That was great. I too have the motorcycle and photography bug. I'm much older than you. I am 57, sold a pretty large business a long time ago and decided to stop working rather than make more money like my peers -- and instead enjoy the fruits with zero time pressures. I've been to some epic places by plane, but have also ridden across the USA and Europe in some insane cars a few times taking a month at a time. Also crossed the States twice on a BMW R1200GSA -- each time taking a month just to cruise, not specific next stop -- and go to the next with no rules. My wife always meets me in California -- she flies and she is a gem -- no stress from her because she is so supportive of my need for travel after 35 years of a great relationship. She likes travel in doses and never stops me from my next crazy destination. I took a 17,000 km ride through South America this year on my R1200GSA along with a few other guys in a small group. 2019 I'm off to Nepal to hike Everest Base Camp with my wife and then shipping my bike from Miami and hauling off from Northern Europe for a 25,000km ride ending up in Bali. I am half the photographer you are (maybe even less) -- but love walking up to people and asking permission to shoot them -- I do that a lot. Once you get the bug of adventure travel -- your cooked. Even at my age and I have plans long past this year. Thanks for the flick -- that was fun. A lot of your soul is shared and dont lose the desire.
Most bike people say "one day I'm going to do a solo motorcycling trip around the world" and never do it. You are living the dream. Life is too short. Congratz
I've been following Burke since before he took off on his adventure. I remember the announcement on Facebook. How awesome to see how far he's come, and how far he's gone.
The way how he's delivering his speech, the happiness that radiates from him while uttering these words, simply says it all. I guess we can all agree to the fact that traveling doesn't always mean you get only sweet things, in fact sometimes it can be quite the opposite. But so is our mundane everyday life. Man, oh man, you've fueled me so much with this video. Trust me when I say this but this is the 5th time this video is on loop and every time I am double as excited as the last time. Thanks for sharing!
I keep watching this Video again and again. I am so glad I met Tim in person and told him how much he inspire me and alot other people out there. This I will do too!
I once cried a lot inside my helmet out of joy for the very first time !! There is no other feeling like it !! This made my day !!! Thank you upshift !! Tim you are indeed a great inspiration !!
The best talk I have ever heard on motorcycle travel, you should have been in the movie "Why We Ride" and since you talk so well, try being a speaker on your experience at TED. You are 100% honest on everything you said here. Live Life and Live to RIDE... "Make Life a Ride"
This is absolutely fantastic Tim! Exactly describes why we are riding motorcycles far! Please keep on you are a great inspiration for thousands of people just thinking about their first move!
My husband and I just finished watching your video. The photo you got at the top of that volcano was simply amazing. We both ride and are heading to Cuba in a month. You articulate very well on what it’s like to travel on motorcycles. I too broke my leg while riding and have just about recovered in full and ready to get back out there. We live in Washington state also. Thanks for all your words of encouragement and experience. “Get out there” my motto.
Amazing story! It's the one decision that I still haven't had the guts to make. I recently did a 2-week 2000km motor touring on a small 110cc scooter with very limited preparation, but like him, it hooked me with the adventure lifestyle. Now I'm looking for a bigger motorcycle for longer trips 😁😎
This is 🔥. Tim, you’re one of a kind. Look at these comments, people see you - through your photos, this film, and everything you’re sharing with the world about your journey. Wow, just wow. Happy to call you a friend.
I always thought things would be expensive and I wouldn't make enough. But, this is one of those videos which makes me think otherwise and keep exploring new places!
What a terrific short doc. I appreciate the honesty and candor of Tim Burke. After following his journey on Instagram it's given me a whole new outlook and purpose for my own journeys and to one day do exactly what he is doing - ride around the world. Keep riding and exploring. We'll live and be inspired vicariously through your journey, for now....
As a long time rider and dreamer, your film hit a home run with me. Thanks for your time and effort in providing a source if inspiration for us who feel as you do. Next time I’m on my GS, you and your film will be with me. At 70 years old, I’m far from being too old to dream and ride. I hope all your dreams come true as I do for all of us who feel as you do. .Cheers!
