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Back in 2003 we took a grown-up’s ‘gap-year’, leaving work behind for 12 months, shipping our motorcycle to England and riding home through Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This ride took us along the Dalmatian Coast and through Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal.

Since that time we’ve ridden more than 170,000 kilometres through 68 countries over six continents.

In 2011, when Brian retired we hit the road again, this time shipping our bike to Chile and heading to the bottom of South America and then turning around and heading to Prudhoe Bay, the northern most tip of North America.

That wasn’t enough. Rather than sending the bike home we flew it to Europe and then South Africa to explore more of this wonderful world.

Fast forward to 2015 and there was a gap in our riding experience – right across Russia. So we were off again, shipping the bike to Greece. For the next six months we rode through Europe to Scandinavia, making it to the very tip of Norway – Nordkapp.

From Scandinavia the road took us to Russia and the ‘Stans’, leading us along sections of the old Silk Road and into Siberia.

You can read highlights of our journeys in posts on this web or in more detail in our books – Two for the Road, Circle to Circle and The Long Way to Vladivostok.

We hope we inspire you to hit the road, or just sit back and ride with us, enjoying the ride vicariously.

See responses

C

92 Comments

  1. steve2019

    Hi I was wondering. would you know how many miles will a 1200cc Bmw get out of the engine???? if taken care of…

    Reply
  2. SPS GARCHA

    Read your Northern Lights in Jan 2016 Motorcycle Treader given by Peter Charles West who travelled in 1976-77 overland from Australia to UK on an XL 250 Honda whom I met in India.I travelled overland on a motorcycle to Europe from India and also rode up till Nordkapp in 1978. Great reading your article which brought many great memories back. You are most welcome to come over to Chandigarh India when you visit India next. Keep riding.

    Reply
  3. Rod McDonald

    Hello, just started reading “Two for the road” which you autographed for Lida and I last year in Maryvale at the Horizons Unlimited meeting. My thoughts are with you both as you travel and I look forward to reading of your further travels. Rod

    Reply
  4. Jill

    Shirl Hard!!! Are you mad!!? How do you power the TV on the road? How do you cook Beef Wellington on a bike? Where’s the concrete in your travels – there’s nowhere more adventuresome than being surrounded by concrete and a lovely chlorinated pool. So many questions…??
    You guys spin my pretty (?) little blonde head! ROAR ON! Jill Fras 🙂

    Reply
  5. Doug

    Keep going – until I get a SUZI replacement, it’s the only way I’ll be travelling on a tourer bike.
    Enjoy and make me jealous.

    Reply
  6. Richard Parkinson

    Happy travels !
    Very jealous – have an itchy throttle hand and want to hit the road again but the kids are holding me back…
    James (now 7) keeps telling me that he’s going to ride around the world with me when he’s old enough – bring it on!

    Reply
  7. Murray Gominsek

    Hi guys – thank you for a great read and all the great ideas. I look forward to meeting up with you both in October, here in QLD.

    Reply
  8. m

    Hello Brian.

    I met you recently on a BMW club ride to Castlemaine. I was the one on the yellow R1150gs It turns out that We have some mutual friends including My late Father. I was unaware when I met You that You are a Police Member as was My Father.

    Hope to hear from You

    Ian

    Reply
  9. Sam Toms

    Hi!
    I have just read about you on Horizons Unlimited and I was wondering if you can help me. I am looking to ship my bike either into either Lima or Valparaiso and was wondering about your experience shipping into Chile? Did you travel on a carnet? Who did you use as a shipping agent? My agent is trying to help me by letting me pay all my costs here in Aus before I go but that is about $1800 on top of freight costs for all the clearances, customs and import. Is that anything like you paid to get you bike in? I would appreciate any help you can give me ([email protected]). Thanks in advance and best of luck on your travels. Cheers Sam

    Reply
  10. Ian

    Not long now. I hope the border crossings in Australia are a bit simpler than the last years.

    Reply
  11. Dave Lampard

    Hello sore bums. My BM’S are stuck in the garage, bloody work. If you ever get back to Aus let me know your mailing address and I will send you a copy of the WAPU Centenary Book Fruits of our Labour.

    Regards

    Dave Lampard

    Reply
  12. Tassie Richo

    G’day Rixy and Shirley. Not jealous at all!! Hope you are both well and enjoying the world. I tried to talk Stephen into taking the Enfield on the wall to wall ! No luck there.
    Catch ya when you get back.

