PRESENTERS
Below is the list of Presenters for the Overland Event 2021. Presenters for 2022 will be announced later...
(click each image for more information)
Chris Donaldson
Chris Donaldson set off from Belfast in 1979 to get away from The Troubles and ride to Australia. He went the wrong way. Instead, serendipity took him and his Moto Guzzi Le Mans (yes really!) down Africa overland, back up to Europe oversea and then down the Americas overland again until his health and money was exhausted. Setting off just after Ted Simon got back, the world was a rapidly changing place and he had one hell of an experience. Chris and his bike (which he still uses and has ridden to Russia since) will be at The Event and you can hear all about his youthful exuberance and his brand new book ‘Going the Wrong Way’. What's more is that he is determined to 'Go the Right Way' and plans to set off from The Event this year to ride to Australia as he'd already planned. And yep, on the same bike...
Supported by Dunlop Tyres
No matter how you like to ride, there’s a Dunlop tyre that’s perfect for you and your bike. Ever since John Dunlop invented the pneumatic tyre in 1888, Dunlop have been at the forefront of tyre technology. They never stop trying to improve riders’ grip, control and safety. Continually developing new technologies they have an incredible range of tyres to suit every kind of adventure and touring machine. All new technologies are thoroughly tried and tested in racing conditions so you can concentrate on nothing but the road ahead. And just ride.
Tiffany Coates
Tiffany Coates is the world’s foremost female motorcycle adventurer, having travelled over 300,000 miles crossing every continent, some of them several times. Each year she heads off on new adventures. She discovered motorbike travel by accident after several years of backpacking. Her initial two-wheeled adventure involved riding overland to India when she set off two-up on a BMW R80GS alongside her best friend, with just two months riding experience between them. Overland Magazine has featured some of her stories from those early journeys and she'll be talking about 22 Years of Travel: The Trials & Tribulations – Scary Moments as A Motorbike Traveller. In other words all the risky episodes that she doesn’t tell her parents about: stuff from every continent.
Remote riding adventures remain her passion, something she now shares with others in her role as freelance motorcycle guide, working with the biggest names in the industry.
Remote riding adventures remain her passion, something she now shares with others in her role as freelance motorcycle guide, working with the biggest names in the industry.
Steph Jeavons
Since her big send-off from the Ace Cafe in London five years ago, Steph Jeavons has travelled around the world on her Honda called Rhonda and ridden on all seven continents.
Steph will be telling the story of that incredible adventure at this year’s Overland Event.
With any luck her amazing book about the whole experience will be available too. An inspirational, and incredibly entertaining, presenter you won't want to miss.
Steph will be telling the story of that incredible adventure at this year’s Overland Event.
With any luck her amazing book about the whole experience will be available too. An inspirational, and incredibly entertaining, presenter you won't want to miss.
Brokentooth
Don't panic, it's just a face covered in gaffer tape. If you liked riding in -30 degrees you'd find it the most natural thing...
Meet Brokentooth, AKA Oliver Solaro, Canada's Ice Road Biker and kilt-wearing ejit.
Meet Brokentooth, AKA Oliver Solaro, Canada's Ice Road Biker and kilt-wearing ejit.
Sunil Sood
Not everyone who qualifies as a ski instructor thinks of the Pakistani piste, but then neither had Sunil. But what better way to discover it than ride there and end up staying 3 months? It opened his mind to the beauty of the mountains and led to 6 months exploring Leh Ladakh and the Spiti Valley. That was back in 2007/8 and he's been back in that part of the world every year since. Just over a decade ago he set up PureBikeTours and now offers tours in Nepal and the wider Himalayas, but at The Event he's going to be talking about that first love, the wonders of Kashmir, the bleak inexplicable beauty of Ladakh and the sparsely populated remote region of the Spiti Valley.
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...
Despite having just celebrated his 90th birthdayTed is determined to join us again at this year’s Overland Event. He calls it his favourite travel event of all and we usually ensure he's accompanied by both of his round-the-world motorcycles, which take pride of place in the spot-lit Bike Show. For 2021 we are very grateful to Coventry Transport Museum who have again agreed to release his bikes for the weekend.
If you haven't read 'Jupiter's Travels' or 'Riding High' about his 4-year RTW ride in the 1970s, you really should...
