Adventure Bike Rider Forum

Maybe preconceptions were based on the old style of a rallye when it was actually a 'festival' as the name implied. Let's face it the younger generation are the future and the industry needs them to survive. If they're relying on me with my fleet of used bikes which are home serviced and my make do and mend attitude then there is no hope.

This smells of old mans piss and sour grapes in all honesty

I did one of the earlier ABR events near Banbury and really enjoyed it. The cost and size put me off now. The same is true for other events, I prefer to spend my money travelling. There are thankfully plenty of smaller and cheaper events going on.

From my view point I think the rot set in with the coining of the term ‘adventure’. Gone are the days where you just ride your motorbike.

The last ‘adventure’ event/rally I went to was an HU mini meet somewhere in the middle of France. A very small meet which in the main was very friendly and enjoyable, even so there were some ‘heroes’ turned up. They knew more about which satellite tracker you should use than I thought there was to know! It was probably at this point that I realised that the new commercialised world of ‘adventure motorcycling’ had got away from me. I am, however, planning another overland trek but wondering if it’s possible with just a paper map.

I now stick to classic bike events which, in the main, are a bunch of older chaps getting together, no longer interested in roughing it or showing off - suits me.

Now then My job is so stressful meetings excel spreadsheet and making service. It’s no wonder I ain’t had a stroke at 57 but picking up ABR magazine and reading your adventures seeing the landscape has a calming affect and when I can I do the same get out and ride. Camp and breath. Thank god for the people who go out there way and organise rallies. Meet ups it’s unfortunately not long now before we have to buy a second hand electric car. Cause I can’t afford a new one the battery will be cooked and cost. 8 grand to replace oh and another 2 grand to dispose of the old lithium battery but that’s another storie. So the moral of this story is enjoy every minute you can on your bike .go to every meeting. Festival. . Road trip. You can and enjoy. Life is to short Rgds Mark

diggermanbob wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 3:44 pm I think you hit the nail on the head chris , I remember meeting you when the ABR rally was at Banbury , I even brought my Rickman Metisse for a ride round the track , great crack and nothing to corporate, but I guess it's just a sign of the times what exactly is a celebrity anyway every man and his dog thinks they are one , I ride mostly on my own as that's how I prefer it unless in France or Spain when I enjoy riding with my two buddies , !!!

Well said there Bob, for me it's all about riding the bike, and not posing alongside it, personally I enjoyed the ride to the festival and back, more than the show itself. Each to there own I suppose.

bond_yzf wrote: ↑Sat Jul 31, 2021 8:32 am This smells of old mans piss and sour grapes in all honesty

daveuprite wrote: ↑Sat Jul 31, 2021 9:02 am

bond_yzf wrote: ↑Sat Jul 31, 2021 8:32 am This smells of old mans piss and sour grapes in all honesty

Did you use the toilets after me?

Godspeed wrote: ↑Sat Jul 31, 2021 9:37 am

daveuprite wrote: ↑Sat Jul 31, 2021 9:02 am

bond_yzf wrote: ↑Sat Jul 31, 2021 8:32 am This smells of old mans piss and sour grapes in all honesty

Did you use the toilets after me?

God no

Think this is a case of the mass unsociables.