Riding across the breathtaking Himalayas on a motorcycle seems to be one of those bucket list adventures for everyone, including myself, it has been on my list for years. And I can finally tick it off, after an incredible eight days of epic but largely intense riding I completed the ultimate Himalayan adventure across India on the new 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 350cc motorcycle.
Day 1
Following 2 days of altitude acclimatization in Leh (12,500 feet / 3,810m) we set off into the Himalaya mountains. Leaving the hustle of Leh it was apparent within minutes that we were in for some spectacular scenery on this adventure. The expanses of rugged mountains, the rock formations, raging rivers and aggressive canyons. The road quality was an immediate expectation exceeder, with such high military activities close to the Chinese border the roads are better than most in Europe. We left the tarmac on some small windy canyon roads with dramatic rock faces and minimal traffic. With just 28km to go we turned a corner to face a huge landside, thankfully the Himalayan is made for all roads or no roads…
Day one landslide haults bucket list trip in Himalayas India
Day 1: Leh to Zangla
Total time: 11hr 10min Riding time: 7hr 52min Distance: 176miles (283km) Max altitude reached: 16,257ft (4,955m) Mountain passes/Road/Highway Names: Indus Valley, Yapola River, Sir-Sir La Pass, Sing La Pass, Zanskar Valley (landslide/diggers)
Day 2
The second day in India was by far the scariest & most intense day on a motorbike I’ve had outside of extreme desert racing! In the Himalayas you have to plan for the unexpected!
After an awesome day with some beautiful scenery, we arrived to the Shinkula Pass military check point at 15.30… which was less than ideal as the friendly soldier told us we were too late. The weather was pulling in and strong winds and snow would make it dangerous and impassable. The 2-hour ascent would mean a 17.30pm summit in the worst of the blizzard… But after showing him and explaining what gear we had and that we were equipped he happily let us pass. Well the 2 hour accent quickly turned into 3 and then into 4… The terrain was quickly becoming more slippery, the wind, snow and ice were increasing rapidly, and temperatures were dropping even quicker, the desicion to ride the 16,580ft mountain pass became questionable.
Caught in a snowstorm at 16580 feet in India – brutal day
Day 2: Zangla – Darcha
Total time: 9hr 43min Riding time: 5hr 12min Distance: 113miles / 181km Max altitude reached: 16,532ft Mountain passes/Road/Highway Names: Shinkula Top Pass (Blizzard Mountain pass)
The Himalayas as definitely living up to expectations! A trip of a lifetime! Next up we will be facing the infamous Manali Highway on motorcycles
Day 3
The day of three peaks, riding the Himalayas in India but on a magnitude like nothing before – the Manali Highway, notoriously known as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. And after facing numerous near head on collisions, suicidal chicken buses, plus herds of shaggy goats, pedestrians and stray dogs…and then a 4 hour traffic jam…I can see why!
Riding the Manali highway we faced a mega traffic jam at over 16,000 feet. And at 16k ft on a motorcycle we’re vulnerable. A weather front could be life changing without a car for protection. Politely but forcefully we got vehicles to move slightly and allow bikes through. Soon, 50+ bikes were moving. I stopped to kick snow away to make a gap & quickly realised how little oxygen was available for my increased heart rate. Thankfully we had oxygen tanks and a few puffs later I was back hustling with the goal… Get off this mountain!
4 hour traffic jam on world’s most dangerous road – the Manali highway
Day 3: Darcha – Tso Kar
Total time: 10hr 28min Riding time: 7hr 03min Distance: 170miles/ 275km Max altitude reached: 16,643ft Mountain passes/Road/Highway Names: Baralacha La 16168 ft, Nakee La 16158 ft, Lachalung La 16634 ft
More episodes to come with a new episode posted on my YouTube every Sunday at 6 pm (GMT)
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
For many people across Africa the only way of reaching medical care is to walk miles by foot, travel the bumpy roads on a donkey and cart or get pushed in a wheelbarrow. And many do not make it at all. Two Wheels for Life works to ensure healthcare reaches people in the poorest and most remote parts of Africa – using reliable, appropriate vehicles including motorcycles. This is a charity for moto lovers!!
They support the mobility of healthcare in areas where the roads would be considered more like a ‘fun enduro track’ to many of us. Providing 300+ motorcycles and 100+ vehicles without Two Wheels For Life many people would be left with absolutely no medical help. The sounds of that two-stroke entering their village must be an incredible noise to hear.