Despite having just celebrated his 90th birthdayTed is determined to join us again at this year’s Overland Event. He calls it his favourite travel event of all and we usually ensure he's accompanied by both of his round-the-world motorcycles, which take pride of place in the spot-lit Bike Show. For 2021 we are very grateful to Coventry Transport Museum who have again agreed to release his bikes for the weekend.
Claire Elsdon
Claire Elsdon is a recovering banker who, in 2012, quit her City stock-broking job to ride her Suzuki DRZ solo the length of Africa. You could say it changed her life…
Having lived for the best part of a decade immersed in the highly competitive, often brutal world of the trading floor, Claire was keen to re-examine her beliefs about how the world really worked and what her role is within it should be.
She ended up in Malawi on a voluntary placement and was confronted by the shockingly high casualty rate of motorcycle taxi-riders and their passengers. This led to her running motorcycle maintenance and road safety classes for a microloan charity which had a fleet of 80 knackered Yamaha DTs. By the end of that the running costs of the charity had been reduced by 60%.
Ultimately she moved to Tanzania and established the Pikilily movement, a community-based organisation empowering and training local women to ride motorcycles and earn an income by serving their communities as safe motorcycle taxi riders. In addition, these women voluntarily run training sessions for the community in safe motorcycling, reducing crash rates and gently challenging gender stereotypes.
Although Claire moved back to the UK in 2019 the fine women of MJ Piki (which stands for “brave motorcycling woman” in Kiswahili) continue their work and to date have trained over 3000 men, women and children in motorcycle safety.
At The Overland Event Claire will be talking about riding Africa solo, and will doubtless mention the importance of good motorcycle maintenance…
Having lived for the best part of a decade immersed in the highly competitive, often brutal world of the trading floor, Claire was keen to re-examine her beliefs about how the world really worked and what her role is within it should be.
She ended up in Malawi on a voluntary placement and was confronted by the shockingly high casualty rate of motorcycle taxi-riders and their passengers. This led to her running motorcycle maintenance and road safety classes for a microloan charity which had a fleet of 80 knackered Yamaha DTs. By the end of that the running costs of the charity had been reduced by 60%.
Ultimately she moved to Tanzania and established the Pikilily movement, a community-based organisation empowering and training local women to ride motorcycles and earn an income by serving their communities as safe motorcycle taxi riders. In addition, these women voluntarily run training sessions for the community in safe motorcycling, reducing crash rates and gently challenging gender stereotypes.
Although Claire moved back to the UK in 2019 the fine women of MJ Piki (which stands for “brave motorcycling woman” in Kiswahili) continue their work and to date have trained over 3000 men, women and children in motorcycle safety.
At The Overland Event Claire will be talking about riding Africa solo, and will doubtless mention the importance of good motorcycle maintenance…
Paul and Francoise Nuttall
Paul and Francoise decided that they should really go and see their son in Sydney and take six months off work to do so. Paul balked at the 30 hours flight time and proposed to go overland on one of the bikes instead. Françoise agreed on the proviso that she could take photos along the way. And if Sydney was achievable, why not zip across to America to say that they had been round the world?
So, Paul, Francoise and a 2009 Harley Electraglide, with no real pedigree in such matters, set off to go round the world – and not everything went immediately to plan…
So, Paul, Francoise and a 2009 Harley Electraglide, with no real pedigree in such matters, set off to go round the world – and not everything went immediately to plan…
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.
Supported by Dunlop Tyres
No matter how you like to ride, there’s a Dunlop tyre that’s perfect for you and your bike. Ever since John Dunlop invented the pneumatic tyre in 1888, Dunlop have been at the forefront of tyre technology. They never stop trying to improve riders’ grip, control and safety. Continually developing new technologies they have an incredible range of tyres to suit every kind of adventure and touring machine. All new technologies are thoroughly tried and tested in racing conditions so you can concentrate on nothing but the road ahead. And just ride.
Elspeth Beard
Elspeth Beard was the first British woman to ride solo around the world on a journey that began in 1982 when she was just 23.
Her 35,000-mile adventure on a 1974 BMW R60/6 covered North America, New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Europe. The BMW will be on display in the Bike Show at this year’s Event.
