Getting into Adventure Green

a shock to a Landrover owner!
The one tank challenge came about
then as a response to the realisation
that for now I’m just not in a
position to ride around the world
or up through Scandinavia. Rather
than not do anything, I thought why
not have a small adventure, close to
home, with the added bonus of an
economy challenge thrown in?
On paper the AJS holds 10-litres of
petrol, which should get it about
220-250 miles. I had a free day in
December, so aimed for the most
exciting places I could get to, and back,
within the time and fuel limits of the
bike. I suppose if you have two days,
then just use two tanks of fuel!
Obviously, where you can get to
will vary depending on where
you start, so everyone will have a
slightly different minimal adventure
experience. But the essence is to
slow down, not be in such a hurry
to tear off hundreds of miles away,
but take the interesting back lanes
closer to home instead; the ones
you seldom bother to explore.
I don’t carry much. Waterproofs are
essential, but I am happy to forage
along the route. My gloves let me
down on this journey and are no
longer waterproof, so I had to resort
to putting petrol station disposable
gloves on underneath to stave off
trench hand/hypothermia. Goretex
socks are my new best friends, and
a Must Have for longer rides in
Winter.
I did worry about running out
of fuel, but I did know the route
I was taking, and planned for an
emergency stop on the return leg if I
was running low.
On this inaugural One Tank
Challenge I explored the back roads
of Wales. For future challenges, I am
keen to look over the Cotswolds, or
maybe explore the Forest of Dean.
These are nearer to home, which will
mean I have more fuel and time to
use when I am there, possibly trying
out some green lanes, which I love
riding, even on the AJS.
If the idea of a minimal adventure
appeals, just get out there and do it.
Look at your potential range, drag
out the road atlas, and see where
you can reasonably get to. Look up
local information on the internet so
you have a few ideas of where to go
and what to do before you set off.
Consider joining the Trail Riders
Fellowship or GLASS, to help you
discover the roads less travelled.
Just because you’re ‘only’ taking the
scenic route to the nearest beach, or
mountain, doesn’t mean it will be
any less challenging or fun than a
longer trip, especially if you are on a
smaller bike.
So go on, give it a go. You’ve nothing
to lose but a tank of fuel.
Welshpool and Llanfair Railway
Cregennan Lake, near Arthog
Towards Talyllyn Lake, in shadow of Cader Idris
THE
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
The stunning Brecon Beacons
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