The Biker Side of Life

14/07/2026

The Biker Side of Life — Are You Feeling Lucky?

Heatwave blazing, mid‑week madness, and I finally get Arnie back from his carb tune‑up.

He rode sweet — really sweet — all the way to my yard. Felt like he’d had a spa day.

So we head over to a bike shop where I treat him to a new cloak of invisibility (bike cover), feeling smug, feeling sorted.
Come back out…
Hit the starter…
Nothing.
Not a cough, not a click — first time ever he’s refused to start.

One of the lads from the bike shop wanders out with a jump pack, gives him a zap, and off we go again. I’m thinking: alright, fair play, proper lucky escape.

Blip down the motorway and back into town. Twenty minutes later — boom.
Engine stops.
Back wheel locks.
Dead again.
Ignition totally lifeless.

And where do I end up?

Back right outside the mechanics who’d tuned him earlier… now closed, shutters down, nobody home. And I’m stood there with a bike that draws attention like a magnet — no disc lock, no chain, no chance I’m leaving him, cloak of invisibility or not.

Then — because apparently I’m blessed — the mechanic’s auntie pulls up.

“Are you alright? Want to put it in the shop? I’ve got the keys.”

I mean… what are the odds?

Break down twice, both times in the only places where help magically appears.

Perspective, right? Totally lucky.
Ok, we broke down, yes — but how lucky were we to break down twice… well ok, that’s not so lucky. But to break down twice with help at hand? You’ve gotta count your lucky stars when they come, right? And you’ve gotta be thankful for small mercies.

Day recovered with a cold drink from the chippy and a shady place to sit while waiting for my lift.

New battery fitted now, and Arnie’s ready to go again — hopefully further than a big loop and back this time.

So… where are your adventures taking you this weekend?

A bit further than mine, I hope — but with the same ridiculous luck.

09/07/2026

Hi everyone, hope you’re doing well. Further to my recent post sharing Stephanie Rowe s story of her accident. I’m reaching out to ask for support for this GoFundMe. This cause is important and whether you can donate or simply share the fundraiser, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. Here’s the link:

(VERSION FRANҪAISE CI-DESSOUS ⬇️⬇️⬇️) EN Hi, my name is St… Stephanie Rowe needs your support for Save Steffs Wrists ... Sauvez les poignets de Steff

08/07/2026

STEPHANIE ROWE NEEDS THE ADVENTURE COMMUNITY BEHIND HER

Most of you will know Vanessa Ruck — “The Girl on a Bike.” In 2024 she became the first woman ever to finish the Africa Eco Race in the motorcycle class. A huge achievement, and one she’s rightly celebrated for across the adventure world, including her own stage at the ABR Festival.

The following year, another British female rider bagged another massive achievement in the same race.

In January 2025, Stephanie Rowe became the first woman ever to finish the Africa Eco Race in Malle Moto — the unassisted class. No mechanics. No team. No support. Just you, your bike, your toolkit, and whatever grit you can carry through the desert. It’s the hardest way to finish the race, and she did it.

Then, last June, Steph suffered a serious off‑road crash. She hit a rock, went over the bars, and was knocked unconscious. There are hours she doesn’t remember. The injuries were brutal:

- Multiple fractures in both wrists
- One wrist shattered and dislocated
- Two surgeries — plates, screws, reconstruction
- A knee injury leaving her unable to use her leg
- A long hospital stay, now moved to a rehab centre
- And the added weight of a head injury, meaning recovery must be slow and careful

Anyone who rides — trail, enduro, adventure, rally — knows how vital your wrists are. They’re your control, your confidence, your safety. Losing them, even temporarily, changes everything.

I don’t know Stephanie personally — we’ve never met — but I’ve been following her story for the past few years. Her grit, her honesty, and her determination have inspired so many of us in the adventure and rally world.

Steph has given so much to this community:
Representation. Courage. A role model for women in rally. Proof that big dreams don’t need big egos — just heart and determination.

Right now, she needs us.

If you can help — by sharing her story, donating, or connecting her with someone who can support her recovery — it genuinely matters. The adventure community is full of people with reach, influence, and generosity. Sometimes all it takes is the right person seeing the right post.

Let’s show Steph what this community is made of.
Let’s help her rebuild her wrists, rebuild her strength, and get back to doing what she was born to do.

We’re with you, Steph. Every step of the way.

— The Biker Side of Life

05/07/2026

After the inspiration of last week's ABR festival I've been itching for an adventure but work commitments are stopping just taking off with the sun on our backs.
So, taking my own advice I set off on Scrammie this morning with my wife Annie and a rough plan. To the seaside via Baffle Haus and back!

