Motorcycle Adventure Riding around the World

Is adventure riding about going to far away places?
Having to repair bike yourself in the middle of nowhere?
Interacting with locals using hand language?
Eating foods of unknown origin?
Being alone in a deserted place? ...

In my book, it's all of the above and more. Adventures come in many forms. But an adventure is generally about getting out of one's comfort zone, pushing personal limits and being in an unfamiliar, potentially dangerous environment, doing things that most people would not do, or that our inner senses are telling us not to do. Usually, all this effort and exposure are rewarded with amazing experiences and unforgettable memories.

Once we get off a frequently traveled road and start exploring remote, barely used trails and tracks, that's where the adventure starts. The heart starts pumping, adrenaline surges and all the worst case scenarios start going through our minds. What if I get a flat? What if I crack the engine case? How will I get bike out of a ditch? When will next person come along this road if I crash and can't continue on my own? The mind will come up with a myriad of reasons to turn back and stick with safe roads. But we know, we must go on. We feel a joyful exhilaration with each obstacle we pass. As we get deeper into the adventure, more concerns arise. What if the road is blocked? Can I go back the way I came in? Will I have enough fuel to backtrack?

But then we come across a canyon, roaring river, lake or a sweeping vista with not a soul for miles and miles around. That is when the dopamine surges and we get reminded why we love adventure riding. In the evening, we revel in the day's accomplishments as we sit at the edge of a cliff and watch the sun go down. At night, tucked in our sleeping bags, we watch billions of stars in the sky as we slowly drift into the sleep.

Below are some of the trips I've done with in photos and few words.

When a motorcycle is not available for travel, I do not mind traveling by public transport - buses, trains and boats and sometimes it's actually more fun and more suitable. I also enjoy enduro riding in its own and as a preparation for true adventure rides.

In over half a million kilometers that I have ridden over the years, there are only four rides that stand out as the real adventures on two wheels.

I swear by following rules of travel.