Inspire Serie-Dave Baskind, London to Cape Town by Motorbike

Presentation Details:

Motocycling trip from England to South Africa via West Coast. Although Dave’s trip was planned carefully and executed diligently as a line from A to B, there was nothing linear about the experience.

Dave will share highlights (and low-lights) in a relatable way that explain how one comes to want to do something like this, how one goes about making it a reality, and what it feels like to experience it.

He will share stories, memories, images and lessons from his once-in-a-lifetime experience, hoping to share a taste with you and inspire you to chase a dream of your own. It’s never too late, but don’t wait.

Dave emerged quietly (and late) in a rural backwater of what was then the Eastern Transvaal in South Africa. An innocent, curious child he enjoyed a happy upbringing on his family farm, blissfully unaware of the political and social complexities swirling around him.

As he entered his teens, the Africa in South Africa burst out of it's artificial confines and confronted him with conflict, chaos and grit but also beauty, friendship and hope. As he grew so did his curiousity about the world beyond his comfort zone. Away from the tranquil farm life the suburbs and the city were irresistable to a young man determined to draw his own distictions between good and evil.

With his father, he travelled to the remotest corners of Southern Africa, awed by the landscape, creatures and culture. But the "real" Africa was not this-his stomping ground. It was a forbidden, mysterious place beyond the Zambezi, Cubango and Kunene Rivers. A place spoken of only in allusions, stereotypes and hushed tones.

Dave's curiosity for what lay beyond those borders never left him. 20 years after leaving to Australia this urge prevailed, bringing him face-to-face with the true character behind the African mask.

The Inspire Adventure Series is a regular monthly event aiming to get you inspired by presenters who will be sharing their outdoor adventures through multimedia slide show. Besides watching the presentation and Q&A, there will be a time to connect, chat, exchange ideas, motivate each other – and maybe even to find a partner for your next adventure.

If you have a chance, please bring children and teenagers, we'd love showing them too!

Paddy Pallin is planning to deliver nine sessions in 2025 from March to November.

Paddy Pallin will provide some snacks and drinks for the evening, please bring your own food if you have any dietary requirements. You are also welcome to BYO drinks including liquor.