HomePodcastsAdventure Rider Radio – Motorcycle Podcast
Adventure Rider Radio – Motorcycle Podcast
Adventure Rider Radio | Adventure Motorcycling625 episodesLatest Jun 4, 2026
Adventure Rider Radio is the original adventure motorcycle podcast, established in 2014 and now the world's longest-running show dedicated to adventure motorcycling. It features in-depth conversations, real-world stories, and expert insight from the people who ride, explore, and shape the adventure motorcycling world. Hosted by Jim Martin and released weekly, the show brings you experienced riders, trainers, industry professionals, and long-distance travelers sharing hard-earned lessons about riding skills, motorcycle travel, trip planning, bike setup, gear, and the realities of life on two wheels. From remote expeditions to rider development and decision-making on the road, Adventure Rider Radio goes beyond surface-level talk to explore the thinking, preparation, and experience behind adventure motorcycling.
Episodes
Long-Distance Motorcycle Travel: Saying Yes to the UnknownJun 4, 20266297As we celebrate 12 years of Adventure Rider Radio motorcycle podcast, we're bringing back a story that still resonates today. Drawn together by motorcycles and a shared curiosity about the world, Maryna Matthew and Paul Knibbs left behind the security of established careers to pursue a life of adventure. Their journey is a powerful reminder that some of life's greatest opportunities begin
DEEP TROUBLE: Runaway Motorcycle on a Costa Rica Mountain RoadMay 29, 20263595One of the most frightening situations a rider can face is realizing the bike won’t slow down on a long, steep mountain descent. That’s exactly what happened to Seth Cooper in Costa Rica. In this episode of DEEP TROUBLE, Seth shares how a rented KTM 690 Enduro R, an unfamiliar mountain road, and a series of seemingly manageable decisions combined to create a genuine survival situation. It
From Boardroom to the Sahara: A Late-Life Reset Through Motorcycle TravelMay 21, 20263229A Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Morocco, Europe, and the Sahara Desert in Search of Freedom, Simplicity, and a Slower Way of LivingWhat happens when someone who’s spent a lifetime chasing schedules, productivity, and control suddenly trades it all for the uncertainty of the open road on a motorcycle? After retiring from finance, Rob Bridges set off alone across Morocco, Europe, and the S
The Motorcycle Sidecar Journey That Changed EverythingMay 15, 20263885Eva Strehler had already learned what drew her to the road on a motorcycle: freedom, movement, and a way of living outside the usual shape of things. Then she built a sidecar for her dog, Polly, and headed east. What followed was meant to be another long motorcycle journey — through Turkey, into Iran, and across landscapes that changed as quickly as the people she met along the way. But s
How to Get a Stuck Adventure Bike Out: Tow Straps, Z-Drag Systems and the Rear-Wheel Rope TrickMay 8, 20265364What do you do when your adventure bike is buried in sand, lying sideways on a slope, or wedged deep in a rut miles from help? In this episode, Jim talks with Clinton Smout, Adam Owens, and Chris Birch about the mindset, techniques, and recovery tools riders use when things go wrong off-road. From smart trail-side decisions and energy-saving recovery methods to simple techniques that can
DEEP TROUBLE: Riding Loaded in Big Bend – What Went WrongApr 30, 20264125Clif Holland shares a father-and-son motorcycle adventure that took an unexpected turn shortly after arriving at Big Bend National Park. After a 700-mile ride to reach the start of their backcountry route, the decision to explore before staging their gear set the tone for what followed. Riding a heavily loaded BMW R1200GS on remote backroads, Clif quickly found himself facing the challeng
Pushing Limits on Minimal GearApr 23, 20264441Luuk and Emma from the Netherlands are passionate dual-sport riders who have made it their mission to find that sweet spot between minimalist motorcycle travel and meaningful challenge. Riding their Honda CRF300L motorcycles, they’re currently pushing themselves to travel as light as possible — aiming for just 9 kg of gear per person — while still tackling terrain that stretches their ski
RIDER SKILLS: What to Do When the Front Wheel Starts to Wash OutApr 16, 20262941When the front tire starts to lose traction or the bike suddenly feels like it’s about to go down, most riders react with some kind of defensive move that feels instinctively right. But is it? In this Rider Skills episode, Clinton Smout joins Jim Martin to look at what’s really happening in those split-second moments when an adventure motorcycle starts to let go off-road — and why what fe
