“Wow, I actually did it!”

When I signed up for the Travel Trophy, I definitely felt some nerves in my stomach. I had never ridden off-road before, and I knew I’d be riding through three countries, almost entirely off-road. On the one hand, it was good that I didn’t really know what to expect. It made it easier to just go for it. On the other hand, I also thought: I hope this goes well.

Luckily, the Travel Trophy is a perfect journey for beginning off-road riders like me. You can choose to ride paved or unpaved routes. The stretches on paved roads are beautiful too. For the more experienced riders, there are “hard detours.” These are extra unpaved routes that push you even further.

Right before the trip, I practiced off-road riding for just one day during a training course. That was all the experience I had, and it actually went surprisingly well. Of course, there were challenging moments, but everyone helps each other. There are also guides with tons of experience. So even if, like me, you start with zero experience and no idea of what to expect, you can absolutely join this adventure.

There are several moments that really stuck with me. It was such a special journey and it left a huge impression on me. The very beginning, for example. I arrived in Denmark, the first location. I stepped off the bus and walked into Ténéré Town. Everywhere I looked there were Ténérés riding around. Dozens of little tents were being pitched. People were laughing and the atmosphere was enthusiastic. You are instantly immersed in a whole different world. I hadn’t been camping in years, so putting up and taking down my tent and packing my bike was a real challenge. I learned so much from it and became much more resilient thanks to this journey.

And of course, riding through stunning nature left a huge impression as well. I rode past fjords, through deep forests, on snowy roads, and across the most breathtaking mountains. The journey was incredible. I had to pinch myself a few times to realize that this was really happening and that I was actually riding there.

For me, the finish was quite an emotional moment. I saw the finish line in the distance and thought: wow, I actually did it! Through three countries. My very first off-road trip. Falling a few times and getting back up. Camping. Packing my bike. Making new friends. Tackling challenging routes. All of it flashed through my mind as I crossed the finish. I was happy, but at the same time sad that it was already over. There were some tough moments along the way, but crossing that finish line made me so incredibly proud. I’ll never, ever forget that moment.

I had never ridden off-road before, let alone in such stunning places. For me, it was really special to experience all that with so little experience. I rode my Ténéré on off-road trails I never imagined I could handle. That’s what made it truly unique. The group I rode with was fantastic. We got to know each other, helped each other out, and shared so many fun and memorable moments. Thanks to the Travel Trophy, I gained more confidence as an off-road rider. I made friends I’m still in touch with today, and I discovered that I definitely want to do many more trips like this in the future.

“There is life in this old dog yet!”

My expectations for the Travel Trophy were surpassed on every level. I’ve been following the Travel Trophy for a couple of years and have always wanted to visit Norway on the bike for a long time. I thought it would be a great opportunity to combine both. The organisation was fantastic, everything was really well thought out. I expected to ride great routes with amazing scenery and meet lots of interesting, like-minded people. All of this was delivered and more.

A memorable moment is a difficult question to answer as there were lots of great moments. If I had to pick a couple:

1. Meeting Robert Baldinger and Timo and the crazy Dutch crew. I probably had one or two too many beers, but I haven’t laughed so much in a long time. These memories are stored in the vault for future reference.
2. Second personal highlight for me was the prize-giving dinner on the mountain. The location and the cable car trip was incredible. The scenery was spectacular. I felt like James Bond aka DOUBLE-OLD-7. It’s probably one of my top three Saturdays.

When I crossed the finish line, I was actually quite emotional. A combination of happiness and sadness.

For a few health reasons, I never actually thought I would ever get to visit Norway or participate in the Travel Trophy. To actually make it all the way to the starting location in Denmark and then ride the whole way to the finish line in Norway was really overwhelming and something I will always remember forever. That was the happy moment. The sad part was realising that it had ended and this ambition was ticked off my “F*ck-it List.”

On a personal note, I don’t look too far ahead. Actually watching, planning, and participating was a big thing mentally and physically for me. Physically, I struggle sometimes and don’t have as much fitness and stamina as I did before. Reaching the finish line was a great feeling. There is life in this old dog yet!

Mentally, non-bikers don’t realise how good it is to escape on your bike, travel with lots of great people, and visit new and interesting places. This really keeps the equilibrium balanced and readjusts your perspective. It is always a pleasure and a school day to listen to other people and learn from them. Sometimes we all get caught up in the trivia of life and lose grip on what really matters. The freedom and clarity you get when doing a trip like the Travel Trophy is something hard to explain. I know for sure this is what makes all the bad stuff bearable.

On a different note, I just need to learn some Dutch for next year and keep practicing my beer drinking.

Thank you to all the participants for making all the memories. Thank you to each and every one of the crew for all their hard work and patience. Without all of you, the Travel Trophy would not exist.

“Eat, sleep, ride, repeat!”

Last year, in 2024, Eddy and I spoke with Maarten and Jessica about the Travel Trophy at the motorcycle fair in Utrecht. We were immediately excited, but we didn’t have a Ténéré yet. This year we did: a Ténéré 700 World Raid. The excitement already started with the envelope in the mailbox containing information about the Travel Trophy and some handy goodies, including a passport with all the essential information in pocket size. Very practical!

The destination was Scandinavia, our favorite holiday spot. The starting point was in Denmark at one of the country’s largest motocross tracks, then the route continued into Sweden and finally Norway. The first day was all about the Ténéré Experience together with 149 other Ténéré riders. It was the perfect preparation for the Travel Trophy, with various skill exercises, riding on wet grass and soft sand, both on the motocross track and on the beach. A great promise of what was to come.

It was spectacular to take the boat to Sweden with 150 Ténérés. An impressive sight. We had a fun group, well matched to each other. There were hilarious moments and lots of laughter. At every bivouac, “Ténéré Town,” everything was professionally arranged. Breakfast and dinner were always a surprise with delicious local specialties.

Arriving in Ténéré Town meant falling into the daily routine: pitching the tent, freshening up, eating, sleeping, packing up the tent, having breakfast, and riding again. Repeat! The routes were stunning and truly beautiful, with lots of off-road sections. Some parts were challenging and even a little exciting. What an adventure. Together with the organization and all the other participants, there was so much fun, helpfulness, and above all, a fantastic atmosphere. Everything was perfectly organized, from registration until the very last day.

At the finish line, we were warmly congratulated by the crew and received a wonderful souvenir. The finale was a secret location to which we were taken by coach. From there, a cable car took us to a restaurant with a phenomenal view. We enjoyed the final dinner together and the prize-giving took place. It was an incredible surprise.

To everyone who contributed to the organization: thank you for this fantastic Travel Trophy 2025. We are already looking forward to the Travel Trophy 2026, because this definitely left us wanting more.

“ I just need to bring a good bike and myself “

As a Dane I had never travelled Norway or Sweden on a motorcycle before so I looked forward to a completely new experience. Great nature, physical exhaustion, and of course sharing a beer with friendly riders.

What stayed with me the most was not a single moment, but the people. Meeting new friends, riding together for an hour or a day, and being struck by the beauty of Norway.

Crossing the finish line I felt a mix of sadness that it was over so quickly, and thirst for a beer.

What made the 2025 edition special, as in 2024, was how well everything was organized. The Trophy is a very unique event. Top-notch organization, food, routes, and campsites. Everything is covered. The agenda is full but very well executed. I love that I just need to bring a good bike and myself and then enjoy a full week of adventure with almost no planning.

Thanks again for creating such a memorable event. I am already looking forward to the next destination reveal.