Just a long hand download from Kerala on the west coast. Sorry for the gap. Hopefully the video gives an insight more into the tour rather than just the scenery/roads etc.
I am from UK and lived in India for 3 years. It’s a wonderful place, but it can grind you down at times and make you feel very low. Unfortunately, the wealthy, and there are many of them, care little about the rubbish, infrastructure and sanitation and effect it they have on normal people. I am sure you have a very mixed reviews from the riders. Once they get home they will remember it fondly.
Having spent the last 20 years travelling for work your comments ring very true! As always your nothing if not honest Nathan, wise words and thoughtful video. Keep smiling and enjoy Goa!
Whenever I went away from my family on work busness. on my return I would see my wife and daughter at arrivals and cry, every time! The emotional stress of being away always got to me. But India, I spent a month there and my god it tested me, but also made me a better person! The noise, the monkeys, the food, the chaos and the begars!
Always honest, always an interesting listen. I know exactly what you mean about travelling helping you reflect on what you have at home, particularly when you have a young family. Keep it going Nathan, won't be long and you'll be back in Devon 💪🏼👍🏼
"It's nice to go traveling, but it's so much nicer to come home", as the song goes. A lot of folk knock the UK but it ain't so bad. Refreshingly honest and fluid review. I wish all TH-camrs could speak so honestly. Traveling the world when I worked in the construction industry, there were several places where, after two days, if I could have just jumped on a plane and come straight home, I certainly would have. There's nothing quite like getting back from a long trip away and lying down on your own bed. It's wonderful.
I've been all over India with work. I would agree with your comments about the East Coast it shocked me too. I don't share your optimisation regarding wealth trickle down. India is like this: you absolutely have to roll with it, if you do that take it in your stride you will be fine. On the other hand if you get annoyed start thinking things are not like the UK? Well it will just roll over you and crush you. You will have a bad time. The illness you and others suffered is common, even in 5 star hotels. I used to take medication with me, I called it "Concrete " for obvious reasons. I was an engineer and visited the old Royal Enfield factory. I've ridden in Europe, I would never take on an Indian trip.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. A very honest and interesting update Nathan. When your health takes a temporary knock, and you can't just put life on hold, it can be very testing. Enjoy the last leg and get the gang home safe.
Some destinations make you never want to leave, some make you thankful for what you have at home - enough of both helps you know your place in the world - something not enough people experience!
Splendid reconnaissance trip Mr Millward. Hopefully your recovery continues. It sounds like a genuine adventure. I’ll be watching to see if this becomes a regular offering for the Speedshop… riding Enfields in their home country is a nice concept.
Great to hear the real backbone of the trip. Sometimes things can get glazed over. Definitely helps me to prep for my next trip, mentally and physically. Good to see you better. You get to absorb so much more when you are not fighting health issues. Safe travels guys
Thanks for that good advice Nathan. Really glad your feeling a bit better and enjoying the trip. The beach riding looked fantastic. 17 people is a huge responsibility to take on even with help because ultimately it's a Nathan M tour. Lots of different characters I'm sure but they will look back on it as a positive achievement. The Tea Plantations reminded me of Sri lanka and the good times we had there. A less frenetic place and I reckon would make a really good place for a bike trip. All the best.
Very interesting and honest take on what you're doing, a real 'warts and all' view of your trip which I'm sure will be appreciated by so many who watch it! The wildlife sounds on some of the 'on the road/tea plantation' clips really gave a glimpse of the environment you were travelling through. A great video, thanks Nathan 🙂
I was there last February - agree with everything. Amazing place, great people, great fun, but the rubbish!! Roads lined, everywhere, with red and blue plastic bags. It made me wince how no one seemed bothered.
