John and Mandy Lewis:
Two fantastic people who were faced with tragic circumstances while we were away. The loss of a beautiful and courageous niece, forced Mandy to fly home from Fes and return to meet us in Marrakesh. An incredible act and one that deserves the utmost respect from us all. However! Mandy did leave behind John,and warned me that he wasn’t good on his own! John possesses a skill I’ve never seen before, he can in fact moan underwater! Having said that, the humour in which he delivers his complaints has your sides splitting and tears from your eyes. Two amazing people who I wish the very best for the future.
Steve Evans:
The pop master wizard electrician who delivers one liners with a definitive killer blow! Steve rides his DCT Honda crosstourer with ease. Floating along with one hand on the bars making it all look effortless! There is one thing Steve won’t ever beat me at though! His insurance renewal. Move out of London mate! I can insure my bike for 8 years to your one! Oof low blow.
David Lees with an S:
David described his Yorkshire nature as being a Scots man with his generosity removed! This was not true as his room mate assured us he often gave away his meals instantly……due to Tagine tummy. David was great company and a calming influence. Having had many different roles and experiences in his life it was great to hear so many stories over meals. David rode the trip in luxury on his super comfortable Honda Deauville, mastering the art of sat nav along the way.
David Morris:
Being from Aberdeen, David assumed the first few days of the trip in the rain and snow were summertime. Often leaving the hotel in a Mankini and crash helmet ready to hit the road, we had to remind him to act like it was an extended winter when the other riders were crying around him. His mighty GSA wafted about effortlessly and his fantastic photos will follow shortly.
Keith Bowen:
What can I say! 78 years old and harder than Chuck Norris in a bad mood! Keith didn’t think the trip would be challenging enough! So he bought a 310cc bike to up the intensity. Zipping about like an angry wasp, Keith done incredibly well. Short sharp one liners and a fantastic attitude towards the challenges ahead, meant that Keith would have no trouble getting through the days. Well done sir and inspiration to us all.
Dwight Perry:
Our very own stunt man, Dwight also decided to up the intensity of the trip by trying to be the first man to make a V-Strom fly! He succeeded! Although most of the flight was in a downward motion and rudely interrupted by a sudden return to earth! And gravel ! And grass! A man of steel! Dwight was back riding in no time on his new creation! Hats off to you Dwight! An epic achievement and fantastic story to be told.
Bill Byfield (AKA Dad):
Bill rocked up on his mighty looking brand new BMW GSA. A bike that had so many accessories fitted to it, nippy Norman has since retired to Monaco on a 80ft yacht. Floating down the road taking it all in with not a care in the world, being followed by his guide(son) who would occasionally stop off and pick up the bits that fell off.
John Draper:
Johns sense of humour and life experiences made for some hilarious conversations during the trip. Johns immaculate BMW GS driven elegantly all the way, was set up for comfort with its Sargent seat, something that should be standard on camels! Sporting a fantastic open faced helmet with full visor, I did become a fan of the comfortable look…..even though there was a hint of Lego bike cop about it.
Dave Johnson:
Dave lives for these trips! A man who loves his sports tourers and fast sweeping bends. With a 100% reliability record on all Daves previous trips! His trustworthy Triumph decided it was time to push Daves patience to the limits! But Dave held in there! And with the help of some medicinal Beer, he won the day and drove it all the way home….10 minutes late.
Chris Chambers:
Chris drove along on his BMW GSA effortlessly. Chatting away in Simons ear through their paired intercoms, he admitted to me at the end that it took some time to sabotage Simons kit enough so that Simon could only hear Chris but not respond! (Kidding Simon) he told me at the start! I do regret not informing Chris that Simon would be over the moon if he would sing 2 million green bottles sitting on a wall…..
Simon Hills (AKA Simone):
Simon is a man of endless fun and humour. A well travelled chap, he enjoys culture and new experiences. With plenty of hilarious one liners and great stories, simon became Simone after the doctor advised the use of some provocative knee high compression stockings! There was a hint of Grace Jones about this fashion statement and from the knee down he could easily have been a catwalk diva, or a Susan Boyle stunt double!
Rob Jamieson:
Rob is a fantastic story teller and has a few in his collection well worth hearing, delivering punchlines with shocking statements and hysterical qualities, Rob is great company. A dentist by trade, he is one I would be only too happy to visit! Leaving a trail of devastation and belongings as he passes through, he never seems stressed or flustered. Carrying enough luggage to pass as a UN Aide convoy of one, I was certain he would eventually appear at dinner in a tuxedo. A fantastic rider of his ZZR 1400, Rob gets down the road at a speed that only MR Sulu could record from the bridge of the starship enterprise. But if his wife’s reading this it’s never above the speed limit.
Peter Buitelaar:
Our support truck driver and mobile money exchange desk is a man of simple but effective rules! If you don’t like something or someone, shoot them or it! Having been in and around Morocco for 40 years, this Dutch madman is the go to guy during our Moroccan adventure! If you need a phone charger! No problem! If you need more Dhirams! No problem! If you need a politician taken care of! No problem!
The Guide(AKA Billy)
It’s our absolute mission as a company to deliver the highest levels of service to all our customers on all our trips. I cannot rest until I know we are all on our way together as a team as I’m sure you seen on this trip. I hope I served you well on this adventure and I hope that one day we will all ride again on another. You all have my number and I’d be only too happy to help you in the future any way I can. I wish you all many safe and happy riding miles to come and hope to keep up contact in the years to come. You were a great team of Magellanites to ride with and I’ll catch up with you all soon.