Welcome

Background / About Me

My motorcycle journey started back in 1981 on a Suzuki TS50 ER XK, which feels like yesterday to me. I passed my motorcycle test in 1982 on a Yamaha RD250LC: the last year of learners being able to use a 250cc, before 125cc became mandatory; no pressure then…

It has been an incredible journey ever since then, and I am as keen now as when I started. I would wager that you feel the same way too if you are a biker, or have been previously.

I have owned many great bikes over the years. Yamaha RD250 and 350 LC’s, Honda 400/4, Honda Fireblades’, Honda CBR1000F, Kawasaki ZX900 E2, BMW K1200R, Honda ST1300 Pan European, Kawasaki ZX12R, KTM 660SMR, Kawasaki ZZR11/12/14, and many others. Too many to list or to recall.

Personal Life

I live in a village fairly close to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, U.K.

Fortunately, there are lots of great roads to explore when out and about on my doorstep. A far cry from the gridlocked city mayhem before moving here.

Originally, I lived in London. I never did enjoy life there though, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise. Not for me at all. I much prefer a more peaceful existence and a slower pace of life.

In recent times I have endured some significant health issues. In fact, I was unsure if I would ever get back to relative normality on several occasions. I am not going to dwell or be specific. Consequently, I now see life very differently as a result of those moments.

Pro photography was a very enjoyable time in my life, along with the I.T and web design etc. So, I am not a Luddite. I enjoy these topics still, though I now pursue them just for pleasure or as a hobby.

Video was a new medium to me though, so I needed a deep dive into Adobe Premiere Pro, which I thoroughly enjoy, both learning and using. The platform [Adobe] or ‘ecosystem’ being a familiar format to me from said photography background.

Biking is a great therapy. Especially for anyone with any type of mental health issues, such as ‘post trauma’ like myself, or depression. The clichés about ‘freedom’ and the ‘open road’, all ring true. Sometimes being alone and enjoying the ride is all the solace and peace one needs.

Mental health is a highly subjective topic. We are all different indeed, but never assume you are immune, you’re not.

Current Motorcycle

Currently I am riding a BMW R1200GS TE LC.

I have four Givi Trekker Outback cases to use (2 x 37ltr panniers, 1 x 42ltr top box, 1 x 58ltr top box). I also have various roll-top bags for my camping clobber if needed. I much prefer to travel as light as I can, so I always whittle everything down to the bare minimum.

There’s a lot to like about the GS. I considered the XR before I bought the GS, but I wanted to slow myself down [a lot], and the XR wouldn’t help me with that. Then I went to potentially buy a V-Strom during lockdown, but the dealer in question was so bloody rude it was an easy decision to let him keep it. I was coming from a ZZR1400, so the slowing down thing was an imperative. Hence.

It has worked too. The GS is an amazing back road blaster if needs be, or it can plod about in touring mode (not often I confess) with ease. So versatile, I absolutely love the GS.

Another major consideration for me [pre-purchase] was my height. The RT was considered but being as tall as I am – and some medical ailments notwithstanding – the GS was the right choice for me.

A GSA was not being sought. Again, nothing wrong with them of course, the differences being subtle. It was just my personal preference and riding style that dictated the standard GS was being sought. No regrets.

Mirror extenders and Puig touring screen suit me perfectly. Took a while to fathom out which screen worked the best, but the Puig was the best for touring every time.

An old friend of mine (who was an ex-racing instructor), and an amazingly talented rider himself [obvs], he used to ride a GS, and he explained that no one really needed more than 100 BHP for the road. I cannot argue with that, as he was right. His experience was valued by me obviously. So, my GS is obviously 125 BHP, which is fine.

I still press-on don’t get me wrong. Certainly, the GS can hustle when needs must. So, what I am saying is, is that I am happy with what I have right now. A Swiss army penknife type of motorcycle, that actually suits me, and for my intended purpose.

Plus, compared to other machines I’ve owned this one is more, er, visceral.

My Blogging and Vlogging

I blog and vlog about my motorcycle adventures. Lots of topics will be discussed.

Motorcycles, kit reviews, touring, camping, day trips, and of course weekends away. Local, national and international travel; mostly UK presently.

Planning all my own tours and day trips is very enjoyable. I create my own routes for satnav files, to ensure very specific routing and itinerary. Nothing unique I know, but it’s how I prefer to roll; planning, and creating my own adventures.

Occasionally I explain how I go about certain elements of the route planning process I use, but mostly I just outline the topic as it is very subjective.

Camping features a lot in my touring adventures, as I love being outdoors. Usually I camp alone, and I enjoy the peace and quiet when doing so. If I do go in a group setting, that too is very enjoyable.

I do use hotels & b&b’s too; sometimes I prefer a trip using only hotels – or mixed with camping days. It just depends on a few variables: locality, prices, weather, security, mood etc.

Motorcycle Racing Fan

Yes, it’s true, I’m a big fan of motorcycle racing. Most classes of short circuit and roads. I watch other racing if I see it on the telly.

From the mid-eighties to the present day, I have followed racing. I am a frequent visitor to BSB as the races are so intense and close. We are very lucky to have such an ultra-competitive race series at a national level here in the UK.

I’d love to go on a VIP BSB visit one day. A grid walk, and / or meeting some of the riders and their team. One day I hope…

In Closing

Biking is my passion in life. It has been frustrating at times (breakdowns and weather), but mostly it has been hugely rewarding. I think that being a biker has helped me immensely. Not just to overcome some deep adversity in my life, but to also reward me with some great friends and adventures along the way; many a memory to cherish.

See you out on the road soon. If you do see me out-and-about, please come and say hi. Or drop me a message on the contact page, or via my YouTube channel or other social media channels. I love to meet new people.

Now I need to get busy and get on with it. So, without any further ado…

(There is no expert analysis of anything from me – I’m not an expert obviously. I just share my personal views and honest opinion.)