In the video below I will share with you everything you need to know about the incredible work Two Wheels For Life do to support the mobility of healthcare in Africa. Including a guided tour of the Riders For Health HQ that is supported by the funds raised by Two Wheels For Life in The Gambia. I will be showing you the key elements of the organisation from the mechanical workshops, maintenance bar, stores and stock department, refueling areas and processes, plus showing the Yamaha AG bikes used by healthcare workers and of course riding them, testing out their capabilities and exploring the remote villages of The Gambia.
Motorcycles save lives – here’s how
Two Wheels For Life have a zero breakdown policy supported by extensive mechanical training to both the healthcare workers and the network of facilities across The Gambia for vehicles to have regular services. Here, if a vehicle breaks down it means medical support stops and that could quite literally mean a life being lost. They also train them on riding and provide safety gear for a holistic life cycle for use.
Without them, there would be zero ambulances or healthcare vehicles in The Gambia – zero!! That’s something I personally want to continue to support.
I hope you also feel inspired by the work they do. It’s an honour to be working amongst such brands and individuals.
How can you help?
The simplest way you can help that does not cost anything is by watching or sharing my video above. Every extra soul who sees this video is a step towards greater awareness, support and hopefully donations.
As the official charity partner for the Goodwood Festival of Speed and MotoGP, Two Wheels For lIfe provide merchandise you can purchase, take part in auctions, buy official MotoGp memorabilia, meet your motorcylce hero’s, exclusive behind the scenes tickets for MotoGp and so much more! With which every penny raised helps Two Wheels For Life deliver this life saving healthcare.
Alternatively you can make donations directly via the Two Wheels For Life website.
What does a day in the life of a healthcare worker look like in The Gambia?
It’s time to get behind the scenes and see! I had the opportunity to ride alongside Lamin, a local Gambian healthcare worker, on the Yamaha AG motorcycle and spend the day visiting the remote villages and seeing firsthand the amazing and impactful work that Two Wheels For Life provide.
Watch here:
It was an absolute honour to be able to spend time on the ground, visit rural villages, visit the immunization clinics, and be part of this incredible programme. I hope you enjoyed watching and reading about Two Wheels For Life, this is an organisation that does so much more than I could fit into these videos and article so if you would like to learn more, see what else they do, or see other ways you can help or support, please check out their website below.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
The Ultimate One-day Motorcycle Trip in the UK – The Wye Valley
The UK has some incredible riding and it’s time to get out and make the most of it! The ultimate one-day road trip in the UK begins and ends in the beautiful Wye Valley. I challenge you to try this route in Monmouthshire near Bristol or simply get out and explore your home area.
In the video below I will show you where to go, best places to stop, things to see and do, where to eat and as well as riding footage of some exceptionally scenic roads.
The ultimate one-day road trip in the UK – Welcome to the Wye Valley
Below I have detailed the full road trip including a route plan, the best roads and top places to stop for refreshments and photos.
Paddle Café Firetruck, near Symonds Yat [view point / coffee / snack / food]
Bigsweir Bridge, River Wye [to see not stop]
The Old Station Tintern [coffee / snack / food]
Tintern Abbey [view / self-guided tour]
Anchor Inn Tintern [coffee / food]
Chepstow race course
This is a fantastic one-day road trip around the Wye Valley but if you are able to spend more time or wish to make it into a weekend trip there are plenty more scenic roads to ride, along with many other attractions, activities, viewing points and scrumptious restaurant and cafes around. I have compiled a small list below of some of the other exciting things you could do and see.
Other Attractions nearby
Clearwell caves: spectacular natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4500 years underneath the Forest of Dean.
Wild Bore spotting in the Forest of Dean
Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean: A magical, enchanting, ancient woodland, filled with fantastic tree and rock formations. A popular film location, from television series such as Merlin & films such as Star Wars
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo: Walk amongst free-flying tropical butterflies, play mini golf, get lost in the maze, plenty of things to see and do.
Goodrich Castle Ruins: One of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views.
MTB adventure (Pedal A Bike Away Bike Hire)
Sex education tour: Have you ever watched Sex Education TV series on Netflix? A large amount of this was filmed in the Wye Valley, including the infamous red house where Otis and his mum lived, the woods where Otis and Eric cycle to school, the high school, the shop where Adam and Ola work, plus so much more
Accommodation
There are numerous amounts of places to stay in the Wye Valley area, below are a few auggestions that are following the route I have provided above, but be sure to check out others online as there are many hidden little gems and Bed and Breakfast tucked away in the magical forests and valleys.
