PRESENTERS
Presenters for the Overland Event 2020 are being announced continually. The ever-increasing list is below
(click each image for more information)
Spencer Conway
Spencer Conway doesn’t like to do things by halves. From his home in Kent, his first big motorcycle adventure was a 55,000 km circumnavigation of Africa through 32 countries on his Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré. He was actually born and raised in Africa and has worked internationally as a cliff rescuer, lifeguard, gym instructor and even a teacher, so doesn’t scare easily.
Then in 2016 he took the same bike to South America, this time riding two-up with his partner Cathy through another 13 countries on a journey that was full of unexpected challenges. And he has just completed a circumnavigation of Central America, which wasn’t without incident!
TV programmes of both are to follow, but he launched his book about the Africa trip (The Japanese Speaking Curtain Maker) at the Overland Event last year and it's selling like the proverbial hotcakes.
Meet Spencer and Cathy (who has recently recovered from Dengue fever) at this year’s Overland Event where you can hear the full story of recent shenanigans preparing for their Darien Gap crossing, and get a signed copy of the book.
Then in 2016 he took the same bike to South America, this time riding two-up with his partner Cathy through another 13 countries on a journey that was full of unexpected challenges. And he has just completed a circumnavigation of Central America, which wasn’t without incident!
TV programmes of both are to follow, but he launched his book about the Africa trip (The Japanese Speaking Curtain Maker) at the Overland Event last year and it's selling like the proverbial hotcakes.
Meet Spencer and Cathy (who has recently recovered from Dengue fever) at this year’s Overland Event where you can hear the full story of recent shenanigans preparing for their Darien Gap crossing, and get a signed copy of the book.
Overland Magazine
Overland Magazine is the world's quality quarterly dedicated to travel by motorcycle. It's available in the UK (WHSmith Travel), Ireland (Easons), USA (Barnes & Noble), Canada (Chapters) as well as independent newsagents in Australia, NZ, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium... even Singapore.
And of course online
And of course online
Glynn Roberts
At the age of 21 Glynn broke down on his first trip abroad in Italy. No return ticket, next to no money (not even for a prized sticker for the bike), he rode the 1,500 miles back in four days at 30mph to save fuel money, living on 30 pears and a homemade loaf of bread!
The experience didn’t deter him, but rather it gave him the confidence to take on more adventurous challenges and trips, culminating in a 3 year round the world ride 6 years later.
In 2018 he made an impromptu trip to visit his niece in Mongolia on his 37 year-old BMW R80 G/S.
He’s continued the breakdown theme over the years, breaking down on every continent, narrowly making the trip home from Mongolia last year.
Glynn’s presentation is not an A to Z on how to do anything. But he does have some photos and a bunch of slightly bonkers stories from his trip to Mongolia and back.
The experience didn’t deter him, but rather it gave him the confidence to take on more adventurous challenges and trips, culminating in a 3 year round the world ride 6 years later.
In 2018 he made an impromptu trip to visit his niece in Mongolia on his 37 year-old BMW R80 G/S.
He’s continued the breakdown theme over the years, breaking down on every continent, narrowly making the trip home from Mongolia last year.
Glynn’s presentation is not an A to Z on how to do anything. But he does have some photos and a bunch of slightly bonkers stories from his trip to Mongolia and back.
Lisa and Simon Thomas
Since 2003 when they first left the UK on a BMW R1150GSA and an F650GS, Simon and Lisa Thomas have ridden something like half a million miles through 78 countries, breaking records and more than a few bones along the way.
In 2016 their original bikes were upgraded to a BMW R1200GSA LC for Simon and an F800GS for Lisa, which they’ve been riding around Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and the USA. But now they’re briefly back in the UK to see their families before continuing their quest to ride through 122 countries and on all seven continents.
We’re thrilled that they are to be part of the Overland Event this year and Lisa will be cooking up something really special: an on-the-road cookery workshop!
