Ted Simon - the GODFATHER of Motorcycle Overlanding with Sam Manicom

[@sammanicom7092]

April 30th 2021 as I tap this in. Just thought you guys might like to know that it's Ted's 90th Birthday tomorrow. And for anyone wondering, Ted still rides motorcycles! Wonderful.

[@vahalyr]

I found this video last year. I just wanted you to know that your words at 5:30 inspired me to plan a trip through Africa. I've since read both your own and Ted's two Jupiter books. You both have had a profound, positive effect on my life, and I look forward to passing this gift onto others. Counting the days to be allowed to ride South. Best wishes to you both.

[@sammanicom7092]

@@vahalyr I'm delighted to read that you are planning this!!! Africa is a simply incredible continent to explore and by motorcycle... Spot on! Just take your time, explore those side turnings and enjoy the connections you make with people along the way. Your bike will be the best icebreaker ever. I look forward to hearing how you get on. All the very best to you. Cheers.

[@kkfoto]

Ted Simon and you, Sam, are incredibly inspiring in so many levels. Not only for your books but also for always taking the time to encourage people with thoughtful comments and advice. True motorcycling legends.

[@sammanicom7092]

@@kkfoto That's really kind of you. I guess its that we both love travel and its fun sharing. Cheers for commenting!!

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Wow april 28 2022 Happy birthday Ted ! Nice conversation. Too many things to do, always need more money but I've got 10 motorcycles......

[@richardclegg5853]

The two humble, softspoken men, tougher than an entire gang of Hells Angels...

[@kilian8817]

Most underrated video about motorcycle travel EVER.

[@Pedrovarni]

I read Jupiters travels at 16, and as BStar below says… it’s a revelation not just a motorcycle travel book… I got on my xj550 the next year with my best mate and we rode around Europe and down to Greece where he stayed with his future wife and I went to the islands….not quite his journey, but it’s stayed with me ever since. Thank you Ted.

[@rodholmes57]

I couldn't agree more with Ted on his hesitancy around the word "adventure." I LOVE the word "journey" as opposed to "adventure." You go on a journey to have adventures. The whole journey is not an adventure...much of a journey is tedious: dealing with visas/borders/officials, long stretches of straight road with little to observe, rain, maintenance, packing/unpacking/packing/unpacking. And, much of a journey is wonderful, but not an adventure: talking with fellow travelers, meeting new people in the country you're in, learning new words/phrases in a new language, going to historical places, learning the history and geography of a place...it's all wonderful, but it's not an adventure in my opinion. Fording an unknown stream, having someone shine a flashlight in your tent at 3 a.m. in a remote location, having to solve a mechanical problem with no help, camping in the middle of the Sahara Dessert and seeing the stars like you've never seen before and having a Bedouin stop and produce a wonderful pot of tea and a loaf of bread from a fire he made in the sand...these are all adventures, but they don't happen every day of a journey.

[@iPedroMota]

Mr. Simon inspired me to turn around and head back into town, while riding in Mongolia, to confront the man who had stolen some money from me. Didn't get the result I envisioned but the main thing was trying to do something about it. Ted wrote in his book how he lamented not confronting the man/men whom he though had found his lost wallet (I think) and instead kept on riding. That story really stuck with me. How a legend can influence someone like that, experiences being 40 years apart, is the power of good literature.

[@sammanicom7092]

Well said Pedro!

[@veiledallegory]

Pedro, you too are inspiring many of us today. The youtube era doesn’t seem to cover the same sense of wonderment as the written word but it does give us a sense of what we’re missing. I guess the visions Ted described allows your mind to wander and recreate your own version, however dramatic you prefer. The fear of not meeting your obligations to society or family keep most of us anchored in place. I often struggle with my obligations vs being free to wander the planet. I’m not sure what the answer is, I’m sure it lays somewhere in between. I hope once I retire that I’m healthy enough to chase that urge.

[@russthebiker]

Oddly, that chapter influenced the way I travel, I have an order of packing things that never changes, and when at a motorway toll some irrated youth decided to blow his horn, I just went even slower you have to have a routine that never changes of course it worse now with all the techno clutter that many folks travel with !