Motorcycle Travel Tips: Expert Advice for Planning Your TripApr 9, 20263567Planning a motorcycle trip? Whether you’re riding close to home or heading off on a long-distance adventure, the right advice can make all the difference. In this episode, we’ve curated the best motorcycle travel tips and adventure riding advice from past conversations—bringing together practical insights from experienced riders who have spent years on the road. Featuring renowned motorcy
How to Build a Motorcycle Toolkit That WorksApr 3, 20263606Putting together the right motorcycle toolkit can make all the difference when you’re out riding—especially on an adventure bike, where help isn’t always close by. We talk about how to build an efficient setup, from choosing what actually belongs in your kit to organizing it so it’s easy to use when it matters most. The conversation covers how to prepare for unpredictable issues like flat
Mexico Motorcycle Travel: What Riders Need to KnowMar 26, 20262892Mexico is one of the easiest international adventures for riders from the U.S. and Canada—close enough to reach without a major expedition, yet different enough to feel like true travel. From Baja desert tracks to mountain twisties, high country, and coastal roads, the riding is as varied as the culture, food, and landscapes. Spencer Conway has spent the past several years living in Mexic
The Fear of Riding in Front of Others and How to Work Through ItMar 20, 20263870There’s a side of motorcycle training almost no one talks about — the mental pressure of learning new skills in front of other riders. Why can training make you feel like you’ve suddenly gotten worse before you get better? Why does confidence sometimes drop even when your skills are improving? Through rider Erik Wilkinson’s experience, along with insights from expert trainer Chris Birch a
RIDER SKILLS: 5 Different Methods For Turning a Motorcycle AroundMar 12, 20264880Motorcycles aren’t meant to back up. If they were, they’d all come with reverse. Sometimes, turning around requires a little creativity—especially on dead-end trails, in parking lots, on hills, or even in your garage. In this episode of RIDER SKILLS, we have Clinton Smout walking us through a number of turnaround methods. Some you might expect, while others may raise your eyebrows—but all
Two Seconds: When a Motorcycle Meets a Moose on a Mountain RoadMar 6, 20263926On a mountain road on Colorado’s Guanella Pass, motorcyclist Adam Lamb spots a moose stepping out of the brush. Two seconds later, he’s airborne, both arms broken and stranded off the road without cell service. Just behind him is Roger Matthews—a board-certified physician and search-and-rescue volunteer—who arrives and immediately begins managing the scene. In this episode, Adam recounts
Motorcycle Trip to the Ténéré Desert — Roadblock ArrestFeb 26, 20265449Nasiru Ibrahim — an architect from Nigeria and a new adventure rider — sets out on his first true motorcycle journey with a simple idea: ride his Yamaha Ténéré to the Ténéré Desert. It’s an ambitious first trip, fueled by equal parts curiosity and confidence. Heading north through regions where the language and culture feel familiar, he anticipates the usual challenges — long distances, f
Stop Blaming CAN Bus — Adding Accessories to Modern Motorcycles ExplainedFeb 20, 20261894Motorcycles have evolved, and with that evolution comes more electronics — including CAN bus systems that many riders still misunderstand. If you’ve ever seen a mysterious warning light or struggled with adding accessories like auxiliary lights, you’ve probably heard CAN bus blamed. In this episode, we break down what CAN bus actually is, why it’s not the enemy of customization, and how m
Time to Ride - 50cc Motorcycles in the Australian OutbackFeb 12, 20264925What happens when two seasoned overland riders trade full-size adventure bikes for 50cc, 50-year-old two-strokes? German engineers Bea Höbenreich and Helmut Koch set out to prove that real motorcycle adventure isn’t about horsepower or gear—it’s about mindset. From Australia’s punishing outback to Cape York’s legendary Old Telegraph Track, they battled bike drownings, deep sand, brutal cr
The Edge, the Motorcycle and the Road BackFeb 5, 20263687There’s something about being on a motorcycle that just feels right — in ways that are hard to explain, but easy to recognize. Not long ago on the show, cognitive scientist Mark Changizi, author of Motorcycle Mind, talked about how riding a motorcycle is unlike anything else we do, because the physics involved mean the bike responds directly to your body — your balance, your inputs, your
DEEP TROUBLE: The Day an SOS Was Ignored on the Pony Express TrailJan 30, 20265391Adventure riding has a strange relationship with risk. We prepare, carry tools, research routes, ride with friends, and do everything we can to stack the odds in our favour on adventure motorcycle rides. But every now and then, something appears that wasn’t on the map or in the plan, and it shows up faster than we can process it. In those moments, the problem isn’t just the obstacle itsel