    Richo (Tas)

    Reply
  13. Liz Jansen

    It was wonderful getting to know you at Horizons Unlimited’s travelers meeting. How cool that friends from around the world can converge in a farmer’s field in Barrie, Ontario! Thanks for your inspiration and friendship! Safe adventures!

    Reply
  14. David Edmunds

    Brian Rix & Shirley Hardy Rix With Darren James of Radio 3AW Melbourne.
    Trip Interview Audio Posted At this Link

    http://audioboo.fm/jindivik

    Reply
  15. Chris McColl

    Brian n Shirley you are living everyones dream, adventure before dementia just love the crosses you do with 3aw on sunday mornings, the story about the bear encounter was great this morning. Keep enjoying so we can all listen in to your adventures. Chris

    Reply
  16. Peter Callaway

    Hello Brian and Shirley,

    Suzanne ran into our bedroom this morning and said Rixy was on the radio. Suzanne has been enjoying listening to Shirley talking to Red Symonds during the morning radio program and keeps me updated about your wonderful adventures. We have both recently obtained our motor cycle licences and one day may be able to take a ride with you both. It is great to hear that you are having such a fantastic experience. Safe travels and look after yourselves.

    Kind Regards

    Peter & Suzanne Callaway

    Reply
  17. Ian & Shaddy

    Hi Brian & Shirley,

    We are thoroughly enjoying your regular reports. Hear you had a meeting with a grizzly. At least you could ride away. Shaddy says she has to live with one.

    Have a good safe journey,
    Ian.

    Reply
  18. Tom

    I so enjoyed coming back to my GSA in the Seattle ferry line and finding yours, then guiding you to see Chief See-alth’s grave and the rebuilt longhouse and totems where his Suquamish people still live, with a beautiful view of 14,400′ Mount Rainier (known as Tahoma or Tacopid by the First Nations peoples meaning “She who gives us the waters.”), by this part of the Salish sea now known as Puget Sound.

    Be alert! And I hope you find a good IPA wherever you roost 🙂

    Cheers,
    Tom Starr

    Reply
  19. David Edmunds

    Have a good coffee and meeting with Greg Neufeldt in Victoria This Morning.

    Reply
  20. William Robinson

    My Friends, Jack, Steve and I met you at the Cascadia Inn Cafe, Skykomish,Washinton, today 1st of July. I had the White/Black Victory. Was Great meeting and chatting with you. Would appreciate it if you could give me the times and stations for your broadcast again, so I can have my friend tune in.
    Thank you and have a wonderful trip.
    Bill

    Reply
    • David Edmunds

      You can hear aussies overland on http://www.3aw.com.au/ with Darren James Sunday mornings between 9.30 & 10.00 am usually @ 9.45 am Melbourne Australia Time.

      Reply
  21. James and Tammy

    Howdy! great meeting you at Tynda, offer stands always to stay over on your way up or down the coast.

    Reply
  22. Phil Edge

    Hi Rixy & Shirl,
    Sounds like you are having a ball (again!) Can’t wait for the next book.
    Stay safe,
    Phil Edge

    Reply
  23. CaseyH

    Great meeting you in Oregon 🙂

    feel free to email if you need anything when passing through Redding, CA area.

    Reply
  24. Justin

    Great fun meeting you guys at Bend Brewing Co. for Happy Hour last night. I’d love to stay in touch and see your part of the world some day 🙂

    Justin

    Reply
  25. Keith Wingate

    Brian / Shirley,

    Met at the Vagabond in Bishop inflating my brother’s truck tire.

    It ocurrs to me that I am in Petaluma, Ca until early AM of 6/25. Petaluma is about 40 miles North of San Francisco on Highway 101. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need a meal or some assistance.

    Regards,
    Keith

    Reply
  26. bballard@ diamondsurgicalproducts.com

    Hello from Carson City.
    Nice to meet you folks. VC should be interesting. Boom town gold mining places are yet another thing Aussies and Western Americans have in common. Sorry to interrupt your dinner; but hey, we had fun.
    Our hopes are with you for a safe trip.
    Bill and Diana

    Reply
  27. ricardo posada

    hello friends, from bogota, ricardo Dann hotels, i hope yours ok….best regards

    Reply
  28. ricardo posada

    hello friens from bogota, i hope you stay ok…beste regards Ricardo Fron Dann Hotels

    Reply
  29. Turk

    Found your site via BMWVIC….I’m not surprised you are on the road again…I have fond memories..Turk

    Reply
  30. Ron DiNicola

    To my new friends from Australia…..
    I will call them Brian the “critical thinker” & “The great Aussie lady” Shirley

    Only you would understand how you got the new nicknames 🙂

    As you may have guessed this is Ron from that little old watering hole called The Stagecoach Inn, Aguanga California.I hope those travel sites I recommended to you work out as planned.