[@petetube99]

Despite loving motorbikes, I dont really think Jupiters Travels is just a motorcycle travel book, It's a bit more important than that. It's a literary attempt to describe the psychological impact of an enormous journey and actually grapples with the concept of travel itself. It was extraordinarily well written but also personally brave and ahead of its time culturally, that's why a book describing the world of the early 70s can seem so fresh today.

[@johndickson8479]

Absolutely correct. It is head and shoulders above every other motorcycling book I've read.

[@veiledallegory]

Well said my friend!

[@sammanicom7092]

I totally agree with you!

[@FMTTMB]

I agree with that. I’m just reading it now and it’s unique, unlike anything I’ve read before. He doesn’t make it all about him and there’s a lack of grandstanding and moralising which is prevalent with travel writing and film now (Simon Reeve would be the worst with that, morally outraged every few minutes at some social injustice)

[@FMTTMB]

Jupiters Travels that is 📖 *

[@marcoluoma3770]

I'm so grateful to Mototrek for putting this on KZbin. These guys were my early (Ted) and later (Sam) inspiration for long-distance motorcycling. These guys are the original, real deal and I'm in awe of them and their influence on our little world of adventure motorcycling.

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Marco, I'm delighted you had the chance to see it; fun to do. Thumbs up to MotoTrek! I very much appreciate your comments and I know Ted will too. Cheers and happy travels.

[@Andy-lm2zp]

Wonderful ! Thank you ! I read Jupiters Travels in the 90's in one sitting, stayed up all night! Incredible guy, got a reply from an email from him a couple of years back.

[@illustr8rjoe]

Had the pleasure of meeting both at an Overland Expo book signing a couple of years ago, and later a beer with Sam. Both are Tops in my book, the best advice Sam gave us was that it’s not just the journey or the destination, a lot of it is the people you meet wherever you go. Those words made a big difference in our outlook and made our rides much more enriching. Thank you both and thank you Mototrek

[@MOTOTREK]

Thx, Joe!

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Joe, great to hear from you via this. I'm delighted your travels are good!!! See you at another Overland Expo sometime I hope. Or perhaps at one of the US presentations I'm doing this fall? I'll be in the south.

[@jeffarnold3702]

Wonderful listening to these two. I know there are numerous people on KZbin doing this now, but to hear from the original adventure riders was an absolute pleasure.

[@wandering_armadillo]

Marvellous to watch these two gentlemen talk about what constitutes an adventure and the benefits of travelling solo.

[@malco1mm]

This is a great video and if you cannot get fired up about taking a ride then you don’t understand where these two legends are coming from. I loved it and learned that life is an adventure and each and every day we need to learn something new every day and challenge ourselves to be great humans and ride for the fun and enjoyment of two wheels.

[@sammanicom7092]

Perfectly put Marty!

[@agjld7]

I love this. When I was 16 years old walking out of the Mesa Az public library, my eye happened to catch on the new release shelf, Jupiters Travels. 16 days after I turned 18, I loaded my 1971 Suzuki T250 and, headed off on a 5 month journey. Ted Simson has been one of the most influential people of my life.

[@sammanicom7092]

Superb!

[@rangeroadmoto]

I really really enjoyed this. Thank you to these men for taking the time to share the stories. And thank you to MotoTrek for taking the time to organize and put this together. Truly wonderful.

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers. And well said! Thumbs up to MotoTrek.

[@twoblacklabs7786]

I am so glad to have stumbled upon this interview. It was very humbling to know people from generation prior to mine have done so much with their bikes with so little resources. Makes me think twice before complaining about how my bike does not have cornering ABS. These are true adventurers !

[@MOTOTREK]

Yes!

[@sammanicom7092]

Must admit, I still like to keep things simple. I bought a 2013 BMW F800GS not so long ago (no way I'm selling Libby though) and much of it is dark arts : ) I'm learning though. Note to self. Remember to turn the bloomin' ABS off when you hit gravel! : )

[@vca1988]

All I can say is thank you for letting us take a peak at two legends swapping stories. I’m ready to go on a journey of my own right now!

[@sammanicom7092]

Perfect comment! I wonder where you are dreaming of heading...

