A journey of a lifetime : The story of our film, “Madagascar, Ride To The Roots”

A motorbike tour in Madagascar is so much more than a simple ride through spectacular landscapes. It’s a deep dive into the heart of the Red Island, a human adventure where every encounter and every mile traveled transforms you. This is the unique experience we captured in our film, “MADAGASCAR: Ride To The Roots” as we followed a handful of riders on a personal quest for meaning, a return to what’s essential, and a tribute to freedom.

1. Leaving It All Behind

The film’s adventure begins in the bustling city of Antananarivo. The city scenes soon give way to the vibrant colors and sounds of a local market. This is where we meet Reshad, 35, whose parents were born in Madagascar. For him, this journey is a tribute to his roots, a way to finally discover the island he has only heard stories about. He wanders through the crowd, exchanges a few words in Malagasy, his camera ready to capture the smiles he encounters .

The group comes together, each rider carrying their own dreams. During the pre-trip briefing, the stakes are set: this is a first for Vintage Rides on this land, a true challenge. Among the riders is Jody, an Irishman whose childhood was filled with the stories of his uncles, adventurers who rode Royal Enfields across the world in the 1980s. He thought it was impossible to relive that kind of adventure today, yet here he is, making his dream a reality. Then there’s Charlotte, a rider questioning her privileged position as she witnesses the local poverty . For her, this journey will be one of profound introspection.

2. Deep Inside the Red Island

Leaving the city means venturing deep into Madagascar’s iconic red-earth landscapes, dotted with green rice paddies . Here, the motorcycle becomes more than just a mode of transport; it’s a “marvelous excuse” for connection, a perfect “ice breaker”. The group stops to share pineapples and mangoes with children on the roadside, a simple and authentic first taste of connection .

One of the most powerful moments of the journey is an encounter with a craftswoman who spontaneously opens the doors of her humble home to the bikers. The exchange is powerful, a “timeless moment,” as Jody would later describe it. This is the magic of motorcycle travel: it allows you to “go everywhere,” far beyond the limits of mass tourism.

3. Girl Power and Empowerment

This Africa motorcycle tour also shines a light on the strength of its female riders. Charlotte, Martine, Isabelle, and Wendy ride with style, a “biker girl gang” that earns the admiration of local women. For them, seeing women command these machines is a symbol of boldness and empowerment.

As the miles pass, Charlotte’s doubts begin to fade. She stops questioning her status and begins to connect directly with the women she meets, no longer needing Reshad as a bridge. Martine, a retiree, emotionally shares what motorcycling means to her: it’s a powerful tool for liberation. This kind of motorbike tour, often seen as unattainable, is within reach for anyone who dares to want it.

4. A Journey Through Space and Time

The further the journey progresses, the more it becomes a return to the essence of human connection. A visit to a local school proves to be a powerful moment, especially for Wendy, a teacher herself . She speaks to the class, while Nick shares pictures of his hometown in England with the children outside.

The end of this motorcycle road trip is near. The faces are weathered and the bodies are tired, but their spirits are full. The riders have pushed themselves to the edge, embracing a core value of Vintage Rides. The journey culminates on the Mozambique Channel, with a final sunset bringing the adventure to a close.

The tears in Olivier’s eyes and the emotional words from Charlotte, Jody, and Reshad are a testament to the journey’s impact. As they all agree, you always leave changed by an experience like this. It challenges you, moves you, and transforms you forever.