RIDER SKILLS: Four Lessons for Control and Confidence in GravelJan 23, 20264934Gravel riding makes many motorcycle riders uneasy — not because the bike is out of control, but because it doesn’t behave the way pavement has trained us to expect. The front wanders, the bars move, braking distances grow, and the instinct is to hold on tight and slow down — usually making things worse. On this episode of Rider Skills, we break gravel riding down into four clear lessons:
Riding Cambodia: When a Guided Motorcycle Trip Goes Off CourseJan 16, 20262675In 2003, Bryan Jones and his wife, Max, joined a guided motorcycle tour through Cambodia, expecting a challenging but well-run adventure motorcycle trip through jungles, villages, and remote roads. What they got instead was something very different — aging bikes, a guide who kept disappearing, and a journey that quickly became unpredictable.🔗 Show Notes & Links: Find photos, links, an
More Than Miles: What Happens When Long-Term Motorcycle Travel EndsJan 9, 20263996In December 2019, Lisa and Simon Thomas left their motorcycles and gear in the United States, planning to return after a short trip home to the UK. More than six years later, those bikes are still there — and their lives have gone in a very different direction. This episode lives in the space between what was planned and what actually happened. We talk about building a life around long-te
DEEP TROUBLE: Rider Down UtahJan 2, 20263851Cody Weber and a small group of experienced motorcycle riders set out on a planned day ride near Green River, Utah, traveling through canyon country, dry riverbeds, and remote desert terrain. The ride appeared well prepared: riders who knew each other, a route that seemed manageable, and time taken beforehand to organize motorcycles, gear, supplies, and navigation.What unfolded next isn’t
Expecting to Turn Back: A Motorcycle Journey That Changed EverythingDec 27, 20253523In Kevin Staples’ mind, there was always a point where the trip would end. He didn’t expect to get through. The goal wasn’t success — it was simply to go far enough to say he’d tried. To ride up to the wall, touch it, and be told to turn back. So he kept doing exactly that. Showing up. Asking the question. Taking one more step, fully expecting it to be the last. That isn’t how it played o
The Real Meaning of Adventure: Growth, Uncertainty, and Riding Close to HomeDec 25, 2025151For many motorcycle riders, this time of year isn’t about motion or miles—it’s about reflection. About looking back at where we’ve been, the choices we made along the way, and what still lies ahead. The road doesn’t always demand constant movement. Sometimes, the most important moments happen when things go quiet—when we take stock, reconnect, and remember why we ride in the first place.
RIDER SKILLS: Why Slow Speed Training Isn't EnoughDec 19, 20253500Slow-speed skills matter — especially on heavy adventure motorcycles. But if that’s where your training stops, there are real situations where it starts working against you. Because sometimes control doesn’t come from crawling — it comes from the right momentum at the right time. Clinton Smout from SMART Performance Centre joins us to talk about what happens when the trail gets rough and
Motorcycle Adventures in Laos - Rally for RangersDec 12, 20253413Riding a motorcycle through Laos pushes both nerve and skill—potholes big enough to swallow a car, sudden water crossings, deep mud, and even the possibility of an elephant stepping onto the trail. A team from Rally for Rangers, led by Steve Zuschin, recently tackled these extreme conditions as they crossed Laos to deliver new motorcycles to frontline Rangers. The ride blended rugged, tec
Solutions for Fogging Motorcycle Helmet VisorsDec 5, 20254084Fogging is something most motorcycle riders just put up with — cracking the visor, wiping it, trying to manage it on the fly. But it’s more than an annoyance; it’s a visibility problem, and visibility is safety. What many motorcycle riders don’t realize is that there are real solutions, not myths or quick roadside fixes, but tools and technologies that actually work when you plan ahead. I
DEEP TROUBLE: Fast Water Challenge Goes Wrong on Strata FloridaNov 28, 20255451On this episode of DEEP TROUBLE… two motorcyclists head to mid-Wales for a weekend of trail riding on the historic Strata Florida. It’s November, it’s wet, and Strata Florida is known for its water crossings. The plan is simple — get out, ride the lanes, and finally tick this legendary trail off the list. But as you’ll hear, conditions in the Welsh hills can change fast… and what starts a