[@in2ADV]

Words fail me... A couple of legends interviewing each other, over tea... Inspirational! Well done :-)

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers. It's a moment I'll not be forgetting. Tea. A fine way for anything good to start.

[@JBMotorrad]

Ted Simon will be remembered as one of the giants of the 20th and 21st centuries. Epic adventurers set the tone for human endurance and excellence. Hillary, Shackleford, Simon!

[@sammanicom7092]

Well said!!!

[@IngoPeters]

The reference to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance has got me pining to read it once again.

[@sammanicom7092]

Do it! I wonder how long it is since you last read it. And if a while, I wonder what new things you'll find in it because you've changed - been influenced by new things, since the last time. I'm writing that because its how it affects me every time I read it.

[@phoenixfox3379]

most overblown and borinf book I ever read.

[@jamesthompson2219]

These guys are both absolute legends. Have read them both over the years. Great to hear them talk about their adventures..

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers James! Nattering with Ted is always entertaining. He always has something important to aid in that very laid back way of his.

[@Thisiswhy1991]

Ever since I read Jupiter's Travels which hugely influenced me as a teenager in the '80s I have always wanted to take off on a journey by motorbike. Now in my 40s and the children are less dependant I am starting to plan such journeys. Small to start with, but with increasing confidence to bigger things. I'm fortunate to live not far from the museum where Ted's Triumph (& BMW) are kept and visited it recently (it's in Coventry, UK) and just a slightly naughty hold of the throttle grip felt like I could channel just a little bit of Ted and take me on my way. Thanks Ted. And thank you Sam, I shall be picking up one of your books next!

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Ed, we are both villains! I did the same with the throttle grip. I'm looking forward to seeing the bike at the Overland Event near Oxford at the end of August. Get down for it if you can. I think you'll enjoy it. Ted will be there too. And its a fantastic event to hone a few of those dreams - lots of 'bad' influence there! And cheers re my books! I hope you enjoy them. Start with Into Africa! See you on the road! Or at Overland.

[@Andy-lm2zp]

Good luck with the journey! get planning !

[@l.petriconi2647]

Thank you for this wonderful video! [...] „It might lead people to think they can only really have a serious adventure if they're on the back of an adventure motorcycle“... Absolutely priceless!

[@sammanicom7092]

You can always count on Ted to come out with some real gems! He gets people thinking doesn't he.

[@ankitdhasmana8788]

Extraordinary people, its an honour to watch this beautiful conversation.

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Ankit. Ted brings out the best in everyone.

[@googleuser2170]

Hats off to both men. Ted is an absolute legend and Sam is one of the nicest and most helpful guys around. These two have inspired thousands to actually get out there and explore the world.

[@mikestone3568]

Wonderful interview. I read Jupiter’s Travels about 30 years ago and read Ted’s subsequent return journey . Amazing story telling and would recommend to anyone interested in travel and motorcycles!

[@sammanicom7092]

Well said Mike!

[@laurieberg2880]

Thank you gentlemen for having this chat. Thank you Brett & the MotoTrek crew. I’m on a little moto journey right now. My “rubbish” riding skills are causing the odd little adventure -

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Laurie. Good luck on your trip!

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Laurie! Brilliant to hear that you are on a trip. Learning curve eh. I hope all your adventures are good ones!!!

[@laurieberg2880]

Thank you Sam

[@peterwells5424]

I have loved reading their books! Seeing these gentlemen together is really special.

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Peter. Delighted you've been enjoying our books!

[@thesuperfunkomatic]

Tremendous. Two terrifically interesting, humble and incredibly influential souls. What a great interview and passing on of information to us.

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Mike. Tea always gets things going doesn't it. : )

[@kevinsterner9490]

Wow two very down to earth riders. Done more than 99% of us and still very humble.

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Kevin, that's the road talking. We all set off with sharp edges and the road rounds them all off. Ted mentioned changing.... this is one of the changes. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jimshaw899]

This is an important document for several reasons. Thanks for doing it. There are others who come to mind as important to motorcycle travel and challenge. Who can think of others we'd like to hear from?

[@oldgittarist]

Wonderful interview, many thanks!

