When riding on slippery surfaces, the risk of the rear wheel sliding out from under the bike is ever-present. Whether due to excessive braking or spinning out from rapid acceleration, the rear wheel's speed can cease to match the speed over the ground, causing it to stray from following the front wheel. Without adequate preparation and practice, this situation could lead to a potentially dangerous high side. However, with a grasp of the fundamentals and some diligent practice, managing this...

Some time back, we interviewed Tom Medema from Rally for Rangers, an organization that delivers motorcycles to rangers around the world, to help them safely and successfully protect parks from poachers, illegal tree cutting, manual mineral extractions, and other violations. When 71-year-old Lester Appel heard the episode with Tom, he decided to take action and apply to join the 9-day motorcycle trip across Mongolia with Rally for Rangers. On this journey a group of volunteer riders would...

In this exclusive series, we’ll explore the captivating stories of riders who found themselves in DEEP TROUBLE. We'll be dissecting these situations, shedding light on the challenges they faced, the strategies they used and the valuable lessons they learned. Most critically, we’ll discuss how the situation could have turned out differently if some controllable aspects were changed. We’ll talk about the possibilities and potential outcomes, so that perhaps other riders can learn from their...

Brendon and Kira Hak have been living a nomadic lifestyle for the past six years. Kira has always had a passion for travel and Brendon for motorsports, so after a couple of life-altering events made them reevaluate what they were doing in their lives, they decided to do the big trip they had dreamed about. They spent years planning and in 2017 they set out for their motorcycle trip from Canada to Ushuaia. The plan was to be gone for about one year, but when they returned home after nearly two...

Riding a motorcycle through challenging terrain can be extremely satisfying, but even with experience, things can go wrong, and you may find yourself picking up your motorcycle from the ground. On today’s episode of Adventure Rider Radio’s exclusive RIDER SKILLS program, we have Clinton Smout from SMART Adventures sharing five techniques to help you pick up your motorcycle. You can choose the one or two that suit your style or learn all of them to use in different situations. Clinton Smout...

Helen Lloyd’s expectations and views on travel have changed over the course of almost two decades of travelling. Some years ago, Helen had embarked on a solo bicycle trip around Africa, which had turned out to be the trip of a lifetime, leaving her with a desire to return. When Helen decided to travel to Africa again, she opted to ride her motorcycle and share the journey with her partner. Even though Helen had a plan in mind for the trip, it turned out to be a series of unexpected personal...

Have you ever wondered about embarking on a big trip, such as travelling around the world, going from Alaska to Ushuaia, or exploring a foreign country for a few months? Have you ever doubted your ability to undertake such an adventure? If so, the story of Bridget McCutchen should inspire you. Bridget, a 22-year-old woman, is on a mission to set an official Guinness world record as the youngest woman to complete a trip around the world by motorcycle. She will accomplish her goal in November,...

Andy and Alissa have spent the past 19 years experiencing adventure at every turn. They have hiked, backpacked, and travelled by vehicle and motorcycle, but it has always left them yearning for more. To fulfill their desire for adventure, they decided to embark on a journey to ride around the world by motorcycle, to travel with no end date. After five years of saving, they set out on a cold and stormy day, a true test of their stamina. It was an experience that may have caused many riders to...

Day trips with a group of riders are a great way to have full-on adventures. Whether starting from a hotel room or your own doorstep, having others along not only makes the ride safer but also more enjoyable in many ways. You get to share the experience with someone else and learn from other riders. Additionally, riding with others provides the benefit of working together to tackle tough situations. And if you don't ride with others, how can you follow Clinton Smout's advice to let your...

In 2017, Tim and Marisa Notier embarked on an epic journey around the world, riding a KTM motorcycle. They travelled through North and South America, followed by Africa. When the pandemic brought everything to a halt, they decided to stay in Kenya for a while, but returned to the United States when their visas expired. They then decided to head north to Alaska, but were still eager to continue their world adventure. After much consideration, they drew inspiration from their friends, Greg and...

Growing up, James Barkman had a friend who always talked about riding from Alaska to Ushuaia. When he got the call that his friend's dream was about to become a reality, James was excited to join him on the trip. However, James suggested an even more adventurous twist to the plan: he and his two friends would combine the motorcycle trip with mountain climbing. This meant that they had to pack for both activities, which was a unique challenge. They had to include everything they would need for...

As the wind rushes past you while riding your motorcycle, the sights, smells and sounds all play a part in the experience and thrill of the ride. However, beneath the excitement lies a potential danger—prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can have a significant impact on your hearing health. On this episode, we are joined by Michael Carley, a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath and Paul Jobin, CEO and founder of Snugs custom earplugs. We explore the...

