Every. Day. Ride #36 with Sid

Tell us a little about yourself? 

Hey there! I'm Sid, better known as ScramblerSid on Instagram. At 36, I've made Bishop's Stortford my home base, though my journey's taken me all over the map – from living in Germany, the Netherlands, Cornwall, and even Thailand! These days, I'm working for a software development consultancy, but my real passions lie in tearing up the roads on my Triumph Scrambler and indulging my fly fishing habit.

All that moving around has given me serious wanderlust – I'm constantly itching for the next adventure and a fresh change of scenery. Lucky for me, my bike is the perfect cure! I can hop on my Triumph Scrambler 900 and be exploring somewhere completely new in just a couple of hours. Instant gratification!

How and when did you get into riding?

My love affair with motorcycles started early! I'll never forget jumping on the back of my uncle's bike as a kid – something just clicked, and I was hooked. Throughout my teens and twenties, I'd ride here and there, but life kept getting in the way. It wasn't until my early thirties that I finally committed and got my license.

What really reignited that flame? YouTube and Instagram! Watching people like Freddie Dobbs reminded me of what I'd been missing. Sometimes you need that spark to remember what makes you feel truly alive!

What are the best and worst things about riding?

The best part? Pure, unadulterated freedom! There's honestly no way to describe that feeling unless you've experienced it yourself. When you're in control of a two-wheeled machine, weaving through traffic that cars are stuck in, feeling every curve and bump of the road – it's absolutely intoxicating. Plus, riding demands your complete focus, which means all your daily stress just evaporates. It's like meditation at 60 mph!

As for the downsides? Honestly, there aren't many! If I had to pick something, it's the constant worry about bike theft. The UK has a serious problem with stolen motorcycles, and having to constantly lock up your pride and joy can be a real buzzkill. Every time I park somewhere new, there's that nagging anxiety in the back of my mind. Thankfully, companies like LITELOK are stepping up with some seriously impressive security tech, which helps me sleep better at night!

Tell us about your most memorable ride to date?

Without a doubt, it's the Bishop Stortford Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) that I help organise every year! This event is absolutely incredible – we're raising awareness and funds for men's prostate cancer and mental health, which are causes close to my heart.

Last year, we had around 220 riders roll out together, and being part of that massive pack was absolutely mind-blowing! The roar of all those engines, the camaraderie, the shared passion – it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. It's proof that motorcycles aren't just about the ride; they're about bringing amazing people together for something bigger than ourselves.

What's the best piece of riding advice you've ever been given?

My riding instructor nailed it with this gem: "Don't be an idiot on the bike, and don't forget to enjoy the experience!"

Simple, straightforward, and absolutely spot-on. Respect the machine, respect the road, but never lose sight of why you're out there in the first place – for the pure joy of it!

How do you keep your bikes secure at home and on the go?

When I'm out exploring, my trusty LITELOK X1 is my go-to guardian. At home, my Scrambler is locked down tight with ground anchors – no taking any chances!

Share your best tips to help others keep their bikes safe?

Lock it up, always! Even if you're just popping into a shop for five minutes – seriously, don't risk it. Unfortunately, the UK isn't exactly motorcycle-friendly when it comes to theft.

Here's a game-changer, though: join your local bike groups! The motorcycle community is absolutely incredible, and we genuinely look out for each other. If there's been any suspicious activity or thefts in your area, these groups will have you covered with real-time alerts. It's like having a network of guardian angels watching over your ride!

When someone asks what kit you recommend, you say?

Invest in a good jacket! They can cost a pretty penny, but a high-quality, versatile jacket will keep you safe and stylish in virtually any situation. You want something that's at least AA rated, but AAA is even better.

There are tons of fantastic brands out there, depending on your style. Goldtop makes some seriously gorgeous leather jackets, while brands like Merlin craft these amazing waxed cotton pieces. Find something that speaks to your soul – you'll be wearing it a lot!

What's on your riding bucket list?

This is where I get really excited! I'm absolutely dying to tackle a Dakar rally-style adventure race across South America. Epic terrain, challenging conditions, and the most incredible scenery on the planet.

I hope one day that dream is going to become a reality.