After riding my BMW across Canada and the US by myself I must say this is a pleasure to find. The world has changed so much in the last 40 years although adventure in its raw form is getting harder to find. Hats off to this wonderful lady.
It isn't. The personal attitude has vastly changed to date, but adventure still is easily found on a vintage motorbike, in a vintage car or on a vintage sailboat. You just gotta go *_with the means they had_* and avoid modern devices, modern digitalized bikes or cars like the plague. That does not mean to be unsafe - it just means to keep in contact with Your immediate environment and not live in the internet and digital world only.
@@spurgear4 My pleasure. Oh and You're welcome, of course. My eldest car is 52 years old, there are a couple around 35 to 45, and motorbikes mostly from the seventies and eighties, too. (youngest bike, the daily beater, is only 16 years old though ...). No airplane so far, but boats and stuff.😁I transoceaned several times in "old" boats like gaff rigged long keel cutters, a pain in the behind to maneuver in tight spaces short- or singlehanded, and oldfashioned out there, but oldfashioned in a good way as to "she's caring for her crew". I once had a transfer-sail to do along a coast with every night in a port or cove because there was no official lights aboard, not even navigational lights .... had the most lovely and helpful encounters by "people of the sea" recognizing by my way to maneuver that there was no engine, either, which made them go out in small rowing vessels to help with the task of putting her somewhere safe for the night. Every other night in another cove there were other people with the same mind sets. I never had a journey with more rounds bought by my hosts, and never had a journey with more unselfish, competent help from third parties, either. Was 2013. So it does work somehow even in these days of Internet and screen-life, and You found the "real-life" people by being there Yourself, anxieties and hard work to stay afloat/rolling and being visible for people knowing what hard work is alike and all, including the mistakes and their outcome. Cheers and stay safe up there, will You?
@@manfredschmalbach9023 My former military police K1100 had the early kind anti lock braking. And an alarm light that indicates ONE of the lightbulb is in lightbulb heaven. And fuel injection that always works fantastic. That's a level of "modern" I could live with. Still sold that bike, but such a bike is great for long distance travelling. The police did ride those! Though I prefer less weight, you can forget pushing it up hill, you need to be careful where you stop or park.
@@spurgear4 Ah, YOU got that lost Bugatti 100P?! Do check that plane, it was a counter rotating props design, with the engine behind the cockpit. It looks great, but in aviation great plane designs are tossed into the bin, for hysterical reasons, and that often is the end of an entire factory. Maybe that Bugatti plane was just a bit beyond its time, and then the flock does not eat it.
Wow! I just watched this while sitting on my sofa at home alone. When she ended her speech, I was so moved by her story, that I admit I clapped right along with the audience at the end. Amazing story and person!
I read the book a few months ago. Absolutely loved it. The personal aspects of a trip like this is what really hits home, more, for me, than even the difficult challenges of simply surviving everything thrown at her on the road. How she managed to get through the disappointment of her parents and friends lack of acknowledgement of her achievement, her shear willpower and incredible determination and mental strength to complete such a journey.....heartbreaking indifference! That must have been incredibly difficult to accept! And then, the too-late realization of the feelings and love that Robert had for her, which she only found out after he passed.....such sadness! Anyway, she's truly an inspirational woman, deserving of much more recognition than she received. I have only respect for her achievement.
Absolutely incredible story. Makes Ewan McGregor and Charlie Bormans trip look like a walk in the park ( back up crew etc ) As a male biker I am embarrassed that you got so little recognition for your skills and massive efforts, until much later on.
Interesting story! Success would be heavily weighted against a single woman travelling alone on a mc. It was some accomplishment. No comradery or support van as the aforementioned duo had, limited funds, no YT support, no satellite, no gps! Just the great unknown and a dream.
Have read her book ,remarkable woman . Yes Borman and McGegor had factory bikes from BMW and 2 4x4'swith the film crew, director , doctor, mechanic, etc. Steph Jeavons did a similar trek , again without finance from a bike manufacturer. and lets not forget Noraly Schoenmaker.
Even Monty Python got a funny reply: Fawlty Tower can't possibly be successfool, no thank you, we will not produce it, written by some BBC boss. When movie producers just think "A woman on a bike, who on earth is gonna watch her movie?" then nothing interesting will ever happen.