In an age before email, the Internet, mobile phones, satnavs and, in some parts of the world, readily available and reliable maps, Elspeth achieved something that would still seem remarkable today. Told with honesty and wit, Lone Rider is the extraordinary and moving story of a unique and life-changing adventure. Elspeth will be signing copies in the Authors’ Tent at the Event and will be engaged in a Q&A on the main stage.
Her 35,000-mile adventure on a 1974 BMW R60/6 covered North America, New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Europe. The BMW will be on display in the Bike Show at this year’s Event.
In an age before email, the Internet, mobile phones, satnavs and, in some parts of the world, readily available and reliable maps, Elspeth achieved something that would still seem remarkable today. Told with honesty and wit, Lone Rider is the extraordinary and moving story of a unique and life-changing adventure. Elspeth will be signing copies in the Authors’ Tent at the Event and will be engaged in a Q&A on the main stage.
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!
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
Jocke Selin
At The Overland Event this year Jocke will be sharing his knowledge about maintenance, emergency repairs, tools and other tidbits, because he believes that everyone is capable of servicing and maintaining their vehicles.
He’ll cover situations you need to expect (puncture, fall, water ingestion), how to prop your bike up on the trail as well as servicing on the road and how to build the right toolkit. But he might include some other packing tips-n-tricks at the end.
Jocke has been tinkering with mechanical things all his life, be it bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles or cars. He loves sharing his knowledge and has been writing several online pieces about motorbikes, kit, tips and travel. He’s also a regular contributor to Overland Magazine!
The best thing he knows is just getting on his motorbike to head wherever the curves take him. He’s been skulking around Europe for 20 years, be it Nürburgring, Portugal, The Alps, Eastern Europe or the Nordic countries. The feeling is even better when Caz, his fiancé, is riding nearby.
He’ll cover situations you need to expect (puncture, fall, water ingestion), how to prop your bike up on the trail as well as servicing on the road and how to build the right toolkit. But he might include some other packing tips-n-tricks at the end.
Jocke has been tinkering with mechanical things all his life, be it bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles or cars. He loves sharing his knowledge and has been writing several online pieces about motorbikes, kit, tips and travel. He’s also a regular contributor to Overland Magazine!
The best thing he knows is just getting on his motorbike to head wherever the curves take him. He’s been skulking around Europe for 20 years, be it Nürburgring, Portugal, The Alps, Eastern Europe or the Nordic countries. The feeling is even better when Caz, his fiancé, is riding nearby.
Dave Lee
Between 1955 and 1975 the Ho Chi Minh Trail was used by the North Vietnamese Army to transport supplies, troops and munitions from north to south Vietnam and Dave has been discovering abandoned sections of the trail for years. Listen to Dave’s account of how he took his 250cc motorcycle and unearthed more than he bargained for as the forgotten trail got the better of him.
He’s become so attached to Vietnam and has now visited so many times it’s like a second home. There are few people that sing its praises so highly, or know so much about riding there!
In fact Overland has teamed up with Dave and his company RAMS Adventures and he'll be leading an 'Overland Explore Vietnam' tour in November 2020
He’s become so attached to Vietnam and has now visited so many times it’s like a second home. There are few people that sing its praises so highly, or know so much about riding there!
In fact Overland has teamed up with Dave and his company RAMS Adventures and he'll be leading an 'Overland Explore Vietnam' tour in November 2020
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.
Ken McGreevy
We first met Ken about 10 years ago in his native Ireland when he was about to set off east on a GT550 Kawasaki, because it’s the bike he had at the time. He consequently wrecked that machine in the Kazakhstan desert while racing to make a presentation to the UN. Yes really… Since then he’s travelled where and when he can and his current bike, an Africa Twin, is actually waiting for him to return near the Colombian/Ecuadorian border. Ken is a copper and what you’ll realise during his presentation is that it's a career that teaches you many things, like knowing how to get un-arrested from the most bizarre situations. On almost every continent it seems. Sure what’s travel if it’s not a bit of craic?
Paul Cottee and Holly Waller
Paul and Holly love climbing, but when they heard about the Mongol Rally they just couldn't resist. As bike engine size is limited, they thought using using 125cc machines would be a montain they should tackle. They chose the ever-capable Sinnis Terrains and it seems it was a wise choice.
Although Paul had travelled widely Holly was new to biking. What could go wrong? Come and hear their story.
