#Sam Manicom

[ijustwant2ride]

Motorcycle Book Review: The Moment Collectors

The Moment Collector is an anthology of short stories from motorcyclists traveling the world. The collector of these stories is Sam Manicom, himself a world traveler on two wheels.

The Moment Collector is an anthology of short stories from motorcyclists traveling the world. The collector of these stories is Sam Manicom, himself a world traveler on two wheels. Sam collected twenty tales from intrepid motorcycling travelers. As with all anthologies some stories are more engrossing than others, some writers are better than others. Yet overall, I enjoyed the book greatly. I…

[two-wheeled-therapy]

2022 OVERLAND EXPO EAST

How have I never heard of this wondrous event before?  Fortunately for me I noted the posting about it on advrider forums.  Upon checking it out, I signed up immediately for the full Overland Experience.  I am hooked! 

I loaded Jipci up for the ride down to Arrington, Virginia and pointed her south on Friday morning.  Arriving at the event, check in was a breeze as the staff of ever helpful volunteers showed me where to go.  Once there I knew I needed to set up my camp ASAP so I could get to the first event I had signed up for - The DART Level II rider training.  Once my weekend home was set up, I set off to find the training. 

It had warmed up considerably and was in the high 70′s as Bill Dragoo introduced his staff and started our training. I have about 12,000 miles experience riding dual sport motorcycles, about half of which was on dirt or gravel roads or trails, but I have never taken any training to teach me how to ride on these.  Let me tell you, there is no substitute for professional training.  Bill and his staff introduced each segment of the training and provided demonstrations of how they were supposed to look.  I, on the other hand, provided demonstrations of how they weren’t supposed to look. When seeing several of the obstacles they presented, I thought “there is no way in hell I’ll be able to do that!” My first attempt often reflected this negative mindset. But putting their patient guidance to use, I surprised myself and actually learned a lot, accomplished a lot, and overcame a lot.  I had originally tried to get in to the Level I course but was told it was full.  Bill told us all that regardless of what the scheduling app said, if we wanted to show up for any of his training while there, providing we paid for the full Overland Experience, we were welcome - Just show up with a proper gear and a positive mindset, and he would let you take the training.,

Knowing I needed more training, I toyed with the idea of making the Overland Expo an entire weekend of rider training.  But I had signed up for a lot of other training, and wanted to visit the vendors and get the full experience, so opted to keep my schedule and attend training on moto-camping, cooking, acro yoga and more.  Wait a second . . . did I say acro yoga?  Hell yeah!  And much like some of the obstacles in the DART training, when I first saw what they wanted me to do I thought “there is no way in hell I’ll be able to do that!” And once again my first attempt often reflected this negative mindset. But the patience and professionalism of Sam and Raquel of yogaslackers shone through and I was able to accomplish new things.  .

People.  That is what motorcycling is all about.  Yes we see amazing landscapes and remember them well.  But its the people that make each journey special.  People like Bill Dragoo, Adv Matt, Chef Corso, Sam and Raquel,and my new friends I met while camping, Steve and Rosita who have been living in their Chevy Colorado for months as they explore the country.  There were two people who really stood out to me on this journey.

The first is Dan of Cycle South.  This is the guy that posted the thread about this event on advrider.  He also is a guy who has ridden his little Suzuki throughout South America and has amazing stories to tell.  The other was Adv legend Sam Manicom.  Having heard about Sam Manicom through watching Adventure Bike TV on Amazon Prime, I had read some of his works and knew a bit of him.  So I signed up for two of his sessions.  The first was “Ask Sam anything”.  It was easy to get to this session as it literally was in the same site as the session I had immediately before that. So I wasn’t surprised when at first it was just Sam and me sitting there talking after we introduced ourselves.  But, not having looked at my watch, I didn’t realize that we had spent the first 10 - 15 minutes of the session with just the two of us talking about life and riding.  Sam was just as interested in my rides as I was in his.  Eventually about 4 others showed up and it really felt like a small group of guys sitting around the campfire after a day’s ride.  The only things that were missing was the campfire and the beers.  The second session I had with Sam was more widely attended as it dealt with moto-journalism.  How to get your story published.  Again Sam was just a down to earth guy sharing his knowledge and experience with other like minded individuals.  If you ever get the opportunity to talk with him - don’t pass it up - he has a wealth of knowledge and experience he is willing to share and also wants to learn from your experiences as well.

