properties and knows how important it is to share a beer with your bike. He’s lived in Hong Kong, Dubai and Sydney but is now back home in Greenwich (when not cycling through far off lands…)
Born and brought up in sarf ees London, Will didn’t get into bikes until he was about 21, but the bug bit when he learned how much fun his congestion beating machine was. 18 bikes later he still loved riding, so used his bike to get home from Australia. In the real world he is a freelance Production Manager on large scale events, renovates properties and knows how important it is to share a beer with your bike. He’s lived in Hong Kong, Dubai and Sydney but is now back home in Greenwich (when not cycling through far off lands…)