[@MOTOTREK]

Our pleasure!

[@SuperDaveyoutube]

Ted, the man who inspired me to really 'travel' on my motorbikes and I thank him for doing so.👌

[@joelhermanross]

I read Ted's book almost 30 years ago and have been inspired to keep motorcycling travelling ever since. Thank you Ted!

[@sammanicom7092]

Top stuff Joel! I wish (I think) that there was a way to find out how many of us have been so influenced by Ted and his books!

[@jamesarchibald6598]

Just splendid. Living legends and a fantastic video, thanks for the great distraction 👍

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers James. I'm looking forward to linking up with Ted again at the Overland Event. I value every moment of time I get with him!

[@bensal07]

I enjoyed watching and listening to your conversation, wonderful insights! And what a true legend Mr. Simon is, humble yet knowledgable.

[@sammanicom7092]

Very much agree Adnane!

[@carloscarvalho1961]

These two gentlmen are a real pleasure to listen! Thank you.

[@MOTOTREK]

You are welcome, Carlos!

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Carlos. I'm glad you could join us.

[@simonsrides7693]

Both lovely gentlemen in the truest sense of the word. I have read all four of Sam's books and cannot recommend them highly enough. Well written, engaging, interesting. You ride with Sam and Birgit as a passenger on their travels ... at least that is what it feels like.

[@sammanicom7092]

High praise! Thank you.

[@pereklund7112]

Wonderful talk between two people I never knew about before. Could have listened to them just talking about there stories for hours. Thank you so much for this video!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome!

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Per, I'm glad you had the chance to listen in. Ted Simon is an incredible guy and I love the chance to link up with him. Thanks MOTOTREK for making it happen. If you ever get the chance to buy any of Ted's books, particularly Jupiter's Travels, then do. I know you'll enjoy them.

[@Dirtbag_ADV]

Well that timing couldn’t have been any better. I finally picked up a copy of Into Africa yesterday and blew through the first three chapters while I should have been sleeping. Then I wake up today and open KZbin for some moto videos over breakfast. And there are Sam and Ted staring back at me.

[@MOTOTREK]

Perfect!

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Jack, you just shot a grin across my face with that comment! : )

[@pabloespinosa2025]

Brilliant footage of two wonderful Blokes!! Thanks for sharing this!

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Pablo!

[@smashy_smasherton]

What a wonderful couple of recounts from some absolute legends! Thank you! Subscribed.

[@travisbolton1351]

Thank you for video taping these two great gentlemen.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Travis.

[@sammanicom7092]

Well said Travis. Thanks MOTOTREK for getting us together for this!

[@Jasfras1]

Count me as one. Jupiter's Travels opened my eyes to bike travel. Inspirational.

[@frandi63]

Great fun to watch and listen to these gentlemen. Tanks for sharing

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome!

[@sammanicom7092]

Nice one! It's always fun to chat with Ted. I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@ZebSmithulon]

I think I could listen to these two legends chat all day. More digital film next time, please!

[@MOTOTREK]

Agreed, Zeb.

[@sammanicom7092]

Lets make it happen!

[@CH-bq1lm]

I just order the book and I am looking forward to reading it. I am an Adventure rider myself, but these two humble and brave men have my deepest respect for doing what they did at the time they did it. Thank you for the video. Kind regards from Germany

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Chris, great to hear from you and I hope you enjoyed the book.

[@patjoyce]

Lovely to watch and listen to these guys, I’m starting to shake free of most of my shackles now and I’m seriously contemplating a Grandad Gap-Year trip!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Pat. You should read Ted's book, Dreaming of Jupiter, about his ride that he did when he was 69. amzn.to/2SJbkkU

[@sammanicom7092]

Excellent news Pat! Do it! My Danish friend who rode the length of Africa when he was 'advanced in years' was absolutely genuine when he said about the risk of 'off's', "Sam, I will not be riding so fast as the young people and I am not too proud to ask for help with picking my bike up. And anyway, I will be seeing more because I'm not in a hurry and I have a lifetime of experience.' Perfect. I hope you can make it happen. You'll have a ball!

