In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany at the Armchair Adventure Festival in Mount Edgcumbe. Join us as we explore the world through the eyes of Tiffany Coates, recognised as the world’s foremost female motorcycle adventurer. Tiffany has spent over twenty years exploring six continents on two wheels. With hundreds of thousands of miles under her belt, she continues her adventures both solo and as a sought-after motorcycle tour guide, captivating audiences at adventure travel events worldwide. Her journey began with a memorable trip alongside her best friend, Becky. With just two months of riding experience, they embarked on a quarter-tonne BMW named ‘Thelma,’ wobbling their way from the UK across Europe to India. What was initially planned as a nine-month journey transformed into two and a half years, crossing four continents and solidifying Tiffany's passion for motorcycle travel. Over the years, Tiffany has travelled through Asia, Australia, Africa, the Americas, and more, with notable rides to Timbuktu, Outer Mongolia, Madagascar, Borneo, and even Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Her website features the stories behind these incredible travels. As a freelance guide, Tiffany leads various adventurous motorcycling expeditions, providing safe and experienced guidance for those eager to explore new countries on two wheels. We first spoke with Tiffany on March 17th 2020 - The World's Foremost Female Motorcycle Adventurer! *** This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 25th - 28th July 2024. Buy tickets now for #AAF25 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 24-27th July 2025, Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets. www.armchairadventurefestival.com. *** *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes: Who is TiffanyBackground as a motorbike travellerExperience riding around the worldJoy of solitude in desert travelDangerous motorbike experiences in VietnamMental health benefits of motorbikingSense of freedom and independence in motorbike travelTiffany's journey to becoming a motorbike riderHaving no initial experience with motorbikesChallenges of maintaining the bike and learning basic maintenanceMechanical failures upon entering AsiaTime spent in a workshop learning about oil, filters, and maintenance tasksReliance on strangers for assistance and fixing the bikeImportance of feeling confident and self-reliantSelf-defence knowledge and preparednessCarrying safety tools while campingRiding through the Gobi Desert in MongoliaAdjusting travel plans based on weather conditionsHectic journey through Siberia to reach the Pacific OceanEnjoying the journey and making the most of each daySinging to herself and listening to music or podcastsLiving frugally to fund her travelsNot owning a car, saving money for travelGuiding groups through exotic countries, ensuring their safety and happinessUpcoming trip to Guyana, Suriname, and French GuianaImportance of exploring lesser-known placesCamping experience at the Bonneville Salt FlatsChallenges faced and the beauty of solitude in natureExperiences with altitude sickness and acclimatisationNatural sadness post-adventureTravel fatigue during long journeysKeeping journals and writing for publicationsPotential future projects, including writing a bookLeading an all-female motorbike tour in NepalBreaking stereotypes in motorcyclingSense of sisterhood among female motorcyclistsUnique experiences of hospitality while travelling soloShipping bikes by sea versus flyingInternational Vehicle Shipping, Moto FreightThe process of obtaining an international driving permit (IDP) and its importanceMaps and compasses over GPSGPS inaccuracies in desert navigationLimitations of relying solely on technologyThoughts on the common advice to “just do it”Final words of advice Social Media Website: tiffanystravels.co.uk Facebook: @tiffany.coates.12 Twitter/X: @tiffanystravels