    I just want you to know that your names came up today and we toasted to your safe journey around the world.

    I want you to know that after you left, some of the people are now speaking a different language at the bar. Now they walk around and say ” No Worries mate, good day”. Now my Australian hat is more fashionable at the bar.

    Have a safe trip, I know you will, cause your a critical thinker mate.

    Keep in touch.

    Ron

    Reply
  31. Greg and Stacey

    Hi Brian and Shirley,

    When you make it to British Columbia, send me a note…I would be honoured to show you around Vancouver Island a bit..it is a great place to see….

    Greg

    Reply
    • Greg and Stacey

      Forgot to mention that I live in Victoria, here on Vancouver Island. It is only a 1.5 hour ferry ride. There are three ferries, the one to catch is Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, best for scenery through Active Pass.

      Reply
  32. Mike & Dave

    Hey Brian & Shirl,

    just got your message on Horizon’s, hope we can meet you guys along the way.

    Good luck & safe travels!

    Mike

    Reply
  33. Pete & Helen (Phetlern)

    Hi there B&S,

    Like others we’ve been following you on 774. We will be in Seattle (11/5)and heading to Denver via Rocky Mountains 16/5 to 3/6.
    Wondering if our paths might cross – would be kool!

    Pete & Helen.
    (reply via email – [email protected])

    Reply
  34. betty carr

    hello from bernie and betty carr xx following you on 3AW

    Reply
  35. Linda S. Lott

    Brian and Shirley,

    It was great to meet you at Tijex. I wish you all the best on the rest of your adventures.
    May your roads be smooth and your beer cold.

    Linda S/V Rainbowrider.

    Reply
  36. Dermie

    Hello Shirley and Brian, I am enjoying following your travels via Red on 774.
    Thinking about you today, we had the kids at school singing “From Little Things” and they were retelling the story in their own special way. Might be something we can build on, upon your return.

    cheers

    Dermie

    Reply
  37. Biddy

    Hi from Tas guys! Can’t say how envious I am, glad you guys are enjoying it and thanks for sharing it with us on the way! Hope to catch up when you return, don’t rush though! Take care, Justin + Kate.

    Reply
  38. Doug

    Just heard Shirley on 3LO with Red. Pages like yours are addictive. There are so many people living their dream by motorcycling across parts of the world. Enjoy your travelling and create memories for the future. I’ll follow you now.

    Reply
  39. Anne Forbes

    Hey Shirley,
    Last time I caught up with you was when you had just returned from your last jaunt. Glad to see you are still as outrageous as ever. I retire in a couple of years and will probably do what you are doing but in a van. I spent time in the States teaching and drove through nearly every state in a Chevy van (Canada too). Loved that freedom. Enjoy your journey!

    Reply
  40. Dinge

    Enjoy the trip…will be listening to your update on 3AW this morning

    Reply
  41. VB, Richo + Gary & Louise Bryant

    Hey guys, just wanted to say hi. Gave the Bryant’s your website address so that they can also follow your journey! We are at the local races today with a hospitality package so thought would touch base early on. Will definitely think about Morocco. Will speak on Skype soon. Xxxx

    Reply
  42. Roland Rocchiccioli

    Shirley and Brian –
    I heard you on the wirelss – it was wonderful. I am so envious. Enjoy! The crooks in Melbourne are having a wonderful time not that Brian’s not chasing them.
    Love to you both
    RR

    Reply
  43. Cooge n Em

    Don’t like reading all this….
    You are having too good a time.
    Thanks guys for making it hard to convince CMcP 4WD trip with me would be the best way to travel.

    Em

    Reply
  44. Mac.Trilford

    Howdo from Kiwiland. Great to keep up with your travels. Heard from Bernd & Heidi and to know you hooked up with them. hope all still goes well as it does here. Happy New Year anyway,
    Love Mac.T.

    Reply
  45. Alice (Dale COOPER - AFP & Blue Knights AUS)

    Brian and Shirl, Hope you had a great and enlightening Christmas and New Year experience over there in SA. Stay safe and “ride with pride”.

    Reply
  46. Ton Zuidema

    Brian and Shirley, You can get the tyres in Rio Gallegos. If you enter the town from ushuaia and drive straight into the town on the left side there are two shops. Both of the same company. They do Honda yamaha. Good Shop. Have a nice ride.
    Greatings Ton Zuidema

    Reply
  47. Mike & Ross

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Brian & Shirl, Good to see the trip is going well. We all miss you here in Melb.