Find out more about their mammoth trip here
In 2016 their original bikes were upgraded to a BMW R1200GSA LC for Simon and an F800GS for Lisa, which they’ve been riding around Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and the USA. But now they’re briefly back in the UK to see their families before continuing their quest to ride through 122 countries and on all seven continents.
We’re thrilled that they are to be part of the Overland Event this year and Lisa will be cooking up something really special: an on-the-road cookery workshop!
Find out more about their mammoth trip here
Mark Holmes
Mark Holmes is a former businessman, but after heartbreak and financial ruin he set off from London on 1st. April 2017 to ride the world’s largest production motorcycle – his 2,300cc Triumph Rocket X – around the world. This 5-continent, 500-day ride led him to a new life and his aptly named first book ‘REBIRTH’. He deals honestly with loss, grief and love, as well as the daily difficulties of achieving his goal. Not to mention illegally entering the United States.
You might be familiar with his writing style if you’ve been reading Overland for a while.
It’s a great story that shows how no amount of planning can account for serendipity; he now lives in Lyon and is married to Dalila… Read the book!
Last year he was involved in an accident just before setting off to The Event, so had to leave the damaged bike and fly. It's all repaired now though and will be a feature in the Bike Show.
You might be familiar with his writing style if you’ve been reading Overland for a while.
It’s a great story that shows how no amount of planning can account for serendipity; he now lives in Lyon and is married to Dalila… Read the book!
Last year he was involved in an accident just before setting off to The Event, so had to leave the damaged bike and fly. It's all repaired now though and will be a feature in the Bike Show.
Matt and Reece (AsSeenFromTheSidecar)
Matt and Reece are back from their circumnavigation of the globe on a scooter with a sidecar. For those of you who haven’t checked in with their progress since they left from the 2017 Overland Event, you’ll be surprised to hear that the lads made it to Paris and much, much further. They even organised the wonderful Armchair Adventure Festival back in April during Covid lockdown.
We welcomed them home at January’s Winter Warmer where attendees were treated to Russian caviar as the guys talked about the coldest stretch of their trip back from Vladivostok to the UK.
This summer they will be talking about the whole trip, but so much more! Matt will be launching his new book about the whole affair and Reece will be screening what will be their brand new film. We can't wait and you can join us for the premiere!
We welcomed them home at January’s Winter Warmer where attendees were treated to Russian caviar as the guys talked about the coldest stretch of their trip back from Vladivostok to the UK.
This summer they will be talking about the whole trip, but so much more! Matt will be launching his new book about the whole affair and Reece will be screening what will be their brand new film. We can't wait and you can join us for the premiere!
Ted Simon
He’s Ted. He’s Jupiter. He really needs no introduction, but he and his Triumph are the reason thousands have saddled-up and set off to explore the world.
If you haven't read 'Jupiter's Travels' or 'Riding High' about his 4-year RTW ride in the 1970s, you really should...
We’re delighted that Ted will be able to join us again at this year’s Overland Event. He’ll be accompanied by both of his round-the-world motorcycles, which will take pride of place in the spot-lit Bike Show.
If you haven't read 'Jupiter's Travels' or 'Riding High' about his 4-year RTW ride in the 1970s, you really should...
We’re delighted that Ted will be able to join us again at this year’s Overland Event. He’ll be accompanied by both of his round-the-world motorcycles, which will take pride of place in the spot-lit Bike Show.
Louisa Swaden
Three years ago Louisa hadn’t ridden anything bigger than a 125. She wasn’t confident going faster than 50mph and didn’t like corners. Now she’s ridden the US, sailed from the Caribbean to New York, ridden across Europe and in north Africa, organised the Italian leg of WRWR, has begun guiding tours in eastern Europe and perhaps her greatest feat; has become a regular columnist in Overland Magazine. Achieving all those things meant overcoming one huge obstacle: fear.