For the ride to the expo, I packed Jipci for much more than just a weekend.  I packed her for the 30 day Alaskan trip so I could see how she will do, and identify things I need to change.  I definitely need a bigger tent - the one man tent was just too small, and I don’t like my gear being outside, even if it was in a “vestibule”.  I am also thinking of soft bags for the big trip.  They will hold more which will allow me to carry less.  More on the reverse logic in another post. 

So I checked off my first two nights of moto-camping - One of which got damn cold, leaving frost and ice on Jipci.  But I survived.  The training, the experiences, the people made this all a wonderful event.  Oh and the fact that I was the big raffle winner on Friday night was a bonus too - which more than paid for the entire trip.  I came back with a few trinkets from the expo - One was Sam Manicom’s latest book, Moment Collectors, which is a collaborative book with chapters written by several different ADV riders (Dan wrote chapter 17).  I have read 4 chapters so far and it is a great read. Those who know me know I get stickers from places I have gone.  On the SAC Cycle these stickers adorn the inside of my top case.  This experience made me start another new thing - Stickers of people I have met along the way.  Jipci now has Sam Manicom and Cycle South stickers on her. These stickers evoke memories of great experiences as much as any “destination” sticker can. 

If you’ve never been to an Overland Expo - Go.If you have been - Go again!  I most definitely will be back.

[wanderlust-journal]

Sam Manicom travelled the world on his trusty 1992 BMW R80GS, with his partner Birgit on her 1971 BMW R60/5, for 8 years. He has been writing for various magazines around the world since 1996. Those titles include:  Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, Adventure Bike Rider, Motorcycle Voyager, Canadian Biker, Motorcycle Monthly, Motociclisimo, Motorcycle Explorer, Australian Road Rider, MCN and ADVMoto Magazine.

He is the author of 4 acclaimed motorcycle travel books. His first book was written as a result of readers’ letters to editors. ‘We like Sam’s articles. When’s he going to write a book?’  Until that time he���d been travelling with just new adventures in mind.

Over the last few years, I’ve got to know Sam Manicom through our talks while working at #OverlandExpoWest in Flagstaff, Arizona. I finally had a chance to ask him a few questions about his journeys and inspirations. 

What got you into travelling like you do?

A drunken moment in a bar on the tiny Channel Island of Jersey! Beer is a very dangerous thing, isn’t it? For sure it has the ability to dull the senses, but it can also open up a world of free thinking.

I was working on the island, which is tucked in the English Channel between the UK and France, and following a career path, as you are supposed to do as an adult.  I’ve travelled a lot during my life but had eventually settled down, thinking that perhaps it was time to grow up and to be sensible. After all, we are supposed to feather our nests for old age aren’t we. Besides that, developing a career was going to be a new challenge. I’d not really done it before, so why not see what it was all about.

I surprised myself at how well I did in my retail manager role. Taken on as a very junior manager, I advanced fairly rapidly through the ranks and had all the trappings of life that one is supposed to have with success. An apartment, a sports car, holidays abroad and so on. I think the keys were that people matter to me, I’m fairly organised, I find it easy to respect the people I’m working with, and I liked looking after customers.

Some say that selling is a hard-nosed business, but my attitude towards it was that customers needed help, not sales spiel. If a customer was in my store, they were either there looking for general knowledge, or there for a problem solving reason. I’m happy with the former; we all do it, its curiosity, window-shopping from the inside. As for the latter, my job was to make sure that the customer was listened to, and guided towards products that might be a solution to their needs.

My staff and I had fun and we were successful. The Jersey shop was the number four store out of hundreds of branches throughout the UK. But for me, there was something missing. I had itchy feet, and the itch was increasing dramatically each week. I worked on, telling myself that bunking off on another long trip was irresponsible. After all, I was 34; at the peak of my professional career.

One night in the pub over a bit of a solo celebration when the beers were slipping down rather wonderfully, my thoughts had turned to the itch. By the time I’d made it to the 4thbeer I’d realised some important points. Other than work I had no responsibilities, and I had savings. What a brilliant combination.

