Steve Staines and Duncan Wales are leaving behind their jobs and their families for 18 months to take on the huge challenge to travel through deserts, mountain passes, chaotic megacities, and remote wilderness
— documenting every high, low, laugh, and lesson along the way.
The pair – known as The Happy Bikers – say their mission goes far beyond the miles: they aim to celebrate the freedom of life on two wheels, champion the transformative power of adventure, and raise awareness for their
chosen charities, Mental Health Motorbike and Serve SC.
Steve, from Marholm, and Duncan, from Holbeach, will set off in the summer, and their preparation is beginning now, proudly supported by Ducati UK and Ducati Cambridge, a part of the Vindis Group, and Pirelli whose backing helps bring this ambitious global ride to life.
Steve said: “What we're about to take on is the biggest challenge of our lives — and that’s exactly why we're both excited and terrified in equal measure. we're looking forward to the freedom of the open road, the people we’ll meet, and the chance to see the world in a way you only can from the seat of a motorbike. There’s something powerful about stripping life back to the basics: a bike, a tent, and the unknown stretching out in front of you.”
“Sometimes you have to stop saying “one day” and actually go"
One of the pair’s biggest challenges will be leaving behind their ‘day to day’ lives for more than a year.
Steve said: “My partner Gail has been very supportive. We will have been together 20 months when I leave so she was aware of my plans before we got together. The plan is for them to fly out and meet us a couple of times along the way.”
Duncan added: “I’ll miss my wife Diane, and my daughter Amber, enormously. Friends think I’m mad — but in the best possible way. They know this has been a dream for years, and they’re behind me all the way.”
Duncan will be stepping away from a career as a Design Engineer to make this happen, while Steve will be stepping away from a 12 year career with the Vindis Group.
Steve said: “Leaving behind stability and salaries — isn’t easy. I will also be renting out my house whilst I am away.
"Sometimes you have to stop saying “one day” and actually go. Life is short. The world is big. And this is our moment to ride out and see it.”
"Adventure only becomes adventure when things get difficult”
The more physical challenges will also come thick and fast.
Duncan said: "The biggest challenge? Honestly, it’s the combination of everything. Eighteen months on the road means facing extreme weather, unpredictable terrain, border bureaucracy, shipping bikes across oceans, and living out of luggage strapped to a Ducati. But that’s the point — adventure only becomes adventure when things get difficult. That’s where the growth happens.
“Before this, the biggest journey I’ve done was our ride to Nordkapp — around 5,400 miles in 17 days with no rest days, through rain, fog, and freezing temperatures. I’ve also ridden extensively across Europe, through the Alpine passes, and deep into the Arctic Circle. Those trips taught us resilience, teamwork, and how to adapt when things go wrong — all skills we’ll need on a global expedition.”
Steve added: “My biggest journey was Peterborough to Merzouga in Morocco & back, it was 3 weeks Ferry to Spain 2 days through Spain & we was in Morocco, down to Merzouga & the Sahara Desert. High light was leaving Merzouga at 34 degrees by lunchtime we was going over the top of the Atlas mountain where there was snow. I've also ridden in Nepal & very much looking forward to returning on my own bike this time.”
The Happy Bikers invite audiences to follow their progress across the world. Follow their journey at The Happy Bikers Global Adventure – Ordinary People Can Do Extraordinary Things at www.thehappybikers.com.
6. The Happy Bikers
The pair are raising awareness for two charities Photo: The Happy Bikers
