Welcome to 2021, where it seems that masks are no longer just for Halloween. Few would dispute that 2020 was a year of major ups and downs. And, for many, the conditions sparked the question, “What am I doing with my life?”

The Old-School Paradigm Shift

One group that’s been hit especially hard by the pandemic are students. With much of academia now online, many campuses are ghost towns. However, for those who are college bound or already in higher learning institutions, and with U.S. tuition fees averaging $35,000+ a year, the question is whether it’s worth coughing up that kind of dough to stare at a computer screen all day. Let’s take a look at an alternative, one that may fill many educationally related voids while we wait for things to return to normal.

What Can Adventure Motorcycling Teach You?

If you are looking for a way to supplement your education, adventure motorcycling is an alternative for acquiring knowledge and skills in a broad range of fields, some of which are unexpected. And, as many have realized, motorcycle travel also promotes interaction with foreign cultures as well as encouraging unique ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Adventure riding isn’t all fair roads and good weather, however. It comes with inherent risks which can test patience, endurance and stamina. Both mental and physical boundaries can be and are often pushed. Wipe-outs and injuries are a reality. These incidents can take on different dimensions when far from home. For example, I once collided with a goat in India, resulting in a broken collar bone and having my left arm sewn back together. But the experience played a major role in developing my strength of character and patience, especially as a guest in rural India.

Getting lost is another common challenge that takes on new perspectives when exploring unknown territories. Whether it be taking a wrong turn, burning the final hours before nightfall, or riding in extreme weather, you learn to better adapt to the impact of your decisions and the randomness of a less predictable lifestyle. Powering up a muddy logging road, with 18-wheelers barreling down, on a route along a deadly high cliff with only half a meter visibility, is hardly the kind thing I would ever have imagined doing. Yet, ordeals like that demand adaptability, improvisation and perseverance, and I cannot describe the victorious feeling one gets from confronting and conquering such challenges.

All of it builds confidence, redefines how we approach problems, teaches us new skills, and will bring us closer to humanity. No matter where you are, adventure riding promotes an environment of community, learning, teamwork and support. Best of all, you’ll have the time of your life!

Near or Far?

Should you travel locally or abroad? Although the idea of exploring exotic lands for a gap year is enticing to most adventurers, traveling abroad has obviously been a challenge in 2020, and many have had to put travel plans on hold or cancel them entirely. As a Canadian traveling through Europe when the pandemic hit, this is something I had to deal with. And my 2020 plans to tour Africa are still on hold.

At 2,000 meters above sea level in Portugal’s interior, I got rerouted because of a road closure but ended up stumbling upon some beautiful waterfalls and scenic views.

The good news is that you don’t need to be in the middle of the Sahara or venturing into the Patagonian mountains to take advantage of what dual-sport riding has to offer. It can be enjoyed almost anywhere. North America alone boasts an extreme variety of terrain, not to mention our own varying cultures, from the infinite mountain passes, to the southwest’s desert riding, to every kind of forest track imaginable, there’s more than enough riding/exploring to keep one busy for a lifetime.

While international travel is still happening for some courageous riders, exploring our own backyards can nevertheless offer new experiences and challenges, and that’s what it’s all about.

How Much Money?

A concern for some when taking a gap year is whether you can afford it. ADV riding is possible on almost any budget—the key is to make your money last. As far as budget travel, camping is one of the best options, especially on longer trips. Luckily with dual-sports, finding remote places to set up camp is often a possibility. Hostels, couchsurfing, staying with friends and volunteering/trading for accommodations are other budget-friendly options.

Setting up for a night of wild camping in the south of Spain just in time to watch the sunset over the Rio Agrio.

And no matter where you travel, the food budget is more affordable when you cook your own meals. Or, at least, opt for takeout from food stands, prevalent and often offering “new taste sensations” all over the world.

After accommodations and food, the remainder of the budget is typically dedicated to motorcycle parts, maintenance, and gas. As long as you’re not dining out every day or bailing out at the Four Seasons, long-term adventure riding will fit almost any budget.

Volunteering on Hvar Island helped supplement food and accommodation costs and exposed me to local cultural traditions and people.

What’s the Best Bike?

Here again, the options are many. If you want to go full out and opt for a large modern bike, that’s great. They’re exciting beasts well-suited for long distance riding and gear-carrying capacity. But don’t think you need one of these powerhouses to get into the ADV world. There’s a huge variety of economical motorcycles that have proven their worthiness (including scooters and mopeds) for riding the world.

Older but still serviceable models can be purchased for $5,000 or less. You don’t even have to be limited to traditional motorcycles. Many an adventurer on a budget has traveled the world on anything from 50cc bikes on up. So choose what makes most sense to you, your time and budget. And who knows, as many riders have reported perhaps smaller, slower motorcycles may result in more interaction with the cultures you’ll encounter?

If jumping into a post-secondary degree isn’t top priority, or you’re just having an overall desire to switch up the routine, investing in an adventure motorcycling trip can be an inexpensive, highly educational, socially distanced and super fun use of time. Become more worldly and culturally aware, learn new skills, meet new people, and take yourself to new heights in 2021 by getting out there.

Mid-ride route planning through the Serra Estrella National Park in Portugal. Having the freedom to make spontaneous travel decisions along the way is half the fun!

Vanessa Behnke is a long time adventurer and motorcycle rider who quit her finance job in 2017 to travel the world.  She’s spent a total of seven years abroad in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Latin America; and three years riding ADV bikes through India, Europe and in her homeland of Canada.  You can follow her journey on Instagram at @vanessadventures_.e.