The next beer slipped down dangerously and I started to ponder that call of the road.  Perhaps I should push off on a new adventure. Would I ever be in this position of potential freedom again? I’d be giving up a lot though…

I’d actually spent most of my life travelling in one way or another. I was born and brought up in the Belgian Congo in Central West Africa. I was 10 years old when my parents decided that it was time to take my sisters and me to live in the UK. I think that was a really hard decision for them. Life had revolved around their work in the Congo for so many years. It certainly was odd for me to go from my usual attire of a pair of shorts and a great tan, to wearing full English school uniform; even a tie and a cap! I was known as Jungle Boy for quite a few years as I came to terms with life in England. I must have been quite a strange little lad as far as the other kids were concerned. A python? So what. But apples, chocolate bars and the Beatles? All new to me.

I made my first solo trip as a foray into mainland Europe, age 16.  I rode a brand new bicycle, that I’d worked doing odd jobs to save the money for. That first trip taught me that destinations don’t matter, other than as a plan. What matters is that you go, and that you appreciate the things and people you see and get involved with along the way. Back then I’d no idea that this was going to turn into a plan for life; value the moments.

On finishing school age 18, I’d no idea what I was going to do. Having been to multiple schools and spent most of my time trying to fit in with each new environment, and buzzing around on the sports field, my grades weren’t very good. University? With my grades, only a poor one and it’s just another school, isn’t it. I chose to work a retail management training course for three years with one of the UK’s leading department stores.

Of course, at the time I’d no idea how much the training, new skills and character building would stand me in good stead. I probably couldn’t successfully do what I do now had it not been for all of the training that was involved.

At the end of those three years, the open road was calling and I set off to spend a year hitch hiking around Europe. With that trip, life changed. It wasn’t hard to make this become a way of living. Work and travel; sometimes combining both. Many of the jobs were basic and low wage, but with each new job I learnt; about the role itself, myself, and the country I was in. I travelled as far as India and Australia. Over the next years I hitch-hiked, bused, trained, hiked, sailed and had a go at every form of getting around that I could. And then the career in retail management took over. The trouble was, at no time in my life had I felt as alive, as challenged, as amazed, as delighted and at times frightened, as when I was on the move in some different land. One of my favourite sayings is ‘Become a stranger in a strange land’.

As I was sitting drinking those beers, that saying was in my mind. I started to ponder the possibilities; where to go and how to go? What didn’t I like about the other ways I’d travelled? I loved hitch-hiking but I’d done that a lot. So what’s new? I’d really enjoyed the pace and challenge of bicycling, but yep, those head winds weren’t something I looked forward to. I also knew that I wanted the ability to cover more ground in whatever time I could make available. Cycling was out then, and so was travelling by bus or by train. Unable to stop, I’d zipped on past things, people and places that looked interesting.

My beery brain was hunting for a new way to travel. A way to solve the issues I was identifying, and give me new things to learn. Slowly my mind worked around to travelling by motorcycle. I knew I wanted to travel through Africa too. I wanted to see if my childhood memories about how things sound smelt and tasted were true. The only problem was, I didn’t know how to ride a motorcycle!

I handed in my notice to work the next morning. I had a bit of a hangover but I was convinced that I was doing the right thing. I then bought myself a little 125cc trail bike to learn on, and passed my test 6 weeks later. It wasn’t long before I’d made it to the edge of the Sahara. Sitting on my 800cc BMW motorcycle, I looked south over the sands and contemplated the point that quite likely I was a complete idiot! I mean, ride a motorcycle through Africa with just a few months experience? I must have been mad, but it was too late; I was there. And anyway, I’d told my mates in the pub what I was doing. I couldn’t deal with the loss of face if I turned back without even trying.

So the journey through Africa began. The original plan, if I dare call it that with things happening at such a pace, was to ride through West Africa. Just as I passed my motorcycle test, things went politically pear-shaped in Algeria, and all the borders in that part of Africa closed. No one had the remotest idea how long this situation was going to continue. I had a ticking clock in my mind. Because of the terrain and the extreme temperatures, there are only certain months of the year when it’s sane to travel across the Sahara. If I didn’t crack on I’d lose the opportunity.

The alternative route was through East Africa. The problem there was that Sudan had a North to South civil war going on, and Ethiopia had been at war within itself for the past 20 years. On the up side, some people were getting visas for Sudan, and the war in Ethiopia was just coming to an end. With nothing to lose, I set off with new rough plans in mind; I might as well try. After all, I’d given up my job, and sold just about everything I owned. What hadn’t occurred to me was that Mike, and Sally, who I’d met on the way, and I were to be the first people to ride motorcycles North to South through Sudan and Ethiopia for those 20 years. We’d struck it lucky. A window of opportunity had opened.

