Aaron Mitchell is currently travelling the world on his motorbike.
AARON MITCHELL took a leap into the unknown when he decided to embark on a round-the-world solo motorbike challenge. He’s more than halfway through the adventure and despite some struggles from time to time the highs have outweighed the lows.
Here Aaron talks to us about what it’s like to explore some of the wildest and most remote parts of the world with just his bike for company. Then there are the times when human interaction and kindness have spurred him on to keep going when he’s thought of quitting.
This is the adventure of one man and his motorbike and is sure to inspire any with a passion for travel and riding.
To read Aaron’s blogs visit www.aaronmitchell.net.
Where are you currently and what are the roads, culture and surroundings you’re experiencing like?
I am currently in a town called Potosi in the South Central part of Bolivia. The roads in the towns can be real messy but you get that all over Latin America. As for the main transit routes, well in Bolivia there aren’t that many. Some are good and some are just awful. I’ve not explored a huge deal yet here in Bolivia but I have heard they can get real challenging. Especially in the rainy season. Outside of the towns there really is nothing. You have these tiny communities living in mud houses growing there own crops and living off the land. It really does remind me of my time in Mongolia, but with slightly better roads. So far the locals have been friendly towards me and always seem interested to hear about my travels. The beauty of being on the bike is the freedom to go where you want. So you end up in these towns where they really don’t see travellers and are wondering why on the earth this guy on a motorbike is eating in their restaurant. It’s a cool experience for sure.
Safety comes first when riding but there have been some roads and terrains which have tested Aaron’s courage and nerve .
What have been some of the highs and most beautiful moments of the challenge so far?
That’s a tough question to answer. There has been a few. I think most of the highs have involved the good nature of people. Someone who has welcomed me into their home and treated me as one of their own. I have had people all over the place on this trip house me, feed me and give me advice. Even people I only know through social media. It still amazes when someone reaches out for no reason other to help me get through this.
Recently on my blog I have been opening up more to whats been happening in my head behind the scenes and the reasons for this trip in the first place. The amount of support and encouragement has been overwhelming. I think the most beautiful moment is still to come. And that’s returning home having completed what I set out to do and enjoying a decent cup of tea!
What have been some of the moments that have tested you the most?
Central America for sure. Without a doubt. This is when I hit a real low on the trip and was seriously questioning my decisions. It was such a huge mind game. Dealing with anxiety, the heat, so many people and countless border crossings. I really wasn’t having the best of times. I convinced myself that getting to Colombia would save the trip. So I pushed on and I am so glad I did. Everything changed and I was back in the game.
Another low was my break down just outside Moscow. It was so early in the trip and I hadn’t got into the swing of things yet. I was lost and didn’t know what to do. And this is where people all over started helping and I got through it and learnt a lot. I now give advice to others which is great.
Aaron has met people and children from all cultures and ways of life on his travels.
How has the bike been? Are you still on the original bike you set off on and if so how hard has maintaining it been?
Yes I am still on the same bike. Penny her name is. The whole mission as it were is to get this bike around the globe in one trip. I love this bike so much. Every time I look at her I am reminded of where we have been and where we still have to go. She’s not the fastest or most reliable but that doesn’t matter.
She is getting a little worn out now. Electrics are playing up at times and more unusual noises are coming from various places. Hopefully we can get back to England before any major work needs doing. As for maintenance, if it moves and it’s not suppose to then use duct tape to repair, if it doesn’t move and it’s suppose to then WD40 is your friend.
Aaron’s experiences have seen his appreciation for life and the world grow.
Where are you off to next and what’s the route you’ve got planned for after that?
So I have left it too late to go all the way south and I don’t have the time and money to wait around for summer. So my plan now is to finish exploring Bolivia, still got some amazing things coming up here. Soon I will cross into Chile and ride there for a bit before crossing into Argentina and possibly Uruguay. My plan is to fly me and the bike out of Buenos Aires to Europe. Most likely Spain. Then hit the Pyrenees and the Alps on my return to England. It will be around September time which will be nice weather conditions to enjoy the last part of my trip.
One of the many wonderful views and photos Aaron has captured while on the challenge.
What would your words of advice be to all those who are inspired by what you’ve achieved on your challenge so far?
Don’t compare yourself to others. This will always give you the wrong impression of your own qualities and talents. If you have an idea go for it. You know in your mind what you’re capable of and trust me, it’s always that little bit more than you think. Too many people set targets within their boundaries for fear of failure. These people don’t summit the highest peaks or break records. Go for it.
You can follow Aaron on Facebook at facebook.com/AaronMitchellUK, YouTube at youtube.com/AaronMitchellUK and Instagram at instagram.com/AaronMitchellUK.
