About Lion Adventure Motorcycling
The Rider Behind the Routes
Lion Adventure Motorcycling is the work of a UK-based rider in his sixties who discovered that retirement means having the time to finally ride the roads he'd been planning for decades. After a career in engineering and technology, he now documents real-world adventure motorcycling from the saddle of a Yamaha Ténéré 700.
The focus is honest, practical content based on actual experience rather than aspirational marketing. Every route has been ridden, every piece of gear has been tested in real conditions, and every piece of advice comes from lessons learned on the road—sometimes the hard way.
With a background in engineering, there's a natural interest in how things work and why they fail. This translates into gear reviews that look beyond marketing claims and route documentation that considers practical details like fuel stops, accommodation options, and road surface conditions.
The Ténéré 700 was chosen after extensive research and test rides. It balances capability with accessibility—able to handle serious off-road sections while remaining comfortable for long tarmac days. It's also mechanically simple enough for roadside maintenance, an important consideration when traveling solo in remote areas.
Key Journeys & Milestones
2022 - Welsh Exploration
Extended trip through Wales exploring mountain passes and coastal roads. First serious test of gear and bike setup. Learned important lessons about weight distribution and waterproofing.
2023 - Northern Iberia
Month-long tour through northern Spain and Portugal. Covered the Picos de Europa, Galicia, and the Portuguese coast. First experience with sustained heat and varying road surfaces.
2024 - Scottish Highlands
Extended exploration of Scotland's lesser-known routes, deliberately avoiding the overcrowded NC500. Tested cold-weather gear and refined wild camping techniques.
Ongoing - UK Base Area Riding
Regular weekend and day trips throughout the UK, testing routes and gear while building local knowledge. Yorkshire, Lake District, and Peak District are frequent destinations.
Beyond the Bike
Adventure motorcycling sits at the intersection of several long-standing interests:
- Engineering and Technology: Understanding how motorcycles work, what makes gear effective, and how to fix things when they break. A career in technical fields provides useful perspective on design and functionality.
- Video Production: Documenting rides through video adds another dimension to the experience. Currently experimenting with different camera setups and editing techniques to capture the reality of adventure riding.
- 3D Printing and Fabrication: Creating custom mounting solutions, luggage modifications, and spare parts carriers. When commercial products don't quite fit the need, making bespoke solutions is both practical and satisfying.
- Route Research: Spending winter months studying maps, reading historical accounts of roads and trails, and planning journeys that combine scenic quality with riding interest.
- Photography: Capturing landscapes, bikes, and moments from the road. Learning to balance the desire to photograph everything with the need to actually ride and experience the journey.
What Lion Adventure Motorcycling Is About
Honesty
Real experiences, including mistakes and failures. Gear reviews that acknowledge both strengths and weaknesses. Route descriptions that mention the boring sections and difficult parts, not just the highlights.
Realism
Adventure motorcycling as it actually is—sometimes uncomfortable, occasionally frustrating, but ultimately rewarding. Not every day is perfect weather and empty roads. Documentation of the full experience.
Accessibility
Routes and advice suitable for competent riders, not just experts. Recognition that most people have limited time and budgets. Focus on trips that are achievable rather than extreme.
Experimentation
Willingness to try different approaches, gear combinations, and routes. Sharing what works and what doesn't, so others can learn from both successes and failures.