Image: Helen Lloyd
Going on a motorcycle trip with a companion can be a rewarding experience, offering the chance to create shared memories and learn from one another. The key is to find the right balance between independence and collaboration, and to communicate openly with your fellow traveller to ensure an amicable trip. However, for some people, solo travel is their preferred way to explore the world around them. It allows them to step out of their comfort zone, overcome fears, and discover unexpected opportunities.
Helen Lloyd’s expectations and views on travel have changed over the course of almost two decades of travelling. Some years ago, Helen had embarked on a solo bicycle trip around Africa, which had turned out to be the trip of a lifetime, leaving her with a desire to return. When Helen decided to travel to Africa again, she opted to ride her motorcycle and share the journey with her partner. Even though Helen had a plan in mind for the trip, it turned out to be a series of unexpected personal challenges and revelations, which strengthened Helen’s goals and views for her future travels.
Helen Lloyd is the author of several travel books: A Siberian Winter’s Tale, Desert Snow and Iceland Serow Saga. Her newest book about her trip to Africa is called Wild Spirit. Find out more about her books and where to buy them on her site at Helen’s Take On.
![Woman rider standing beside motorcycle in a desert like area with mountains in background.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527547253-0XJOKJASQFKIUPGHID5I/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-14.jpg)
![Dilapidated military tank.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527538088-UW57CKSZOHQIRZWSNVZO/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-1.jpg)
![Switchbacks in lush mountain range.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527542061-23W244REQY95Y4IDW48A/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-2.jpg)
![Motorcycle on sandy flats.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527555845-HSWND7RA7UPTN15HW572/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-6.jpg)
![View from inside tent looking out at motorcycle.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527558887-025NV33HEB462AYWOZJ7/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-7.jpg)
![Motorcycle parked on gravel road with mountains in background.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527560265-FWQNHV8YW5WQTONNEOY1/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-8.jpg)
![Motorravel cycle at side of gravel road going in to desert like area.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527565109-XJCI6GL0FQZ9IM8OPC4W/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-9.jpg)
![Gravel trail twisting down to lake or ocean with mountains in background.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527565655-FURJEVHYJ66IEWKIGFL9/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-10.jpg)
![Loading motorcycle by crane on to older boat or ferry.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527573056-NFFQR7MJMQ0HJ5W9PMGQ/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-11.jpg)
![Desert with ripples.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527574193-LWBAP4AMWMRBCEG9BMFN/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-13.jpg)
![Dirty trail going down steep hill in to farming country.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53bae0a6e4b0323f1542724b/1696527578979-MSK581N7LRDT5N7G32QD/Helen-Lloyd-Africa-Adventure-Rider-Radio-Motorcycle-Podcast-12.jpg)
Images: Helen Lloyd