[@johndickson8479]

Great interview. Have read Ted's books. Took a knee to touch his Tiger at Coventry Museum of Transport. About to set off on a 3,000km trip on my 1967 Triumph T100 500cc Daytona. Ted is a legend and inspiration.

[@sammanicom7092]

Very well said! I've also been lucky enough to see Ted's bike at the museum. The last time though was at the Overland Event near Oxford in the UK. If you get the chance to go to that, do. Beginning of September this year I think. Might see you there.

[@advmatt]

Brillant. I am reading Sam's books right now. These guys got me looking beyond my own borders. Too right.

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Matt! Delighted!

[@gustoramus]

Thanks for giving up the conversation.............well done

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome!

[@gustoramus]

@@MOTOTREK sent this onto the missenden flyer kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZKQaZuMrL2EiZY another brit who enjoys the ride

[@michaelmurray4313]

Sam and Ted are two great icons of adventure motorcycle travel. I enjoyed this video and seeing/hearing Ted and Sam talk about their travels. Thanks, @mototrek for putting this together. For my "short" offroad adventure of riding the entire 5,000-mile Trans-America Trail, I was very much inspired and motivated by reading both Ted and Sam's books.

[@sammanicom7092]

Very much honoured from your comments Michael. If I ever look as if I'm going to get the chance to do the TAT, may I pick your brains please?

[@michaelmurray4313]

@@sammanicom7092 Absolutely yes, Sam. I would be honored to share my experience of riding the TAT with you.

[@sammanicom7092]

@@michaelmurray4313 Brilliant! Cheers. No plans at the moment but I now know where to come.

[@person.X.]

Ted Simon is in good shape. I would never have guessed he was born in 1931!

[@davidnorton9169]

Great to see you again, Ted, even if only on KZbin. You're looking well. Do you recall stayi8ng with Anne and I during a visit to Phoenix, AZ? I lost Anne to a heart attack two years back and I miss her every day, but life goes on. Best to you and yours, David R. Norton

[@Christian-ve1wi]

Wow absolutely fantastic. A glimpse into more simpler times and 2 down to earth gents encouraging anyone to have a go. Thanks Mototrek a really enjoyable video. Looking out for more.. Austin Vince, Edd March on his Honda C90Adventures and even the big famous boys Ewan McGregor and Charlie Borman.. 😉😉

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Christian, you are right. Simpler times? It was a case of have the idea, bite down on the fears and see what happens. The amount of equipment available now is probably what makes it more complicated. There's way more paperwork to be done now too : ) That's just a change of mindset eh. Too right with the thumbs up to Mototrek for making this happen. Thumbs up from me too. See you on the road somewhere! Cheers.

[@bmwloco]

This goes back several years. I was working in Antarctica, home only a few months of the year. The Honda Wing Ding (overweight folks in chaise lounger bikes) and I helped a friend at the Civic Center who had made a motorcycle map of the area. The gentleman beside us, a Brit, was selling his book. I recognized him immediately. Went back to my illegal loft (those were the days) and got my 1st Edition of "Jupiter's Travels". Ted write a beautiful quote in it and signed it. I've ridden the US, Canaga, New Zealand and OZ. Still much to go!

[@MOTOTREK]

Great story. Thx.

[@dawidos117]

Outstanding people who can inspire ordinary ones like me to go and catch their dreams. Life’s too short, but it’s never too late. Awesome video!

[@sammanicom7092]

Well said. It's never too late! Thanks very much for the thumbs up. Tea always gets things rolling eh : )

[@dawidos117]

Sam Manicom you’re welcome, Sam 🙂 Thank you for your reply, I feel so honored 🙂

[@dawidos117]

Sam Manicom oh... and yes, I love tea 🙂

[@sammanicom7092]

@@dawidos117 Coo, no need to feel honoured mate. We are just enjoying sharing. Happy travels! I hope you have some dreams you are nurturing. See you on the road!

[@dawidos117]

Sam Manicom ✌🏻

[@desitrackriders3381]

Amazing insight to early motorcycle adventure travelling.

[@thomas_swede]

What a lovely chat to listen to. FEELGOOD!!

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers! Ted is excellent company. Good fun to natter with.

