Motorcycle Live 2013 - a great show for the "never beens"

I found it good value as I had blagged a reduced rate ticket as a student grease monkey, but would still have paid the normal £20 entrance fee, although that may be considered excessive for some.

If you`ve never been before or just getting into the bike scene, I highly recommend it. It grabs you and makes you just want to jump on the first bike you see and go for it! Just looking at the new bikes, their lightness and touch, filled me with excitement.

We even had coffee with a bike-themed cupcake.

An adventure to be had?

Thing is though, you can`t have an adventure bike without the adventure...

I was fired up after being given a copy of `The Ride` London to Beijing overland which rather whetted my appetite for a real challenging outing. The DVD journey, albeit an escorted one, was of a bunch of (varying in abilities, wealth and age) male adventurers enjoying (well, enduring) the challenges, perils and the (potential) pitfalls crossing those countries from here to there!

I`m only halfway through watching it, but feel dirty and exhausted!

They all seemed to be sticking to consensus, riding BMWs; sturdy mules. However, I would fancy my chances on the CCM Adventure bike. Not only would it get me there, but it would be fun to ride! On one of my travels, I met a guy who`d gone overland from the UK to Africa on a pizza delivery scooter, so I`d take a flyer, leave the BMW behind and happily straddle the CCM.

Unfortunately, back in the real world, I can`t see Santa dropping a £8,000 adventure motorbike down the chimney. So, to have a stab at my dream I guess I`d have to sell my existing workhorse of a bike (CBF 500). For fast cash and reliable service, I could go to www.webuyanybike.com to realise my assets. It`s just one option, mind.

Ah well, I`ll dream on, and look forward to the next show!