Lion Inn, Trellech
Premier Inn Monmouth
The Wye Valley Hotel, Tintern
Booking.com / AirBnB
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
What kit to wear motorcycle adventure through the Himalayas, India
Adventure motorcycle riding can result in us facing a huge array of weather conditions, and so getting the right kit is critical to our safety and enjoyment. I recently rode motorcycles in the Himalayas and wanted to share the kit I used to help you plan the right kit, be prepared and ready for the unexpected when riding adv, especially in the Himalayan mountains in India.
Adventure motorcycle conditions mean you are battling extreme temperature changes, high altitude, rocky and unpredictable terrain, pedestrians, landslides, snow storms and not to mention navigating your way through and around the suicidal chicken buses on some of the most dangerous roads in the world.
In this episode of my multi part Himalayan motorcycle adventure tour I will run you through the most important pieces of kit you should be thinking about taking when setting off on your next adventure.
Key areas of focus when choosing your adventure riding kit:
Base layers (Revolution Race, Alpinestars, Dainese)
What materials to wear and what to avoid – spoiler alert… cotton should be BANNED!!
How to layer correctly for warmth and coolness (Mosko Ectotherm heated jacket)
Jacket and trouser options (Mosko Moto Basilisk, Mosko Moto Woodsman)
I hope this video helps you work out what kit to wear motorcycle adventure riding in the Himalayas. Please let me know any questions in the YouTube comments or message me on Facebook/ Instagram.
Remember, kit is very personal so you need to find what suits your body, your bike, your riding and your budget! You’ll notice that my kit includes a variety of brands, that is because my personal preference doesn’t mean one brand meets all my needs. I hope my honesty helps you stay warm, dry and with a smile as your explore the world! Watch the what kit to wear adventure riding in the Himalayas below:
How to survive in the brutal Himalayas
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Off road enduro motorcycling adventure in Iceland with Ride with Locals
Iceland is my number one riding country in the world and I am on a mission to show you why!! Below you will find my full adventure series from my trip to Iceland. Armed with a KTM enduro bike and 6 days of never-ending off-road terrain you will see why this is the number one motorcycle riding destination in the world. This is a multi-part off-road motorcycle adventure with Ride With Locals.
Riding the KTM EXCF 350 enduro motorcycle we travelled 200-240 kms each day into the heart of Iceland. Ride With Locals offers motorcycle riding experiences through Iceland like nowhere else on Earth and I hope this video will help you see why!
Over 2.5 million tourists visit Iceland each year to see the big sights. Hot spas, waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, tectonic plates and lava fields. They pack into coaches or hire cars. But riding here with Ride With Locals on off-road bikes changes your perspective.
Come along and watch as we discover the untouched but must-see spots of Iceland. Exploring the things most tourists might only glimpse from the plane window.
Part 1: Off-road motorcycling through the heart of ICELAND – Part One – Ride With Locals
Part 2: Experience Daily Volcanic Eruptions While Riding Motorcycles With Ride With Locals – Amazing!
We rode up close to Hekla, slept below the Myrdalsjokull Glacier, recharged in a spa, explored huge craters without a soul in sight, picked across lava fields such as Veiðivatnahraun, crossed valley basins and crested mountains, riding volcanic ash berms. It was riding heaven combined with cultural and geological discovery.
This is a trip only motorcycles can make possible. We had six days riding, covered roughly 1400km doing 9 to 11- hour riding days and got to see the real Iceland – which is unseen by most tourists.
Check out the bonus videos for this series below:
Enduro bike off road review on KTM EXC-F 350 in Iceland:
Top tips for riding motorcycles in Iceland:
For a fully-inclusive motorcycle Iceland trip on KTM EXCFs with a support vehicle, fuel, meals, snacks, mountain huts, hotels, beer and all the local knowledge from the Vikings, expect to pay around €4400 per person.
Ride With Locals are the only Icelandic enduro company and based just a 2h 45min flight from the UK.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Follow my journey as I take on one of the most difficult and prestigious off-road races in the history of Motorsports. The original and real Dakar Rally; The Africa Eco Race. This multi episode series is an incredibly real and honest look at what it takes to battle through the toughest, most extreme and historically renowned endurance rally races ever.
