In 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 relentless mechanical failures, yet the kindness of strangers and the thrill of adventure kept them going. Now, after crossing eleven African countries, they push toward the northernmost point they can reach, knowing neither will be the first to utter, “I quit.” Their journey proves that adventure isn’t about having the best gear—it’s about the determination to keep moving forward.

A 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, pushing forward with determination, demonstrating that true adventure is as much about resilience as it is about the miles traveled.

This 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 training, master key techniques, and pick up practical tips to ride safely and confidently.

In 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 an adventure can go sideways.

Scott 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 only reconnected him with himself but also reshaped the course of his life. What happened next? It’s a story of reinvention and bold choices.

At 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 control and chaos. She has learned to let go, trust the road, and discover freedom in the unexpected.

In 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.

This 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 some fun and safe riding. This first episode focuses on static exercises and information—practices you can do without starting your bike.

While 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.