Motorbikes and Me - Rhys Doble

I. What made you get into motorbikes and when?

Rhys:

I’d always loved watching bike racing. So, 17 years ago we decided to take action. In a bold move, Andrea and I decided we would go for it and take our bike tests. We did this with the intention of going travelling on our bikes – and travel we did!

II. What was your first bike, why did you buy it and what did you like/dislike about it?

Rhys:

My first bike was a BMW F800GS and Andrea’s was a BMW F700GS. Our first trip was to John o’ Groats and we absolutely loved it. I then moved onto a BMW R1200GS and we never looked back. We have travelled all around Europe doing all the famous mountain passes, Stelvio, Grossglocker, Furka and so many more. Also travelling around Northern Spain and Portugal as well as heading further north up to Norway.

III. What was your favourite and least favourite bike?

Rhys:

I’ve not had a bad one, but my favourite bike is my BMW R1250GS. It remains the total ‘all-rounder’ for me. I’ve been lucky enough to have many bikes over the years, and they have all had different pros and cons, but this one does it all.

IV. Why did you buy a Harley-Davidson and why did you buy your current bike?

Rhys:

My reason for getting into Harley’s was simple, if not a bit odd. I’d driven past HarleyWorld many times over the years and always said to myself, one day I will call in and have a look around. Well, that day came, and four different Harleys later, I’m still ridings HDs and I still love it.

The feeling of riding the Harley is hard to describe sometimes. It’s more about the experience and the vibe than getting to a destination fast and the ride is done quickly.

My current Harley-Davidson is a 2022 Fat Bob. For me it’s the perfect blend between traditional Harley riding style offering a great deal of comfort and great presence. It also looks fantastic.

V. What do you enjoy most about the biking community and why did you join Chrome Hill Chapter?

Rhys:

The main reason I joined the chapter was to meet fellow bikers with similar passions. I’m glad I did because I’ve met some great people and made many friends.  I like to be involved and help the Chapter when I can. I’m currently a Road Marshall and I’m about to go on a Road Captain’s course in the Autumn.

VI. What was your favourite adventure or longest trip and most cherished memory of biking?

Rhys:

One of our favourite trips was when Andrea and I rode to Monte Carlo. It was amazing and such a fantastic trip. Although I must confess it was a little busy trying to ride two fully loaded touring bikes around as much of the F1 track as we could. We also managed to get out onto many of the World Rally stages, riding over the famous Col du Turini, which is something we will never forget.

One of the things I’m most proud of in my biking journey was getting my full race licence in 2012. I had done numerous UK track days, working my way up through the various experience and speed groups. I then took my test and passed it! What followed was three European track events in Aragon, Jerez and Portimao in preparation for the 2013 club season.

Unfortunately, I managed to throw myself off at Donnington Park and that brought my budding race aspirations to an abrupt end. To this day I’m still so proud of what I achieved in that arena. We were a great team with me on the track and Andrea in the garage doing all the mechanical stuff looking after everything for when I came back in after a session.

We both still love all things motorbikes, and our intention is to continue enjoying the company and getting as much out of biking as we can.