I will take you through the whole two-week journey; from the preparations to the start line wobbles, to traversing giant sand dunes, to crying alone in the middle of the desert all the way to standing proud on the podium in Dakar, Senegal holding the 1st place trophy.
This is one series you don’t want to miss!!!
Terrified! Ready to watch the brutal desert rally adventure racing to Dakar Senegal?
This first episode I will introduce you to my support crew, show you around my support vehicle and trailer, and take you through some of the key components of preparing for this brutally challenging race. Including a day in the mud with Bowler in the Land Rover beasts.
For 13 days I race over 6,000kms of some of the most remote, rugged and punishing terrain in the world. Facing extreme weather, limited sleep, high speeds, long days, isolation and unforgiving terrains, this is one series you do not want to miss.
Part 2 – Too Scared to Fall Asleep – Race to Dakar
This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions! From the nerves of the sign on and the last-minute bike adjustments in scrutineering, to the thrill and excitement of the opening ceremony, followed quickly by the intense realization that this is it… The official start of the Africa Eco Race is now… Emotions are high as I say my teary goodbyes and question myself, why am I here and what have I gotten myself into?
Am I ready to face the extreme weather, limited sleep, high speeds, long days, isolation and unforgiving terrains?
This prestigious race follows the original and historical route of “The Dakar” rally through the African continent, beginning in France and continuing through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal traversing across the unforgiving Sahara Desert with one goal – make it to the finish line; Dakar…
Part 3 – Close Call: Heart-pounding Escape From Car Crash In Race To Dakar Senegal
Equipped with nothing but an odometer, compass and a paper scroll road book I must navigate my way over thousand of kms of punishing terrain. It is no easy task enduring extreme desert temperatures of up to 50°C during the day and -5°C during the nights while navigating through difficult and punishing terrain, staying focused all while fighting exhaustion and energy depletion after racing for days on end.
Part 4 – Appalling day – crashed and totally lost in the desert racing to Dakar Senegal
This episode is a thrilling journey of stage two racing to Dakar Senegal on my KTM desert rally bike where I totally forget how to ride and have a nasty crash. Facing the infamous Merzouga sand dunes, enough jaw rattling rock to make Morocco proud. Oh and of course, my first off, causing my Alpinestars Tech Air off road airvest to deploy. Did I mention I also get lost? Very… Very lost!
I’ve entered the full rally class, so I am racing against the elite, with names like Joan Pedrero and Pol Tarres. This Rally is a true test of endurance for both the drivers/riders and their support vehicles, and it’s not for the faint of heart
Part 5 – Painful day racing – stuck in the pitch black fighting to get to Dakar Senegal
This episode marks part 5 of my 13-day journey across the Sahara on a KTM450RR, tackling what’s known as the world’s most challenging off-road race. Despite the hardships faced, including exhaustive 13-hour rides and the complexities of navigating in the dark, the adventure remains exhilarating. Each day brings a mix of physical and mental challenges, but with determination and a newfound partnership, the path forward, even in the harshest conditions, seems a bit more navigable…
Part 6 – Cruel but epic Dakar motorbike adventure – If this was a one day race, no one would enter
The massive challenge in Part 6 was not just the length and the brutal rocky terrain of Africa, but the navigation was tough too. Navigating over several hundred kilometers of relatively flat but open plain and barren desert with nothing in sight other than a horizon and rock after rock that looks the same is a lot more challenging that one may think in extreme desert racing. There is no GPS technology. It is like being lost at sea, left looks the same as right and vice versa, it is no wonder so many people got lost on this day and didn’t make it back until well after dark!
Part 7 – Riding so fast his pants fell down! Averaging 85km/h in the Africa Eco Race to Dakar
Faced with endless feeling terrain, Part 7 saw me racing fearless at full throttle for many hours. It was a mentally and physically draining day, with endless horizons, no major landmarks or features and nothing but vast empty spaced desert meaning navigation was to take center stage. Thankfully with my strong navigational skills and some tweaks to my bike yesterday it meant for a faster and shorter day today… only 9.5 hours riding my KTM rally replica bike.
Part 8 – Rest Day Shenanigans – Africa Eco Race
In the 13 day race all riders, drivers, competitors, service crew, support crews and organisers are given 1 rest day to be able to recharge and refuel their bodies, review equipment, service and maintain their vehicles and have a stretch, this rest day occurs on the 6th day of racing; the last day in Morocco before heading across the border into Mauritania.
