Elspeth Beard - one of the early globetrotters.

Elspeth Beard is one of a select band of bold women to ride a motorcycle around the world, and she was the first Englishwoman to do so. She achieved this feat thirty years ago, in the days before sat-nav, internet, email and mobile phones, and she did it mostly alone.
Read the full story: brand.bmw-motorrad.com/en/stor...

[@santishorts]

Worth noting that before starting her trip, she wrote a letter to BMW, inquiring about some endorsement possibilities and they politely refused.

[@willemhekman1788]

Different times.

[@ianh.6825]

She also wrote to a newspaper seeking some sponsorship and the letter of reply pretty much ridiculed her.

[@gfunk63901]

@@willemhekman1788 not really. It’s the same today. I’m just a regular white male but regardless of who it is, companies sponsor people who don’t need it like Harley and Jason momoa

[@junglie]

@@ianh.6825 No that was bike magazine.

[@junglie]

Beat me to it was going to say the same.

[@SBKPete]

What an inspirational woman; and what a beautiful home. Great to see that she still has her bike too!

[@trailingarm63]

I was travelling by bike roughly the same time as Elspeth, although I didn't go as far as her. She's absolutely right it was so different. No information, no communication, very few people spoke English. It was six months before I learned about the IRA blowing up the Conservative Party in Brighton! But overall the experience was great. I free-camped mostly, one guy line of the tent tied to the bike. Once a week I'd get a room or a campsite so I could get a shower. The landscapes, the isolation and the people you met stay with you forever. I rode a Yamaha XS 850. Shaft-driven triple. More reliable than Elsbeth's bike by the sound of things, although the main bearings had to be replaced at one point.

[@PrimoStracciatella]

Had three XS650 twins about 30 years ago, still miss that bike!

[@InetteMotoBiker]

If any of you haven't read her book you NEED to. What a fantastic journey she lived! Loved every page read.

[@daviddavenportdavidd2839]

Read the book last year.Very impressive lady and as mentioned none of the technology available today. Every biker should read this.The water tower is pretty impressive as well.

[@briangibbs5703]

So, since this is posted by BMW Motorrad, I just have to say it's about time that Elspeth gets her due credit. We all know, if you've read her story, she had a hard time getting credit and attention for her accomplishments. She still supports BMW to this day! She is an amazing woman and deserves the attention and reward from BMW!

[@MichaelKapsner]

Interesting to see this now... I was able to hear Elspeth speak at Bob's BMW in MD on her book signing tour in the US, a couple of years back, it was such a wonderful experience. Thank you Elspeth. We are of an age and as I write this I hope that perhaps one or more of you youngsters out there might read - and go do!

[@petereastwood7868]

Elspeth Beard and Ted Simon (Travels with Jupiter) are inspirational. Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman probably have more fame and money for their efforts, but are really merely mercenary poseurs, in my opinion.

[@cpuuk]

Fairs fair, C&E were raising money for UNICEF as they did it.

[@richardcarr7557]

Totally agree.

[@StuHNomadBiker]

Tbf to Charlie, he's attempted the Dakar amongst other things.. credit where credit is due. The world changes, times change, members of the public can pay to be guided around the world with companies like Globebusters, if your pockets are deep enough .. just like climbing everest, if time is against you and you want the stress taking out of something .. you can pay for that to happen 🤷🏼‍♂️ horses for courses

[@pungarehu]

That’s as maybe, but Charlie and Ewan still had to ride round the world. AND, they literally changed the face of motorcycling whether you (or I) like that or not.

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

Riding solo across the English speaking portions of the world isn't exactly inspirational.

[@derniederrheiner4518]

I read a report in the German "MOTORRAD" 40 years ago. She was in Turkey at the time. But no further report followed. But now I know where Sjaak Lucassen got the idea for his aluminum box for his superbike.

[@erinh.1577]

What a phenomenal women and her travels! Much respect. My inspiration!! ❤

[@brianhill3603]

Just finished reading her book, what a brave lady, a must read for all bikers.

[@jourdanduplessis7111]

Tranlate in french?…and title😉?

[@robertthomas2415]

With all due respect to Elspeth, there was another English lady I met in Africa in 1974, around 10 years previous to Elsbeth, who had ridden another BMW from London. Her name is Linda Bootherstone and her book of that journey is on Kindle called „Into Africa with a Smile“. I believe Linda is still riding today too.