The plucky 125cc Sinnis Terrains will be in the show area to so you can see what damage 13 accidents can cause
Although Paul had travelled widely Holly was new to biking. What could go wrong? Come and hear their story.
The plucky 125cc Sinnis Terrains will be in the show area to so you can see what damage 13 accidents can cause
In association with Dunlop Tyres
No matter how you like to ride, there’s a Dunlop tyre that’s perfect for you and your bike. Ever since John Dunlop invented the pneumatic tyre in 1888, Dunlop have been at the forefront of tyre technology. They never stop trying to improve riders’ grip, control and safety. Continually developing new technologies they have an incredible range of tyres to suit every kind of adventure and touring machine. All new technologies are thoroughly tried and tested in racing conditions so you can concentrate on nothing but the road ahead. And just ride.
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 Booth
Matt didn't have a proper motorbike licence when he decided to ride from New Zealand to the UK. Some would argue he still doesn't.
Leaving a comfortable life in Middle Earth to join the great unwashed on the road was supposed to be the culmination of a long-held dream. The reality was a mismanaged farce that illustrated the best way not to travel.
He'll tell the story, but be warned, he can do things with a flip-flop that you wouldn't imagine...
Leaving a comfortable life in Middle Earth to join the great unwashed on the road was supposed to be the culmination of a long-held dream. The reality was a mismanaged farce that illustrated the best way not to travel.
He'll tell the story, but be warned, he can do things with a flip-flop that you wouldn't imagine...
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!
Will Brix
Frequent traveller and long-distance enduro rider Will Brix took a more prolonged 1-year trip across Africa and Asia recently, completing 30k miles, through 33 countries on his trusty XT660Z Tenere. He will be talking specifically about his time in Asia and the fact that he had to travel with group tours to achieve some elements of his trip ie Myanmar and China.
Some of the psychological difficulties he faced riding solo through Africa are chronicled in his first book ‘The Unseen Walls’. Employing a style of writing which is more about the mental journey, less the physical one, he chronicles the road of the mind – the highs, lows, confusion, doubt and the fear – which most overlanders choose not to elaborate on.
We are delighted that he will be launching his second book 'East to Zero' at The Event this summer, which covers the second part of his trip, centred on Asia, and it's a blinder!
Some of the psychological difficulties he faced riding solo through Africa are chronicled in his first book ‘The Unseen Walls’. Employing a style of writing which is more about the mental journey, less the physical one, he chronicles the road of the mind – the highs, lows, confusion, doubt and the fear – which most overlanders choose not to elaborate on.
We are delighted that he will be launching his second book 'East to Zero' at The Event this summer, which covers the second part of his trip, centred on Asia, and it's a blinder!
Nich Brown
Co-founder of the whole Overland project, and sub-editor at Overland Magazine, Nich saddled-up and rode off into the wide blue yonder 4 years ago. He, and his trusty Enfield, are back now and he'll be sharing some tales from the Antipodes.
Derek Mansfield
Derek Mansfield never fails to surprise. He’s a man of many talents with a remarkable history and a thirst for the completely irrational; he travels with a Moto Guzzi. An experienced traveller throughout the former USSR and beyond, he is the ultimate aesthete, shunning weather-resistant riding gear for comfortable jeans and a stylish leather jacket, worn with the quiet confidence of one who is ever the optimist. His two recent books ‘Notes from the Road Volume 4’ and ‘Volume 3’ are observational classics, his acerbic wit pin sharp. He’s an integral and highly prized part of the Overland team and yet we cannot pretend that we know exactly what it is he shall be talking about, but come along to hear just what can happen when you climb aboard a Moto Guzzi and head for Mongolia. And if you want to know anything about visiting the Ukraine, he’s definitely your man.
Paddy Tyson
Paddy is the editor of Overland Magazine and founder of the Overland Events. Born amid the incessant rain of County Fermanagh in north west Ireland, he has been travelling in search of sunshine ever since, which is odd given his pale complexion.
His first road trip took place during the hot dry summer of 1976, across North America as a 6 year old, with his mum and big sister. He first combined motorcycles with travel while at university in England and set off on a woefully unprepared CG125cc Honda in 1993 to try and see as much of Europe as he could in 4 weeks. Being arrested just seemed to add to the adventure, and the whole thing sowed the seeds of a plan for a two-wheeled global assault, which has been undertaken in sections ever since.
