Outback & Beyond

We caught up with Australian photographer Sam Chirnside to hear about his experiences travelling through some of the world’s most remote places.

How Did You Find Your Way Into Motorcycle + Adventure Travel?

I grew up countryside Victoria, Australia on a farm and first got my dirtbike in my teens. I was always riding dirt & trails until later down the track I got my road license prior to heading over to Bhutan with a group of friends. We spent a few weeks there, traversing through pristine landscapes from one side of the country to the other, riding alongside the local motorcycle gang, Bhutan Dragons. That really opened my eyes to that part of the world and to that mode of transport, a free way of travelling.

Has Documenting The Trips Always Been Important To You?

I’ve always taken photos, Being a visual artist, taking photos is a natural way for me to journal. Capturing a memoir in time which can transport me back to that place.

You’ve Travelled To Some Very Remote Places, How Do You Prepare?

I’m drawn to vast open landscapes, luckily in Australia we have this in abundance. It’s the feeling I get from these places that makes me keep returning to them. The sheer expanse of these terrains instantly give you a humbling feeling of insignificance, forging a connection to something far greater than the self.

In preparing, research is always important. Acquiring insight into the place you are about to visit is essential. It allows you to grasp the culture and traditions, particularly when entering sacred lands of significant cultural importance.

What Factors Come Into Play When You Plan A Route?

As much as I like to plan a route, being adaptable and flexible in plans changing I’ve found is key. Especially in remote areas where things are quite unpredictable. A valuable lesson I learned whilst riding throughout India, where on a daily basis there are numerous factors out of your control. Patience is a big factor here, learning not to argue with reality. Just like the systematic flow of the traffic there, your intuition becomes your best guidance. The beauty of travelling in a free way is taking the paths that unveil in front of you, meeting people and getting reccomendations along the way. A rough route from a-b is all I need then let the trip decide the rest.

What’s The First Thing You Reach For When Packing?

A trusty tote bag, pocket knife and water flask. The essentials.

Any Advice For Someone Planning A Trip?

Bring gear for all weather, no matter what the climate is. You never know when you can be caught out, especially in remote areas like the desert, where it can be sweltering hot during the day and sub zero temperatures in the evenings. Follow your intuition & trust your instincts.

Where’s Next?

The Himalayas. I went on a solo ride there in 2019. This time, I'm heading back with two good friends to the magical region of Ladakh in Northern India to ride around the three major lakes in that high-altitude zone and cross some of the world's highest passes. It's something I've been dreaming of for a few years now!

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WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHS: SAM CHIRNSIDE

Outback & Beyond

We caught up with Australian photographer Sam Chirnside to hear about his experiences travelling through some of the world’s most remote places.

How Did You Find Your Way Into Motorcycle + Adventure Travel?

I grew up countryside Victoria, Australia on a farm and first got my dirtbike in my teens. I was always riding dirt & trails until later down the track I got my road license prior to heading over to Bhutan with a group of friends. We spent a few weeks there, traversing through pristine landscapes from one side of the country to the other, riding alongside the local motorcycle gang, Bhutan Dragons. That really opened my eyes to that part of the world and to that mode of transport, a free way of travelling.

Has Documenting The Trips Always Been Important To You?

I’ve always taken photos, Being a visual artist, taking photos is a natural way for me to journal. Capturing a memoir in time which can transport me back to that place.

You’ve Travelled To Some Very Remote Places, How Do You Prepare?

I’m drawn to vast open landscapes, luckily in Australia we have this in abundance. It’s the feeling I get from these places that makes me keep returning to them. The sheer expanse of these terrains instantly give you a humbling feeling of insignificance, forging a connection to something far greater than the self.

In preparing, research is always important. Acquiring insight into the place you are about to visit is essential. It allows you to grasp the culture and traditions, particularly when entering sacred lands of significant cultural importance.

What Factors Come Into Play When You Plan A Route?

As much as I like to plan a route, being adaptable and flexible in plans changing I’ve found is key. Especially in remote areas where things are quite unpredictable. A valuable lesson I learned whilst riding throughout India, where on a daily basis there are numerous factors out of your control. Patience is a big factor here, learning not to argue with reality. Just like the systematic flow of the traffic there, your intuition becomes your best guidance. The beauty of travelling in a free way is taking the paths that unveil in front of you, meeting people and getting reccomendations along the way. A rough route from a-b is all I need then let the trip decide the rest.

What’s The First Thing You Reach For When Packing?

A trusty tote bag, pocket knife and water flask. The essentials.

Any Advice For Someone Planning A Trip?

Bring gear for all weather, no matter what the climate is. You never know when you can be caught out, especially in remote areas like the desert, where it can be sweltering hot during the day and sub zero temperatures in the evenings. Follow your intuition & trust your instincts.

Where’s Next?

The Himalayas. I went on a solo ride there in 2019. This time, I'm heading back with two good friends to the magical region of Ladakh in Northern India to ride around the three major lakes in that high-altitude zone and cross some of the world's highest passes. It's something I've been dreaming of for a few years now!

---

WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHS: SAM CHIRNSIDE