He’s back, and this time, motorcycle enthusiast Henry Cole is trading in his Harley for a new form of transportation; a dirt bike. We caught up with Henry to get all the dirt from his latest trip to New Zealand.



Henry, you have a new show called Dirt Biking New Zealand premiering on Travel Channel in June. What route do you take around New Zealand on your dirt bike?
We travel from Auckland to Queenstown and then make a loop around the South Island. I asked myself, ‘where is the best dirt biking in the world?’, and the answer was ultimately South Island, New Zealand. We start in Queenstown and head to Twizel, move on Clyde and do some incredible trails all the way down to Dunedin, from there we head to the Catlins and end up in Invercargill which some may say is the Mecca for motorcycling because of Burt Monroe and the Burt Monroe Challenge around Oreti beach. We finished the loop by heading back to Queenstown. It took us three weeks of filming all the time and enjoying all the scenery and dirt trails. 

You have previously travelled to New Zealand and Australia, what is it that keeps drawing back down under?
New Zealand specifically draws me back for a myriad of reasons. The landscape on and off the road is some of the finest in the world. That mixed with the warm welcome of the people and the community spirit that exists. New Zealanders seem to enjoy life; they are up for a laugh and realize how lucky they are to live in such an amazing place. It is a breath of fresh air, if there is ever an opportunity for me to go back, I would jump on it. In my opinion, New Zealand is what the UK should have been and now never will be.  

What were the highlights for you during this series? 
The biggest highlight for me was doing some incredible trails while learning a new skill. I have been riding road bikes for 32 years now and never had the opportunity to try off road biking. The guys from Off Road Adventures in Queenstown did an amazing job at giving me the basic tools to enjoy myself on tracks such as Danseys Pass and Dunstan trail. Riding those and having the ability to do that is a highlight in itself. 

You seem to be a bit of a daredevil, this season sees you doing some pretty extraordinary things. Tell us about them. 
While driving through Omarama, we stopped to have a go in a glider; soaring through mountains upside down in a glider is really something else. It’s one of those things you have to experience to understand. Another one of the finest trips was the Argo tour; I drove an eight wheel vehicle to the top of Mt. Cook while stopping at some amazing outlooks over the Tasman Glacier and Terminal Lakes along the way. It was spectacular. 

Dirt Biking can be a dangerous form of transportation, did you have any near misses or accidents on your travels?
I can tell you, I permanently have near misses. That’s why we ride bikes, because they are dangerous! Near misses are exciting. But I did have one accident while in New Zealand. I high-sided the motorcycle (when the bike is in a turn and the rear wheel loses traction, the bike locks, skids and ultimately flips), I landed on my wrist and had to get to get to the A & E. Luckily it wasn’t broke, just badly sprained. It was strapped up and I was straight back on it!

You are obviously a motorcycle enthusiast, what is it about motor biking you love so much?
I think motorcycles generate a whole load of emotions that one craves. For me, it is the definition of freedom. You can just point your motorbike in a direction and go! When you are on a motorcycle, you are an individual, when you’re in a car, you’re just a number. I want to be me, I want to be an individual and I feel that I can do that on a bike. I also think it brings you closer to nature, the road surface, the conditions, the smells, whatever it may be, when you are on a motorcycle you are taking part, in a car you are just a spectator. 



What is the difference between riding a dirt biking and your road bike?
Dirt biking is a different skill set all together. I am still just learning which makes it really exciting. On the road, you see some gravel and it terrifies you, on a dirt bike, every corner is gravel. You really have to put your weight forward and learn to slide the wheel around the corners. You have to look way ahead and take into the consideration the ever changing roads and terrain. You are also standing up most of the time; it’s such a tiring sport, after 100km, I’m dead in the bushes! 

When was the first time you rode a motorbike? Tell us how that led to travelling around the world on your bike for a living?
I was thirteen years old and a mate of mine had a Honda 250. To be honest, it scared the living daylights out of me, but I persevered and although it was terrifying, it was exhilarating at the same time. I have been a biker ever since. I started in the business by presenting a show called Stars and Cars, I wasn’t really all that into cars so I approached Travel Channel and they commissioned a show called ‘Great Drives, this lead to Riding Route 66, my first biking show. World Greatest Motorcycle Rides was born out of its success and I have been paid to travel the world ever since. 

What is next on your list of adventures?
I’m really excited about my trip to Russia this year. I’ll be riding from Moscow to St. Petersburg which will be really interesting. I’m also riding from Oslo, Norway, through Sweden and all the way down to Helsinki, Finland. Both will be great journeys that I’m really looking forward to. In terms of Dirt Biking, I’d love to give it another go; following in Steve McQueen’s footsteps by desert riding in California is one trip that really stands out for me!