Single Mum Escapes Survival Mode on 200,000km Motorcycle Journey

Bridget Hallam spent five years in survival mode, working hard to raise two children alone in a big city while dreaming of something more. Then in 2012, one online dating profile caught her eye: "Motorcycles are my meditation... I have a spare helmet."

That message from Alan led to a second date motorcycle ride that sparked a 14-year love story. But it wasn't just romance that transformed Bridget's life.

Every other weekend, she and Alan escaped her demanding routine by leaning into twisty mountain corners and sweeping around countryside curves. The cool air, the purr of the engine, and the open road replaced the weight of single motherhood struggles with pure freedom.

What started as weekend rides grew into something extraordinary. In 2019, inspired by the Tour de France route, they shipped Alan's motorcycle to Barcelona and spent 24 weeks riding through 26 countries.

The moment they returned home, they knew they had to go again. And again.

Now Bridget and Alan have ridden over 200,000 kilometers across 45 countries, recently completing their fourth big trip after eight and a half months on the road. They work remotely as digital nomads, sometimes using campground ironing boards as desks.

Bridget eventually started riding solo too, discovering an entirely different experience. The intense concentration required turned out to be both exhilarating and calming, leaving room only for thoughts about the road ahead.

Why This Inspires

Bridget's story reminds us that transformation can start with a single yes. She went from a woman who felt trapped by circumstances to someone who camps in tents across continents rather than settle for comfort at home.

The motorcycle community welcomed her with nods of acknowledgment on passing roads and conversations at lunch stops that would never happen in a car. Last year, she and Alan met an 88-year-old rider still going strong, proof that passion doesn't have age limits.

Bridget jokes with Alan that when they can't manage two-wheeled bikes anymore, they'll just switch to three-wheeled ones. She means it.

For now, as Bridget says, the petunias can wait.