    Thinking of you

    Mike & Rosslyn

    Reply
  48. Liz Gibbons

    Looks as though you guys are having a wonderful time. Happy Christmas and hope your travels are good in 201 xx

    Reply
  49. Greg Neufeldt

    If you come through Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island be sure to look me up and I will take you for a ride through some nice areas here….

    Reply
  50. Cynthia

    Brian and Shirley 🙂 I’m the girl you met in Punta Arenas in the tour to the pingüineras!
    Now I’m home in Guadalajara, México.
    I was studying in Santiago the last semester and I fell in love with Chile. It was for me the last trip before I had to come back and I had the best time.
    Now I can say that just when you think that you are traveling alone, it’s when you end up not alone at all. That the people that you meet while you travel are the ones that mark your trip somehow. Your story and dreams that you are making true are inspiring, I’m sure that you will have the best time and you will spread your commitment and courage to many people.
    Good luck, I’ll be checking how your trip it’s going.
    A big hug from Mexico :), Cynthia.

    Reply
  51. Klaus and Tim

    Hey Brian and Shirley,
    finally some news from the two Germans Klaus and Tim … We made it to Ushuaia and are now already back home after some days in beautiful Santiago. You must have reached the end of the world by now, I suppose, and get ready for Christmas and New Years.

    We wish you save travels and always a piece of good salmon on the way (as good as the one in La Junta were we had the pleasure to spend a wonderful evening with you).

    Hope to meet you gain some time!

    Happy holidays!
    Klaus & Tim

    Reply
  52. Lisa

    good to hear you on radio with Darren yesterday Brian sounds like an awesome holiday love to shirley
    Glad I had to pleasure of knowing you both from the old Roy Boy days
    looking forward to more updates with Darren

    Reply
  53. Lisa

    Great hearing you Brian on radio yesterday with Darren good to hear all is well have a awesome time glad I had the pleasure of knowing you both from the old Roy Boy days love to shirley

    Reply
  54. Colin James

    Hi Guys
    Great to hear everything is ticking along – it sounds almost as exciting as life here in Toolamba. Maybe catch you in Texas. Keep safe.
    cj

    Reply
  55. dennis

    hey guys
    have a great adventure, look forward to hearing all about it on your return, just like last time at rotary,
    just rode the harley across the nullabor , pert to melbourne, very iconic, did not realise that australia was so big!

    regards
    dennis
    camberwell rotary club

    Reply
  56. Pauline

    Hi Brian and Shirl
    Our sons (Brad and Aaron) are also on motorbikes travelling through Sth America. Last we heard, they were travelling north, heading for San Pedro in Chile. If you see them, say hi. You never know – the world is not such a big place.
    Safe travels.

    Reply
  57. John H

    Hey there Brian & Shirl – love the on-going tales of the “motor cycle diaries”, very much enjoyed the tales in TPA monthly rag a couple of years back when we were in the same occupation Brian. Good on you guys, stay safe and enjoy the ride just as we will enjoy the updates of your adventures on this web site and on the radio. Rgds John

    Reply
  58. Steve cunningham

    Hi Brian,
    Is this the correct place to post you a message?
    There is a petrol station in El Chalten across from the bus station.
    I saw a car filling up but no idea what the supply is like.
    How were the flamingos?
    Steve

    Reply
  59. Helen G

    Hi Guys

    I have been lstening to your calls through on AW. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure.

    Helen

    Reply
  60. Sonia Villani

    HI Guys
    hope all is well. Just Thinking of you both. Looks like an amazing experience.

    Sonia and Peter Villani
    Pompeos

    Reply
  61. Vic Hussey

    Hi Brian, getting together the the WA guys from this years Wall to Wall on Friday night. We have planned another little trip for 40 in June, (on top of the ride to Canberra), we are riding from Derby to Kununurra on Postie Bikes. I should be an adventure, but not quite in your league!! Stay safe. Regards Vic Hussey WAPOL

    Reply
  62. Jo

    Good luck guys! Take care and have lots of fun.
    All the best from Jo and Dan

    Reply
  63. IAN

    Great to hear your story today and updates on 3aw Darren James You are now living your Dream and retired I am still part of the 9 to 5 and I am 65 Keep those stories rolling in I have a 2006 Harley and I wish I was travelling along

    Reply
  64. Dutchy and kaz

    Brian and Shirls,
    Hope you are travelling well.
    Just want to thank you for your support over the years.
    Looking forward to checking in every so often to seee where you are at.