But when she speaks at The Overland Event this year she will have just returned from Utah and an attempt at the 1000cc partially-streamlined World Land Speed Record. Yes really. It’s the only LPG-powered land speed record racer in the world. With more than 240mph in her sights that’s quite a leap in 3 years.
If you are worried about doing that trip you always traced on a map, you need to come and hear Louisa speak. I mean, we’re sure she’ll come back from Bonneville…
But when she speaks at The Overland Event this year she will have just returned from Utah and an attempt at the 1000cc partially-streamlined World Land Speed Record. Yes really. It’s the only LPG-powered land speed record racer in the world. With more than 240mph in her sights that’s quite a leap in 3 years.
If you are worried about doing that trip you always traced on a map, you need to come and hear Louisa speak. I mean, we’re sure she’ll come back from Bonneville…
Austin Vince
Film-maker, global overlander, raconteur and fashionista Austin Vince probably needs no introduction, but…
With partner Lois Pryce he’s the co-founder and curator of the Adventure Travel Film Festival but sprang to fame within overlanding circles following his first RTW rides back in the 1990s and the subsequent films he produced; Mondo Enduro and later Terra Circa. Advocate of smaller capacity machinery and of budget travel he will be doing his best to join us at Hill End, but it's all Covid-dependant as he might be leading a trip in the Pyrenees if the Spanish and French authorities permit him. There’s no doubt it will be an educational, inspiring, entertaining and probably very unpredictable evening!
With partner Lois Pryce he’s the co-founder and curator of the Adventure Travel Film Festival but sprang to fame within overlanding circles following his first RTW rides back in the 1990s and the subsequent films he produced; Mondo Enduro and later Terra Circa. Advocate of smaller capacity machinery and of budget travel he will be doing his best to join us at Hill End, but it's all Covid-dependant as he might be leading a trip in the Pyrenees if the Spanish and French authorities permit him. There’s no doubt it will be an educational, inspiring, entertaining and probably very unpredictable evening!
Margus Sootla
Margus Sootla is well-known to Overland readers for his phenomenal images and stories from all over the world. With his partner Kariina they travelled the world for years 2-up on a GS1150 before Kariina got her licence and they set off again.
For someone who works at the cutting edge of technology it’s interesting that he eschews digital and instead celebrates the depth and majesty of analogue photography, even developing his own images too.
We are delighted that he is flying in from Estonia to join us. As well as presenting about a recent trip to Iceland, where you’ll get to witness some remarkable pictures, we are pleased to say that he will be running some interactive photography workshops following the over-subscription of his photography talk at last year’s Event. Make sure you bring a few quid so that you can grab one of his simply beautiful hardback books!
For someone who works at the cutting edge of technology it’s interesting that he eschews digital and instead celebrates the depth and majesty of analogue photography, even developing his own images too.
We are delighted that he is flying in from Estonia to join us. As well as presenting about a recent trip to Iceland, where you’ll get to witness some remarkable pictures, we are pleased to say that he will be running some interactive photography workshops following the over-subscription of his photography talk at last year’s Event. Make sure you bring a few quid so that you can grab one of his simply beautiful hardback books!
Helen Lloyd
Helen spends most of her time travelling. Even when she’s working to save up for the next trip, she maintains the freedom of an itinerant lifestyle by residing in her van.
For her first big overland journey, she cycled from the UK to Cape Town. Since then she’s pedalled down North and Central America and across Asia, pack-rafted in Nicaragua, bought and ridden a horse in Kyrgyzstan, and paddled a pirogue down the Niger River in Guinea.
After a winter cycling in Siberia(!), she finally upgraded to a motorbike and hasn’t looked back. She has since returned to Africa and ridden the length of it on her XT225 Serow; ridden it across Europe twice and spent last summer exploring Iceland’s remote highland trails, which is what she’ll be talking about at The Event.