I have been reading all the comments written by people and I am thinking what is left for praising. People (Including me) are going bonkers just by going through your Instagram photos, there are plenty of motivating stories and experiences of people we all read but it's something else to experience it on your own. Few years back a series "Long Way Around" inspired people around the world to get themselves a bike and start riding like they used to do in their younger days. But, you my friend are inspiring us all to how to experience the life and the treasures of this world of ours as we know it. Truly inspiring, great efforts and many happy and safe miles. Keep riding and stay safe. Cheers..
I recently met Tim Burke. I have to say I am so sorry i didn't know about him earlier. He is such a legend of a person. I really look up to him and see what type of person he is, what a legend. He is such a man's man, and a real role model for bikers around the world and is a true inspiration for me too. He has made me truly evaluate myself and my life and can't wait to meet him again in the future. This time though, we riding so much more. Ride safe Tim. I will always be following
Excellent Tim. I am retired now and I have the time to go on moto trips, except for this virus thing. Oh well, short rides around the PNW to prep for the longer rides. Take care pal and I'll see you on the road!
Hi Tim I got goose bump after seeing his. You need courage to do this, seriously you broke all rules and set a benchmark. I am from India, Mumbai. I just saw you shot film early morning and which made my day. Hats off to you brother. Keep it up.
Just great Tim. Having followed your journey for a long time in instagram and upshift. It was great to hear your thoughts in video. Great photos, just great! Thanks!
Tim, you are also one of the reasons why I start living my dream in 2019. I love your photography, your instagram stories and of course this beautiful movie, which is perfectly recorded, edited and even more inspiring. Keep up the things you want to do and I'm curious to see which adventure your fate will hold for you next. Best regards from Germany, Valle
I've been an instagram follower for a long time - but to finally hear you and see you speak has been great. But even better was that you were speaking of what motorcycling has done for you as if the thoughts and words were my own - that was just magic! Keep on keeping on, you're winning this thing called life in a major way! Safe travels.
Wow!!! It just is so amazing to be able to live your passions!! I’m from Europe, stuck in Maryland, deeply into photography and love riding my new GS1200. Just need someone to kick my butt and hit the road! Thank you for sharing, all the best for 2019!!
Just came across this video. Thanks for reminding me that I'm the one in charge, I'm the one making the rules. Have a good Christmas where ever you are, happy travels man.
People are mostly the choices they made. Every single person has one or more fantasies or dreams whatsoever but most of them are not mentaly strong enough to catch them up. Eveyone needs to get a life and in order to do so they need a motivation. Tim i'm more than sure that a lots of people will be motivated by you to follow their heart or instict for living. For those who's dreaming a long road or life trip, you re'not only a motivation but a huge inspiration too by all means. Wishing you hapiness, health and wellness as well as the best of luck for every exam of life. May you get success in each step and every path. Andreas from Greece.
Awesome! Relating to alot of what you shared.. I am 57 and live in northern Thailand.. Love to Ride, but alas a job ( which I'm greatful for, but has a high burn out rate ) and a family that I Love, take more time than I have.... With that being said, I am close to my "little slice of heaven" on earth..... It does not take me alot of money and I do not have to travel far to get there.. I ride my Yamaha 155 NMax, which most people would find strange/funny.. But it gets me through the hills of "mae hong son loop" just fine :) I have done it many times and it's how I get some piece of mind. Since I'm older there is the hotsprings in a couple locations, to stop at to ease my sore back n butt... Although we live a modest life, I can squeeze in my rides. Will do one end of this month. My Wife says go, does not take alot of money ( yeah I would have a bigger bike if I wasn't a family man haha ) and a couple days off work.... But I ain't gonna lie, if I was not a family man, I would be riding on! Enjoy.
