We have lift off! | Astronaut Tim Peake joins Triumph crew for ADV exploration

For many of us, riding a motorcycle wouldn’t be considered a challenge compared to, say, piloting an Apache helicopter or blasting off into space… after all it isn’t rocket science.

But what happens when you turn the tables by taking a man who does understand rocket science and is learning the tricks of the motorcycling trade? 

This was the challenge taken up by astronaut Tim Peake, who in 2015 made history as the first British person to travel to the International Space Station on a six-month mission that would see him complete the most other-worldly of experiences, a spacewalk.

So while riding a Triumph Rocket 3 will be the bucket list item for many humans around the world, it is fitting that a real life ‘Rocketman’ has hooked up with Triumph to expand his horizons when it comes to motorcycling. 

It is a collaboration that has already seen him climb the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed aboard a Triumph Daytona 765 Moto2, feel the thrust of the aforementioned Rocket 3 and also sample the Triumph Adventure Experience in Wales, where he was given expert tuition by World Enduro champion Matt Reed.

Having stepped up his two-wheeled activities since coming down to Earth (with a flourish), today Tim Peake is kept busy through his STEM (Science, Technology, Education, Mathematics) advocation, as well as being an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and the Scout Association.

It’s a passion that ties into Triumph as one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, one that continues to thrive independently in the wake of other British flagged automotive and motorcycling companies falling by the wayside.

"For me, motorcycling is all about the journey, not the destination. I love the freedom and exhilaration that off-road biking gives you and, when the going gets tough, it teaches you to have the confidence to face new challenges."

Visordown will bring you its FULL interview with Tim Peake tomorrow [Tuesday 14 Dec] explaining why riding on two-wheels satisfies his passion for learning new skills and how he has found community in motorcycling.

Tim Peake: My Journey to Space - a fascinating insight into his unique perspective of the Earth and its fragility -  is currently touring the UK - more information HERE.

As well as being a best-selling author on the subject of his time in space, Tim Peake has diversified into becoming a children’s author, joining Steve Cole in creating Swarm Rising - CLICK HERE FOR MORE