He has been a columnist and feature writer for publications on both sides of the Atlantic, an English teacher and University lecturer and remains an advisor to the Ted Simon Foundation nurturing new writing talent. Paddy is an author, editor and proof-reader and will be running various publishing and writing workshops at this year’s Overland Event.
His first road trip took place during the hot dry summer of 1976, across North America as a 6 year old, with his mum and big sister. He first combined motorcycles with travel while at university in England and set off on a woefully unprepared CG125cc Honda in 1993 to try and see as much of Europe as he could in 4 weeks. Being arrested just seemed to add to the adventure, and the whole thing sowed the seeds of a plan for a two-wheeled global assault, which has been undertaken in sections ever since.
He has been a columnist and feature writer for publications on both sides of the Atlantic, an English teacher and University lecturer and remains an advisor to the Ted Simon Foundation nurturing new writing talent. Paddy is an author, editor and proof-reader and will be running various publishing and writing workshops at this year’s Overland Event.
Janelle and Stu Clarke
Aussie couple, Stu and Janell Clarke, are travelling the world on F650s with their South American street dogs, Weeti and Shadow. The adventure started in 2014 and they have since crossed over 80 countries in North and South America, Africa and Europe. Coming up next for the team is Mongolia then down through South East Asia and back to Australia. Travelling with dogs has its challenges but more often than not, the dogs are the least of their worries next to breakdowns and border crossings. They are taking this journey at their own pace in their own style and look forward to sharing their experiences at The Overland Event.
In association with Dunlop Tyres
No matter how you like to ride, there’s a Dunlop tyre that’s perfect for you and your bike. Ever since John Dunlop invented the pneumatic tyre in 1888, Dunlop have been at the forefront of tyre technology. They never stop trying to improve riders’ grip, control and safety. Continually developing new technologies they have an incredible range of tyres to suit every kind of adventure and touring machine. All new technologies are thoroughly tried and tested in racing conditions so you can concentrate on nothing but the road ahead. And just ride.
Mary Sievier
Riding a 175cc BSA Bantam, Mary set off from the UK in 1967, aiming for India. She finally arrived back in Britain in 1976 having carried on through India to Australia and New Zealand before riding back across the States. She spent time working on the way, but what a story! As well as hearing her tale you'll be able to see the little Bantam which will be gracing our Bike Show this year!
EmmaLucy Cole
EmmaLucy Cole is a UK-based writer, explorer, speaker and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. She is researching a PhD on the ethics of travel writing at the University of Bristol and is an ambassador for MetalMule, Renntec, and MyTime Young Carers charity.
After more than two decades spent studying and representing North African and Middle Eastern cultures, EmmaLucy sold everything she owned and spent two years living with Bedouin in Sinai. On returning to the UK she was inspired by the ways in which motorcycle travel could enable slower travel and a deeper connection with local people, and began learning to ride. Six months later, she picked up her 900cc Triumph Street Scrambler (Beatrix) the same day as passing her test and next morning wobbled the 150 miles to the 2019 Overland Winter Warmer.
Spurred on by the Overland community she met there, she decided to return to Egypt, rent a trail bike, and ride across the part of the South Sinai Peninsula where she had been living. With only two months’ experience of riding, in 38 degrees and on an ancient CRF250 with an unreliable kick start, the journey was short but challenging! Since then – in absence of international travel due to restrictions – EmmaLucy has been discovering how riding a motorcycle can prompt unexpected opportunities and challenge our boundaries even when riding locally.
She will talk about how these experiences have helped develop 'Downward Exploration', and will share for the first time footage from her new project documenting the live music, local culture, and beautiful vistas of the South West.
After more than two decades spent studying and representing North African and Middle Eastern cultures, EmmaLucy sold everything she owned and spent two years living with Bedouin in Sinai. On returning to the UK she was inspired by the ways in which motorcycle travel could enable slower travel and a deeper connection with local people, and began learning to ride. Six months later, she picked up her 900cc Triumph Street Scrambler (Beatrix) the same day as passing her test and next morning wobbled the 150 miles to the 2019 Overland Winter Warmer.