That is the reality of organising a group tour. It doesn't work out as a holiday for you in the conventional sense. Although it does bring it's own rewards. Don't forget most people appreciate the hard work you put in. Most. And it's also impossible to please everyone. Ride safe 👍
Hi Nathan. We are currently touring Rajasthan with Moto Junkies. The overwhelming assault on your senses can be daunting but also envigerating. The people are wonderful, rich or poor and they have a natural curiosity that is not threatening and they always have a smile on their face. The roads can be smooth tarmac to the equivalent of a rocky Welsh trail and everything in between. As you said, once you get accustomed to the natural flow of the traffic the craziness becomes the norm. Will have to readjust when we get home. Take care.
Very interesting to hear your perspective on all of this, great post Nathan. I've been on a few organised trips, an awful lot of what you said rang true. Hope you all enjoy the rest of the trip...
a bit of a trip diary entry this one. many who ride a little will get this do enough and things will stack up on trips on occasion, suspect more has happened than said maybe the t-shirt, unless you go you wont know, taking a group is a brave move on a reccee trip but I am sure your an honest guy that you laid that out in the open before inviting. Mate spent 12 months wandering around and India was a highlight for him he said the People and the culture was so deep but he had difficulty explaining it to me. personaly I plan my trip around riding and most other things come along by luck along the way, I take lots of photos and but my minds images fade away, but the people I meet those memories linger longer. I could where that t-shirt but I suspect for the both of us its only partly true. India not on top of the list of places to go before or after watching your vids. thanks for the images. Stay safe you and all.
I think it just came from looking at rental options and I found this place in Chennai and it seemed to tick some boxes for bike availability and also direction of travel in heading west to Goa. In future I think a round trip out and around Goa would be more manageable. But I do like a coast to coast. And yes, certainly fewer beggars in the south if any. Miles away from Delhi or Varanasi
Did a similar trip some time ago We personally found Goa ok but a bit of a tourist trap Were it me I’d go to Hampi It’s a bit of a spot but worth the ride
It's got to be the "numbers game, economics of scale" to make decent £££s profit to make it worthwhile as a 'business"? But the more 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️ and riders, the more stress, potential for incidents etc? Having rented a 200cc Hero Honda in Goa and buggering off on my tod for 2 weeks, rather you than me with all of that planning/people Nathan. You're a braver man than me for sure.🙏
In the Phillipines, the garbage collection contracts go to the political donors--who don't collect the rubbish. So there's rubbish everywhere. Again, it's a wonder how the people keep so clean.
Lost some weight there..! Son.. India can be a Love - Hate, it's more the Cities, builtup areas, so many with so little, you get a clamour of people making demands.. then those just interested in what and where you're going.. and then the rubbish..! You survied the roads crossing India.. almost taken out on wideopen Beach..! Glad you can't wait ta get back ta cold, damp North Devon.. Home is where the Heart is.. SO wish I was back in West Country, than Up North'. Cheers
It's not a caste issue but PROBABLY a poor person's hesitation and decency when going to a rich place. Same applies all over the world unless you are a rude one and do not care even if you do not know your way around things.
When you are really tired and you have to talk long, you tend to close your eyes... I think it is to reduce the default brain processing of the eye input visuals. I know it happens to me.
Thank you for such an honest reflection on your emotional highs and lows on this trip. I appreciate how real you keep your videos.
Honest as always Nathan, it's what makes your videos so compelling.
I am from UK and lived in India for 3 years. It’s a wonderful place, but it can grind you down at times and make you feel very low. Unfortunately, the wealthy, and there are many of them, care little about the rubbish, infrastructure and sanitation and effect it they have on normal people. I am sure you have a very mixed reviews from the riders. Once they get home they will remember it fondly.
So So true from my experience too.
Having spent the last 20 years travelling for work your comments ring very true! As always your nothing if not honest Nathan, wise words and thoughtful video. Keep smiling and enjoy Goa!
Whenever I went away from my family on work busness. on my return I would see my wife and daughter at arrivals and cry, every time! The emotional stress of being away always got to me. But India, I spent a month there and my god it tested me, but also made me a better person! The noise, the monkeys, the food, the chaos and the begars!
