Small bikes for big adventure! Couple saddle up for RTW trip aboard two Honda CG125s

An intrepid biking duo have sold their worldly possessions and set off on a round the world (RTW) adventure on a pair of Honda CG125s.  

Tom Gould, 31, and Lauren Board, 27, set off on Thursday, 7 December, and plan to continue their adventure until the money runs out. 

“It’s just something I’ve wanted to do for years,” Tom told MCN. “When I first sort of realised something like that was possible, I [couldn’t work out] why everybody wasn’t doing it. 

“Shortly after that, I read about a chap cycling round the world and that was the first time I realised you don’t need a big budget for this.” 

Both bikes have been kitted out with fatter tyres, USB chargers, and luggage racks – with the first leg of the trip seeing them ride down through France and Spain before entering Africa via Morocco.  

Tom has also previously ridden his 2005 CG round the North Coast 500, covered thousands of miles in Europe, and even ridden to the North West 200 road races in Northern Ireland.  

“They are a bit rubbish, but there’s a charm in that rubbish,” Tom joked about his CG125. “You accept that the brakes are terrible and that the forks and back end shake.” 

For those unaware, the humble CG125 was produced in various guises for 33 years as a basic, robust, and reliable transport solution. Starting life in 1975, there was a no nonsense air cooled 124cc single cylinder in the middle, and basic controls for the rider – providing the perfect entry point for new riders, or cheap transport for the seasoned commuter.   

“Realistically, we want to go for as long as possible and as far as possible,” he continued. “Lauren’s done one night of wild camping before [and] neither of us have been to another continent.” 

Despite the lack of experience, Lauren was excited to get going – particularly looking forward to reaching Cape Town, in South Africa.  

“I’m a little bit nervous, a little bit excited… I guess there’s no better way than being chucked in the deep end,” she said. “We are going to go with the flow.   

“I’m kind of the wild one of the family and travelling is something I’ve dreamed about.” 

To keep tabs on their RTW adventures, you can follow Tom on Instagram at ilike_motorbikes, with Lauren found at sunset_seeker11.