Those that know have so much admiration for Elspeth, Charley and Ewen shouldn’t be mentioned in the same space, I’m so glad she’s out there now ABR etc, a single focused women travelling before it became an easy holiday, Fantastic as she motivates other ladies and guys to get out there, and the guts she’s shown in her after bike life is to behold, Ted Simon, Jupiters travels is a number 1 read, Elspeth is very close
i worked with elspeth 12/13 years ago she really is such an amazing woman and she spoke about her trip with me which blew my mind i am absolutely so delighted that she has published her book anyway a fabulous video thanks loads cheers russell
I read her book and was so impressed by her tenacity I had to write to her. It took some doing but finally she got my letter and responded graciously. She is quite an amazing woman.
I'm reading her book right now and love it. Lone Rider is the most engaging of motorcycle books I have been reading. Elspeth's book just reads like a novel that really draws you into her world, her story and perspective on her friends and family, her feelings for Alex and the pain she experiences after the break up; her sense of discomfort as well as friendship for Mark who clearly adores her; the people she meets on her big trip come to live on these pages and you sense that the further she rides the more she overcomes her sense of loss and rejection. Like Pirsig in the Art of MCM, she describes the riding from the subjective, inner worldly point of view, but whereas Pirsig thoughts take off into abstract philosophical reflection on "quality" only to arrive at his son sitting on the back of his bike all of this time (the most moving parts of Pirsig's book are right there, at the end), Elspeth draws the reader into her world of relationships and adventure right from the beginning of the book by effectively describing in a vivid sense the feelings and impressions she experiences throughout this period of her life. It is more personal a book as Ted Simon's, and for that reason more a story than a travel log. One could skip a bunch of chapters in Ted's well written book, and it would not really matter, whereas here there is more of a narrative and a sense of purpose: going from the pain of rejection through a long process of growing mentally and spiritually. Hence the iconic picture discussed in the lecture where you get a sense of the person that came out on the other end. A movie sounds like a great idea, except for the fact that it is hard to capture this subjective point of view. Just read the book, don't wait for Hollywood.
23:48 the saint icon on asphalt , priceless. This is the second video of this amazing woman , I’m watching tonight. I read her story on motorcycle magazine way back.
Wow, what an inspirational lady ! It just shows you can achieve anything, if you are determined enough ! I came across the video by accident, but ended up watching it till the end.
What a treat to find this video... I saw Elspeth at Bob's BMW for book signing and loved the talk she gave there - much the same, but a few small differences. Thanks for posting, and thank you Elspeth for sharing your story.
What a lovely story you have shared. I read your book years ago. In 2017 2018 my wife and I set out to circumnavigate the world on the surface. Left Australia by boat rode through parts of Indonesia on a scooter then a range of motorcycles across Vietnam and loved it. Trains then Europe then we circumnavigated North America on an Indian which then came back to Australia. We met wonderful people everywhere. And we did this in our 60's. Careful planning but being flexible made the trip really enjoyable. Neither of us are heroes!
You are a kind and courageous person. It doesn't matter a person's gender, it's their courage and daring that makes them. Love you, greetings from France.
Ahh, the pre-Interweb era. No doubt at all, travel was or could be if you wanted - far more intrepid, exciting, unplanned, unexpected, risky and fantastic. Well done Elspeth, what a gutsy lady you are! And it all just elevate's Ted's journey to even more stratospheric levels.
I’m old enough to remember reading in (a) mag , maybe MCN, and thought what a girl, slightly jealous, fair bloody play to you girl, I’m 63 and had a running bike all my life but never done what you have, I was a member of a notorious MC club from North Wales for 16+ years though, RESPECT to you . 🏴
I went round Australia in 1969 with 2 other women on motorbikes and we never had any problems being served in pubs, which we frequented a lot. Neither when I was traveling alone there.
@@nickraschke4737 I found Elspeth to have a very interesting story and more so the lighthouse conversion as well. And I’m sure Linda would have an interesting story as well. Do you have a bike, Nick.
@@johnmartin7158 no. 40 year rock n roll career though. I find the refusal of service story very hard to believe. She’s cool, but that is a silly claim. If someone refused her service, there’d be more to the story I reckon.
For Elspeth: Loved this and have great respect for you Elspeth. An amazing and very interesting telling of your adventure. I enjoy cycling and was introduced when I was 9 years of age and that was 60 years ago. I still ride but have become a fair weather rider. LOL You did what I had always wanted to do. So in a word I am so proud of your achievements. It was awesome to live through your telling. Be Well and stay safe. Cheers!