We got away about 9.30am and weaved our way through the picturesque back lanes of Monmouthshire from our home in the Forest of Dean to arrive for a tasty and much anticipated Baffle Haus Brunch. If you've not been over to Baffle Haus, you should! Bikes, merch, great food, chat, and more bikes.

From there we kept heading south west through Wales, unfortunately finding ourselves on a serious of little dual carriageways riddled with countless roundabouts. It was like a tour of the industrial estates of south Wales. But just when Id had enough we passed through Bridgend and the riding took a turn for the better popping out at the coast at the seaside town of Porthcawl. Ice-cream and a walk on the beach to the waters edge, quite a walk as the tide was out. In fact the walk back was twice as far in my adventure boots and the slight incline up the beach through soft sand.

On our way again now down the coast road and for me the highlight of the trip, the wild and rugged coast at Ogmore by sea. No amusement arcades here just endless clifftops and beach.

Rumbling down the coast road and through St Donats winding our way to Barry island. I've not been here for over 30 years so we had a stop for chips and drinks and was pleasantly surprised by the sandy cove in front of us. A few bikes and their owners were gathered on the sea front including a gorgeous bright yellow Yamaha RD250DX. It made me wish I hadn't sold mine.

Chips done, we headed along the coast, past paddocks of horses, Cardiff docks and over the bridge at Cardiff Marina. Sticking to the coast we trundled on past the Edwardian marvel of the Newport transporter bridge built in 1906 and onto Newport proper, past the docks and out towards Chepstow.

Once past Chepstow race course we felt we were on home turf again stopping for a beer ( and a rest from the saddle as I couldn't go on any further at this point) at the magnificent Tintern abbey.

Homeward bound from here, skirting Monmouth, up past the Kymin, and back through the incredible scenes of the Forest of Dean and home. 10 hours door to door and just under 200 miles of back roads and lanes. It really scratched my adventure itch, for now anyway. I can't believe we only left home this morning, it feels like we've been away for a week! 😎❤️

Whatever time you have, whatever bike you run with, whatever budget you're working to, there's always an adventure to be had. Most of us yearn for far off places yet never explore our own doorstep... Let your lack of time or money be the catalyst to where you explore! Get out, have fun, no matter what! 😁🙏🏻😎❤️

Dominic
The Biker Side of Life

05/07/2026

Well that's a wrap for today. Nearly 200 miles of back roads under our belts and a well deserved beer. 😎❤️

05/07/2026

Dya wanna go to the seaside?
Next Sunday stop Porthcawl 😎

05/07/2026

First stop. Baffle Haus brunch 😋 . If you've not been over to Baffle Haus you must, lots of bikes, merch, and the food is really good 😊
Ok, where next? Seaside I reckon 😎🤔

05/07/2026

Where you all off to today? 🤔
Scrammie s chain is oiled, his tyres are pumped and he's got a full tank of gas 😎
Let's ride!

30/06/2026

ABR FESTIVAL 2026 — WHAT REALLY MATTERS

ABR Festival has a way of overwhelming the senses in the best possible way.

Between the endless rows of bikes, the hundreds of exhibitor stands, the gear and equipment, the manufacturer demo fleets, the round-the-world adventure legends, the food, the music, and of course the world-class off-road tracks (and the infamous Big of Doom)… there’s enough here to fill anyone’s adventure cup to the brim.

But what I enjoyed most — what really makes this event special — is the people.

Not just the big names, the travellers, the storytellers, the riders who’ve crossed continents on tiny bikes with nothing but stubbornness and a dream. I spent the weekend helping Nathan Millward (Nathan the Postman) at Dorothy’s Speed Shop, and he’s living proof that you don’t need a huge budget, a perfect plan, or the “right” bike to see the world. His adventures on a small Honda CT remind us that excuses are optional.

But as inspiring as Nathan and the other world travellers are… my real inspiration this weekend came from you.

The everyday riders.

The ones who work hard, dream big, and show up with open hearts and muddy boots.

The ones who remind me that “dream big” doesn’t have to mean riding solo around the world.

For one person, dream big is circumnavigating the globe on a Ducati DesertX (or a Honda Cub).

For another, it’s nervously taking their Royal Enfield off-road for the first time.

For someone else, it’s their first solo overnight adventure to the next town.

Different dreams. Same spirit.

Freedom. Independence. Adventure. A different way to see the world.

That’s what motorbikes represent — and that’s what every single one of you brought to ABR Festival this year.

You are the reason I’d come back next year.

You are the reason I’d stand on a stall in the blazing sun.

You are what this world is all about.

Thanks for making ABR Festival 2026 unforgettable.

See you out there.

— The Biker Side of Life See less