This was 1992. No Google, no GPS, no cell phones and no digital photography. If you wanted to find something out you went to the library or wrote letters. If you wanted to find the way, you hunted out the best maps you could, and you asked the way. Getting lost was a part of the journey, and instead of being a negative it simply opened up a world of the unexpected. Some of the best adventures happen on a road you hadn’t planned to be travelling.

19 fascinating countries and a year later, I decided that actually there was no good reason to head for home. There were plenty of reasons to carry on though. Travelling by motorcycle, in spite of being thrown in prison in Tanzania and 17 bone fractures in the desert in Namibia, was more than fulfilling my beery thoughts in the pub. Another favourite saying is ‘Stop worrying about the potholes and celebrate the journey’.

I booked passage for my bike and I to sail on a container ship across the Indian Ocean to Australia. And so, what turned out to be an eight year journey around the world began. My motorcycle by the way, is called Libby. That’s short for Liberty; it’s what she gives me. All these years later, she’s still my only means of transport in the UK. She does now have a younger sister getting me around in the USA on trips there. A 2013 BMW F800GS. That bike is still waiting for a name to grow. Who knows, it might be ‘Lucky’. For sure I know how lucky I am to have her, and the opportunity to explore more of the amazing land that is the USA.

What next? More travels but in shorter stints; I need just enough to keep scratching that itch and to give me material to write travel articles about. I also spend a fair bit of time doing travel presentations and book signings at motorcycle dealerships, libraries, clubs, schools and businesses. They are my opportunity to share the fun of the road, and perhaps even encourage others to head out and to explore for themselves. I’m keen that people really think about life, recognise the opportunities as they occur, and take advantage of them. This is such an invigorating thing, both at work and play. I fully accept that many people have responsibilities that will not allow them to head out into the blue for months even years at a time. I really value being around people like that who are accepting their responsibilities and making life zing as much as they can. I love it when people say such things as, “I’d love to travel, but I can’t, yet.” Adventures begin with dreams.

I think of myself as being a bit of an accidental author. I didn’t set out on my journey with the aim of writing magazine articles or books. With enthusiastic encouragement from others I thought I’d have a go. I’d kept a journal every day, so I had the facts and many of the descriptions. Long term travellers learn quickly about the risk of being on intake overload each day; it’s so easy to forget the dates, statistics, sights, sounds, smells, names and so on. The drama and the funny side to life do tend to stay in one’s mind though.

It would be a new adventure seeing if I could write a book, and so settled down to write my first; Into Africa. I was putting in 10-12 hour days working renovating houses and then after a quick shower and some food, I sat down to write. It took me two years. Learning everything about the publishing and print industries has been a side fascination and I’ll never forget the sensation of having my first printed copy in my hand; it’s a wonderful moment.I certainly didn’t expect the 5 star reviews my books have been collecting from kind readers and media reviewers.

Each of the four books takes the reader riding and exploring through a different section of the eight year journey and thankfully people seem to like them. ‘Thankfully’ because I wrote them as travel books, rather than specifically as motorcycle travel books, and I describe the sorts of things I like to read about as a traveller. Years later I read that authors should only write about things they know about and have a passion for.

I think of my books as being a way to share the fun of the open road with those who for the moment can’t head out on a long trip, with those who really don’t want to travel but love to read about it, and also as encouragement to those who think they don’t have the skills to travel in this way. I had few skills when I started, but I had an open mind, a strong curiosity, understanding of the value of respect and I’ve got a positive attitude to most things. It’s a great world and travelling by motorcycle, to my mind, is a superb way to see it.

Into AfricaTakes the reader on that first eye-opening year through the incredible continent that is Africa. There are challenges a plenty; it’s a genuine tale of the unexpected. Woven into this journey between Cairo and Cape Town are the riding, the people, wildlife, history, the disasters and the silver linings; there’s plenty of humour too.

Overland Magazine: ‘The word-pictures that bring a good travel book to life are all here; Sam’s perceptions of people, places and predicaments have real depth and texture, their associated sights, smells and sounds are evoked with a natural ease. Where other author’s detailed descriptions can sometimes get in the way, Sam’s style is engaging and well-tuned. I found myself in the midst of action rather than a mere fly on the wall.’

Under Asian Skies This is the story of just over 2 years travelling from Australia and New Zealand, up through SE Asia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and through Eastern Europe. This without doubt is the most colourful and culturally diverse part of the world I’ve been lucky enough to ride. Every day was an adventure.