[@RobRidesCarolina]

Thanks Ted and Sam, for sharing a great conversation.

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Rob, see you on the road.

[@ValentinoMariotto]

"I had never used the word adventure at any point before or during the course of the journey, and since then adventure has become a kind of all-purpose description of anything to do with going anywhere on a bike. [...] I don't want to rob people of the idea that that that they're having an adventure [...] but I think at the same time people have got it confused with just making a journey. It's not the same thing at all! The adventure as I've always understood [...] implies risk. It implies something extraordinary happening. And in a way you don't know you're going to have an adventure until the adventure happened, and then it will happen very surprisingly! It may be painful! That's an adventure." - Ted Simon

[@athreyanpadmanabhan]

That's exactly what struck me most through this conversation! Although most of it was great, this I can relate to, being a tourer myself. I don't consider any of my journeys to be adventures. I think the word adventure should be more of an adjective or a superlative. I think it is for others to call your journey an adventure. Much like people calling you a good person. You don't call yourself that!

[@FlyApeRally]

I was having a coffee and felt i was there with you... listening, thank you for sharing your experience.

[@sammanicom7092]

Thanks very much for joining us Gonzalo!

[@GuidoMengelberg]

Met Ted 2005 in Duisburg, Germany, talking about Jupiter's travels. Very nice guy!

[@sammanicom7092]

Well said Guido!

[@AdamS-qo5gm]

That was wonderful. Thank you for bringing that to us.

[@paulholborn3858]

Sam what great point about Ted’s influence; how his book encouraged so many to just get on your bike and travel.

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Paul, it would be incredible to know how many that book has inspired wouldn't it. I hope all's going well with you.

[@deadfishparty]

Man these guys are the real deal. Hell, I bet they could grow a moustache overnight! Love how they called out the “ADV marketing.” Brilliant.

[@sammanicom7092]

What a wonderful comment ' grow a moustache overnight'! Can I steal that from you?

[@stefanhansen5882]

This was wonderful to watch. You are both an inspiration. I'm buying a bike soon to travel around Europe. Thanks!

[@thomaskerr9891]

Brilliant. Reading 'Jupiter's Travels' right now. About 2/3rd through it. Great stuff.

[@sammanicom7092]

I really must read it again myself Thomas. Every time I do I find new elements. Superb book eh.

[@thomaskerr9891]

@@sammanicom7092 Absolutely!- Have devoured the book and made most of my way through 'Dreaming' as well. Between the two of you gentlemen I will have my reading list full for quite a while. Thank you- just can't say it enough. And to hear both of you refer to yourself as "rubbish riders" is endearing as well as motivational. Again, thank you for taking us along and allowing us with more conventional lifestyles to glimpse the fantastic for a little while...

[@sammanicom7092]

@@thomaskerr9891 Cheers Thomas!

[@TroopThrowback]

Fantastic episode. My favorite ever. If there are more installments please consider including them on the channel. From the format to the setting to the questions to the “interviewer/interviewee” banter, there’s so much to love about this video and I am vexed to know it was ended because you simply ran out of “digital film”. Happy trails! Troop

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers! I'm delighted you enjoyed. It comes down to Tim the cameraman and director. He will be blushing now! Ted and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It's always great to link up with the feller.

[@LeastTango]

The photo of Ted in front of the Hotel Westminster is very cool. I don't remember seeing it in Jupiter's Travels - but then it's been an awfully long time since I read it. It 's even been 10 years since I read his other epic tale, Dreaming of Jupiter (which I found to be quite melancholic). He definitely comes across better in writing than in speech and I don't think it's because of his age. I must confess, as much as I loved reading both books, I did feel that in Africa particularly, a continent that lives largely hand to mouth, it was difficult for him to travel entirely independently - and that anyone undertaking such an trip will to some degree be reliant on the benevolence of others.

[@robertklein9190]

I wonder how many fillings Ted lost riding that 500cc buzz saw for 4 years, you could feel it from your soles of your feet to your eyeballs. Only 90, bless him. Guess I'll get his book, only 80 and still riding.

[@veiledallegory]

Marvelous video! Said with my best English accent!