Pushing Miles: Two Riders, One Impossible IdeaNov 21, 20255210In 2022, long-distance riders Wendy Crockett and Ian McPhee set out to break a Guinness World Record for the longest motorcycle journey completed in a single country. Their plan: ride to all 50 U.S. state capitals in alphabetical order, linking them into a continuous route. It sounded simple on paper, but almost nothing went the way they expected. Mechanical failures, illness, a cracked f
RIDER SKILLS: Motorcycle Tire Repair - What to Know and What to PackNov 14, 20255063This Rider Skills episode is a practical guide to roadside motorcycle tire repair for adventure and dual-sport riders. Instructor Clinton Smout shares hard-earned methods for plugging tubeless tires, patching or replacing inner tubes, breaking and seating beads without a shop, quick leak-finding, bent-rim workarounds, and true limp-home repairs. We compare compressor vs CO₂, talk what to
The Rider Who Won’t StopNov 7, 20255123Some riders are planners, while others seem to thrive amid chaos. Israel Gillette fits into that second group. He grew up in Tennessee, working in his father’s cabinet shop, and somehow that evolved into a life that has taken him between Romania, racing, carpentry, and motorcycle riding across continents. When we featured him on the show in 2023, he’d already experienced his share of clos
DEEP TROUBLE: Hidden Threat Derails TET Moto AdventureOct 31, 20255666What started as a nine-day motorcycle trip through Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia took a sudden and serious turn. Riding the TET, Philipp Amann and his friends were well into their journey when one of the riders fell ill but insisted on continuing. When he made the decision to turn back, his friends chose to ride with him, unaware of how quickly his condition was deteriorating. It’s a story
One Motorbike, One Ride—No Going Home Until We Get Around the WorldOct 24, 20253963When the life she’d planned took an unexpected turn, Kathleen Perry had to find her footing again. The quiet retirement she and her husband had imagined was gone when he passed away — so she reached back to something she’d set aside long ago: a dream to wander. She set her sights on three places — Prudhoe Bay, Ushuaia, and Nordkapp — three dots on the map. And to connect those dots, she w
DEEP TROUBLE: Trapped in the PyreneesOct 17, 20255280Near the end of a month-long motorcycle ride through Spain, Mark and Lisa Schubert set out for what should’ve been an easy final day through the Pyrenees. But as they climbed higher, a mild forecast unravelled into chaos — winds strong enough to stop their motorcycle mid-corner, trees down, and power lines snapping. What follows isn’t a story about recklessness or bravado, but about how e
Should You Downsize to a Small ADV Bike?Oct 10, 20253236Thinking about downsizing your adventure bike? In this episode we test the waters with a Suzuki DR350—what it really takes to turn a lightweight, simple machine into a workable mini-adventure bike, the choices (and costs) that actually matter, and a few surprises that show up on both pavement and dirt. We start with durability—mirrors and signals, featuring the Doubletake Mirror origin st
ADV-X: Canada’s World Class Motorcycle Adventure ExperienceOct 3, 20254243ADV-X in Canada turned out to be far more than just another riding event. By the end of the first day, faces were caked in dust, grins were everywhere, and the sense of camaraderie was undeniable. From trail-side fixes and overnight repairs to long mountain days, it was passion in motion—riders looking out for each other and a crew ensuring no one was left behind. Combine a world-class te
RIDER SKILLS: Mastering Ride ModesSep 25, 20254596Modern motorcycles aren’t just machines anymore—they’re equipped with advanced technology. Ride-by-wire means your throttle hand communicates with a processor instead of a cable, and that computer considers wheel speed, lean angle, traction, braking, and more before deciding how your bike responds. With ride modes, you can adjust your bike’s personality for pavement, gravel, mud, or rain—
The Truth Your Riding Gear Won’t Tell YouSep 18, 20255066We all choose our motorcycle riding gear for comfort, style, and weather protection — trusting that if it’s sold as motorcycle gear, it must also keep us safe in a crash. But how much of that trust is based on proof, and how much is just assumption? This week we speak with the head of one of the world’s only independent labs that secretly buys gear off the shelf, crash-tests it, and publi
What Carries a Motorcycle Trip Isn't Just the PlanSep 11, 20254998When everything is perfectly organized—routes mapped, fuel stops planned, meals and beds guaranteed—it feels effortless. But the truth is, no matter how tidy the plan, the real world always gets a vote. On short rides, those small interruptions are easy to patch over. Stretch the miles across countries and weeks on the road, though, and the little things start to compound. That’s when the
