Yes, I did spell that correctly, hiding in Wales but also riding in Wales. A few days to catch up with Nick Sanders and his lovely wife Caroline at their Expedition Centre near Machynlleth, Wales and get away from the hustle and bustle.
So firstly, bikes. There is an impressive collection of Nick's personal motorcycles including his World Record Bikes and they are found hiding in every 'nook & cranny'.
While he won't admit it himself, I believe Nick to be the most iconic and accomplished motorcycle endurance rider in the world. Round The World (RTW) riding is becoming easier day by day, with many people popping off to 'find themselves' but imagine doing a RTW in 19 days, on a Yamaha R1 while filming the entire event for a movie and doing all of that SOLO!
That is just the tip of the Nick Sanders Iceberg, Cycling records, Balloonist, Epic Narrowboat journeys. He is a unique adventurer with a reputation impossible to emulate.
The welcome from Nick and Caroline is as warm as the log burners found in each of the themed cabins available at the expedition centre. There is a well stocked bar and large comfy seating area to help you recover from the ride to Machynlleth while your kit warms in the drying room.
Showers are hot and spotlessly clean and the beds in the cabins unbelievably comfortable. There is little more anyone could ask for.
I was fortunate to time my visit with a great bunch of lads also staying to experience riding with Nick around his local stomping ground and we kicked off with some amazing weather, especially considering the time of year.
With many of the other riders being countrymen of Wales and not unfamiliar with the area and knowing a few of the larger local roads myself, the routes Nick took us still managed to surprise and entertain everyone. Over the next couple of days, the rain when it found us, did nothing to dampen the fun and we were blessed with a superb mix of stunning vista, mountain roads and larger twisties which had everyone grinning from ear to ear and importantly the riding and routes did not hinder or exclude the less adventure orientated machines in the group.
The final night of our visit and we were treated to a presentation from Nick in the Expedition Centre Cinema from his collection of photographs and tales from his many travels and unique adventures.
In terms of biking, Nick's Expedition Centre ticked every box but we haven't finished yet.
Bikers need feeding and Caroline treats everyone to the most amazing delights for breakfast and evening meals while lunches are down to the individual while on the road with Nick.
The lads and lasses I was lucky enough to meet were outstanding company among them Sue from Women's International Motorcycle Association (WMIA) and Motorcycle Guru Rhys Reynolds
Nick is a true force of nature, and a stay at the 'Nick Sanders Expedition Centre' should be on every riders bucket list.
So with the winter approaching, what can you look forward to in 2022? Well, if Nick has anything to do with it plenty.
In fact it is possible to get your 'Nick and Caroline Fix' with Moto Ventura as we are proud to be taking our place at the Big Mach Motorbike Festival in August 2022.
From 25th to 28th of August 2022 we will have our encampment set up at Nick's festival with a wealth of live music, superstar Q&A, Posh Wash Village, Food Truck Village, Nick's ride-outs, ales and entertainment. You just need to bring your bike, a tent and a smile!
To be part of the Moto Ventura Team drop us a line via email and we can add you to the crew and arrange your tickets which include camping at the Moto Ventura Encampment.
More details available on our 2022 Tour Page shortly.
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Thank you
Moto Ventura
Moto Ventura Motorcycle Tours - Maximum Smiles Per Gallon
'Open Road... Open Mind'
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