[@ekimandersom4478]

Elspeth did the world, not just Africa

[@starbarrothschild788]

Nothing but admiration for Elspeth and Noraly and Steph Jeavons and the many women who take these trips with all the challenges included.

[@agentmay]

A bike lover since the childhood, I still remember digging out photos of female riders while operating on a small computer in a cyber cafe. One of the photos being of Elspeth :) Such a classy lady! Much love from India ❤️

[@michaelburke8157]

Excellent read!! Great book, I can’t wait for the movie! Elspeth is a awesome woman 😘

[@SteveB-hy2ci]

So different nowadays,. I rode up and down the east coast of Florida in the 70s and 80s with just a bedroll and a fishing pole. The good ole dazes 😊

[@cpuuk]

1982 I was just getting my first 125cc... you travelled the world. You're awesome 🙂

[@volkerke5315]

Chapeau, greetings from Bavaria.

[@rosewood1]

Hi Elspeth loved your book one of best written and pretty frank books out there. Such an amazing journey. And it still is. Currently on a global surface trip myself with my fabulous wife. And yes we have been using motorcycles for some of it. Cheers Hugh

[@johnmcmahon5967]

Elspeth Beard is a very beautiful and resourceful woman. I wish that I could have met her back then and accompanied her on part of her journey! Her book does inspire!!

[@lsubcommandante]

Great story. I would love to see it as a movie or read the book.

[@pnblondon1087]

Elspeth's book, 'Lone Rider' was published on July 6th 2017 by Michael O'Mara and is available in all good UK bookshops and via the usual international sources!

[@kristyncooper3619]

I just ordered the book! Can't wait to read more about Elspeth!!

[@JMT1987]

Emma Corrin should star as Elspeth Beard if they make a Movie =)

[@AlejandroGarciaGeekMotorizado]

¡Increíble historia! Más vídeos de este tipo por favor

[@Rijder53]

I have read the book. Great story. Much respect for the endeavour.

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Every biker with an internet connection has seen the photo at 2:47! It's great to know the story behind it.

[@TheDervMan]

Amazing woman.

[@robcig]

Great story, looking forward to the movie.

[@iainamurray]

Superb life lesson. If you wait for the perfect time, it will never happen. Wonderful story. I missed seeing her at the ABR Festival. Hopefully she'll be there next year. (Those cylinder head protectors are amazing. Looks like something I would have cooked up during DT classes at school!)

[@benfurey5992]

Loved her book! Truly amazing and brave!

[@2002honda954]

Can't wait for the movie!

[@Rekadista]

Impresionante!! Felicidades!!

[@sakiskawasakis688]

Σεβασμος σ συτη την υπεροχη κοπελα. Μπραβο της !!!

[@Richard-pe4cx]

i went round europe on a bmw r80/7 did 9000 miles in 1991 i would recommend it to anyone what elspeth is truly remarkable i still ride today because i enjoy it

[@jonnyspitfire]

Just bought the Book from Amazon reading on Kindle... inspirational stuff

[@ChrisinHove]

Read the book. It’s excellent - well written and honest.

[@andywilliams8636]

She is wonderful , read the book.

[@MrRachant]

impressive story , thanks for sharing

[@alanbstard4]

she's wonderful. I know a bit about her. I hope BMW looked after her

[@coliban]

Yes, this person is an inspiration, not only for motorcycles, but for all areas of challenges to see if you are strong enough to try it and to overcome obstacles. A little bit of philosophy. Besides if that, in that days it was possible to do such long trips because motorbikes didn't had much electronics and were "easy" to repair, even in the most isolated parts of the world. Today i would not trust motorcycles with electronics as much as an computer. Even if it would be a BMW.

[@francescosalvioli8073]

compliments, compliments, compliments....a very brave girl, curios to learn about the world, compliments again and i hope to be able to watch the movive about your lfe trip soon!!

[@LuckyTown77]

One of my favourite persons. And the woman who walked across Australia, Robyn Davidson.

[@jushirocepeda3031]

Impresionante experiencia ! Donde puedo comprar el libro ?

[@Porsche996driver]

What a woman! Great inspiration and still riding ya!

