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.
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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