F
or a long time, he’s been known as Charley Boor-
man’s offsider, his sidekick, his mate … no, we’re
not talking about Ewan McGregor, we’re talking
about Billy Ward … you might know him as Billy
Biketruck.
While he might be known as the ‘offsider’ Billy is a
traveller, an adventurer, a bike rider well and truly in his
own right. For well over ten years Billy has been travelling
to Africa, especially the north, initially throwing other
peoples’ bikes into a truck and delivering them to Malaga
to be ridden, he wanted more.
Approaching Charley after a post-Long Way Round
public appearance, that according to Billy, was “pretty
shit” he talked his way into becoming Charley’s Theatre
Producer. The two have never looked back and now travel
the world together inspiring others to have a go through
their own unique way.
This year sees Billy off on several adventures and he
wants you to come along with him; Australia, South Africa
and especially Morocco.
A week after we publish Traverse issue 10 Billy will be
in Australia; Tasmania and the Victorian High Country
to be specific. If you see him (and Charley) as a part of
the Compass Expeditions group say hello, he’ll be up for
a chat, especially if you offer a pint or two. The pair will
also be in South Africa with Compass Expedition in Sep-
tember and October.
But there's more! This year Billy is also running some
short and medium-length rides into Morocco throughout
May - three rides in total. Billy has spent a great deal of
time in Morocco and knows it well and can assure you
that you won't be disappointed in terms of the laughs and
the riding.
Billy is no stranger to adventure having ridden all over
the world with Charley but this one, he's doing it on his
own with regular partners in Morocco - 'Wheels of Moroc-
co'. A company with a fantastic reputation and in-depth
knowledge of Morocco.
Billy realised that many people can't afford the time
to do the bigger adventures, so came up with the idea of
a quick fly-in fly-out ride. Fly into Marrakech, ride awe-
some late model BMW adventure bikes and then back to
the airport and home - easy and no hassle. Just arrive
with your kit - or rent it from Wheels of Morocco.
TRAVERSE 117