Part 9 – What’s it like racing to Dakar? It’s time for Mauritanian sand
Riding over the border into Mauritania saw a transition in such an emotional and moving way; from the level of rubbish to the quality of living in the communities, and also the colossal amount of sand and to think this is just a teaser of what the adventure in Mauritania will be like over the second week of the race.
https://youtu.be/qttZqg-VhQg?si=24TyDl449onbcCpz
No wonder this is one of the hardest off road races in the world, I have made it just over halfway of this 13-day race, and tackling some of the gnarliest terrain Africa can offer. I have ridden over 3,800km so far and still have over 2,100km to go. This race is not designed for the weak, the mental toughness is just as hard if not harder than the physical endurance it takes on your body.
Everyone put the fear of God into me about Mauritania and how horrifically soft and brutal the sand was, which of course meant I have been terrified for days, weeks, months even years! Dreading the day I was to face this punishing terrain that the original Dakar route was to provide. Watch the next episode below to see the riding footage of me vs the Mauritanian sand dunes as I continue the race to Dakar.
Part 10 – Another day alone in the desert – fighting for Dakar in the Africa Eco Race
Part 11 – Africa is trying to break me….will I actually be able to make it Dakar?
The toughest day of the Africa Eco race so far. Extreme endurance racing from Monaco to Dakar, Senegal covering 6,000km following the original Dakar route is a grueling test… From the moment I woke I could tell it was going to be a hard day. The fatigue has really started to settle in. With another 478km to get through, I face not only the physical battle but the mental battle of the burning question – can I make it another day, and will I actually be able to make it Dakar? Watch below
Part 12 – Seeing such a huge crash in monster size dunes really shook me up
Consisting of 70% sand and at least 125 km of giant soft sand dunes and some very poor quality rocky tracks, day 10 (Part 12) was really hard going. In this extra warm part of Mauritania I had to be vigilant with my bike and body temperatures throughout the largest and most magnificent dunes in the country, reaching heights of up to 400meters!
Part 13 – Worst injury so far but I’m fighting on
After racing over 4,000km so far my body is fatigued, my energy levels are low and I need to dig deep. I can understand why being able to say you finished the original Dakar is such a huge achievement.
Another intense day in Africa racing to Dakar in the Africa Eco Race on my KTM. The toll on my body from day after day racing across the desert is really kicking my butt! Thankfully my incredible support crew are helping me keep going. As always I’m sharing the real honest reality of extreme rally racing with you, injuries and all. Watch below!
Part 14 – How do you race when your body is shutting down… This is killing me
The penultimate day! Dakar seems to be in sight but my body seems to be shutting down. The pain in my arms, pure exhaustion and mentally drained is a combination that sounds ready to quit. But with 837km left to Dakar the end feels so close! I really hope this Dakar series racing the original Dakar route in the Africa Eco Race gives you some behind the scenes understanding of what it takes to compete in such a grueling infamous race!
Part 15: – Massive crash 12km from Dakar
It’s finally time for the last day of the Africa Eco Race. The 6000+ km gruelling 13 day extreme desert rally all the way from Monaco France down to Dakar in Senegal has been the most monumental challenge on my body and mental resilience I have needed to just keep fighting on each day.
My mission has always been to share the real honest behind the scenes reality of what it takes to finish in Dakar. In the final episode things go dramatically wrong just 12 km from the 6000+ km finish line. On the famous beach race into Lac Rose I didn’t see shipwreck debris in the sand, throwing me over the handlebars and landing hard.
More information on this series:
EasySim www.easysim.global use discount code TGOAB15 for 15% off all data bundles
Guardian Bell tracking system www.guardianbell.co.uk
I’m riding Big Buddy a KTM 450 rally replica with some key modifications:
KTech Suspension set for my weight
Michelin desert bib mousse and tyres to ensure zero punctures
Caulfield custom made seat for a happy Vanessa bottom
Cross Country ADV mega rally pegs
And my own personalized graphics designed by me
Custom tool kit hidden under the seat with Teng Tools and my emergency flare
My riding kit:
Mosko moto Woodsman Enduro pants and Backpack
Custom Owayo jersey
Alpinestars TechAir off road air vest [more information – link https://youtu.be/b7rRSbrQMrg]
Alpinestars Tech 7 boots
Scott goggles with scratch proof lens films by Infinite Optics
Hebo helmet with mouth water pipe
My support vehicle:
Land Rover Bowler Defender 90 on BF Goodrich tyres with Lazer lamp
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
The Hard Alpi Tour is one of the longest and most scenic off-road rallies for larger adventure style motorcycles in Europe. This 800km long event spanning over northern Italy has four classes to allow all levels of motorcycle riders to get involved; The Extreme 1000, The Extreme, Discovery and The Classic.