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. I'll be looking for a copy of her book. Astounded that the media of the day were not interested in Elspeth's travels.
Elspeth Beard belongs to the same lineage of Theresa Wallach and Florence Blenkiron, the two female motorcyclists that had broken records on Brooklands and that went together on an amazing journey from London to Cape Town, South Africa, between 1934 and 1935 on a Panther 600. Wallach rode motorcycles until the age of 88. She is remembered in a photograph that hangs on a wall of the Ladies Room, at the Brooklands museum. There is also a book about that trip called The Rugged Road written by Theresa. Much respect to those lady riders, their feats and their courage. Best regards from Brazil. ✌
Inspiring person, so much to learn from her experience of life and her tenacity to complete any project she took up, no matter how indifferent and discouraging her own parents were. Glad she is getting some long overdue recognition for her passion for motor cycle adventure touring in the days when long distance communication was so difficult, and even ordinary maps were so scarce in many of the countries she covered.
Absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to someday share this with my two young daughters when they are old enough to appreciate this journey of a lifetime. 👏🏻
I'm surprised Elspeth hasn't been on any honors list. As someone who traveled extensively in the 80's and have been aware of her journey for many years it was great to actually hear it in detail. Hope to see it on the big screen.
Read the book some years back and was captured by it and what she experienced. What she did back on those years was a true example of fighting against the odds and setting the path for women recognition. A must read one.
Extremely impressed to see a woman has travelled the world on motorcycle 🏍️ in 2011 travelled around the world 🌎 on KLR 650 and it was not easy but enjoyed my time but to see you do it wow impressed.
Great video & presentation. If Ted Simon is considered to have been the Father of Adventure motorcycling then Elspeth is surely the Mother. Back in the day not many females rode motorcycles let alone around the world. I can definitely recommend buying her book as its a great read. One more thing if I may, I hope that like all the other stars in this series of interviews received , you gave her a lump of concrete from the original track. If you haven't then its not too late.
I cried and I saluted this, too gutsy lady through this vdo...having done just India all over, it is unimaginable to feel her pain. God Bless you brave Lady 🙏🏼
Only just came across this. I ready Elspeth’s book earlier this year and later saw her at the ABR festival at Ragley Hall but I was too nervous to talk to her. I enjoyed this video very much. Thank you.
Lovely lady, as an adventurero myself I can relate to what she experienced, was such a pleasure to hear her story direct with her wonderful British accent, not scripted, no cues, just a fireside chat with an audience, thank you from a Brit in Colombia, btw if you love mountains, put Colombia on your list and disregard the fear mongers, after many years of riding some of the most beautiful remote parts I’ve fallen in love with this country.
I rebuilt a BMW R60 74 model for my Old German Hippy Mate Kim .He road it around Austalia on a knobby tyre ,no muffler & took a pet Dog with him.He still rides it now in his 70,s
Great story. Straight from the first pictures of her on a bike I could already tell she had a good safety net back home. Undoubtedly helps to be adventurous.
I read the book recently. She's a good narrator and it's genuinely a page-turner. Interesting to experience such an adventure from a woman's perspective, with its particular cultural and biological challenges. Another example is Rosie Thomas's 'Border Crossing'.
I think that You are incredible!! Love your spirit...I could talk for hours..why exhaust it...I'm a lifetime Biker..I'm 64 now...never did anything like You..but really appreciate You..
Your my hero. You've lived and continue your journey with enthusiasm, And to think, my wife and i just want to ride the T.A.T, Great adventure .will get your book. love the tower almost as much as the B.M.W. cheers
Very impressive, one has to think back to the 80s, the change in communications since have been phenomenal, any comparison with modern world travellers is not relevant,I look forward to reading her book. As a motorcyclist I have the height of respect for all those who undertake such epic journeys.
She's amazing. I wish I had done same . I had a letter of recommendation to get transit visa for Iran in 1986 but I was let down later in India owed £700. I only had until end of December in 1986 to go to Australia. I wish I had spent the money spending more time in India and Nepal but Australia was a great time. I had an old xt500 yam costing £175. Run it around for several months to work then bought old Suzuki gs750 for £300 and rode it to Melbourne, Sydney and run it until 1988.
