5 Days Off-Grid: The Yorkshire Ride

We’ve been talking about doing this for years.

One of those ideas that keeps coming up, usually mid-ride or over a coffee, and then gets pushed aside because life gets in the way. This year though, we’re actually doing it.

A 5-day off-grid motorcycle trip across Yorkshire. Camping along the way, carrying everything we need, and taking the scenic route wherever possible.

I’ll be riding with Dave “Pointy” Olley, who’ll be on his BMW R1200 RT. It’s also a bit of a milestone trip for us, he’s turning 60, I’m turning 50, and it felt like the right time to do something properly memorable.

The Route (Planned, But Not Fixed)

There is a route. It just isn’t locked down to the minute.

We’ll be setting off from The Strines Inn on Mortimer Road, one of those local roads that never gets old. Fast, flowing, technical in places, and a proper way to start the trip.

From there, we’ll head out across the Peaks and into the Pennines, taking in Holme Moss, a climb that always feels a bit special. Wide open views, exposed sections, and that sense of being properly out in it.

From there, the plan is to push north towards Skipton, then across to Hawes, deep into the Yorkshire Dales.

We’ll pass by Ribblehead Viaduct, which is one of those places that just makes you stop for a minute. Massive structure, middle of nowhere, and it never quite looks real.

From Hawes, we’ll take on Buttertubs Pass, easily one of the best roads in the UK. Fast sections, tight bends, steep drops, and scenery that feels bigger than it should for England.

We’re also planning to tie parts of the route into sections of the Yorkshire TT, linking together some of the best riding roads in the region rather than just heading straight from place to place.

From there, we’ll make our way across to Whitby, then cut back inland towards Pickering.

That brings us onto Saltergate Bank and the Hole of Horcum, a stretch that feels completely different again. Long sweeping climbs, open moorland, and views out across the natural amphitheatre of the valley below.

After that, it’s the run back towards Sheffield, again sticking to the more interesting roads wherever possible.

The Roads That Matter

This trip isn’t about ticking destinations off a list.

It’s about the roads in between.

Yorkshire has this way of constantly changing around you. Tight technical sections one minute, then wide open sweepers the next. Moorland, valleys, exposed climbs, all within a relatively small area.

The Yorkshire TT isn’t an official route, but among riders it’s well known for a reason. It strings together some of the best roads in the region into something that feels far bigger than the map suggests.

That’s the idea here. Not the fastest route, just the best one.

Off-Grid Means Off-Grid

This isn’t just a ride with the odd overnight stop.

The aim is to be as self-sufficient as possible for the full five days. That brings its own challenges:
• Keeping cameras, comms and gear powered
• Food that’s lightweight and easy to manage
• A compact but practical camping setup
• Being prepared for weather, punctures and whatever else the road throws at us

That’s part of the appeal. Working out what you actually need, and what you can leave behind.

The Setup

I’ll be riding the Ducati Multistrada V2, which feels like the perfect bike for this kind of trip. Comfortable over distance, capable on a mix of roads, and built for exactly this kind of use.

Pointy’s BMW R1200 RT brings a different angle to it, more road-focused, but just as capable of covering distance and handling whatever we throw at it.

From a filming point of view, I’ll be running a multi-camera setup across the bike and helmet, alongside drone footage where it makes sense. Everything will be shot solo, so keeping things efficient and flexible is going to be key.

The aim is to capture the trip as it really is. No staging, no overproduction, just honest footage of the ride, the stops, and everything in between.

I’ll also be producing original music specifically for the content, tying everything together in a way that feels true to the DustRoom.

Before We Set Off

There’s still a fair bit to dial in.

Packing setup, gear choices, power management, all the small details that make a difference once you’re out there. I’ll be doing some shorter test runs beforehand to make sure everything works as expected before committing to the full trip.

What’s Next

The plan is to head out in June. Dates are being finalised, but it’s happening.

I’ll be sharing more as things come together, including the setup, the gear, and how we’re preparing for it all.

I’m also currently in discussions with a few brands around supporting different aspects of the trip, so I’ll share more on that soon.

Final Thought

At its core, this isn’t about gear or content.

It’s about taking a few days out, getting away from everything, and finally doing something that’s been sitting in the background for far too long.

Five days. Two bikes. Yorkshire.

Let’s see where it takes us.