The Hard Alpi Tour is 80% off road terrain with different lengths and different time allowances for the varying motorcycle classes. You must ride in teams of three as there is no mechanical support available to you, only medical support, so it is vital you carry an array of basic tools that you may need.
The extreme class begins at 11pm and the time allowance is 36 hours, this is what hubby Alex, bestie Anika and I decided to take on. In the video’s below I will show you the full behind the scenes of this adventure, showing you what to expect and what is involved, including riding footage direct from the Harley Davidson Pan America motorcycle; an adventure bike never before seen at this event.
Watch here
Part 1:
Part 2:
How heavily did I have to modify the Harley-Davidson Pan America motorcycle to make it handle a 36 hour Hard Alpi Tour Extreme 780km event? Here you go:
Changed the rubber to my favourite adv Michelin Motorcycle Anakee Wilds for the best traction
Added OEM Harley LED lights on front bars
Strapped on Mosko Moto Reckless 40 panniers for my sleeping and bivi bag, and road snacks
Screwed on a Peak Design phone mount
Downloaded the Harley navigation app to load the events GPX file straight to the bikes screen
Paired up our Cardo Systems intercoms for the ultimate banter
Carried charging cables and power banks to recharge lights / phones on the road
Turned off HD traction control and selected off road mode Then…it was all down to me!
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Following an epic 6-day motorcycle adventure through Iceland with RideWithLocals I have compiled a list of top tips and key things to know before you head out on your own Icelandic adventure. In the video below I will explain and discuss the following:
What to wear on your feet
How to safely cross rivers
Water quality
Weather
Tyres
Accommodation
Risk factors
Icelandic roads, tracks & terrain
Safety and security
Animals
Culture
Food
Watch the full video here
I filmed this while on a motorcycle trip in Iceland, my number one motorcycle riding country in the world. I did this trip with RideWithLocals – the only local Icelandic run off road motorcycle company and based just a 2h 45min flight from the UK.
if you want to see more about the overall trip please see my other videos from this series here:
Part 1: Off-road motorcycling through the heart of ICELAND
Enduro bike off road review on KTM EXC-F 350 in Iceland:
Part 2: The volcano erupts daily and you can ride motorcycles right there – EPIC!
For a fully-inclusive motorcycle Iceland trip on KTM EXCFs with a support vehicle, fuel, meals, snacks, mountain huts, hotels, beer and all the local knowledge from the Vikings, expect to pay around €4400 per person.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
With so many enduro motorcycles on the market, it’s time to let you know my thoughts on the KTM EXC-F 350 and give you a full review. After spending 6 days and covering 300-400km each day in the saddle of this KTM EXC-F motorcycle riding through the heart of Iceland I thought what better place to do a review on this motorcycle than in this stunning landscape. In the video below I’ll talk through the key stats and get into the depths of how it feels to ride.
Enduro bike off road review on KTM EXC-F 350 in Iceland
The KTM offers a middle ground option for enduro riding that could be your ideal next or first enduro bike.
Some key areas I focus on in this review:
Size, power and weight ratio
Suspension
Ergonomics and riding position
Ground clearance
Seat height
Fuel tank
Weights
And of course, my concluding thoughts on the KTM EXC-F 350
I filmed this while on a trip in Iceland, my number one motorcycle riding country in the world, with Ride With Locals. Iceland offers motorcycle riding experiences like nowhere else on Earth so if you want to see more about the overall trip please see my other videos from this series here:
Part 1: Off-road motorcycling through the heart of ICELAND
Part 2: The volcano erupts daily and you can ride motorcycles right there – EPIC!
Top tips for riding motorcycles – Iceland
For a fully-inclusive motorcycle Iceland trip on KTM EXCFs with a support vehicle, fuel, meals, snacks, mountain huts, hotels, beer and all the local knowledge from the Vikings, expect to pay around €4400 per person.