Extraordinary woman, resolve and trip! Sharing it is most welcome. One remark, I'm sure even at that time women were out on the streets in India, but they had more serious business than staring at strangers
Great story. Had a Beamer same time as you but your trip is exceptional ! My mum and my daughter were/are orthopaedic nurses and hate motorbikes with a passion too. 😂
Elspeth’s book is an amazing read, I couldn’t put it down. Really brings it home to you how ‘spoilt’ we are now with our gps in our pockets and modern communications.
@@helendancelot I travelled by bicycle in the '80s, when paper maps and postcards were the only nav and coms available. Touring is about choosing a single line on a map, whether that choice is made months in advance or in the moment. I envy today's travellers who have instant access so much information when choosing a path, I still kick myself for passing by museums, battlefields, churches and architecture because I didn't know they were there. It's a double-edged sword though, and I'm sure preoccupation with a little screen all day takes you out of the moment and the place more than it aids your immersion.
I read her book when it first came out and thoroughly enjoyed it as I did this talk.However I wonder at the time was she aware Ted Simon had left London in 1973 for a 4 year journey around the world on his Triumph and already had a published book Jupiter's Travels.
5:03 my memories are not in a box and I have really nothing to show and sometimes people look at me when I tell them what I used to be like and where I was on a bike I get that look like sure you did a little bit and that's discouraging enough that I just keep it all to myself I'm just a much more quiet person now.Here's an example I had a 1985 BMW 800 cc White with red metal alloy rims. It was like riding a gyro motor. Weird and pretty quiet. I later bought a very loud Harley-Davidson but the British bikes are always my first love. I almost bought a Norton once but I really wanted the 850 I never found. But I had Triumphs in the 500/650/750 class. I've had the same Harley since 2009 in winter storage right now.
This video came out of the blue. What an amazing story of an incredible woman. I just sucked it up. I hope there will be a movie soon! I also hope that this is an inspiration for some youngsters these days showing that life is not all about sitting at home staring into a telly or mobile phone.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
After riding my BMW across Canada and the US by myself I must say this is a pleasure to find. The world has changed so much in the last 40 years although adventure in its raw form is getting harder to find.
Hats off to this wonderful lady.
It isn't. The personal attitude has vastly changed to date, but adventure still is easily found on a vintage motorbike, in a vintage car or on a vintage sailboat. You just gotta go *_with the means they had_* and avoid modern devices, modern digitalized bikes or cars like the plague. That does not mean to be unsafe - it just means to keep in contact with Your immediate environment and not live in the internet and digital world only.
@@manfredschmalbach9023 Thats probably why I own triumphs, a Norton and an airplane built in 1948.
Thanks for the reply
@@spurgear4 My pleasure. Oh and You're welcome, of course. My eldest car is 52 years old, there are a couple around 35 to 45, and motorbikes mostly from the seventies and eighties, too. (youngest bike, the daily beater, is only 16 years old though ...). No airplane so far, but boats and stuff.😁I transoceaned several times in "old" boats like gaff rigged long keel cutters, a pain in the behind to maneuver in tight spaces short- or singlehanded, and oldfashioned out there, but oldfashioned in a good way as to "she's caring for her crew". I once had a transfer-sail to do along a coast with every night in a port or cove because there was no official lights aboard, not even navigational lights .... had the most lovely and helpful encounters by "people of the sea" recognizing by my way to maneuver that there was no engine, either, which made them go out in small rowing vessels to help with the task of putting her somewhere safe for the night. Every other night in another cove there were other people with the same mind sets. I never had a journey with more rounds bought by my hosts, and never had a journey with more unselfish, competent help from third parties, either. Was 2013. So it does work somehow even in these days of Internet and screen-life, and You found the "real-life" people by being there Yourself, anxieties and hard work to stay afloat/rolling and being visible for people knowing what hard work is alike and all, including the mistakes and their outcome. Cheers and stay safe up there, will You?
@@manfredschmalbach9023 My former military police K1100 had the early kind anti lock braking. And an alarm light that indicates ONE of the lightbulb is in lightbulb heaven. And fuel injection that always works fantastic. That's a level of "modern" I could live with. Still sold that bike, but such a bike is great for long distance travelling. The police did ride those! Though I prefer less weight, you can forget pushing it up hill, you need to be careful where you stop or park.
@@spurgear4 Ah, YOU got that lost Bugatti 100P?! Do check that plane, it was a counter rotating props design, with the engine behind the cockpit. It looks great, but in aviation great plane designs are tossed into the bin, for hysterical reasons, and that often is the end of an entire factory. Maybe that Bugatti plane was just a bit beyond its time, and then the flock does not eat it.
