Chris Moss
Chris Moss is one of the most experienced and influential motorcycle journalists in the UK today. His understanding of bikes, kit, the stuff that every biker needs to know is legendary. For 40 years, Chris has been the 'go-to' writer and rider that all the manufacturers hire for their product launches. Equally famed for his story-telling, as humorous as it is informative. Chris will be offering up two talks in the Cinema
pic: Chris Moss with Valentino Rossi
As Chris says....
My life with motorcycles started off in 1977, and man were things different in the biking world back then. The bikes, the kit, the law, and the whole attitude to motorcycles and motorcycling wasn’t at all like it is today.
I’ll admit, some stuff was a bit better and I remember the roads being a fair bit quieter than they are these days. But thinking of the bikes, the gear, and the general public’s perception of biking, I’m relieved things have moved on as much as they have.
Of course, you’re never fully aware of just how much things are going to change in the future, so back then, just like today, bikers were generally happy with their lot. However, looking back, riding bikes could be a lot harder work than it is now.
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Austin Vince
Austin Vince is best known for his long distance adventure motorcycle expeditions; twice round the world as part of the Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa trips, which were both produced as TV documentaries. Mondo Enduro was probably one of the first of the contemporary motorcycle film documentaries made, before my own series broadcasts in the mid ’90’s and long before the ‘Long Way Round’ campaign, of which he was a consultant.
His wikipedia information describes him as a writer and presenter of the Routes series on Discovery Channel, but his full time job, mostly, is as a maths teacher in a North London public school. He has also served in the Royal Engineers.
Vince attended the private Mill Hill School in North London then was sponsored through university by the army but became a pacifist while there and had to pay them to get out. After university, he returned to Mill Hill as a teacher and used to teach at St. Johns School in Northwood. He is married to one of the most experienced long distance female motorcyclists in the world, Lois Pryce, who has completed several notable expeditions of her own, notably a solo expedition across Iran. He returned for a second stint at St Johns School in Northwood before leaving in 2016 to pursue his passion for motorcycle adventure trips (mini mondos) in the Pyrenees. Participation on these short orienteering journeys are possible by clicking on his website.
This is brand new to the Gathering and what a find!
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Meet Green Man Survival aka Mr James Dixon who has kindly agreed to hold the following proposed sessions run over both days of the weekend. This will allow learners to cover the fundamental aspects of travelling in a wilderness environment.
Workshops on Fire Lighting, Water Purification and Tarp set up,
I would have a maximum group size of 8. This would enable participants to get hands-on with the learning, and the small group size helps keep the sessions shorter and more manageable.
The survival mindset show & tell does not need to be capped to a maximum number, just the capacity of the venue.
Fire Lighting and Stick Stove Masterclass (1 hour)
This small class will cover ignition sources and rescuing a wet lighter. It will also focus on the use of ferrocerium rods for lighting fires. Tinder, both man made and found in nature; along with tool use to harvest and process the required materials. The learners will have the opportunity to light small fires and examine stick stoves, Kelly Kettles and understand the importance of a simple robust steel container.
Tarp set ups (40 mins)
Here the learners will understand the importance of risk assessing a suitable camp location. 3 tarp set ups will be demonstrated, utilising a tree or a fence post, two trees, and also a motorcycle. The learner will investigate the risk of using a motorcycle and understand how to make this safe. Basic, but releasable knots will be practiced to aid in a speedy fixing and breaking of camp.
Water Purification (30 mins)
The learners will examine various filters and understand the pros and cons of each. The purification process of boiling will also be touched upon. The six contaminants will be discussed and how to most effectively process water to eradicate any risk. If a water source is not available we will make one!
The survival mindset and travelling prepared (40 mins)
This will be a simple show and tell style talk with a Q&A session to wrap up.
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All web details, click on button.
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Dr Sasha Carter
An indespensible guide to safe travelling
I came to both medicine and biking later in life. I rode my 125 for a year and a half partly terrified of being on 2 wheels and partly thrilled by the fact I had my CBT. Things changed massively once I started riding bigger bikes. This is when I finally ‘got it.’ The freedom and pleasure gained from riding a motorbike is so exhilarating. I had spent years travelling when I was young but now I can do it on my trusty Kawasaki. But alongside these wonderful trips we need to be aware of medical complications that may arise. I worked in A&E and Intensive Care for many years before settling into Intensive Care and Anaesthetics.
This is not a first aid course (yawn) but tips on how to deal with common medical problems you might face as well as preparation for travelling on that marvellous adventure.