Fear is a natural part of adventure motorcycling, but how we handle it can make all the difference. In this episode of RAW, the panel digs into the fears many riders face—riding solo, tackling tough terrain, getting lost, dealing with mechanical issues and more—and how to manage them. We’ll talk about when fear protects you versus when it holds you back, how to build confidence through training and preparation, and the mental tricks that help in the moment. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting your adventure travel journey, this conversation is packed with insights to help you push past doubt and ride with more confidence.
107: How to Choose a Riding Partner for a Long Trip
For many people, a long motorcycle trip or a journey around the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It may be their first adventure, or it could be the only trip they ever get to take. While many are content to go solo, some prefer to travel with a partner—whether for companionship, security, or other reasons. This partner could be a good friend, a relative, or a life partner. Or they might need to find someone to join them on their adventure. Choosing a riding partner may just be one of the most important aspects of their travel plans. So, what are some things to consider in a riding partner?
104: 7 Motorcycle Travel Myths Debunked
In this episode of RAW, the panel will debunk seven common myths about motorcycle travel that often hold riders back from embarking on their adventures. From the misconception that you need a large, expensive bike, to the belief that solo or female travel is unsafe, we'll break down each myth and explain why they’re unfounded.
103: How to Keep Your Stuff From Being Stolen | Riding in Heavy Wind
This month’s episode dives into essential tips for safeguarding your bike and gear from theft while on a motorcycle trip. Plus, our panel shares gripping tales of battling brutal wind conditions and the hard-earned lessons from those intense rides.
101: Motorcycle Travel - Changes I'd Make for Next Time
On this episode of RAW, we will discuss getting second chances for our past trips and riding in areas with heavy traffic and large vehicles. Given what you now know, is there a trip or part of a trip you’ve taken that you would do differently if given the chance? If so, what changes would you make and why? Furthermore, riding dynamics change significantly in areas where the size of vehicles determines the right of way and traffic rules are not strictly followed. In these areas, motorcyclists often find themselves with minimal rights on the roads, which influences how they ride.
99: Finding Food, Fuel and Other Elusive Items While on the Road
Travelling can sometimes be challenging when finding necessities, especially in foreign countries where options may differ from what you are used to or might not be easily available. Common concerns include finding food you enjoy and managing allergies. Another important aspect of motorcycle travel is ensuring quality fuel, maintaining oil and filters, and dealing with tire issues. In this episode of RAW, the panel discusses how to source supplies and manage mechanical needs while on the road.
97: The Dark Side of Long Term Motorcycle Travel
Many motorcyclists dream about running off on an adventure that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. The thrill and anticipation leading up to the journey is what they focus on. But, the darker side is contemplating what will happen when they return. How will they reintegrate into society and work? What will it be like to return to their old life with a new perspective?
96: The Self-Reliant Motorcycle Traveler
Being self-reliant can be likened to having insurance—an ability to take care of oneself if things go awry. There's nothing inherently wrong with accepting help; it's a human instinct, and in the context of motorcycle travel, assistance often leads to friendship and discovery. However, it raises the question of wisdom and responsibility to travel as a dependent, relying too much on others. In this episode of RAW, we discuss ways to become a self-reliant traveler with topics including camping and accommodations, route planning, financial preparedness and repairs, and more.
93: Common Mistakes for Motorcycle Travelers and How to Avoid Them
In this episode, the RAW panel explores the common mistakes made by motorcycle travelers, such as riding beyond their ability and failing to interact with the locals. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, understanding and learning from these mistakes will help you ensure that your next two-wheeled adventure is both exhilarating and secure.
92: Reflecting on the Road: Navigating Regrets in Motorcycle Travel
Have you ever found yourself in a travel situation where, in hindsight, different choices could have been made? During a long motorcycle trip, have you ever experienced regrets that left a lasting impact, prompting you to reflect on how they influenced your journey? Whether it was a decision not made, an opportunity missed due to last-minute changes in your plans, or a choice that led you down an unexpected path, these moments of regret can shape our travel narratives in unexpected ways.
91: The 7 Wonders of Motorcycle Travel Across the United States
Another lively debate by the RAW panel, this time on The 7 Wonders of Motorcycle Travel Across the United States. A list to inspire riders to get out and explore these incredible areas.
88: Top Motorcycle Routes To Ride in Less Than a Week
There are an endless amount of spectacular motorcycle routes all around the world, and choosing which one to ride on your next adventure can be overwhelming, especially if you are limited by time. So, we asked the panel to suggest what they think are some of the best routes in world to ride in less than a week, when to go and what skill levels are required.
87: Tires, Boots and Helmets
There are three things from your normal ADV gear that may need to be swapped out for long distance travel: Tires. Aggressive tires work great for ADV riding and are the choice for many, but for long distance travel does longevity surpass the need for traction? How do you decide what tires to run on any given trip? Boots. Heavy, tall, well supported motorcycle boots are paramount for protecting your feet and lower leg, but with the limited space available for long distance travel can you really afford to take them along? Helmets. For ADV riding around home a peaked visor style helmet is the choice for many riders, even with room for goggles. When it comes to long distance travel, do you or would you prefer other features?
80: Tips for Doing a Solo Motorcycle Trip for the Modern Rider | Travel Rhythm
What’s it like to do a solo motorcycle trip for the modern world where the internet and google are at your fingertips? And do you have a certain rhythm you follow on a trip? Wake up, pack up and ride for the same amount of time every day? All this and more on this month’s RAW with your hosts and special guests Michnus and Elsebie Olivier.
76: How to Get in to Motorcycle Travel on a Budget
Perhaps you’ve never doing any big scale travel before or you have limited funds but want to get a taste of travel. This episode is for the average rider who wants to leave from their backyard and experience an adventure.All this and more, on this month’s RAW featuring your co-hosts from around the world.
75: Five Great Reasons to Ride a Motorcycle on an Extended Trip and Travelling with Electronics
If you needed more reasons to plan a trip then we’ve put together our lists of great ones. And the panel also has some great tips on how to pack and travel with electronics in all kinds of weather and conditions. All this and more, on this month’s RAW featuring your co-hosts from around the world.
71: Pre-Trip Jitters, Trip Emotions and Holidays Away from Home
On this episode of RAW we talk about dealing with pre-trip jitters, missing family and friends, and remember holidays spent away from home. Join Jim and his co-hosts Shirley Hardy-Rix, Brian Rix, Sam Manicom, Michelle Lamphere and Grant Johnson for some great tips and laughs.
69: Silver Linings in Trouble, and How To Avoid Hippopotamus at Night
On this episode of RAW we talk about when good things turn out to be for the best, what a small world it can be, inspirational places to visit while travelling, footwear and helmets. Join Jim and his co-hosts Shirley Hardy-Rix, Brian Rix, Sam Manicom, Michelle Lamphere and Grant Johnson for some lessons and laughs.
67: Yesterday's Travel, Weapons and Road Hazards
Is it possible, with all the technology and information available at your finger tips to have an adventure like those pre-internet? What about personal protection, should we and do we carry weapons? And how to avoid road hazards without learning the hard way. All this and more, on this month’s RAW featuring your co-hosts from around the world.
65: Dehydrated Water Reduces Motorcycle Payload
Are you a travel addict? If you are, and even if you’re not, you might have some questions about motorcycle travel. Like, how long should you wait before you take a new bike on an extended trip? What’s the best way to carry water? If you’re not in to social media, what other ways can you connect with riders and travellers? And how do you deal with an overloaded motorbike?