Wow! I just watched this while sitting on my sofa at home alone. When she ended her speech, I was so moved by her story, that I admit I clapped right along with the audience at the end. Amazing story and person!
I read the book a few months ago. Absolutely loved it. The personal aspects of a trip like this is what really hits home, more, for me, than even the difficult challenges of simply surviving everything thrown at her on the road. How she managed to get through the disappointment of her parents and friends lack of acknowledgement of her achievement, her shear willpower and incredible determination and mental strength to complete such a journey.....heartbreaking indifference! That must have been incredibly difficult to accept! And then, the too-late realization of the feelings and love that Robert had for her, which she only found out after he passed.....such sadness! Anyway, she's truly an inspirational woman, deserving of much more recognition than she received. I have only respect for her achievement.
Absolutely incredible story. Makes Ewan McGregor and Charlie Bormans trip look like a walk in the park ( back up crew etc ) As a male biker I am embarrassed that you got so little recognition for your skills and massive efforts, until much later on.
Interesting story! Success would be heavily weighted against a single woman travelling alone on a mc. It was some accomplishment. No comradery or support van as the aforementioned duo had, limited funds, no YT support, no satellite, no gps! Just the great unknown and a dream.
Yeah long way is basically a show, however very well made one, but still a show. Here is more of a real life story 🙂. I am impressed.
Have read her book ,remarkable woman . Yes Borman and McGegor had factory bikes from BMW and 2 4x4'swith the film crew, director , doctor, mechanic, etc. Steph Jeavons did a similar trek , again without finance from a bike manufacturer. and lets not forget Noraly Schoenmaker.
Even Monty Python got a funny reply: Fawlty Tower can't possibly be successfool, no thank you, we will not produce it, written by some BBC boss. When movie producers just think "A woman on a bike, who on earth is gonna watch her movie?" then nothing interesting will ever happen.
Those that know have so much admiration for Elspeth, Charley and Ewen shouldn’t be mentioned in the same space, I’m so glad she’s out there now ABR etc, a single focused women travelling before it became an easy holiday, Fantastic as she motivates other ladies and guys to get out there, and the guts she’s shown in her after bike life is to behold, Ted Simon, Jupiters travels is a number 1 read, Elspeth is very close
i worked with elspeth 12/13 years ago she really is such an amazing woman and she spoke about her trip with me which blew my mind i am absolutely so delighted that she has published her book anyway a fabulous video thanks loads cheers russell
I read her book and was so impressed by her tenacity I had to write to her. It took some doing but finally she got my letter and responded graciously. She is quite an amazing woman.
Should have had so much more recognition, truly impressive.
I'm reading her book right now and love it. Lone Rider is the most engaging of motorcycle books I have been reading. Elspeth's book just reads like a novel that really draws you into her world, her story and perspective on her friends and family, her feelings for Alex and the pain she experiences after the break up; her sense of discomfort as well as friendship for Mark who clearly adores her; the people she meets on her big trip come to live on these pages and you sense that the further she rides the more she overcomes her sense of loss and rejection. Like Pirsig in the Art of MCM, she describes the riding from the subjective, inner worldly point of view, but whereas Pirsig thoughts take off into abstract philosophical reflection on "quality" only to arrive at his son sitting on the back of his bike all of this time (the most moving parts of Pirsig's book are right there, at the end), Elspeth draws the reader into her world of relationships and adventure right from the beginning of the book by effectively describing in a vivid sense the feelings and impressions she experiences throughout this period of her life. It is more personal a book as Ted Simon's, and for that reason more a story than a travel log. One could skip a bunch of chapters in Ted's well written book, and it would not really matter, whereas here there is more of a narrative and a sense of purpose: going from the pain of rejection through a long process of growing mentally and spiritually. Hence the iconic picture discussed in the lecture where you get a sense of the person that came out on the other end. A movie sounds like a great idea, except for the fact that it is hard to capture this subjective point of view. Just read the book, don't wait for Hollywood.
Thanks so much for this review! I was thinking about buying the book but wasn’t sure. But this sounds wonderful!
I've skipped your review and this video for now, because I've bought the book and I don't want any spoilers! I'll be back once I've read it :)
Just finished the book. Amazing!
Get a life
Pirsigs death of his son so appalling. Pirsigs went back to Sweden.