Always honest, always an interesting listen. I know exactly what you mean about travelling helping you reflect on what you have at home, particularly when you have a young family.
Keep it going Nathan, won't be long and you'll be back in Devon 💪🏼👍🏼
"It's nice to go traveling, but it's so much nicer to come home", as the song goes. A lot of folk knock the UK but it ain't so bad. Refreshingly honest and fluid review. I wish all TH-camrs could speak so honestly. Traveling the world when I worked in the construction industry, there were several places where, after two days, if I could have just jumped on a plane and come straight home, I certainly would have. There's nothing quite like getting back from a long trip away and lying down on your own bed. It's wonderful.
I've been all over India with work. I would agree with your comments about the East Coast it shocked me too. I don't share your optimisation regarding wealth trickle down. India is like this: you absolutely have to roll with it, if you do that take it in your stride you will be fine.
On the other hand if you get annoyed start thinking things are not like the UK? Well it will just roll over you and crush you.
You will have a bad time.
The illness you and others suffered is common, even in 5 star hotels. I used to take medication with me, I called it "Concrete " for obvious reasons.
I was an engineer and visited the old Royal Enfield factory.
I've ridden in Europe, I would never take on an Indian trip.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
A very honest and interesting update Nathan.
When your health takes a temporary knock, and you can't just put life on hold, it can be very testing.
Enjoy the last leg and get the gang home safe.
Some destinations make you never want to leave, some make you thankful for what you have at home - enough of both helps you know your place in the world - something not enough people experience!
Splendid reconnaissance trip Mr Millward. Hopefully your recovery continues. It sounds like a genuine adventure. I’ll be watching to see if this becomes a regular offering for the Speedshop… riding Enfields in their home country is a nice concept.
I like your thinking Nathan.
Taking along the young mechanic who has been nowhere is a real class act! Good Karma to you. May your man bag never empty of Bentos!
Great to hear the real backbone of the trip. Sometimes things can get glazed over. Definitely helps me to prep for my next trip, mentally and physically. Good to see you better. You get to absorb so much more when you are not fighting health issues. Safe travels guys
Great review of where you're at. I really got a feel for the country. Glad you're feeling a bit better and enjoying it.
Thanks for that good advice Nathan. Really glad your feeling a bit better and enjoying the trip. The beach riding looked fantastic.
17 people is a huge responsibility to take on even with help because ultimately it's a Nathan M tour. Lots of different characters I'm sure but they will look back on it as a positive achievement. The Tea Plantations reminded me of Sri lanka and the good times we had there. A less frenetic place and I reckon would make a really good place for a bike trip.
All the best.
Very interesting and honest take on what you're doing, a real 'warts and all' view of your trip which I'm sure will be appreciated by so many who watch it! The wildlife sounds on some of the 'on the road/tea plantation' clips really gave a glimpse of the environment you were travelling through. A great video, thanks Nathan 🙂
I was there last February - agree with everything. Amazing place, great people, great fun, but the rubbish!! Roads lined, everywhere, with red and blue plastic bags. It made me wince how no one seemed bothered.
That is the reality of organising a group tour. It doesn't work out as a holiday for you in the conventional sense. Although it does bring it's own rewards.
Don't forget most people appreciate the hard work you put in. Most. And it's also impossible to please everyone.
Ride safe 👍
Hi Nathan. We are currently touring Rajasthan with Moto Junkies. The overwhelming assault on your senses can be daunting but also envigerating. The people are wonderful, rich or poor and they have a natural curiosity that is not threatening and they always have a smile on their face. The roads can be smooth tarmac to the equivalent of a rocky Welsh trail and everything in between. As you said, once you get accustomed to the natural flow of the traffic the craziness becomes the norm. Will have to readjust when we get home. Take care.