    Reply
  65. Sandra

    Hi Shirley
    Love hearing about your travels through Brian and Darren James on 693 (3AW). Frank would be so proud of you, telling your story and doing what you want to do (“bugger the rest of them”). Have a great time and come back safey.
    Best regards
    Sandra (“Who shot George Kirkland” in Carringbush 1981-1983)

    Reply
  66. Sandra

    Hi Shirley, Frank would be so proud of you, as you’re doing what you want to do and telling everyone about it. Hope you come back safely. Love listening to Darren James on 693.
    Kind regards
    Sandra (Carringbush 1981-1983)

    Reply
  67. Giaman

    Great to hear the regular updates on 3AW with Darren James. Makes me want to fire up the single cyclinder GS and get out and about.

    Reply
  68. Steve Wilson

    Can’t believe you guys are well on the way. Pics and stories are great. I am jealous and so is my missus. Love to do it myself but think my Road King will need to be changed for something more practical. Enjoy the trip.

    Reply
  69. Spike

    Wish I was there riding with you guys.

    Stay safe and enjoy!

    Spike.

    Reply
  70. Shauna

    I’m green with envy. Hope this trip is as successful as the last one. Can’t wait for the book. Hey Shirley, how’s the navigation going?

    Reply
  71. Dave Moulds (BKAUS1)

    Hope you have another happy and safe adventure Brian, and we will see you in the west as you come through next time.

    Reply
  72. Bertina Egan

    Dear shirley and brian, Fantastic to hear you on Red’s program on 774 early this morning. I will be following with great interest your long journey and in the future look forward to another great book on all your adventures. Will catch up with you when you both return.

    Reply
  73. Gavan

    Great to see your on way guys.
    The boys love hearing about your trip.
    We’ve got your map in the toilet.

    Reply
  74. Batwoman

    hey, good on’ya!
    Can’t you take Nic Watson along. He NEEDS a tree-change!

    Reply
  75. Tassie Gav

    Gday Brian and Shirl,
    Looking fwd to following the journey, cant wait until my mid fifties…. not long to go…..

    Reply
  76. Karl David

    Well done guys. Watch out for Orange Penguins.

    Reply
  77. David

    Good to hear the update this morning with darren on 3AW.

    Reply
  78. Col Birch

    Looking forward to reading your tales tall over the next 18 months, keep living the dream.

    Take care

    Birchy 🙂

    Reply
  79. Glen and Simone Jacob

    G’day Brian & Shirl, Simone and I wish you the best in your travels. Gone down the path of a GSA now and its time to take time.
    Good luck

    Glen & Simone

    Reply
  80. David

    Good to hear an update on 3AW this morning with Darren James.

    Reply
  81. Louise Boyd

    Heard you this morning talking with Darren on 3AW. Your planned journey over the mountain that has exploded into a volcano gives new meaning to the saying “go with the flow”.
    Loved your first book, look forward to following this one, then hopefully read about it.
    Travel safely.
    Louise

    Reply
  82. Kerry and Chopper

    Hope all’s going well so far and we’ll be keeping constant tabs on you! Had a great trip to Menindee Lakes in van. Stay safe and ENJOY!
    Kerry and Chopper, Gus and Maggie xx

    Reply
  83. Vanessa Cordne

    Hi Brian and Shirley, its Ness, (Frank Banghams sister) I will be following your trip, its a great thing to do.Hope everything goes well for you. Good luck.

    Reply
  84. Adam and Lisa Smibert

    Hey guys, heard you today on 3aw. Hope you get your bike soon but sounds like you are in a nice part of the world anyway. It’s great Darren is supporting your adventure and we look forward to following your amazing trip. Stay safe. We’ll keep in touch. Smurf and Lisa.

    Reply
  85. David

    Heard you this morning talking to Darren James on 3AW.
    Ocean Grove Victoria Australia

    Reply
  86. Richo

    I can see that I am going to get addicted to this website. I am already looking forward to reading about your journey every day. Take care and safe travels. I think you will be in trouble from the “retired” graffic designer on your return, so take your time and enjoy “Living the Dream”

    Reply

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about us

There is no doubt that some people think we are crazy. There are also those out there who are more than a little envious of our lifestyle. We’ve always want to live our lives with as few ‘if-onlys’ as possible. We didn’t want to sit back in our dotage and wish we’d done the big trip and regretted not doing it. There may be no tomorrow so you have to live life to its fullest.

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