It’s a wrap in the Mongolian steppes

Mongolia seen by our tour leader Tuk

Tuk is a strapping 32-year-old guy who you may have met on a Mongolia motorcycle tour. Born in Ulan Bator, he lived in Nimes in France and now resides in London with his wife and small daughter. A former member of the foreign legion, Tuk is strong, both on his bike and in the Mongolian wrestling ring.

How was riding the new Royal Enfield Himalayan this season?

I loved the new motorcycles, they’re fantastic! They are really well suited to the terrain there. Over the years, we’ve improved our tour in the steppes, adding even more amazing off-road sections and these new Himalayans are just perfect. They are really at home in Mongolia. What’s more, they are a lot more comfortable than the Bullets and have an electric start!

What is your favourite moment from this season in Mongolia?

There are so many! It has been a wonderful season with a little taste of adversity, just as I like it! We cross the steppes where no one else goes, we're usually completely alone when we stop for breaks and picnics and we can stop where we want, even next to a nomad family’s yurt or fill up in the villages. But most of the time we are in the middle of nowhere and I love that. For me, the best thing about this summer was a tour that I led in July with a group of mates from New Caledonia while we were shooting with a film crew as we all had such a great laugh.

Do you have any funny stories about the shoot in July?

Summer is the best time for motorcycle tours in Mongolia because the temperature is pleasant. However, there is still a risk of rain in July and August. It was a real challenge for everyone, even the tour leaders! But these moments often make the best memories, especially when it is really muddy or the river is really high. Anyone who has experienced it will tell you that when it rains on the Mongolian tracks you’re guaranteed an adventure with a capital A, especially on the legendary off-road section leaving the Tsenkher hot springs. During the shoot, everyone fell off their bikes on the hill. Our mechanic calmly turned up in flip-flops and helped us get the bikes out of the mud. I could also tell you about when the cameraman Jules lost at Naadam in the Mongolian wrestling ring and his opponent ripped his trousers right off... But that’s another story!

Meet Tuk this winter for other motorcycle tours in Asia.