So, how did all this madness start then?!
The USA Iron Butt Rally – the winning riders manage 1000 miles a day for 11 days and the World Record, held by a profile rider called Michael Kneebone, stands at 1704 miles in 24 hours - what a bunch of nutters!
I mentioned these amazing facts to my mate Mick one day and didn’t get quite the expected response… “Oh yeah” he replied, “I once rode that far in a day”.
My jaw hit the floor. For no apparent reason, Mick had decided to spend one Saturday riding from Bolton to Land’s End, to John O’Groats and back to Bolton again, a total distance (though he hadn’t bothered measuring it) of 1675 miles.
Unfortunately, Mick got soaked through just north of Land’s End and spent a couple of precious hours drying out – just missing out on the World Record as a result. If only he’d had some decent, Adventure-Specced waterproof kit…..
So we obviously asked Mick if he’d have another go and if we could sponsor him. However, the World Record is apparently far too easy...
So, ladies & gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to a true unsung Adventure-Spec adventurer. In 2008, Mick Hall will attempt to ride 5000 miles in 5 days. This time he’ll be sponsored, supported, we will be measuring the distance and you’ll be able to follow his progress HERE, with Adventure-Spec, as he rides.
Micks Profile...
Name : Mick Hall
Age: 46
Location: Bolton
No Of Years Riding: 31
Whats your riding history Mick?
Well, I started off on a Honda ss50 (five speed!) I had it for 12 months and I bought for 180 quid. I eventually sold it for 210 quid, but only to buy a KH250. It was a right flying machine, since then there have been another 18 bikes including some real favourites, rd 250, lc350, gsx550 single shock bought for 600 quid, gs550, cx500, and of course my trusty VFR750, that was my second best bike, very lazy, never feels strained.
Ok, so how did you get into long distance stuff it wasn't on your ss50?
Actually it was, I loved the long distance stuff straight away, I used to ride it to Wales regularly, it must be in my blood or something. I don't see the point of nipping out for 10 mins, a typical ride for me would be like the Honda UK Riders Club meeting. A 772 mile round trip to Scotland on a CBR 600. I've done at least a few trips to Box Hill for a brew on nearly every bike I've owned and thats a 600 mile round trip.
Last year you tried to ride over 1700 miles in a day, why did you choose such a crazy route?
I dunno really. Lots of people have ridden from Lands End to John-O-Groats but I didnt know anyone who'd done it twice!
Do you ever go for normal rides?
Nope, not really I get bored!
Whats your current weapon of choice for long distance stuff?
It has to be my current bike, my Fazer 1000. In my opinion it's the best bike ever!!!!!
How do you rate it against your previous bike?
I think that if Honda had made a VFR1000 without all the VTEC business I would have definately gone for one of those. I loved my VFR750 it was such a lazy ride, but I like something with a bit of a sting in the tail if you need it. Thats why I love the Fazer, its anything you want it to be from a track day tool to a touring bike. I've never had a bike for 6 years, but like I said I dont see any point getting rid of it because it does everything I'll ever need.
You talk of new bikes and technology, do you still have the same love for biking now as you did when you first learned to ride? Would you go back to your first bike if thats all you could get?
I'd love it! I always keep an eye out on Ebay for SS50's and if I saw one I'd buy one tomorrow, so if anyone has one for sale...
Any new plans?
A possible ride around the coastline of the UK on Honda 50's, all in a week at an average of 500 miles a day...
Previous Rides
- Numerous '1000' mile in 24 hours
- Too many '750+' milers to count..?!
- Bolton-Lands End-John O Groats-Lands End-Bolton, OR 1675 Miles in 26 Hours
Upcoming Rides
- 5000 miles in 5 days