Hey all,

None of you will recognise me but I'm still around. Turns out I have very little to say, but I thought an update might be fun for some of you.

I got my license just over a year ago, and my first bike around this time last year: a CB500F (ex-showroom) that I love.

For reference I live in London, UK. This year I've been to:

The Peak District/Manchester to visit my sister:





Dartmoor on a (one night - just testing the water) motocamping trip, and I went halfway back again to view Stonehenge which I could actually appreciate whilst it was quiet:





Wales with the CEO of the company I work for:



The Lake District, Galloway National Forest, and N. Ireland to visit my mum:







I did my 8k mile service myself, which took more time than I expected (I somehow broke the upper arm of my gear lever a couple of times since I've no idea how any of this works - at least now I know to expect a wait for parts, and which way a nut screws in):



I unfortunately had to cancel a 2 week trip to Scotland in October, and an i2i riding course that was recommended by Flipflop, due to how long I was waiting on this same part (twice...). i2i were kind enough to rearrange to next year and I hope my bike will be in working order at that time (though my tyres are next on my list... but I bought the tyre replacement vimeo vid so hopefully I can get it done in time). I'm still hoping to bag myself a pair of Alt-berg boots as well whilst I'm in the area for the i2i course.

My plan is very loose right now, but I do know that it's Africa. I have explored a lot of Europe and Asia already using trains and various other methods of transport, and whilst I would love to go back to Mongolia on a bike, I am determined to see Africa next and I have to do it by bike, it's just perfect.



I am planning on a standalone trip to Morroco, the High Atlas, inspired by the glowing reviews I've seen here and elsewhere. But I think it will be a while yet. In the meantime, next year I have the i2i course, another 2 weeks off to try Scotland again, and I hope to visit a friend in France to get used to riding on the wrong side of the road (this time not by accident).

A couple of things I'm learning:

Patience. I only discovered this past year that I have none. I definitely need some to tackle a goal like this. I was imagining I'd be ready for Morocco next year but this takes more time than I expected.

Humility. I've had to apologise a lot on the road. I've made a lot of mistakes. I'm also finally coming out of the "must go fast no matter what" phase. I had an amazing time in N. Ireland riding beyond my limits but I pushed my luck a bit.

Outside of the motorbike the startup I'm working for is doing very well. We deliver an addiction treatment platform and this year we published a peer-reviewed randomised controlled trial demonstrating a 53% quit rate among smokers, far higher than any other technique available. We are currently tackling alcohol addiction and I am very challenged and motivated.

Thank you all for the inspiration and showing me that a personal adventure is possible. Seeing so many people tackling these sort of trips before has given me a strong belief that I can do the same. Hopefully I'll see some of you at one of the meets (Switzerland sounds fun) although given my timeframes are a little out of wack I'm not sure when that will be yet.

Merry Xmas and I wish you all a stellar 2021!

Matt