Finally! We have once again made it to the Overland Event at Hill End in Oxford, England. This is my main reason for being in the UK. I wanted to arrive by motorcycle, but life got in the way. This was a very special Overland Event also. We attended our first OE in 2017. I was in the author’s tent selling my book, ‘Two Up with a Pup’. I was surrounded by authors that had done so much. I was so intimidated. Next to me on one side was Elspeth Beard with her newly released book, ‘Lone Rider’. Sam Manicom was there. Ted Simon was there. Simon and Lisa Thomas were there. Tiffany Coates was there. As were several other notable authors. And so many travelers I can’t name them all. The event was purposely small in attendance, capped at about 800 people. It had a buzz and intimacy that I had never felt at another overland event. Paddy Tyson was publishing a high end motorcycle overland magazine, ‘Overland Magazine’, that I subscribed to. I waited for that magazine and read it cover to cover. In the magazine there were fantastic tales of adventure around the world. This wasn’t adventure riding. This was overland motorcycle travel brimming with adventure.
In 2015, Paddy Tyson, Saul Jeavons and Nick Brown started the Overland Event. It was just like the magazine. I couldn’t absorb enough. This magazine and event changed my world. I made friends that understood this life and shaped my new life. And we, for some unknown reason, were accepted with open arms into this small intimate group. During CoVID, while the world was shut down and losing it’s mind, this group started a Zoom chat on Friday nights. It would be starting at 1:00pm for me in the US. I was building a house during this time. But, on Friday afternoon at 1:00pm, I would put down my hammer, grab a beer and sit, listen and chat to the faces on my computer screen. This could go on for hours. It was really a lifeline for many.
We have been to five Overland Events. Every other year. In 2013 it was announced that this year would be the last one. The guys putting it on wanted to travel also, and this event took a lot of work. We all got it. I was personally devastated. These people had become the best friends I had ever had. There are plenty of events in the US and the UK. The ones in the US have lost their overland motorcycle travel roots. Different ideas. The others in the UK were just what I needed, but so far away. That Saturday night in 2023 was a very disconnected night for me.
But then, a lifeline was tossed out. A phone call. The person on the other end told me not to make plans for that last weekend of August 2025. But to not breathe a word of it. To anyone. I told Melanie and our ride plans for 2025 were placed into action. I had been talking about this event in the US for years. As soon as it was announced I reached out to friends saying this might be the last. If you ever wanted to go, now was the time. Several friends shipped and rented bikes to be in attendance. Most of the ones going knew many of the Brits from the early days of Overland Expo in Flagstaff, Arizona from years ago. Back before Overland Expo was sold, twice, and lost its motorcycle directions. They just didn’t give a shit anymore.
First, I want to thank Paddy Tyson, Saul Jeavons and Nick Brown for putting on this fantastic event. And thanks to all the volunteers that make it work. Next, to all the friends we have made during our trips to the event and friends we have made. You are all the best friends a person could hope to have. During my recent injury so many of you reached out offering help. Driving me to the A and E, putting us up so I could rest, offers to drive hours away to pick Melanie and I, and our bike up when I didn’t think I could go on. Then when we arrived. We were giving close accommodations, so I didn’t have to hobble so far. To Kinga for inviting us to Poland for rest (sort of happened), and for helping to shuttle me around town and airports. And lastly, to my awesome wife, Melanie. She has put so much faith into me. She was my support, sherpa, and my everything. She is many of the reasons I have so many friends. Everyone loves her! She has the best, caring hugs there are. Melanie, thank you. I Love You.
Okay, on to the photo dump. Not all are mine. I was having too much fun to remember to always take out my phone. So, I nicked a few. We don’t know if this was the last Overland Event yet or not. We are all sitting on pins and needles waiting for the early bird tickets to be announced. If it was the last, Cheers. I couldn’t have ended any better. All friends in the pub at 3:00am. Drinking beer. Just waiting for Matt and his flip-flop…
Cheers,
2WANDRRs
2WANDRRs 
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