This is fantastic. Shocking to believe no one wanted her story and she then went onto a regular life.
23:48 the saint icon on asphalt , priceless. This is the second video of this amazing woman , I’m watching tonight. I read her story on motorcycle magazine way back.
Wow, what an inspirational lady ! It just shows you can achieve anything, if you are determined enough ! I came across the video by accident, but ended up watching it till the end.
What a treat to find this video... I saw Elspeth at Bob's BMW for book signing and loved the talk she gave there - much the same, but a few small differences. Thanks for posting, and thank you Elspeth for sharing your story.
What a lovely story you have shared. I read your book years ago. In 2017 2018 my wife and I set out to circumnavigate the world on the surface. Left Australia by boat rode through parts of Indonesia on a scooter then a range of motorcycles across Vietnam and loved it. Trains then Europe then we circumnavigated North America on an Indian which then came back to Australia. We met wonderful people everywhere. And we did this in our 60's.
Careful planning but being flexible made the trip really enjoyable. Neither of us are heroes!
Inspirational. Bravo for doing her own path...even with the mountains in life. Inspiration for us all.
Just brilliant! It has to be true ! Nobody could make it up!!! ......a very brave lady.
What a great adventure. For anyone interested, John's bike shown at 22.36 is now at the National Motor Museum, in Birdwood, South Australia.
You are a kind and courageous person. It doesn't matter a person's gender, it's their courage and daring that makes them. Love you, greetings from France.
Amazing story. Amazing woman. A true trailblazer 🙏
Ahh, the pre-Interweb era. No doubt at all, travel was or could be if you wanted - far more intrepid, exciting, unplanned, unexpected, risky and fantastic. Well done Elspeth, what a gutsy lady you are! And it all just elevate's Ted's journey to even more stratospheric levels.
I’m old enough to remember reading in (a) mag , maybe MCN, and thought what a girl, slightly jealous, fair bloody play to you girl, I’m 63 and had a running bike all my life but never done what you have, I was a member of a notorious MC club from North Wales for 16+ years though, RESPECT to you . 🏴
I went round Australia in 1969 with 2 other women on motorbikes and we never had any problems being served in pubs, which we frequented a lot. Neither when I was traveling alone there.
I bet you also have an awesome story to tell Linda. Did you ride in NZ as well.
Cheers.
Maybe 3 women was less weird..or maybe it was the locations?
Maybe it was just Elspeth? By 1982 there was no law against women drinking in pubs here.
@@nickraschke4737 I found Elspeth to have a very interesting story and more so the lighthouse conversion as well. And I’m sure Linda would have an interesting story as well. Do you have a bike, Nick.
@@johnmartin7158 no. 40 year rock n roll career though. I find the refusal of service story very hard to believe. She’s cool, but that is a silly claim. If someone refused her service, there’d be more to the story I reckon.
What a cool person,love your enthusiasm, thanks for sharing your story, it made my night while I am here working on my Enfield bullet...
Absolutely an amazing lady, well done you.
For Elspeth: Loved this and have great respect for you Elspeth. An amazing and very interesting telling of your adventure. I enjoy cycling and was introduced when I was 9 years of age and that was 60 years ago. I still ride but have become a fair weather rider. LOL You did what I had always wanted to do. So in a word I am so proud of your achievements. It was awesome to live through your telling. Be Well and stay safe. Cheers!
Wow. You are an amasing Wommen. Thanks for shering.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. I'll be looking for a copy of her book. Astounded that the media of the day were not interested in Elspeth's travels.
What an awesome story and her house is gorgeous ..
WOW, just WOW. What an inspirational person Elspeth is.
Elspeth Beard belongs to the same lineage of Theresa Wallach and Florence Blenkiron, the two female motorcyclists that had broken records on Brooklands and that went together on an amazing journey from London to Cape Town, South Africa, between 1934 and 1935 on a Panther 600.
Wallach rode motorcycles until the age of 88. She is remembered in a photograph that hangs on a wall of the Ladies Room, at the Brooklands museum.
There is also a book about that trip called The Rugged Road written by Theresa.
Much respect to those lady riders, their feats and their courage.
Best regards from Brazil. ✌
Absolutely legendary this Lady. Such a moving story. Respect!❤️
Inspiring person, so much to learn from her experience of life and her tenacity to complete any project she took up, no matter how indifferent and discouraging her own parents were. Glad she is getting some long overdue recognition for her passion for motor cycle adventure touring in the days when long distance communication was so difficult, and even ordinary maps were so scarce in many of the countries she covered.