Everything Adventure - Chris BirchSep 5, 20253898Chris Birch returns to Adventure Rider Radio with insights from his brand-new Everything Adventure video training series. This is a deep dive into how adventure riding and training have evolved in the last five years. Chris explains why fundamentals like bike setup and body position matter more than flashy skills, how modern ADV bike design is changing the way we ride, and why so much of
From London Traffic to Global Motorcycle RiderAug 29, 20255518Damian (Demon) Rowley spent 35 years riding motorcycles professionally in London—first as a courier, then as one of Virgin’s elite “limo bike” riders, trusted to ferry celebrities and executives through the city’s relentless traffic. With over half a million miles behind him, Damian shares the toll of crashes, injuries, and burnout, as well as the moment he realized he needed a change. At
Choosing the Right Gear: Jackets and Pants for Adventure RidersAug 21, 20255509Chris Birch - What Works, What Doesn’t, And How To Select The Moto Gear That’s Right For YouWhen it comes to adventure riding gear, the options are endless—mesh, laminated, vented, lightweight, heavy-duty. With so many choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What matters in riding gear? How much protection is enough? And what trade-offs should you be aware of? To get clarity, we turned to
How to Avoid Trouble When Traveling by MotorcycleAug 15, 20254789Fifteen years on the road—and no major disasters. Elsebie and Michnus Olivier of PikiPiki Overland share how they’ve dodged mechanical meltdowns, sketchy border crossings, and costly mistakes while traveling by motorcycle —including one tense moment in Sudan that could have gone very wrong. Is it luck… or a skill you can learn?🔗 Show Notes & Links: Find photos, links, and resources re
DEEP TROUBLE: If I Survive, I'll Never Complain AgainAug 8, 20253192Elisa Rosales lay on her back, head spinning, gasping for air. Her bike lay a few feet away, right where she had dropped it. Darkness pressed at the edges of her vision, and she fought the pull to let go, to drift into sleep. The ground beneath her was cold; she was cold. This was her first motorcycle adventure. She and her husband had set out from Argentina, bound for Arizona, but that d
Abandoned - The Other Side of the StoryJul 31, 20254747This episode is a follow-up to our recent episode, Abandoned on the Dalton, which featured rider Shilo Crane on a journey from Georgia to Alaska to raise awareness for mental health. That story took a turn when Shilo said he was left behind by his riding partner on the remote Dalton Highway, forcing him to continue the trip alone. But shortly after that episode aired, we heard from the ot
RIDER SKILLS: Three Key Principles for Navigating Obstacles on Adventure MotorcyclesJul 25, 20254697In this Rider Skills episode with chief instructor Clinton Smout from SMART Performance Centre, we break down the process of navigating obstacles into three simple, easy-to-remember principles—something that’s never been done before. By the end of the episode, you’ll be equipped to assess any obstacle, develop a solid plan, and make confident decisions—even when the terrain gets tough.Cli
DEEP TROUBLE: Too Focused to Turn BackJul 18, 20254376In the mountains of northern India, surrounded by snow, altitude, and uncertain roads, James Thomas and two other riders pressed on—confident they could make it through. But what unfolded wasn’t just a story of rough terrain or questionable GPS directions. It was about something much more familiar to most of us than we might admit: a mental trap known as cognitive narrowing, where pressur
Abandoned on the DaltonJul 10, 20255272The mission was simple: ride motorcycles from Georgia to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to raise funds and awareness for mental health among veterans and first responders. Two military men set off as a team, just like they had served—watching each other’s backs and pushing through the miles together. But halfway through, everything changes. The team breaks. Shilo Crane is left to ride alone. And wh
Aussie Riders in AmericaJul 4, 20254659Damian Monkhorst, an Australian rider, loves twisty roads and staying off the tourist track. When an online motorcycle forum connected him with riders in the United States, including Andy Morley, he knew he wanted to experience it for himself. From the other side of the world, he made a bold move—buying a bike and having it waiting for him when he arrived. But once he got there, the adven
Motorcycle Mind - Mark ChangiziJun 27, 20254309On this episode of Adventure Rider Radio, we go beyond the usual explanations of freedom and thrill to explore how riding a motorcycle doesn’t just feel different—it engages our brains in a uniquely powerful way. Cognitive scientist Mark Changizi believes that riding may be the one activity that truly fits how our brains evolved, creating a seamless connection between humans and machines.