Horizons Unlimited: ‘Sam has the skills of the story teller and this book easily transports you into three years of journey across Asia. He manages to bring the sounds, scents and heat of Asia to life without wordy overkill and he has obviously researched his historical facts carefully. In places Under Asian Skies is sad, and in others it’s outrageously funny – look out for his battle with the Sydney port officials and the bus ride in Indonesia. All in all this is a really good read, whether you have been across Asia, or are planning a trip. This is true travelling on the cheap and not your everyday story.’

Distant Suns My third book has me linking up with a German lass in New Zealand. Birgit agreed to ride with me, but to Africa first, and on her own bike. She rode out of Mombasa harbour in Kenya with just 600 miles of experience on a motorcycle! Over the next 3 years we rode together through Africa, and on up through South and Central America. These continents may be on the same latitude, but the contrasts in landscape, cultures and the peoples are huge. The Andes? Simply stunning. Oh and I’d not told Birgit what a disaster magnet I am!

Motorcycle Explorer: ‘An epic ride that almost becomes secondary to the events that happen and the very human element of travelling. Always evoking the emotions of others, because Sam never forgets to use his five senses in his tales. Leaving you immersed in the sights, sounds, touch, smell and taste of a journey of true human discovery.’

Tortillas to Totems? This book takes you travelling with us through the 3 countries that make up North America. Three neighbours that are so wonderfully different to each other, make travelling this part of the world a delight. North America was in fact the part of the world that surprised me the most. When you read this book you’ll find out all the reasons why I keep coming back.

ADVMoto Magazine: ‘What I enjoy most about Sam’s method is his way of describing the moment. You feel it, smell it… you freeze, you sweat, and you see what’s before him like you’re along for the ride. You are very much there. It’s a rather intimate, honest style that easily carries you from chapter-to-chapter. I highly recommend that you add Sam’s books to your reading list.’

Fall Presentation Tour 2019:

GO AZ Motorcycles Peoria AZSeptember 6th(Friday). On this, my second visit to GO AZ, I’ll be talking about the delights of travelling across Asia. I’ll also be book signing. 6pm start

BMW Motorcycles of North Dallas TX September (FRIDAY 13th!) Feel like risking it for a Presentation Evening and Book Signing? Start time is at 6pm. My multi-media presentation is about Incredible Africa!

Adventure Motorsports of NWF Pensacola FL September 21st (Saturday) Africa Presentation Evening and Book Signing. Join us 5pm if you can – we will be starting the presentation at 5.15 pm.

Pandora’s European Motorsports Chattanooga TN September 24th (Tuesday) Africa Presentation Evening and Book Signing – 6.30 to 9pm

Motorcycles of Charlotte NC October 2nd (Wednesday) – Africa Presentation Evening and Book Signing. Doors open for food at 6.30pm and the presentation with be starting at 7.15pm

Overland Expo East VA October 11th to 13th in Arrington. I’ll be presenting, running Classes, in Round Table sessions and Book Signing.

If you would like to meet Birgit then please join us at Motorcycles of Charlotte and at Overland Expo East. She will be joining me for this section of the tour. 

Signed copies are available from Sam-Manicom.com with free UK delivery, and with free Worldwide delivery via the Book Depository.com https://www.bookdepository.com/author/Sam-Manicom

Sam’s 4 books are available as Paperbacks, Kindles and as Audiobooks. Sam narrates the books himself.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindle-Store-Sam-Manicom/s?rh=n%3A341677031%2Cp_27%3ASam+Manicom

https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Sam+Manicom

https://books.apple.com/us/author/sam-manicom/id516565970

Facebook– Catch up with Sam via his two pages: Sam Manicom and Adventure Motorcycle Travel Books by Sam Manicom.

Twitter– You’ll find him on @SamManicom

Instagram– sammanicom.author

Website– If you’d like to learn more about his books and his presentation schedule please go to www.sam-manicom.com

Sam is Co-Host of Adventure Rider Radio RAW show. Hosted by Jim Martin, the show is recorded monthly with a panel of 5 highly experienced overlanders from around the world. Listeners submit topics for discussion. RAW has been described by listeners as akin to sitting around a giant kitchen table with the team, beers, wine and coffee in hand, discussing motorcycles and travel; there’s controversy, challenging ideas, top tips and plenty of banter!

https://adventureriderradio.com/arr-raw/

Sam says, “If you are a You Tube fan, have a hunt. There are various riding and interview clips to be found, including a recent chat with the phenomenal Ted Simon.”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-658_CSkrA

He was the first Overlander Interviewed by Adventure Bike TV for their popular ‘Under the Visor’ series:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bToV6paAEXM

In 2017 Overland Magazine awarded him the‘Roho Ya Kusafiri Spirit of Travel’  award for his contribution to Overland and Adventure Travel:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Y1BKPbp_Y

In 2011, Sam joined the team of advisors working with travellers supported by The Ted Simon Foundation.