[@ranerohit1205]

what a woman! fascinating to see the photos

[@maxflight777]

worth buying the book... a good read ( and not just from the motorcycling perspective)

[@racheltaylor6578]

Loved the audiobook.I would have been too scared.

[@RickB50SS]

Fab, amazing adventure. A mate did in in mid 70s on a Panther including Sth America. EU Ireland was plenty for me

[@stephenturner1255]

What a lady. I am full of admiration and respect.

[@spokanefut]

A truly remarkable and courageous human being. We should all have such pluck.

[@hawkrider88]

Just incredible. Very impressive indeed.

[@grungedivisiongarage9192]

Did movie happen?

[@michaelscurr9046]

Inspiring what a great adventure.❤

[@grachogracho5918]

Ms.Beard was it not nassesry at the front wheel-thin ,to fix an number/letter plate? Was this act only in france netherland?

[@pnblondon1087]

It was previously compulsory in the UK to have a front number plate, but only until about 1975! ;-)

[@grachogracho5918]

I'am thanfully about your answer....because at google some people say this ,sombody that.....i was confuse GB is/was similary to dutch....so i formed this question..... And i never vistit GB incl. Wales and UK with scottland ireland only english lesson and pictures at shoolbooks...... I prefer an symetric style as much as possible, which means i "screw" it in front of; so then i would vote for this and top speed /acceleration time are not less to much also people which know about each other, in traffic can great the "right-person" some bikes look nearly the same at some T-crosses.....

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Heroic woman , epic trip, she is to be admired.

[@Cal157]

If you enjoyed this you need to read Ted Simons Jupiter's travels. He rode around the world in 1973 on a Triumph Tiger...

[@ler3968]

Great to see the moto world is finally seeing what you accomplished in '84 by yourself with no sponsors, no Garmin, Google, iphone, not much money, and a used bike. Your more detailed travel KZbin vid presentation was awesome. Your were so "lucky" when that wanker bloke with you and this got you to hop on your bmw for a litte ride about to the outback and all points east and west!

[@TomvdHeuvel]

Who's the bloke with the bmw at 1:27 He's got an old Dutch numerplate on it's motorcycle

[@TomvdHeuvel]

I just found out that that bike is a R75/5 and is still registerd to this day in Holland.

[@bmwmotorrad]

Hi there, we have just the information that it was a dutchman she met in Kathmandu. Read the full story of her travels: brand.bmw-motorrad.com/en/stories/people/elspeth-beard.html Have a good one Joerg of the BMW Motorrad Team

[@TomvdHeuvel]

Thank you!

[@Strychninesonics]

Read the book and find out!

[@beesten]

this is the right link www.brand.bmw-motorrad.com/en/experience/stories/adventure/elspeth-beard.html

[@beesten]

for more info, this is the right link. (the one supplied doesnt work) www.brand.bmw-motorrad.com/en/experience/stories/adventure/elspeth-beard.html

[@golden220student7]

Great brave Elspeth Beard ✨ good job.❤🌹🌹🌹

[@anthonyescribens]

Fantastic!

[@vfrexup]

What an inspirational woman!

[@TheJerryfast]

Un esempio di vita ❤

[@wild_legends]

simply Wow!

[@dennisscheuermann1039]

She was incredibly beautiful, wish I would met her in her 30's!

[@kristyncooper3619]

I love this woman!

[@effugio.geesala]

Inspirational

[@cibsim]

Lone Rider is really a good book.

[@golden220student7]

Well done Elspeth Beard 👏👏👏✌

[@gto1874]

Kool Kat!

[@deepindercheema4917]

The pic at 3:09 is probably the N40 in Pakistan. You could triangulate from Mastung and Quetta for the signs precise location so I invite anyone to give it a go.

[@timothybrown1763]

I have done a bit of traveling, just found out who you were, I was in diapers when you did this trip. I can relate to your adventurous spirit, the problem in my opinion, not a lot of young people seem to have this and as I'm getting older it's kind of a letdown. I was just thinking, we had a protest in my town earlier this summer, a bunch of, not really hippies, but justifiably angry people were demonstrating, and a large group of "bikers" were a short distance away...I feel like if this were to have happened in another age bare minimum there would have been partying and pregnancies between the two groups afterwards...people are really boring and...afraid? I hope more people see what you have done and find inspiration.