Spurred on by the Overland community she met there, she decided to return to Egypt, rent a trail bike, and ride across the part of the South Sinai Peninsula where she had been living. With only two months’ experience of riding, in 38 degrees and on an ancient CRF250 with an unreliable kick start, the journey was short but challenging! Since then – in absence of international travel due to restrictions – EmmaLucy has been discovering how riding a motorcycle can prompt unexpected opportunities and challenge our boundaries even when riding locally.
She will talk about how these experiences have helped develop 'Downward Exploration', and will share for the first time footage from her new project documenting the live music, local culture, and beautiful vistas of the South West.
Nisha Kaduskar
Lead trainer of RAS (Risk Advisory Service), Nisha Kaduskar, has years of managing team security in complex and hostile environments including Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and Sierra Leone. RAS offer a bespoke travel risk management service for any company, whether a multi-national or a start-up, but we are delighted that for those attending The Overland Event, Nisha will be talking about personal risk management; “Balancing risk without losing the spirit of adventure”
Mike Vitkovitch
A proper engineer and motorcyclist who only reads one kind of book; a bike manual. Well that was the case, but he's now learning to enjoy writing, especially about his travels, and was second in the Rev'It Overland adventure writing challenge in 2015. He rides whenever and wherever he has an opportunity and particularly loves the desert... still unable to resist a good challenge. He'll be talking about Riding a Line in the Sand (Mauritania) and surviving incredible flash floods in Morocco.
Robin Trangmar
Robin has seen an awful lot of the world from the saddle of a bike and now likes to squeeze in 2 and 3 week trips by fly-riding.
At The Event this year he's going to concentrate on his travels to Laos and SE Asia. He is also one of our stalwart team of volunteers and may well be the guy to fix you up, should you have a mishap, given his medical training and years of practice.
At The Event this year he's going to concentrate on his travels to Laos and SE Asia. He is also one of our stalwart team of volunteers and may well be the guy to fix you up, should you have a mishap, given his medical training and years of practice.
Michelle Solaro
“So, after signing the divorce agreement, I bought a motorcycle, created a posse by teaching my friends to ride and began Chapter 2…. The Cliché.”
But after meeting Oliver Solaro the adventure, and the grey hair, really began.
Making good on an early promise to steal away to the Himalayas and ride Royal Enfields, they flew to Kathmandu in 2016. It was 1 year after the devastating earthquakes, and Michelle’s goal was to find a small way to thank this beautiful country for hosting them.
It became their mission and led to experiences and friendships they will forever hold dear…
But after meeting Oliver Solaro the adventure, and the grey hair, really began.
Making good on an early promise to steal away to the Himalayas and ride Royal Enfields, they flew to Kathmandu in 2016. It was 1 year after the devastating earthquakes, and Michelle’s goal was to find a small way to thank this beautiful country for hosting them.
It became their mission and led to experiences and friendships they will forever hold dear…
Sam Manicom
Accidental globetrotter, award-winning author, public speaker and air-head GS rider Sam Manicom will be joining us! This year he's going to share his knowledge of all things overlanding through his attendance on various panels that will running throughout the Event. We just have to hope that his partner, the lovely Birgit, is game to join him on stage to give us the truth about what it's like to travel with your partner...
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?’ His second book, ‘From Crystal Palace to Red Square’ records further travels, through Scandinavia and into Russia, in typically hapless fashion.
The birth of his twin boys seven years ago temporarily put paid to further adventures, but the recent arrival of another twin – a 1996 XRV750 – has re-ignited Kevin’s wander lust and you can expect to see him back out on the road in the very near future.
His 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.
The birth of his twin boys seven years ago temporarily put paid to further adventures, but the recent arrival of another twin – a 1996 XRV750 – has re-ignited Kevin’s wander lust and you can expect to see him back out on the road in the very near future.
His 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.
In association with Dunlop
No matter how you like to ride, there’s a Dunlop tyre that’s perfect for you and your bike. Ever since John Dunlop invented the pneumatic tyre in 1888, Dunlop have been at the forefront of tyre technology. They never stop trying to improve riders’ grip, control and safety. Continually developing new technologies they have an incredible range of tyres to suit every kind of adventure and touring machine. All new technologies are thoroughly tried and tested in racing conditions so you can concentrate on nothing but the road ahead. And just ride.