Very interesting to hear your perspective on all of this, great post Nathan. I've been on a few organised trips, an awful lot of what you said rang true. Hope you all enjoy the rest of the trip...
a bit of a trip diary entry this one. many who ride a little will get this do enough and things will stack up on trips on occasion, suspect more has happened than said maybe the t-shirt, unless you go you wont know, taking a group is a brave move on a reccee trip but I am sure your an honest guy that you laid that out in the open before inviting. Mate spent 12 months wandering around and India was a highlight for him he said the People and the culture was so deep but he had difficulty explaining it to me. personaly I plan my trip around riding and most other things come along by luck along the way, I take lots of photos and but my minds images fade away, but the people I meet those memories linger longer. I could where that t-shirt but I suspect for the both of us its only partly true. India not on top of the list of places to go before or after watching your vids. thanks for the images. Stay safe you and all.
Grateful for the update. ride safe out there lads.
Glad your feeling better, what a great trip for your mechanic, and all the guys.
Great to see you’re all having fun!
It's an easy Country to pass through...Much like the food 😆😁😄
It's interesting how much of your experiences cross over with what I found in Sri Lanka.
Why did you start from Chennai Nathan - did you have an RE factory trip? Loved these vids by the way - assume not so many beggars in the south?
I think it just came from looking at rental options and I found this place in Chennai and it seemed to tick some boxes for bike availability and also direction of travel in heading west to Goa. In future I think a round trip out and around Goa would be more manageable. But I do like a coast to coast. And yes, certainly fewer beggars in the south if any. Miles away from Delhi or Varanasi
Honest. Balanced.
Fascinating thoughts
Did a similar trip some time ago
We personally found Goa ok but a bit of a tourist trap
Were it me I’d go to Hampi
It’s a bit of a spot but worth the ride
Sorry to hear about the filth. It would get to me as well.
Just back from riding a RE 450 around Kerala with an organised group small group of 8 fantastic- wacky races on drugs 😁
Sounds great that. Who was that with?
It's got to be the "numbers game, economics of scale" to make decent £££s profit to make it worthwhile as a 'business"?
But the more 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️ and riders, the more stress, potential for incidents etc?
Having rented a 200cc Hero Honda in Goa and buggering off on my tod for 2 weeks, rather you than me with all of that planning/people Nathan.
You're a braver man than me for sure.🙏
Multiple occupancy? - sounds like a woke Monty Python 4 Yorkshiremen sketch.
Enjoy guy's 👍🏻
Enjoy!
there's a valid point to be made here: don't do things you don't enjoy
You're never gonna enjoy all of a travelling trip. But when you look back you smile on the bad and the good.
I remember a lot of rubbish in Goa.
The uncontrollable scratching through out the video is Hilarious 🤣🤣.
Madness setting in
Looking slimmer there Nathan--must be all those phone-ups you've been doing.
In the Phillipines, the garbage collection contracts go to the political donors--who don't collect the rubbish.
So there's rubbish everywhere.
Again, it's a wonder how the people keep so clean.
Lost some weight there..! Son..
India can be a Love - Hate, it's more the Cities, builtup areas, so many with so little, you get a clamour of people making demands.. then those just interested in what and where you're going.. and then the rubbish..!
You survied the roads crossing India.. almost taken out on wideopen Beach..!
Glad you can't wait ta get back ta cold, damp North Devon.. Home is where the Heart is.. SO wish I was back in West Country, than Up North'. Cheers
It's not a caste issue but PROBABLY a poor person's hesitation and decency when going to a rich place. Same applies all over the world unless you are a rude one and do not care even if you do not know your way around things.
When you are really tired and you have to talk long, you tend to close your eyes... I think it is to reduce the default brain processing of the eye input visuals. I know it happens to me.
Engaging! Think you will do it in 2026? If so can I come 😉
Organising a group of disparate motorcyclists is like herding cats at the best of times 🫣
Ha. Yep, definitely can be!