Ride With Locals are the only Icelandic enduro company and based just a 2h 45min flight from the UK.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Alpinestars Tech-Air Off Road Motorcycle Airbag Review
The Alpinestars Tech-Air Off Road Airbag is finally available on the public market! Boasting a 95% reduction in crash impact on the body – in my opinion that’s kit worth wearing.
I joined the Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road global press launch in Death Valley, USA to test out the third-generation airbag. In the video below I will talk to you about all the details of this life saving piece of kit and why you should consider wearing one. Having used the Alpinestars Tech-Air off road motorcycle airbag myself for 2 years of rally racing including 8 international multi day races and the infamous original Dakar – The Africa Eco Race – I can say it’s saved my body and potentially my life on 5 occasions.
This video also includes multiple motorcycle crash videos where you can see how my air vest deploys.
Watch it here
What is the Tech-Air Off Road Airbag?
The Tech-Air Off Road is the latest, state-of-the-art motorcycle airbag protection system. A fully autonomous integrated motorcycle airbag system, that’s completely independent of the motorcycle, and is designed to provide full upper body protection ahead of the first impact of a crash – the key word here being, ahead – be it with the rider and bike, another vehicle, the ground, an object or obstacle. I explain the difference between this pre-crash deployment and other options such as tethered air vests in my video above.
How does it look and feel?
The airbag has been developed with performance materials creating a protection chassis that is highly ventilated, lightweight, ergonomic, and robust. It appears and feels like normal full body protective armour, with integrated elbow, back, shoulder and chest protection as well as the air vest system. It is a little bit bulkier than a normal full body protection, but not a huge amount, it is incredibly slimline, is made from highly ventilates stretch fabric which means it is breathable, comfortable and ultimately life and body saving with unobstructed movement.
How does the airbag work?
The airbag uses a series of tri-axial sensors including 3 accelerometers and 3 gyroscopes, which in turn, communicate with the system’s computer, sending data inputs every millisecond (or a thousand times a second) which determines exactly when the rider needs it, deploying before you even hit the ground! As you ride along, if the system detects and determines a crash unfolding, the air vest system will deploy ahead of the first impact of the crash. From the moment of imminent crash detection to full inflation of the airbag bladder will take between 40 and 60 milliseconds. Thankfully due to these intelligent accelerometers and gyroscopes you’re not going to have an embarrassing curb side inflate as the technology is far more attuned, knowing what’s an actual crash versus a little stumble.
Different algorithms for different terrains
Built into the Tech-Air off road system are also three separate algorithms – RALLY, ENDURO, AND STREET. What this means is that the Tech Air off-road air vest system is a perfect solution for any type of Adventure, Enduro, and Dual-Sport riders, allowing you to easily and quickly select the ride algorithm based on the type of terrain or riding.
To outline the differences between each ride mode algorithm:
ENDURO mode is optimized for low and medium speed riding, including enduro, dual-sport, and general off-road trail riding.
RALLY mode is optimized for fast off-road action on any type of terrain, including cross country, Baja, and Rally Raid competition type use.
STREET mode, just like on other Tech-Air systems, is optimized for any type of street riding on paved roads.
What does the airbag protect?
When it comes to coverage, the airbag protects the rider’s full back, chest, shoulders, and neck* The chest, back, elbow, and shoulder protectors are all certified to CE Level 1, with the ability to remove both shoulder and elbow protectors if wanted. The Back protector provides new cell technology, and the slim design (3.5 cm max) is highly ventilated and makes the back protector light and flexible.
Additionally, and as mandated by the FIM (Federation International Motorcycling) regulation, the Tech-Air off-road airbag has been tested in static conditions to comply with the international regulation where neck movements are limited to a maximum of 40° on the rear and 30° maximum on a lateral direction, helping tremendously to reduce and/or mitigate any sort of whiplash and/or neck injury.
Neck protectors like the Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) or similar are not to be used with the Tech-Air off-road system.
How many deployments / crashes can you have in an airbag?