[@sammanicom7092]

Nicely done that man!

[@Adventurist]

The book that got me into motorcycles. Thanks for the upload, that was super interesting.

[@sammanicom7092]

A top read eh. I followed a part of Ted's trip through Sudan, Ethiopia and N Kenya and I had a copy of Jupiter's Travels with me. It was a buzz to recognise sections of road and places that he'd been writing about. Love the book. Time to read it again!

[@lukew5255]

I never did travel around the world but in 1977 I left Toronto and drove to South America on a used Honda 550 four and a 19 dollar tent I believe. Now after over forty years I am enjoying just riding around Costa Rica on a motorcycle.

[@WayneKoufsWorldTour]

This is FANTASTIC. Thank you

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Wayne, glad you enjoyed. Ted is such a terrific guy to chat with!

[@piraltas]

Amazing. Thank you

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I don't understand why anyone would give this video a "thumbs down," as some have. Have they not read their books, understood the challenges they've overcome and the influence they've had on others? Why does KZbin give voice to those who don't think before they speak. Confusing to me. How we are better by giving voice to pessimists and malcontents? Certainly not the mantra that saw these two gentleman through their journeys.

[@donaldludwig7354]

Absolutely great video! These should be required before heading off on holiday!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Donald.

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Donald. Ted is brilliant fun to chat with. He always comes out with gems!

[@Andy-lm2zp]

Lovely to see pics of Ted, never seen them !

[@ClinttheGreat]

Phenomenal video. Truly two legends in motorcycle travel. I love their books. I hope Brett doesn’t mind me posting this, but there was a great Ted Simon interview on the July 18th Adventure Rider Radio podcast. Also, Sam Manicom is on about every episode of the Adventure Rider Radio RAW podcast with some other motorcycle travel legends (for example, Grant Johnson and Graham Fields). The RAW podcasts are really informative, entertaining and hilarious.

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Clint, thanks very much! And I'm sure Bret doesn't ind you commenting about Adventure Rider Radio. I know he's a fan! He's been very generous with his experience on some of the shows too. Jim Martin has put something amazing together with ARR and RAW hasn't he. Thanks very much for the thumbs up on RAW. Its a pleasure to be involved. It's almost time to record the next show. I wonder what topics will come up this time! See you on the road!

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

These guys are awesome for self and human discovery. I would love to hear Ian Shaws story as mentioned in Teds book. Thanks guys

[@longjonwhite]

I really enjoyed that, thank you gentlemen. You have inspired me to get on my GS 650 this very afternoon and go for a bacon buttie and a cuppa at High Beach in Epping forest. I am 69 years old and I shall be travelling the 5 miles there alone. I may decide to come back by a slightly different route, as I was born to have ADVENTURE !! Book to follow...

[@sammanicom7092]

Nice one Jon. You have my tastebuds tingling now!!! Happy travels.

[@davemartin4456]

Great chat between two very knowledgeable bikers, I have now bought two of your books and two of Ted's to further learn more. Thanks to both of you sub added

[@MarkoCoomo]

Very inspiring, I nearly emailed my resignation letter to work! Looking forward to chapter 2! Haha

[@sammanicom7092]

I'll give you the stamp money Mark. Something very fine about a resignation letter, handwritten... : )

[@samehsouissi6986]

Beautiful narration of their journey. I love it. 👍👍

[@sammanicom7092]

Thank you. Loved the chance to sit and chat with Ted.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Absolutely loved this so much

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers! Ted is always excellent to spend time with.

[@randycairns2041]

Absolutely loved this video

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers Randy, glad you enjoyed. Tea. A good way to start eh : )

[@bernarddulmet4909]

Very interesting, enlightening. A real pleasure ! Thumbs up !

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you enjoyed it, Bernard.

