In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany at the Armchair Adventure Festival in Mount Edgcumbe. Join us as we explore the world through the eyes of Tiffany Coates, recognised as the world’s foremost female motorcycle adventurer. Tiffany has spent over twenty years exploring six continents on two wheels. With hundreds of thousands of miles under her belt, she continues her adventures both solo and as a sought-after motorcycle tour guide, captivating audiences at adventure travel events worldwide. Her journey began with a memorable trip alongside her best friend, Becky. With just two months of riding experience, they embarked on a quarter-tonne BMW named ‘Thelma,’ wobbling their way from the UK across Europe to India. What was initially planned as a nine-month journey transformed into two and a half years, crossing four continents and solidifying Tiffany's passion for motorcycle travel. Over the years, Tiffany has travelled through Asia, Australia, Africa, the Americas, and more, with notable rides to Timbuktu, Outer Mongolia, Madagascar, Borneo, and even Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Her website features the stories behind these incredible travels. As a freelance guide, Tiffany leads various adventurous motorcycling expeditions, providing safe and experienced guidance for those eager to explore new countries on two wheels.

We first spoke with Tiffany on March 17th 2020 - The World's Foremost Female Motorcycle Adventurer!

*** This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 25th - 28th July 2024. Buy tickets now for #AAF25 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 24-27th July 2025, Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets. www.armchairadventurefestival.com. ***

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Show notes:

Who is Tiffany
Background as a motorbike traveller
Experience riding around the world
Joy of solitude in desert travel
Dangerous motorbike experiences in Vietnam
Mental health benefits of motorbiking
Sense of freedom and independence in motorbike travel
Tiffany's journey to becoming a motorbike rider
Having no initial experience with motorbikes
Challenges of maintaining the bike and learning basic maintenance
Mechanical failures upon entering Asia
Time spent in a workshop learning about oil, filters, and maintenance tasks
Reliance on strangers for assistance and fixing the bike
Importance of feeling confident and self-reliant
Self-defence knowledge and preparedness
Carrying safety tools while camping
Riding through the Gobi Desert in Mongolia
Adjusting travel plans based on weather conditions
Hectic journey through Siberia to reach the Pacific Ocean
Enjoying the journey and making the most of each day
Singing to herself and listening to music or podcasts
Living frugally to fund her travels
Not owning a car, saving money for travel
Guiding groups through exotic countries, ensuring their safety and happiness
Upcoming trip to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana
Importance of exploring lesser-known places
Camping experience at the Bonneville Salt Flats
Challenges faced and the beauty of solitude in nature
Experiences with altitude sickness and acclimatisation
Natural sadness post-adventure
Travel fatigue during long journeys
Keeping journals and writing for publications
Potential future projects, including writing a book
Leading an all-female motorbike tour in Nepal
Breaking stereotypes in motorcycling
Sense of sisterhood among female motorcyclists
Unique experiences of hospitality while travelling solo
Shipping bikes by sea versus flying
International Vehicle Shipping, Moto Freight
The process of obtaining an international driving permit (IDP) and its importance
Maps and compasses over GPS
GPS inaccuracies in desert navigation
Limitations of relying solely on technology
Thoughts on the common advice to “just do it”
Final words of advice

Social Media Website: tiffanystravels.co.uk Facebook: @tiffany.coates.12 Twitter/X: @tiffanystravels

Tiffany Coates - Live from the Armchair ...