DEEP TROUBLE: Injured and AloneJun 19, 20253902When Eliot Metherell set off on a solo motorcycle journey through Australia, he was chasing freedom, solitude, and scenic back roads. But just days into the ride, a friendly suggestion to try a campground in the hills turned into a nightmare. Being new to adventure riding and with no off-road experience and an overloaded bike, Eliot found himself injured and alone, pinned under his motorc
RIDER SKILLS PLUS: 4 Steps to Mastering Slippery CrossingsJun 13, 20257406Sudden loss of traction is one of the most dangerous situations motorcycle riders can encounter—whether it’s wet pavement, loose gravel, or mud on the trail. In this Rider Skills Plus episode, expert instructor Clinton Smout from Smart Adventures shares four essential riding techniques to help you stay upright and in control when the surface turns slippery.We then speak with ex-racer and
Itchy Boots - Noraly SchoenmakerJun 5, 20254533Noraly Schoenmaker was living a comfortable life in the Netherlands, building a career as a geologist, when her world was suddenly turned upside down. For some, heartbreak might mean retreating inward, but Noraly chose something radically different. She walked away from the life she knew, packed up what she could, and set off to explore the world on a motorcycle. It wasn’t a wild whim — h
The Road Ahead: Reinventing Life on Two WheelsMay 30, 20256240A motorcycle Journey. When Bernd and Anchen Sass’s children moved abroad, the couple decided it was time to start living the dream they had discussed for decades. In their mid-50s, they left behind stable careers and set off on motorcycles—despite Anchen having no riding experience and deep fears about learning. Over several seasons of travel, they’ve crossed tens of thousands of kilometr
The Soul of the Ride: Rediscovering Adventure with Charley BoormanMay 23, 20252661It’s been 20 years since Long Way Round changed the face of motorcycle travel—and inspired a generation to dream bigger. That original journey, sparked by a simple idea, captured lightning in a bottle with its raw spirit, sweeping landscapes, and the magic of two friends chasing the horizon on massive BMWs. Then came Long Way Down and Long Way Up. In their latest series, Long Way Home, Ew
Riding Bhutan With Rally for RangersMay 16, 20254439Steve Zuschin first discovered Rally for Rangers at an ADV event, was drawn in by the mission, and unexpectedly found himself on a plane to Bhutan within weeks. He recounts the challenges of that first rally—from navigating muddy mountain roads in the Himalayas on Royal Enfields to racing tight schedules. It was an unforgettable introduction to a cause that left a lasting impression.🔗 Sho
Three Years in the Americas - Jess and Greg StoneMay 9, 20257812Jess and Greg Stone set out to ride around the world in 18 months. They aimed to prove that their dog gear could withstand the wear and tear of daily use while riding both on and off the road, and to raise $100,000 for a non-profit, Girl Up. Three years later, after facing injury, loss, and thousands of kilometers throughout the Americas, they’ve realized that their journey has become muc
Nick Sanders: A Lifetime on the MoveMay 2, 20254837Nick Sanders has spent over 40 years circling the globe—on bicycles, motorcycles, and even a narrowboat—setting records and redefining long-distance travel. Known for his speed and endurance, Nick’s latest ride along the edge of Europe marks a slower, more reflective journey aboard a Royal Enfield Bear 650. But his instinct to head into the unknown and figure it out as he goes? That hasn’
Rider and Travel Stories That Made Us: RAW RewindApr 25, 20254340For this episode of Adventure Rider Radio, we’ve gathered some of our favourite moments from RAW — the kind that made us laugh, think, or just stuck with us. From cultural mix-ups and hard-earned lessons to the unexpected beauty of the road, these clips offer a glimpse into the unique chemistry of the RAW crew and the adventures they’ve had.🔗 Show Notes & Links: Find photos, links, an
What We Think We Know About Riding—And What Chris Birch Actually TeachesApr 18, 20256108In this episode, we’re joined by world-renowned motorcycle instructor and KTM rider Chris Birch for a deep dive into rider technique, mindset, and how modern bikes—and training—are changing the game. Chris challenges the blanket advice that riders should always stand off-road, sharing real-world scenarios where sitting makes more sense. He also breaks down how rider education has evolved,