The feeling after returning home is the same for veterans,,glad you found a friend,,thank you for sharing
Absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to someday share this with my two young daughters when they are old enough to appreciate this journey of a lifetime. 👏🏻
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook.
I read her book in 2021. This documentary really adds a ton of color to my memory of the book. Thank you!!
I had read her excellent book, I also really enjoyed this talk she gave..
Buy her Book Lone Rider its well worth every penny.
I'm surprised Elspeth hasn't been on any honors list. As someone who traveled extensively in the 80's and have been aware of her journey for many years it was great to actually hear it in detail. Hope to see it on the big screen.
Read the book some years back and was captured by it and what she experienced.
What she did back on those years was a true example of fighting against the odds and setting the path for women recognition.
A must read one.
And I was thinking that driving on a similar BMW through Europe was a big adventure. Also in 1982. Great story from a great lady.
John's motorbike is in the Birdwood national motor museum in South Australia .
Smart, tough woman. Incredible story and truly an adventure of a lifetime (or two).
Amazing lady. Thankfully she gets he recognition she deserves after all these years 😊
Extremely impressed to see a woman has travelled the world on motorcycle 🏍️ in 2011 travelled around the world 🌎 on KLR 650 and it was not easy but enjoyed my time but to see you do it wow impressed.
Great video & presentation. If Ted Simon is considered to have been the Father of Adventure motorcycling then Elspeth is surely the Mother. Back in the day not many females rode motorcycles let alone around the world. I can definitely recommend buying her book as its a great read. One more thing if I may, I hope that like all the other stars in this series of interviews received , you gave her a lump of concrete from the original track. If you haven't then its not too late.
"motorcycle diaries" and " the long way round" seems suddenly like child's play compared to this amazing lady's story! HAT'S OFF! THANK YOU!
Elspeth, you're a true hero, thank you for your honest accounts of adventure and travel.
I cried and I saluted this, too gutsy lady through this vdo...having done just India all over, it is unimaginable to feel her pain. God Bless you brave Lady 🙏🏼
Wonderful story. I had read the book already but lovely to hear Elspeth relate her experiences. Very good.
Only just came across this. I ready Elspeth’s book earlier this year and later saw her at the ABR festival at Ragley Hall but I was too nervous to talk to her. I enjoyed this video very much. Thank you.
I need to get a book, enjoyed every second of this video! This is what life is all about!
Lovely lady, as an adventurero myself I can relate to what she experienced, was such a pleasure to hear her story direct with her wonderful British accent, not scripted, no cues, just a fireside chat with an audience, thank you from a Brit in Colombia, btw if you love mountains, put Colombia on your list and disregard the fear mongers, after many years of riding some of the most beautiful remote parts I’ve fallen in love with this country.
I rebuilt a BMW R60 74 model for my Old German Hippy Mate Kim .He road it around Austalia on a knobby tyre ,no muffler & took a pet Dog with him.He still rides it now in his 70,s
It's truly unimaginable.
Amazing and true adventure story here. Thanks for sharing.🏍
What an amazing story! Thanks very much for posting it!
Great story. Straight from the first pictures of her on a bike I could already tell she had a good safety net back home. Undoubtedly helps to be adventurous.
Well done. Plenty of room in the world for more people like you.
I read the book recently. She's a good narrator and it's genuinely a page-turner. Interesting to experience such an adventure from a woman's perspective, with its particular cultural and biological challenges. Another example is Rosie Thomas's 'Border Crossing'.
Great talk Elspeth Well Done! What a journey! Thank You Brooklands
Wow! Really enjoyed this, amazing travel & story. Amazing woman & incredible tower home! What else can be said?waiting for the movie.
Excellent journey, very proud of your accomplishments. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Just ordered your book, look forward to our next adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation Elspeth, what an awesome story, I can't wait to read your book, much love and respect from Australia 😊
I think that You are incredible!! Love your spirit...I could talk for hours..why exhaust it...I'm a lifetime Biker..I'm 64 now...never did anything like You..but really appreciate You..
Wonderful, your courageous and your special, thank you.
Your my hero. You've lived and continue your journey with enthusiasm, And to think, my wife and i just want to ride the T.A.T, Great adventure .will get your book. love the tower almost as much as the B.M.W. cheers
I bought the book when it first came out. A terrific read, well-written, and absolutely un-put-down-able.
