Travels on a Motorbike

After 345 days away I’m back on British soil, and it all feels rather strange. I’m hoping this will be my penultimate post. The final post explaining how uneventful collecting my motorbike from Tilbury docks was, in about 2 weeks time.

I didn’t find what I was looking for. Although if I’m honest, I probably couldn’t tell you exactly what “it” is. I did have a good time looking for it though and I definitely learnt quite a bit about myself in the process. I met some wonderful people that I hope I’ll remain in contact with. It wasn’t all rosy though and I also met people I’d happily never see again. Fortunately may more of the former than the later. Over the 27,500 miles I got through 5 rear tyres, 3 front tyres, 4 oil filters, 10 litres of oil, 1 chain and sprockets, loads of chain lube, 1 helmet, about 2,500 litres of petrol and about £15,000 (total for everything consumed. i.e. I don’t have it now – plane tickets, bike transport, insurance, living/spending money, etc.)

I’ve been asked quite a few times this year: “So what’s next? You going to ride round the world?” The thing is; I like riding my motorbike but I’m not fanatical about it. I only learnt to ride a bike for this trip because I thought it would be more interesting than doing it on a bus. And it was. However, if there is a next adventure I think it will be slightly different. The idea of flying a light aircraft around Africa or sailing a boat to a far off land are top of the list at the moment. Whether they remain just ideas is another matter though, as I would imagine the time and financial commitment involved in either is considerably more than learning to ride a motorbike. I guess we’ll see what happens.

I did have one idea in Mexico though; and have been developing it ever since. It would cost nothing (financially) and would only take a month to complete. However, for me, it makes riding a motorbike through Latin America look like a walk in the park. If I ever have the guts to do it and come out the other side I’ll let you know what it was and how it went (on this blog). Chances are I’ll chicken out though, so don’t hold your breath. (And no mum; it’s not settling down and having kids!)

Only one thing left to do now. Walk to the pub on this cold but fresh and sunny English afternoon…