Similar to the original Tech-Air RACE system, the Tech-Air off-road only deploys one canister at a time, providing riders with two individual deployments before needing to replace anything. So what that means, is that the rider can have a deployment, get up, keep going, and have another deployment ready if needed. Canister replacement is quick and easy, and the airbag bladder itself is good for up to 4 individual deployments before needing to be replaced, provided of course the bladder itself isn’t or wasn’t damaged. And canister replacement is made even easier thanks to the ability for a customer to change their own canisters, which is further facilitated by two red LED lights next to the canisters, indicating if they’re blown or not. It is worth noting that Alpinestars currently state a service requirements after 4 deploys but off the record conversations indicate that they are working to have this number increased based on experience that the air vest can take more deploys safely… but with all safety equipment, for Alpinestars to increase the number from 4 a dramatic time and cost is required for legal sign off. I haven’t said you can go more than 4… but…
How do I use it?
Simply put it on, zip it up, ride the highway to the trails, toggle the display to select your algorithm, and go. Simple as that… With the Tech-Air off road, it turns on and is activated simply by zipping up or unzipping the system, and there is also a 2-second vibrating haptic alert as well notifying the rider when the system is activated or deactivated.
Why choose this one?
This Alpinestars Tech Air Air Vest is specifically conceived for off-road riding, the culmination of more than 20 years of research and development, tens of thousands of man hours, and millions of kilometers of data logging and testing both on the track, and on public roads. And that’s not to mention the thousands of crashes not only our world-class riders have sustained in developing this revolutionary product, but also all the customers who have entrusted their safety, protection, and well-being to Alpinestars products. Even my own riding data has been collected by Alpinestars over the last few years to add to the data.
Sizing
The Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road airbag is available in 5 sizes: Small through to 2XL. Please note there is no women’s specific size, I’m 179cm tall and weighing approx. 65kg and the size Small is the perfect fit for me. For women there is a women’s focused air bag by Alpinestars – please check out the Tech-Air 3 Over Garment
Additional features:
1. Bladder water integration – The Tech-Air off-road also comes with the ability to easily use a hydration bladder without having to wear a separate bag or pack. There’s a breathable storage pocket with a connection loop to support the bladder on the back protector for even greater versatility and ease of use.
2. Battery life – When it comes to battery life, a fully charged battery will provide 30 hours of active ride time, and a low battery will fully charge in about four hours. The recharge plug is found on the upper right of the LED panel and is located to allow users easy access to quick battery charging.
3. LED display – The system’s status can be viewed at any time via its new LED display, which is located on the bottom left side of the chest protector and displays everything from battery level to armed or standby status. Also included on the LED display is a switch button and indicator showing which riding mode the system is in, which as mentioned earlier, includes RALLY, ENDURO, and STREET.
4. Washable – Additionally, riding and muscling the bike off-road can of course make you sweat, and the Tech-Air off-road System’s Electronic Control Unit and airbag are completely removable so that the Protection Under-Jacket can be washed separately, with the ability to keep it feeling and smelling fresh.
How much does it cost?
Alpinestars TechAir Off Road price tag is $999.95 USD (£800) with no subscription fee. Two new canisters cost around $169.95USD (£134) and will give two deploys / crashes. Every four crashes /deploys Alpinestars recommend getting the vest serviced for roughly $300USD (£235) at an authorised Alpinestars dealer.
Rider history using the Alpinestars airbag:
The final development version of the Tech-Air off-road Airbag System debuted at the Andalucia Rally in Spain in November 2020, and was worn by 52 riders at the Dakar in January 2021, including Kevin Benavides and Ricky Brabec who placed first and second in the race.
Then, in Morocco, the Tech-Air off-road System was worn by over 40 riders in the race, where there were 31 airbag system deployments, with 0 false positives. The Honda HRC, KTM, GASGAS, HERO, HUSQVARNA and YAMAHA official riders wore the Alpinestars Tech Air off-road V2 Airbag System. The riders in the top 3 overall for the race, all wore Tech-Air off-road: Pablo Quintanilla, Ricky Brabec, and Daniel Sanders.
In the 2023 Dakar, 83 riders on bikes and quads wore the Tech-Air off-road system earning 9 out of the top 10 positions including the full podium including Alpinestars rider, Kevin Benavides, the overall winner.
Needless to say, the air vest has been developed and proven in the world’s most demanding environments, time and time again. The 2024 Dakar saw over 110 motorcycle riders in the Alpinestars kit with all top ten riders in it. With over 300 crashes in the single event that was a lot of injuries saved.
I’ve had 5 crashes myself and every one of them was bad enough to know I would not have carried on without the airbag protecting me and taking 95% of the impact of the crash off me. Which is why it is so great to announce that the Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road Airbag is now available to the general public.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