Gareth Jones
Gareth Jones is the milkman from Barry in South Wales who rode south through Africa on a Great Fruit Adventure. But he also shunned modern Hinkley machinery and rode a modified 1951 Harley-Davidson Panhead around Southern Africa on what became known as his Pan Without A Plan adventure.
Without the benefits of rear suspension, an electric start, any kind of back up, and definitely no real plan, Gareth’s six-month solo journey covered 20,000 km through 10 countries. In the process he fulfilled a lifelong ambition and collected a wealth of memories. He’ll be sharing his story at the Overland Event.
Without the benefits of rear suspension, an electric start, any kind of back up, and definitely no real plan, Gareth’s six-month solo journey covered 20,000 km through 10 countries. In the process he fulfilled a lifelong ambition and collected a wealth of memories. He’ll be sharing his story at the Overland Event.
Pete Johnson
Probably best known in the UK as the face behind 'The Chunky Tread Adventure Motorcycle Club', Mancunian Pete had a dream come true (A Bennetts Dream) when he got the opportunity to ride the US in search of the other 33 Manchesters. OK, so he managed 25, but you can listen to how the larger than life character achieved it!
Jim Bryan
Jim's been riding since the age of twelve and teaching and coaching riders since the age of seventeen. That’s 46 years’ continuous off-roading, and 43 years on tarmac, experience which he uses wisely as a professional instructor on and off track, through his company Enhanced Riding.
He’s led tour groups to Scandinavia and North Africa and his attitude is very much one of coaching rather than instructing. It’s so much more effective and enjoyable for everyone to start where the client already is, as opposed to fitting people into a pre-formed schedule. We are delighted that he’s prepared to share some of his skill and knowledge with everyone this year.
He’s led tour groups to Scandinavia and North Africa and his attitude is very much one of coaching rather than instructing. It’s so much more effective and enjoyable for everyone to start where the client already is, as opposed to fitting people into a pre-formed schedule. We are delighted that he’s prepared to share some of his skill and knowledge with everyone this year.
Ian Coates
“Ian Coates is remarkable for many reasons, not least his incredible story-telling. Life on the road has been good to this mild-mannered mechanic from Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire, who seems to let serendipity create remarkable situations.”
During his 14-year journey around the world on a 1991 Honda Africa Twin, Ian clocked up nearly a quarter of a million miles and visited just about everywhere there is to visit.
Ian will be returning to the Overland Event again this year to share more of his stories, and his Honda will be on display in the Bike Show.
During his 14-year journey around the world on a 1991 Honda Africa Twin, Ian clocked up nearly a quarter of a million miles and visited just about everywhere there is to visit.
Ian will be returning to the Overland Event again this year to share more of his stories, and his Honda will be on display in the Bike Show.
Gordon May
Travelling extensively overland by motorbike since his first 6-month tour of India back in 1986, Gordon May has a penchant for older machinery. The slower pace perhaps? Maybe it's the straightforward maintenance. Either way he's ridden a WW2 Matchless to Vietnam, a tiny BSA Bantam to Egypt, an Enfield to India and has just completed a trans Africa trip. As soon as Covid has passed he's off again. Find out where when he presents! He's a prolific author too and is now the official historian of Royal Enfield.
Jack Groves
Jack Groves is a Britonabike and now the holder of the record as the youngest person to ride round the world. He used an Enfield Himalayan and managed to complete his trip even with multiple Covid lockdowns. It's a great story!
Ed Gold
Ed Gold lives in a tent all year round, from the back of a motorcycle. He works as a photojournalist, producing photo essays for BBC News online, for books, exhibitions and his for own quarterly magazine 'Positive Futures’. Ed will be talking about his passion for off-grid living and his visits by motorcycle to his main interest; remote indigenous communities. He’ll show some of his favourite images and discuss his rides to some of these communities in Patagonia, North America, Australia and Europe.
Travis and Chantil Gill
Fuelled by the previous adventures of many other motorcycle overlanders, Travis and Chantil set off from the USA in 2017, on their G650GSs, to create their own motorcycle travel memories. In March of 2020 (yes you read that right), they began travelling in Europe and have ridden a large portion of the continent, including wintering in the western Balkans for seven months. They share their adventures on their website, viajarMOTO.com and will be talking about riding under both Covid and Shengen restrictions. They take some really crackin' photos!