I believe that the concept of ‘adventure’ is a profoundly personal experience. Austin Vince, as discussed in his TAMP episode, argues for an element of peril, but I see it as subjective. Whether you’re navigating through Iraq on a motorcycle or simply heading to the coast for fish and chips, it constitutes your unique adventure. While I used to associate adventure with venturing overseas on a ferry, a recent spin out to Wales on my 990 for a mini-adventure has reshaped my perspective. The plan was simple: the teenie-tiny Greg Villalobos got a group of us together that he wanted to ride with. We all met up at an undisclosed location in Wales for some trail riding, and a lot of banter.

After a pit stop at Caffeine & Machine, a personal favorite, for a quick bite and a rendezvous with Will C, we smashed the motorway miles arriving early Friday evening. Our base for the weekend was Paul’s place, an idyllic farm house ‘somewhere near the border’. Each of us had a designated spot to pitch our tents, and Paul’s exceptional hospitality was evident from the moment I kicked down my side stand. I was handed a beer in hand within 30 seconds! Legend.

Despite many of us being virtual acquaintances, having connected via the socials, you wouldn’t have guessed it. Within 10 minutes of meeting face to face the name calling and p*** taking was rife, setting the tone for the whole weekend. The banter only intensified with the addition of alcohol and, in a world often too serious, this group was a refreshing contrast.

The following morning, armed with enough coffee and paracetamol to mask our jaded heads, we gathered to line up our bikes for a photography session. We had small bikes, middle-size-bikes and proper grown-up big ones. Some reet good pieces of kit. As the multiple photographers in the group clicked away, I delved into details about the upcoming trails.

I was warned that the trails ahead were a handful, but that didn’t bother me much because the best trails always are! Our off-road adventure promised a mix of terrains, with a significant portion featuring that rocky stuff that makes your rear dance around like a drunk frog, and your hands sore from holding on too tight. It’s not the best technique, but we all do it. I also had the added drama of an essentially slick rear tyre which got many-a-giggle as I got stuck many-a-time. It wasn’t all bad though, drama makes a good video.

While I could delve into a detailed account of the weekend’s events, I’ll save you the long read and recommend checking out the video. However, I do need to comment on one thing that is destined to be a hilarious addition to my own bikes – the horns. Paul, Rupert, and Iain all had comedy ‘clown horns’ attached to their bikes, used whenever someone decided to take a little lie down. They were used a lot! The sheer hilarity of these horns makes it nearly impossible to stay angry or annoyed when you find yourself upside down in a hedge, and the honking commences. I’d wholeheartedly recommend them to everyone – they should be factory standard on all bikes in my opinion.

I still plan (and hope) to do a lot of riding overseas – after all, the world begs to be explored – this recent trip served as a powerful reminder. It highlighted that incredible experiences are readily accessible much closer to home. What’s more, the entire weekend mini-adventure, all-inclusive, set me back around £180. In current times, that’s an absolute bargain!

If you want to form your own opinion, head over to my YouTube channel and check out the video. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the adventure, it’s a good one!

VIDEO: Trail Riding in Wales, aka FOMO Festival

Ciao for now! Ollie.