Nigel & Yvonne Farmer – R1200GS – This dynamic duo are no strangers to a Magellan tour, having done several of our European trips. Nigel the little speed demon threw that GS around mountains, over them and through them with Yvonne egging him on the whole way! Even when they went off on a magical mystery diversion down an interesting pot holed, gravel road!
Stuart Briggs – R1200GS – Lovely Stuart from Yorkshire. A very composed and smooth rider, again no stranger to a Magellan tour, it was a joy to follow the happy chappy – except for the time he scared everyone absolutely witless when he vanished off of the 11,000ft Beartooth mountain pass for half a day! After a rescue mission back up the mountain consisting of the support truck, spare bike and two of the Magellan team we found out he was just peckish and went straight to lunch for a deep fried cheesecake! He was always a sucker for a hearty American meal, especially the brownie ice cream sandwiches.
Adrian Green – R1200GS – Always with a knowing smile on his face! Another Magellan regular Adrian along with Stuart joined us for both tours in the states. A chauffeur in the UK, his skill was evident as we followed him around the twisties. He also had a knack for dry humour that had us chuckling all day!
Bill Douglas – R1200GS – Bill is a real child at heart who delights in making me jump around every corner and chasing me around with caterpillars, but as soon as he gets on his bike it’s serious all the way making sure everyone is happy and safe. Living in Washington State he was a font of information having helped us on the recce tours. He was also pretty good with bringing me and Felix coffee every morning!
Felix Billington – Honda Goldwing – Our fearless leader rocking around on the QE2! Occasionally ferrying me around having a nap on the back! As always he led the tour and made it look effortless! For those of you who have read Billy Byfield’s blogs, you will know Felix features as Batman and David (below) as his butler Alfred. This was demonstrated beautifully if i do say so myself, when on the side of the road Felix commandeered use of David’s sat nav as his had stopped working.
David Billington – R1200GS – David to some, Alfred (Felix’s butler) to others, but an all round nice guy to everyone. Riding the same bike as he rides in the UK he rocked around on his rented GS with no trouble at all, bringing whimsical jokes and endless little nuggets of information all the way.
Terry Groves – F700GS – A former police dog trainer and again Magellan regular Terry, cruised around on the 700 with incredible smoothness and efficiency, maybe too efficient in one case. You remember the time I’m talking about! 😉 he’s also pretty nifty with a camera, taking some absolutely cracking shots throughout the tour.
The support truck crew
Judy Douglas – Dynamite comes in a small package as Bill would say. What an absolute rockstar she is! Not only for putting up with Bill but for hauling a massive F150 ford truck with a trailer and spare bike on the back! She handled it like an absolute pro! It was a pleasure to co pilot with you. We love Jude! We also love the treats she kept in the truck for those times we stopped and got peckish.
Chester the dog – The tour mascot otherwise known as Chester who belongs to Bill and Jude. He is a cute little Shih Tzu, who loved pushing my laptop off my lap in the truck so he could have cuddles.
Naomi Sesstein (A.K.A Taco Bell connoisseur, A.K.A The person writing this) – Usually seen on a BMW F800R, except seen on this trip from the top of my laptop or passed out sleeping somewhere – having been recruited into Felix’s butler services along with Alfred, I mean David. It’s very tiring work!
Now you’ve met everyone and are sitting comfortably I shall begin…