After some 85,000 kilometres of abuse in Helen’s hands, the little bike was in a sorry state, but she rejuvenated it and had set off for Australia when Covid struck, forcing her to turn back while in Europe.
She has written regularly for Overland, and has published 3 books – Desert Snow (cycling Africa) A Siberian Winter’s Tale (about crossing Siberia in winter) and her most recent - Iceland Serow Saga - about her months spent ride exploring Iceland.
For her first big overland journey, she cycled from the UK to Cape Town. Since then she’s pedalled down North and Central America and across Asia, pack-rafted in Nicaragua, bought and ridden a horse in Kyrgyzstan, and paddled a pirogue down the Niger River in Guinea.
After a winter cycling in Siberia(!), she finally upgraded to a motorbike and hasn’t looked back. She has since returned to Africa and ridden the length of it on her XT225 Serow; ridden it across Europe twice and spent last summer exploring Iceland’s remote highland trails, which is what she’ll be talking about at The Event.
After some 85,000 kilometres of abuse in Helen’s hands, the little bike was in a sorry state, but she rejuvenated it and had set off for Australia when Covid struck, forcing her to turn back while in Europe.
She has written regularly for Overland, and has published 3 books – Desert Snow (cycling Africa) A Siberian Winter’s Tale (about crossing Siberia in winter) and her most recent - Iceland Serow Saga - about her months spent ride exploring Iceland.
John Manning and Katy Haynes
Katy and John had only known each other a year before they set off on an 18,000 mile ride from Europe to Japan, roughing it through Russia and off-roading over Central Asia and Mongolia.
It all began with a post on Horizons Unlimited when John was looking for a travel partner. A young woman called Katy replied and when they first met they knew that they were about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Their adventure included several mechanical breakdowns but it was these motorcycle repairs and unexpected situations which lead Katy and John to the most ingenious, resourceful and hospitable people who kept their wheels rolling east .
They have now documented their journey through a 30 minute film showing this year at the Adventure Travel Film Festival. John will be presenting their adventure and trailering the film at the Overland Event showcasing how Katy and John’s relationship grew between them and the world they were exploring.
It all began with a post on Horizons Unlimited when John was looking for a travel partner. A young woman called Katy replied and when they first met they knew that they were about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Their adventure included several mechanical breakdowns but it was these motorcycle repairs and unexpected situations which lead Katy and John to the most ingenious, resourceful and hospitable people who kept their wheels rolling east .
They have now documented their journey through a 30 minute film showing this year at the Adventure Travel Film Festival. John will be presenting their adventure and trailering the film at the Overland Event showcasing how Katy and John’s relationship grew between them and the world they were exploring.
Richard and Mopsa English
A remarkable couple, Richard and Mopsa English rode their Triumph sidecar outfit around the world in the 1980s and did their utmost to remain patriotic throughout, but times were changing. The factory they bought their bike from went bust while they were on the road and parts became increasingly difficult to get. Wars ensued and empires shrank still further, but their story is a brilliant one and the book it produced – Full Circle – is superb.
As well as having some great tales to tell, they will be accompanied by Tommy, their poor abused Triumph. Come and meet all three!
As well as having some great tales to tell, they will be accompanied by Tommy, their poor abused Triumph. Come and meet all three!
Chris Scott
Author of the Adventure Motorcycle Handbook and many others, film-maker, guide and Sahara specialist Chris Scott changes travel bikes most years to see what’s new. For 2019 he chose Enfield’s Himalayan 410, a bike with the power of a 250, the weight of a 500 twin but the price of a 125.
Find out how it performed above the High Atlas snowline and deep in the sandy wastes of the Western Sahara and also find out whether a new route he's just recce'd in Algeria is a feasible Sahara crossing route.
Find out how it performed above the High Atlas snowline and deep in the sandy wastes of the Western Sahara and also find out whether a new route he's just recce'd in Algeria is a feasible Sahara crossing route.
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