Easy Rider - one man's motorcycling adventure in aid of Handicap International

Easy Rider 

Most people in their early 30s are thinking about kids, mortgages and generally settling down. Not Bjorn Holland. On the 25th of April, he sets out an incredible adventure half way across the world on his trusty BMW F650 motorbike. The trip, which will raise money for Handicap International, will begin by taking Holland through Central Europe before heading east through Asia and finally finishing up in Sydney, Australia, six months after his journey began.

Holland, who is from Germany but moved to the UK in 2001, has always been passionate about travel. However, he says he’s always dreamt of one day being able to travel under his own steam. “I wanted to be independent of buses, trains and taxis – a motorbike offers just that independence,” he says.

Although to some the thought of quitting a good job and leaving for the open road may seem a little strange, Holland says he knows he’s made the right decision. “I guess the last doubts were taken away when a friend reminded me ‘sometimes you’ve got to escape your comfort zone and do what feels right’”, he says.

Holland says another large reason for the trip derives from his determination to raise money for Handicap International. “It was important for me to choose a charity I can personally connect with. “During my previous travels, I saw the devastating effects of unexploded cluster bombs and landmines in South East Asia. Handicap International run projects throughout South East Asia and most other countries I will be traveling through. They offer direct help to people with disabilities and help to integrate them into society.”        

After beginning in Central Europe, Holland will head towards Asia, following the silk route through Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. From China he will head south along the infamous Karakorum Highway into Pakistan and then through India, Nepal and South East Asia. From there he will continue south through Malaysia, Indonesia and East Timor, finally shipping his bike over to Australia to explore the west coast before finishing in Sydney in late November.             

For more information on Holland’s motorbike adventure and details of how to donate visit: www.panomoto.com