The thrill of the road, the call of the wild and the comforts of home - motorcycle camping trips can have all those things. If you’re planning a trip or just looking for more camping tips, who better to turn to than experienced long-distance travellers who already have it all figured out? With more than four decades of moto camping experience under their gear, these globetrotters offer a treasure trove of insights and techniques to help you master the art of motorcycle camping. On this...

Every hill has its own characteristics that often change with the season and over time, which for an adventure rider means having a unique approach for every hill climb. But according to Clinton Smout from SMART Adventures, there is a magic formula. And once you learn it, you’ll be powering up those hills that will make your riding buddies wonder who this new rider is. Photos and links for this episode can be found on our website at adventureriderradio.com. Adventure Rider Radio is the...

In this episode, we delve into the world of motorcycle camping, where the thrill of the open road meets the serenity of nature. Our featured guests are world travelers with extensive experience in motorcycle camping while travelling, and they are here to share their invaluable tips and tricks to ensure your own camping journey is nothing short of extraordinary. So, whether you're a seasoned rider looking to enhance your camping experience or a newcomer eager to embrace the call of the wild,...

Travis and Chantil Gill have been on their trip around the world for over three years, but they have not yet completed their exploration of Europe. Initially restricted by the pandemic, they found themselves embracing the concept of slow travel and all the incredible benefits it entails. As they continue their journey, their list of things to see and do keeps growing with each new discovery. Immersing themselves in Europe's rich tapestry of people and culture, they have developed a deep...

Alan Reid is on a mission to find his nirvana, the place that just might inspire him to set down roots. He left British Columbia about a year ago on the most suitable motorcycle for him, a KLR, but he didn’t really do any planning or make a budget. Despite not even having a roadside repair kit, he possesses the most valuable tool for a successful adventure – a positive attitude. Alan's approach towards travelling and his outlook on life are unlocking opportunities for him to connect,...

Should you stand up on your motorcycle and if so, why would you stand and when would you do it? And if you are going to stand how do you do it and feel confident? Perhaps you're a rider who sometimes stands but automatically sits at the first sign of trouble. If so, then this episode is for you, too. Motorcycle riding instructor, Clinton Smout, covers everything from when and why to stand, to bike set-up and tips that with practice will help you become a more skilled rider. Adventure Rider...

In 1973, Ted Simon set out on a remarkable four-year journey around the world on a Triumph Tiger. After completing this adventure, he wrote Jupiter's Travels, which became a bestseller and inspired countless others to embark on their own adventures. Through his diverse and fascinating experiences, Ted offered profound insights into the human condition, making his book a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration. Even at the age of 92, he still resides in France and remains active, although he...

Some level of physical fitness is crucial for adventure motorcyclists as it can significantly enhance the riding experience and ensure safety. Endurance, strength, and flexibility are important elements that riders should strive to attain. However, getting in shape can seem challenging and intimidating. Bill Dragoo, who broke his leg while riding his motorcycle, decided to prioritize his physical fitness. His story is inspiring and can motivate others to work towards achieving a certain level...

Keith Code is a renowned figure in the world of motorcycle racing and training. With decades of experience as a former racer and an influential coach, Code has revolutionized the way riders approach their craft. His expertise led him to establish the California Superbike School, an internationally recognized institution. In this episode, we explore Keith’s journey while he shares his expertise in the art of street cornering with adventure bikes. Particularly focusing on low-traction...

According to the Greek philosopher, Epictetus, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters.”  Rose Padilla and Chad Horton were looking to their future and thought they had their retirement plans all figured out, until they weren’t. When things sort of fell apart for them, instead of becoming bitter and resentful they took stock and decided there was another adventure they wanted to chase down, one that involved a motorcycle. Photos and links for this episode can be found...

For motorcyclists, obstacles appear in many forms. On the street there may be road damage including missing asphalt on the road edges, potholes, construction, debris, dead animals and more. And off-road, anything from washouts that weren’t there yesterday, to rocks, boulders, roots, trees, and the list goes on. We have two choices when an obstacle presents itself, we can either avoid it or hit it. That may seem trite but it’s not just whether we hit or miss, it’s how we hit or miss. All with...

After suffering a tragic double loss lori lozinski felt alone in the world, an orphan grappling with an existential crisis. lori found herself spiralling emotionally downward until she discovered salvation through her new hobby of riding motorcycles. Only then could she turn to what she knows best - professional film production to reflect on her past relationships from the seat of her motorcycle and to help others navigate their own inevitable losses. Photos and links for this episode can...

Budgeting for a trip has always been a bit of an enigma, there are so many variables to consider. Will you camp, stay in hostels or B&B’s, all decisions that change the budget drastically. And on top of that, in the past couple of years prices have skyrocketed for fuel, groceries, parts and accommodations. It seems that almost everything has increased in price, not to mention the supply chain issues, reduced or non existent shipping options, and more. But it isn’t necessarily all doom...