Name: Rob Hook | Age: 60 | Occupation: Chef
■ First bike?
A 1977 Yamaha RD200 which I had for seven weeks before it was stolen, then a Suzuki GT185.
■ Current bike?
Suzuki V-Strom 1000XA.
■ Dream bike?
My latest Suzuki V-Strom 1000XA, this is my third Strom since 2006 with over 200,000 miles covered on them. My latest one has been to Asia.
■ Most expensive accessory?
Lone Rider side bags.
■ Tarmac roads or gravel roads?
I would have said tarmac but I have just done Bayburt of Yolu in Turkey, one of the most dangerous roads in the world, with only about eight hours off-road experience. So, I would say both now.
■ Tent or hotel?
Hotel! A good shower and bed.
■ Ferry or Tunnel?
Ferry. After riding from Devon it’s good to have a rest and a meal on the ferry.
■ Lifelong ambition?
To carry on riding abroad when I can afford it, and to carry on from the last country I visited, which was Azerbaijan, and see how far I could go.
■ Most trying day ride?
Leaving Zaqatala in Azerbaijan at 6:00 am and riding through Georgia, Armenia and back into Georgia. I arrived at the hotel at 7:00 pm having ridden 270 miles, 115 of which were supposed be tarmac but were in fact gravel and potholed mud roads.
■ Most memorable moment?
Riding the Bayburt of Yolu, a gravel road with sheer drops and great scenery, with two friends.
■ What do you miss most when travelling?
Always looking forward to getting on the ferry at Calais to get a good cup of tea made with boiling water and fresh milk.
■ Favourite crap joke?
I came across a genie who said I had three wishes. My first wish was for £100,000, and this was granted. My second was for a lovely blonde and this was granted. The final wish was that my privates would touch the floor, so he chopped my legs off.