[@omagrandma4111]

My brother taught me to ride on a BMW R 75/5. How I love the boxer-motor, the sound. Elspeth ride a 60/6. I am interested too in a life with my own children more than a riding trough the world. Short trips were enough for me. I had to raise my children alone, that was an adventure, because against my own family, even the father suddenly rejected me and left us ... Now I started again to ride a really small bike with 125 ccm to buy some food and so on, because I am too poor for a car. But I am the luckiest mother, my adult kids are the best thing I could have done with my life. No regret.

[@fcbayern530]

very cool

[@swasthi.p.1220]

no words

[@MrNipperz]

a REAL traveller .

[@Negronemshow]

beautiful story of life on top of two wheels that envy huashuashuas. if you think too much and do not act time pass and you will regret duke did not do the future is that instant of departure in your dreams! I loved you your video your story adventurous warrior woman a lived life looks good!

[@richwaldo]

Awesome

[@jeynes14]

Awesome lady.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Brilliant woman motorcyclist!

[@ianwatson3315]

Legend!

[@motonest8633]

Respect! :)

[@claravictoriatv7926]

Tu me inspiras

[@golden220student7]

😍😍😍

[@viktorianzgurugrammotorcyc2238]

Wow

[@levialexander7429]

I hope she's making some money from BMW now. I just bought my first one because of her, always ride'n Jap bikes until now.

[@ekimandersom4478]

Today we have Noraly 😀

[@ricknewcomb7461]

Great, where was BMW when she could have used their support?

[@kushsakhu]

Bessie Stringfield pre dates this magnificent feet as a female rider taking solo long rides.

[@specialk22tt]

She's a badass.

[@rockgsxr]

She is a stunning woman and looks fantastic for her age, i rode my old airhead around the french alps half a dozen times, if i had the funds i would have kept going. Needed a voltage regulator in Lons le Saunier , France , BMW dealers stung me 280eur for it and weren't really interested in helping me out,they could see i was travelling i fixed it in their carpark , i waited all day for the part, not even a coffee. They're a different breed now only interested in plugging in diagnostics and charging the GS poseurs credit cards

[@Phaedra808]

I agree, called me in for some "Free updates" on my Rt1200 and ended paying nearly a thousand euros for some brake pads and tyres, it's the labor they said and the VAT.

[@martyn_g]

I’m buying a GS soon. Trust me. I’m going to use it for what it was designed for. Very. Big. Trips;) mine will be covered in dents and scratches by the time I’m done with it.

[@cyranodetal]

BMW doesn't deserve Elspeth.

[@gedlyman1]

It was a long time ago with different managers that rejected her. New managers have embraced her, I say it’s better late than never for them to show her the respect she deserves for sticking with BMW.

[@jon7525]

And BMW didn’t sponsor her…..what a woman

[@Numberonecock]

And Bike magazine laughed in her face when she asked for some coverage, or even sponsorship........

[@j.t.jaeger1595]

Didn't you refuse endorsing/sponsoring her at the time!

[@NoBody-xg1wg]

Next one of these - DROP THE REPEATED BACKGROUND MUSIC !!! She's got a quiet voice and I had to turn it WAY UP just to hear her !!! Stupid choice...

[@ertancosanay8866]

cesaret..

[@ToolkiT73UK]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYCXiaNshtOXnNk selfie start!

[@timshaw8187]

That’s when they made proper BMWs, it’s funny how they advertise her now but didn’t when she asked for sponsorship, great engineered bikes in thier day but now let down buy shit salesmen and part fitters not mechanics, and the corporate bullshit machine that Bow has become

[@FirstName-qq6rq]

SHAME to you bmw! You just FAILED BIG when you had a chance to support this woman when she was doing something BIG in that time! You had a tons of opportunities to help here and be the part of history to help INSPIRE other women around the world, but you just put a head to the sand like you (germany) did when the war in Ukraine just started. I think you are just cold pragmatic opportunist. Shame.

[@mustangsuperbullet5330]

Legends will be Legend, No matter who recognize or not They will be legend

[@sidewaysid]

So you wasn't on your own?

[@JaisonV-it6xv]

Wow