Of possible interest to UKBEG members, a talk by Elspeth Beard, the first British woman to ride a motorcycle around the world.

Tickets are £10, event location: http://www.squires-cafe.co.uk/how_to_find_us/index.asp

In 1982, at the age of just twenty-three and halfway through her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard left her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6.

Reeling from a recent breakup and with only limited savings from her pub job, a tent, a few clothes and some tools, all packed on the back of her bike, she was determined to prove herself. She had ridden bikes since her teens and was well travelled. But nothing could prepare her for what lay ahead.
When she returned to London nearly two and a half years later she was stones lighter and decades wiser. She’d ridden through unforgiving landscapes and countries ravaged by war, witnessed civil uprisings that forced her to fake documents, and fended off sexual attacks, biker gangs and corrupt police convinced she was trafficking drugs. She’d survived life-threatening illnesses, personal loss and brutal accidents that had left permanent scars and a black hole in her memory. And she’d fallen in love with two very different men.

In an age before email, the internet, mobile phones, satnavs and, in some parts of the world, readily available and reliable maps, Elspeth achieved something that would still seem remarkable today. Told with honesty and wit, this is the extraordinary and moving story of a unique and life-changing adventure.

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

We called into Squires today. It was my first ride on the Ulysses this year and it felt brilliant, can’t wait for the main riding season to kick-in.

The tickets for the event with Elspeth are advertised as being available at the café, but you must buy them online from Leeds Mag: http://leeds.mag-uk.org/product/an-even ... arch-2018/

Despite the cold there was a respectable number of motorcycles at Squires. Like us, many riders were making the most of almost perfect riding conditions before the next period of wintry weather arrives. We like Squires, especially during the quieter months. Good honest Yorkshire food at Yorkshire prices.

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

Our tickets for this event arrived yesterday.

'The first woman to circumnavigate the world solo on a motorcycle' Should be an interesting talk ...

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

Came across this, in three parts.
https://www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk/videos ... ey-begins/

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2017 KTM 690 Duke
2001 M2
2019 Street Triple RS
2004 Monster S4R
Wilier La Triestina

Thanks for that, Martin, what an inspiring lady. Not so sure about "no-one was doing it back then". I certainly had dreams of riding a motorcycle round the world in the early 80's and I met people who were doing it. Will have to make a point of catching one of her presentations at some point. Wouldn't mind seeing her water tower home either

Steve

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Back on the road again!

I think she probably meant it compared to today where it is much more popular, particularly since "The Long Way Round" epic and, for a woman on her own, it was very unusual.
She definitely had a determination and very easy on the eye too

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2017 KTM 690 Duke
2001 M2
2019 Street Triple RS
2004 Monster S4R
Wilier La Triestina

is she fit

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IF IT BLEEDS WE CAN KILL IT ,THIS STUFF WILL MAKE YOU A GODDAM SEXUAL TYRANASURUS ,YOUVE BEEN PUSHING TOO MANY PENCILS DILLON .GET TO THE CHOPPER