RIDER SKILLS Miniseries - Ride Ready Skills for Moto Adventures - Episode 3Apr 10, 20253555RIDE READY—a miniseries for anyone getting back on the bike after a break. Whether you’ve been off due to winter weather, a busy schedule, or you’re planning a riding trip, this series is packed with essentials for getting back on, plus tips and tricks for improving your riding skills—all from one of the most experienced instructors in North America, Clinton Smout. This is the final episo
Into Northern Quebec: Where the Road EndsApr 3, 20254854Chris Smith had long made a tradition of planning annual motorcycle adventures with friends and family. The year before, their trip was cut short when several people dropped out due to various challenges. This time, with a smaller group, they pushed farther—riding through active wildfires on their way to the end of Quebec’s remote Trans-Taiga Road. After a night camping at the Caniapiscau
Every Mile a StoryMar 27, 20255308Carl and Isabel Abrams traded their comfortable life in the UK for an open-ended motorcycle journey around the world after a cancer diagnosis reshaped their priorities. Now, 18 months and 16 countries later, they share unforgettable stories of the people they've met and the connections that have changed them. This episode is about more than travel—it's about chasing a dream and discoverin
BUCKET LIST: Riding Alaska’s Top of the World HighwayMar 20, 20255481Back in 2020, while the world was grappling with the pandemic and its many challenges, Brad Henrichs faced another devastating blow—he was diagnosed with cancer. Facing this life-altering moment, he felt the need to reevaluate his priorities. On his bucket list was a motorcycle ride to Alaska. He began planning and soon found himself riding his motorcycle to Alaska with his daughter sitti
Beyond Borders: An Unfiltered Motorcycle AdventureMar 13, 20258176In 2019, while reading a motorcycle travel book, Sal was saving for an extended trip when Ethan asked if she planned to ride around the world. Without hesitation, she replied, “maybe.” That moment set them on an extraordinary journey across Africa and the Middle East, encountering breakdowns, roadblocks, flash floods, and theft. They navigated war zones, endured malaria, and battled relen
The Long Motorcycle Ride North - Tarifa to NordkappMar 6, 20255116A couple of years ago, Stephen Oliver embarked on a journey from Tarifa, Spain’s southernmost point, to Nordkapp, Norway, traversing mountain passes, navigating high-speed autobahns, and immersing himself in the cultures of ten countries. The ride was not without its challenges—including a crash that injured him and damaged his bike, testing his resolve. Yet with every setback, he adapted
RIDER SKILLS Miniseries: Ride Ready Skills for Adventure - Episode 2Feb 26, 20253396This is the second episode in our RIDER SKILLS Miniseries—Ride Ready Skills for Adventure for anyone getting back on the bike after a break. Whether you've been off because of winter weather or a busy schedule, or you're gearing up for a riding trip, this series is packed with essential steps, tips, and guidance on training and building your skills. You'll learn how to structure your trai
DEEP TROUBLE: Stranded and Broken - A Ride Gone Wrong on the Haywire Grade TrailFeb 20, 20256747In 2008, Doug Oosterhouse’s annual motorcycle camping trip took a brutal turn on the Haywire Grade Trail in Michigan when deep sand and a hidden hole caused his fully loaded KLR 650 to crash. With no cell service and a serious injury that left his foot pointing the wrong way, getting help was no easy task. What followed was a painful ordeal, major surgery, and a lesson in just how quickly
From Boardroom to Open Road: A Journey of Self-DiscoveryFeb 13, 20255594Scott Dobie spent years climbing the corporate ladder, enjoying success and financial stability while postponing the start of a family for 15 years to concentrate on his career. Faced with the demands of his job, he discovered something that would change everything: motorcycle travel. What began as a simple getaway soon transformed into a life-changing journey across the U.S. that not onl