My goodness, I so relate! I've an older R1200GSA and so far I've only traveled the US back roads and trails not nearly to the extent I'd like. It really is true, the news makes everywhere seem scary and people lousy and untrustworthy but the truth of it is that it IS Safe, People are wonderful everywhere! Even knowing that I did Not have enough funds to get back home, opportunities popped up and I was able to use my prodigious IT skills to aid people who just happened to be in difficult shape in that way, making enough funds to easily get back with funds to spare - nearly 8,000 miles of amazing riding adventure, lots of amazing riding footage (helmet only) of gorgeous seemingly forgotten paths and locations, small towns with nothing but older beautiful people all wanting to hear my stories and lavish attention, food and story upon me everywhere I went... I have friends and family in Europe (England, France, Austria and Sweden), all giving standing invitations to visit... I've been considering shipping my GSA over there and am definitely feeling the overwhelm of complexity and finance in that all by itself, let alone planning the whole trip - I do so understand as do all who attempt such things... Thanks so much for sharing such excellent imagery and footage, as well as the encouragements to push through and Just Do It! May your every next adventure be safe yet amazing in every imaginable way Brother! Also thanks to Upshift for featuring your story!
While in England.. pop across to Ireland. The wild Atlantic way has some of the most incredible roads & views not to be missed. I’m only a message away :)
I smiled as they pulled and pushed the BMW GS up the mountain. Like the Motorcycle was like saying. "I'm not going up there to be Sacrificed to the Volcano. My job is to ride him around the world. Now this guy has some dehydration and dreams of offering me to the mountain. Send a Honda up there get me back down to beer n sausages. "
Wow, beautiful. For a minute I felt like I was watching myself. I've been obsessed with motorcycles my whole life and the past few years have been into touring/dual sporting. I keep saving up vacation at work, traveling on my motorcycle, and it isn't enough. I am most happy and free when I'm on the road on two wheels, and must do it full time. But I do have the fears, I'm no timburkephoto that's for sure. We'll see what 19' brings.
wow !!!! this has realy has made me think about what i want out of life , and listing to Tim talking about making the jump to life of travel on a bike :-)
Thanks for that video... Now I know that someone else had the same feelings, worries and necesities that I feel. Because of that video now I'am totally determined to start my trip and enjoy both of my two passions: motorcycles and travels. Keep going, enjoy life and full gas!
Incredible Tim. What a terrific video you put together. Thank you for doing it, for sharing it, and inspiring so many. Having traveled to 50 countries so far, I want to do another 50 beginning today. I’ve never seen a more stunning photo than this one. Keep pursuing your dreams with the rubber side down and a broad smile on your face! Thanks again.
I follow Tim on Instagram and I really like his photos, but this video it's a beautiful "backstage" to really understand what moves him and why. Good job man!
This touched me... Respect! Keep the good work going!✌️ I'm so happy that I found this amazing moto traveling comuntiy at my age (21) Videos like this covinsed me to not start working after my studies, instead I will start traveling. Life's great! Hope to see you on the road someday Tim!
I think Valle, below here, says it even better than I can. Kudos to him, and to you for your dedication, drive, amazing photography and a beautiful bike. Having ridden both the GSA and the XR, I'm leaning towards the latter - but seeing this film of yours I think the Adventure is the natural choice when in a year I venture on my wild journey.
Wow! I'm currently in the dream of being able just travel on ADV-bike and not worry about the redundant tic-toc of the clock or calendar. Listening to you tell your story had me melted in my desk chair feeling the crave for that lifestyle freedom. Thanks for such a great story/video! Life is a Ride!!
Tim- I follow you on Facebook and Instagram. I am blown away by your travels and photos. And this video here is beyond awesome. At the moment I am able to usually take about 30 days around the summer and travel on my motorcycles. I've done it for the past two years. Getting ready to plan another trip in 2019. But what I wanted to say is your photography really inspired me and I have purchased my first DSLR camera and learning. Hope to see you on the road one day! ~Rod