I had to learn about book writing the hard way – there were few people in the world of publishing whose knowledge I was able to tap into. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help other travellers get more out of their adventures, and to learn how to get their work published. We live in a stunning world that’s full of surprises, and what better way is there for a person to share those experiences than to write and publish a great book. The Ted Simon Foundation is the perfect platform to help this happen.

http://jupiterstravellers.org/

  In Interview with Sam Manicom Sam Manicom travelled the world on his trusty 1992 BMW R80GS, with his partner Birgit on her 1971 BMW R60/5, for 8 years. 

[journey-junkies]

Ten More Inspirational Travel and Adventure Books

Ten More Inspirational Travel and Adventure Books from our vast collection!

As passionate travellers, many of our adventures have been inspired by books. Reading about travel and adventure has always motivated us to head out into the world and take journeys of our own. Here we present ten more inspirational travel and adventure books for your perusal!

Moods of Future Joys by Alastair Humphreys

In all honesty, it’s tough to choose a book from Alastair’s wide…

[thebikerbookforcharity]

#arrington #virginia - Oct. 7-9

Check out author Sam Manicom….

@sammanicom.author

The Biker Book for Charity is honored to have Sam as a book participant.

Generosity of Spirit at work.❤️

#motorcycle #books #author #overlanders

[alteregoiskevin-blog]

Stop by @thehelmetcenter tonight for bike night. We will be there along with @sammanicom.author. It starts at 6 and their are prizes and food. We will have MirrorLok and Moto Dock and Sam Manicom will have books and t-shirts. #bikenight #helmetcenter #glendaleaz #mirrorlok #motodock #motorcycleaccessories (at The Helmet Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxu_SG2n59K/?igshid=4qesu0ic15jv

[itunesbooks]

Motorcycle Messengers: Tales from the Road by Writers Who Ride - Jeremy Kroeker

Motorcycle Messengers: Tales from the Road by Writers Who Ride Jeremy Kroeker Genre: Specialty Travel Price: $9.99 Publish Date: August 3, 2015 Publisher: Jeremy Kroeker Seller: Smashwords, Inc. Motorcycle Messengers is a collection of travel stories from some of the leading writers in the genre ... plus a few people you've never heard of. Consider it a sample pack of authors. Read a story by the fire and discover your new favourite motorcycle travel writer. Lois Pryce exploits her dead grandmother and an imaginary husband to access the Congo. Neil Peart finds his rhythm through the curves of North Carolina. Paddy Tyson numbs his fear of crocodiles with a few drinks in Australia. Carla King rides with a screaming, doped-up trucker in China. Sam Manicom is forced out of country by the military in Sudan. Geoff Hill breaks a Royal Enfield, falls in love, and becomes a hookah hooligan in Iran. Jeremy Kroeker yearns to slap a rain gear designer in Slovenia. Ted Bishop tricks himself into one final ride through the United States. Mark Richardson puts his foot up and makes connections in Rwanda. Jordan Hasselmann stares down the barrel of a wooden gun - and possibly a real one, too - in Guatemala. Christopher P. Baker nearly crashes as he crushes crustaceans in Cuba. Ted Simon ponders humanity while observing a rescue at sea off the coast of Malaysia. http://dlvr.it/R0ncJ4

[sbknews]

New Post has been published on Superbike News

New Post has been published on https://superbike-news.co.uk/wordpress/get-set-for-adventure-as-intrepid-explorers-stop-by-the-capital-for-the-london-motorcycle-show/

Get Set For Adventure as Intrepid Explorers Stop by the Capital for the London Motorcycle Show

A host of global adventurers will be taking time out of their epic travels this February to stop by the 2019 Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show and share tales from their incredible journeys exclusively on the TomTom Adventure and Travel stage. Also at the show will be 17 of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers showcasing the latest 2019 machines, iconic classic machines and race stars going head-to-head in a free live action contest!

