Before sat-nav, internet, and mobile phones, there was Elspeth Beard, a 23-year-old architecture student who set off to ride her motorcycle around the world. In this episode of Wild Chats, Elspeth shares the highs and lows of her pioneering solo journey across continents in the early 1980s.

Host Ben Southall dives deep into Elspeth’s story: the spark that ignited her adventure, the obstacles she faced as a woman on the road, and the transformative encounters that shaped her perspective on life. From mechanical failures and border crossings to life lessons and cultural insights, Elspeth’s tales are equal parts grit and grace.

She also reflects on how travel has changed over the decades, why embracing the unknown is vital, and how her epic ride influenced her work as an award-winning architect.

If you’ve ever dreamt of hitting the road less traveled, this episode is your permission slip.

Connect with Elspeth on Instagram @elspethbeard

Check out Elspeth's website. 

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Adventure and Exploration
06:35 The Spirit of Spontaneity in Travel
14:09 The Catalyst for a Global Journey
21:21 The Journey Begins: Setting Off on the Road
26:28 Encounters and Conversations on the Road
31:51 Challenges of the Outback Adventure
37:48 Navigating Through Australia and Beyond
45:48 Cultural Encounters: Riding Through India and Beyond
51:53 Navigating Iran: A Journey Through a Closed Country
01:00:37 Life After the Journey: New Beginnings and Challenges
01:07:01 The Evolution of Storytelling: From Diaries to Social Media