[@MrJohnyysmith]

A great vid interspersed with pics not seen before. And Sam reminds me a lot of Whispering Bob Harris the British radio DJ. Ted having been round again in old age is a subject worthy of more chat. You pick up a lot of health problems by that age usually (at least I have) and being a long way from good medical services is a risk. Ok it has got a lot easier with the growth in aviation and depends on the individual, but ... Also the risks of riding independently in remote places. To some extent I wince every time I watch video of someone off roading 50 miles into a desert. I fear for their safety should a breakdown or injury strand them far from phone coverage. Have their been 'disappearances'? Watching Long Way Round I was constantly aware that their were two of them, and a support crew with doctor. My hat is off to both these guys for doing it solo

[@sammanicom7092]

I just looked up 'Whispering Bob Harris'! I'm honoured by that comparison. Just as a quick thought. Both Ted and I had our pear-shaped moments, but a lot of keeping safe was down to learning how to slow down. And to giving where we were full respect. It is rather interesting to see how you react as an individual when something does go wrong though...

[@akepettersson4847]

It was great to listen and see these two gentlemen have a talk !! And Ted did it with a normal bike , not an adventure bike á lá BMW GSA...shame on me then who drives a BMW GSA 🙋‍♂️😂

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you enjoyed it, Åke!

[@sammanicom7092]

I dare not ride one Åke! I know if I do I'll want one. In the mean time Libby still does a great job. She has 287,000 miles on her now!

[@akepettersson4847]

Sam Manicom That is 461.000 km 😳 Impressive 🙌. Please say hello to Libby from me 👋👋

[@sammanicom7092]

@@akepettersson4847 I will do for sure. Love that bike!

[@maybeerainmaybeesnow]

Yes! The benefits of traveling alone. " You shouldn't blame yourself for feeling free. "

[@axleambitions]

Second time watching this interview, first after finishing teds books, and now after finishing sams books.

[@sammanicom7092]

Thank you very much! I hope you enjoy them. May I suggest you read them in the order of the journey, so Into Africa first.

[@rodintoulouse3054]

Thank you both. At 51 I am going through a crossroads for which your wisdom provided many answers... just need to convince the wife.

[@DrLoki1971]

Thanks for sharing your insightful conversation. I like the term of added dividend by traveling alone. Interesting to hear that you consider yourself as sloppy riders. I came to "adventure rigging" from the other direction. Being a petrolhead and certified Mercedes mechanic, before becoming a professor of sociology, I had a very different starting point. This happened when I lived in South Africa and just turned the key on my enduro to drive through Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. Currently living in Costa Rica the epidemic confines me traveling the county with my Royal Enfield.

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi Andreas, its good to hear from you and I hope that you do have a little wriggle room at least in Costa Rica. It really is itchy feet time isn't it. 'Sloppy riders'? I for one would have liked a chunk more knowledge. I'd have done more than a few less daft things! : ) Your trip in southern Africa will have taken you through some fantastic spots methinks. I really like riding in Africa. All the best to you.

[@johnsondvr]

Brilliant, brilliant , brilliant episode. Great guys having a great chat. Thank you for this. A real humbler.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, David.

[@johnsondvr]

Keep up the great work on this channel Mototrek. Love what you are doing. 👍😎

[@sammanicom7092]

Hi David, delighted you enjoyed. Ted is amazing and I always enjoy the chance to chat with him. And too right. Thanks to MOTOTREK for making it happen!

[@TimKirkmt]

great chat. I read Jupiters Travels three times, and it inspired to travel, including one trip by bicycle from UK to Russia. always wanted to do the motorcycle thing though....

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the feedback, Tim.

[@hichamkenai2128]

Love it. Thanks

[@STIPOWER97]

Very engaging chat....well done guys

[@sammanicom7092]

Cheers. Ted is always excellent to chat with. Thanks to MOTOTREK for getting us together.

[@pistolpete6321]

Fantastic interview!

[@sammanicom7092]

Thank you. Ted and I always have fun in each other's company. And tea is always a good start! Cheers to MOTOTREK for getting us together for this.

[@northpole9311]

My great uncle told me he started off in 1949 on a Harley sleeping bag strapped on with everything else. We started in 1980 strapping gear all over the bikes hoping they are still there when you get to the camp spot,I used an old wire rack from moms freezer and stuffed all the oil jugs full of gas in that.....man the glory days of freedom crossing roaring rivers knowing you could be going from a bike trip to instantly becoming a back packer....it's just fun..

[@sammanicom7092]

Brilliant! You conjured the image!!!