Once again taking over the ExCeL Centre, in London’s Docklands, Feb 15 – 17th, the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show will be encouraging riders to take to the road as it celebrates the epic journeys undertaken by some of the UK’s leading adventure riders.

Fresh from their ride through the icy winter of Siberia on a 300cc homemade scooter and sidecar, Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes will be taking to the TomTom Adventure and Travel stage to share tales from their trip, how to plan for cold weather and also how to stay safe on the road. Overland veteran Sam Manicom will be looking at how to plan a trip, short or long, whilst Mark Kemp will be discussing more about his round the world odyssey raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Steph Jeavons, who traversed seven continents aboard her Honda CR250L and Simon and Lisa Thomas, who have been living life on the road for the past 15 years will be taking to the stage to share their stories and expertise.

Elsewhere in the TomTom Adventure and Travel Zone, Michelin’s Tony Charlton will be demonstrating how to repair a roadside puncture, MCN’s Michael Guy will explain how to choose the right bike for your trip whilst Rally Raid’s John Mitchinson will be going into detail about the modifications made to the BMW G310 GS in order to make it a true big trip contender. The Trail Riders Fellowship will also be on hand with displays on basic off-road riding techniques.

A show highlight is the chance for visitors to get up close to the latest 2019 machines from 17 of the world’s top manufacturers including AJS, BMW, CCM, Ducati, Ducati Scrambler, Energica, Herald, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, Lexmoto, Lextek, Suzuki, Triumph, UM, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles. Taking over the centre of the hall will be the Michelin Thunderdrome, which will pit former 500cc Grand Prix Champion Wayne Gardner against World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson, British Superbike winner Richard Cooper and more race stars to be announced. New for 2019 will also be the Michelin Rage Cage, seeing riders race around a six metre high steel cage in a gravity defying show.

Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness will be propping the bar up at his very own pub once again, as he pours pints and shares tales from his incredible career competing at the world’s fastest Road Race.

Andy Calton, Editor of MCN added, “Adventure and motorcycling go hand-in-hand so we’re very pleased to be able to bring some of the UK’s leading explorers to the 2019 Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show. Each speaker taking to the stage has an incredible story, which will no doubt encourage some visitors to head out and take on their own journey, big or small!

With 17 manufacturers, halls packed with the best biking brands and tons of bargains, a host of racing celebs, countless custom machines and rare classics on show, there’s going to be something for everyone”.

[janetpar-blog]

Into Africa: Africa by Motorcycle - Every Day an Adventure (Unabridged) - Sam Manicom | Travel ...

[stuarttwiss2018trailride]

The end of the line....

Day 6. Ansonia, PN to Oswego, NY state. 195 miles.

I reached the end of the line at the NY state border after a short ride through muddy sections of trail and before celebrating with a giant breakfast and then a leisurely and warm ride to Lake Ontario.

I'm feeling the miles in the morning with a stiff neck and aching hands that don't quite close.

It also takes a while to get going because there is homework to be done. This blog, some tenancy guarantor stuff and insurance for Canada.

At last I'm up on the bike and making my way to the gas station through a damp and drizzly morning. Pumping gas I see two trail riders rushing through. but away from the trail I am heading for.

At last I reach the trail, rising up from the valley on a old mining road, slick after the rain and in places a little bit rutted, is this Wiltshire?

To follow the MABDR trail I have downloaded a track from the MABDR website and coloured it black to show up when glancing down whilst riding. In turn, as I ride the trail, my GPS leaves a blue trace. In effect navigation is easy. I point the GPS position arrow along the black line and the black line is overpainted with blue.

I started following the black line 4 days ago when the Trans America Trail met it in Damascus. Today I will come to the end of the line and choose whether to head to Vermont and the Puppy Dog Route or head straight to Ottawa.

The line runs out far too early after only 20 or so miles. The end has none of the drama of arriving at the Pacific at the end of the TAT in Port Orford, Oregon. Instead it ends at a closed Dandy's restaurant and a gas station in Lawrenceville. Nevertheless I feel a celebration is in order with a fry up and some french toast at Rotsell's whilst I also decide whether to head East or North.

A review of the facts makes my mind up for me. Greenfield in MA is so far East it will take the rest of the day riding tarmac to reach it. My tyres are wearing and the road riding would leave them in a sorry state, especially if I need them for more mud. The margins for reaching Ottawa by Monday lunchtime are so slim that even a puncture would be a problem. In fact I would be riding away from my destination. In my original plan the PDR would have been a bridging trail towards New Brunswick. Now it makes no sense.

