TRAVERSE 54
training should always be considered before undertaking an adventure of any extent .
“ As for navigation , speaking the local languages , finding the perfect bike or packing too much or too little ,” he continues . “ Just don ’ t worry about it . “ The hardest part is just doing it … “ Bret openly admits he has no favourite country , each has an aspect that can ’ t be replicated in other regions and yet all share one thing that is important , the openness of the people to a motorcycle rider .
“ Bike travel hasn ’ t only taken me around the globe , more importantly it has taken me to peoples homes ,” a genuine smile broadens his face .
“ When I travel not only are people curious about where I come from and where I am going but often they want to hear about their own country .
“ Few people are privileged or ambitious enough to travel and many people have never been more than a few kilometres from their home . Bike travel is about becoming intimate with the landscape , weather and most importantly cultures and people .
“ Mostly bike travel has taken me from being
an observer , to a teacher and storyteller . I am an ambassador for all of those that travel by motorcycle .”
And as I take my khukuri , its handmade blade shimmering in the warm Nepali sun , I think of the adventures we ’ ve recently shared , the riders we ’ ve seen grow , the personalities warm and embrace . Bret is right , we , as motorcycle travellers , are all ambassadors opening a world of adventure and discovery . TRAVERSE
Bret ’ s instructional videos can be found on YouTube by searching for Bret Tkacs , more information can be found at BretTkacs . com where you will find helpful riding techniques as well as information on how you can join Bret on his local and international adventures .
TRAVERSE 54