Awesome. She is a hero in my eyes.
Saw her speak at an Overland event in 2018, excellent presentation
I had the same beemer - only Elspeth did waaaay more on hers than I ever did! Cool... am off to find the book right now !!
I read Elspeth's book a couple years ago. Great story and intrepid rider.
Enjoyed her book. Interesting to hear her speak on it in person.
Thank you for sharing your experience and journey. This was a very interesting video, and it got a big 👍 from me.
What a great inspiration she is, I didn't know about her until this video
Very impressive, one has to think back to the 80s, the change in communications since have been phenomenal, any comparison with modern world travellers is not relevant,I look forward to reading her book. As a motorcyclist I have the height of respect for all those who undertake such epic journeys.
Fair play to you Elspeth. A great yarn. A fellow R75/5 adventurer.
Thank you for this movie and story.
She's amazing. I wish I had done same . I had a letter of recommendation to get transit visa for Iran in 1986 but I was let down later in India owed £700. I only had until end of December in 1986 to go to Australia. I wish I had spent the money spending more time in India and Nepal but Australia was a great time. I had an old xt500 yam costing £175. Run it around for several months to work then bought old Suzuki gs750 for £300 and rode it to Melbourne, Sydney and run it until 1988.
Extraordinary woman, resolve and trip!
Sharing it is most welcome.
One remark, I'm sure even at that time women were out on the streets in India, but they had more serious business than staring at strangers
A real pleasure 🙏 meeting u here
What a fantastic trip. You must be very proud of yourself, well done.
What a fantastic story ! And a fantastic lady. 💝
Great story. Had a Beamer same time as you but your trip is exceptional ! My mum and my daughter were/are orthopaedic nurses and hate motorbikes with a passion too. 😂
The original 'Itchy Boots'....!
Well done, pleased I didn’t skip past it 👍
Surprisingly good. What a story, awesome! 👌
The Thai hot-dog... I laughed tears. 😅
Elspeth’s book is an amazing read, I couldn’t put it down. Really brings it home to you how ‘spoilt’ we are now with our gps in our pockets and modern communications.
Spoilt or somewhat ruined?
@@helendancelot very true 🤔
@@helendancelot I travelled by bicycle in the '80s, when paper maps and postcards were the only nav and coms available. Touring is about choosing a single line on a map, whether that choice is made months in advance or in the moment. I envy today's travellers who have instant access so much information when choosing a path, I still kick myself for passing by museums, battlefields, churches and architecture because I didn't know they were there.
It's a double-edged sword though, and I'm sure preoccupation with a little screen all day takes you out of the moment and the place more than it aids your immersion.
I read her book when it first came out and thoroughly enjoyed it as I did this talk.However I wonder at the time was she aware Ted Simon had left London in 1973 for a 4 year journey around the world on his Triumph and already had a published book Jupiter's Travels.
As she explains it was 'nt normal for a woman to ride motorcycles and venture around the world.
Wonderful story and a wonderful person
Absolutely incredible story and so inspiring
Incredible, awesome, amazing, inspiring. Well done.
Потрясающее видео) Good. This is fantastic.
Buy her book ! It’s fabulously compelling. (Not just for motorcycle enthusiasts either ! )
5:03 my memories are not in a box and I have really nothing to show and sometimes people look at me when I tell them what I used to be like and where I was on a bike I get that look like sure you did a little bit and that's discouraging enough that I just keep it all to myself I'm just a much more quiet person now.Here's an example I had a 1985 BMW 800 cc White with red metal alloy rims. It was like riding a gyro motor. Weird and pretty quiet. I later bought a very loud Harley-Davidson but the British bikes are always my first love. I almost bought a Norton once but I really wanted the 850 I never found. But I had Triumphs in the 500/650/750 class. I've had the same Harley since 2009 in winter storage right now.
This video came out of the blue. What an amazing story of an incredible woman. I just sucked it up. I hope there will be a movie soon! I also hope that this is an inspiration for some youngsters these days showing that life is not all about sitting at home staring into a telly or mobile phone.
Great video! It is a shame the book club didn't leave a link to where one can order her book.
Wow, what an amazing woman! Gonna get her book!
A fantastic achievement !
Very interesting story ,I really enjoyed it.
She was amazing your book was so good it felt like I was travelling with you ..well done ❤❤😂