Breaking Away from Structure: Riding into the UnknownFeb 6, 20256539At 38, Stefanie Eickhorn bought her first motorcycle—never anticipating it would take her across continents or away from the structured German life in which she was raised. A decade later, she set off solo, riding from Portugal to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, the peaks of the Balkans, and deep into Africa. She has encountered war-altered routes, shifting borders, and the battle between co
BUCKET LIST: Ultimate Himalayan RideJan 30, 20254035In this BUCKET LIST episode, Maria Schumacher and Aidan Walsh talk about their experience riding in the Himalayas. Their journey offers compelling insights into adaptability and its role as a powerful tool in both travel and life, as they found India to be overwhelming and beautiful simultaneously. BUCKET LIST is an Adventure Rider Radio series that features destinations through riders' e
Chaos and Adventure - The Ride That Changed EverythingJan 23, 20253475In late 2014, after losing his job and finding himself at a crossroads, Josh Kepkay decided to take a leap of faith. With $15,000 in the bank and no clear plan, he set off to travel the world. His journey began in Vietnam, where a motorcycle adventure to Sapa—despite never having ridden a bike before—ignited a lifelong passion within him. What started as a search for direction evolved int
RIDER SKILLS Mini Series: Ride Ready Skills for Moto AdventuresJan 17, 20254530This is the first episode of a miniseries within our RIDER SKILLS series — Ride Ready Skills for Adventure. This miniseries presents a step-by-step program to equip you with the essential skills for your upcoming riding season or adventure. The episodes are arranged linearly, so you can follow along in order over the next three or four episodes, building your knowledge and preparing for s
Chasing Motorcycle Adventure on the TETJan 9, 20254536In his mid-40s, Philipp Amann decided it was finally time for an off-road motorcycle adventure, despite the challenges of age, fitness, and relying on a 28-year-old BMW R1100GS. His first ride on the TET was a wild and humbling plunge into the deep end, but through grit, determination, and a passion for exploration, he transformed early blunders into triumphs. Along the way, he discovered
DEEP TROUBLE: Rider Down on the White Rim TrailJan 2, 20253644While solo riding the rugged White Rim Trail in Moab, Utah, James Simonowski faced an unexpected ordeal when a crash left him pinned beneath his motorcycle. Equipped with a Garmin inReach, a device he carried with the hope it would work in an emergency, James put it to the ultimate test. Links: Photos and links related to this episode can be found in the show notes on Adventure Rider Rad
Goals for Adventure Motorcycle TravelDec 26, 20246581As the year begins, many riders set New Year’s resolutions, often centred around sacrifice—cutting out indulgences, hitting the gym, or saving money by skipping small pleasures. All these resolutions centre around some sense of pain, which is why we often give up on our resolutions quickly. But what if your resolution fuelled your passion for two wheels instead? This year, aim for a win-w
BUCKET LIST: Motorcycle Travel in South KoreaDec 19, 20244154In the premiere episode of BUCKET LIST, Sheonagh Ravensdale and Pat Thomson, who first connected through the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA), share their incredible journey of adventure. Thirty years after their initial meeting, they continue to explore the world together. One memorable trip took them to Korea, where they were both surprised and deeply impressed by the
First Attempt at Long-Distance Moto TravelDec 13, 20245433Ante Dodig planned a motorcycle trip that would take him across Canada, up to Alaska, and all the way down to the southernmost tip of South America. This was his first foray into long-distance motorcycling, and while the trip didn’t unfold as he had envisioned, he said he would do it all over again, even knowing the outcome. Links: Photos and links related to this episode can be found in
RIDER SKILLS: Backroad Survival Guide For Adventure MotorcyclistsDec 5, 20245102Backroad riding is the essence of adventure motorcycling — exploring remote places and pushing limits. It’s not an everyday experience for most riders, making preparation and caution crucial. In this RIDER SKILLS episode, Clinton Smout shares expert tips for tackling backroads safely, handling challenges, and avoiding common mistakes — your ultimate guide to backroad adventures. Links: Ph