The restaurant is quietly busy with locals and those passing through. A pair of elderly couples are putting the world to rights. One shares this with the restaurant, 'The reason the Democrats let in those Mexicans is so they'll vote them in! I didn't fight for my country so I could pay my taxes to some illegal immigrants.'

They move on to how the president is doing really well and although he's had a problem with Obamacare changes he should press on with them.

It did trouble them that the president does from time to time say some things and falls out with his staff but he's still doing well

So I am now heading North. To keep away from traffic and to seek out some interesting roads I key in Oswego via cycle routes in Google maps and I'm off again.

I find a few interesting little lanes but mainly move along the straight sections of road; right then left then right again for miles as the farms take on a more Midwest approach to growing maize and soya.

At one small town it's name rings a faint bell. Watkins Glen? I Google it to be reminded that it's a NASCAR track, and only requires a 4 mile detour.

The entrance to the raceway is busy with campers arriving for a big weekend event. No racing today but some sort of fire festival because each pick up has a stock of firewood bought from the roadside on the way in.

Back through the town which is tourist trap for people heading'upstate' to the parks and forests. So busy with people and SUVs that I'm a bit disoriented after days alone and in the forest. I nearly hit pedestrians with my reflexes far slower than I have held for the deer.

The rain finally stops but it's humid and warm. I begin to boil in my waterproofing and helmet so stop for an ice-cream to arrange for a change of tyres and hire car in Ottawa and to book a room in Oswego.

A local character, Sean comes in. He's worried about having a fit so asks me and others to check on him and leaves the bathroom door ajar. He's in constant touch with his girlfriend with his phone on speaker. She's as reassured by this as much as he is and their chatter isn't as intrusive as it sounds here.

Sean is keen to engage me in conversation but frustratingly all the accommodation within my price range is full and without good internet and a data signal I'm not in the mood for talk.

As I leave Sean asks me if, 'Is that your trash?' Shamed I go back for it which upsets him. Booking.com slowly buffers in the background. Bloody network. Before leaving I go back in to apologise for not talking. Sean tells me he always takes off his hat when he eats because it shows others he has manners.

My bike, clothes, backpack and panniers are filthy. I get $6 of jetwash quarters and rinse away the mud and more.

30 miles to go to Oswego and I reach the Riverfront Inn and suites. This is a step or 4 up from the motels I've stayed in so far and I feel the effects of a slower day and the little taste of luxury.

Taking stock I realise that I can avoid the daily anxiety of finding lodging by taking a two night stay close to the Canadian border and if I do I could have a riding day without luggage.

Googling dual sport riders in Vermont/N NY state I come across Bill Dragoo's name as an adventure bike rider taking tours from Vermont. I call him and talk about riding and the places we've been before seeing if he or his contacts want a ride out. He knows Sam Manicom who inspired me in 2011 but he lives in Oklahoma and can't help directly. He messages some friends on my behalf.

Carolyn shares photos of her first day in Quebec. Strange goings on with people in costume and oversized French chateaux.

Evening meal seems to be trail mix again as the local restaurants have closed. Oh well there is a full breakfast every morning for the next three days.

[ijustwant2ride]

Motorcycle Book Review: Tortillas to Totems

Motorcycle Book Review: Tortillas to Totems

Sam Manicom’s fourth motorcycle adventure book tracks his and his partner Birgit travels through Mexico, the United States and Canada.  While I have never toured the world like Sam but, he lays out the work involved while making it a fun read.

I say work because he is not reliant on sponsors or doing “viral” things to get attention and “followers”.  He sells stories and does “odd jobs” while…

[two-wheeled-therapy]

Video and pictures shot during my Overland Expo Experience

[florenceest-blog]

Into Africa: Africa by Motorcycle - Every Day an Adventure (Unabridged) - Sam Manicom | Travel ...

[desireeale-blog]

Into Africa: Africa by Motorcycle - Every Day an Adventure (Unabridged) - Sam Manicom | Travel ...

[thebikerbookforcharity]

Hey #ohio!

Go meet Sam Manicom… @sammanicom.author

world traveler and participant in The Biker Book for Charity.

And when you see Sam, give him a hug from me.

Generosity of Spirit at work.❤️

#motorcycles