COLD ROADS,
WARM ENGINES
A winter drop of routes, diaries, and cinematic cuts — built for riders who chase the quiet.
WINTER CHANGES YOUR ATTENTION
Island life is incredible in the summer. We are incredibly lucky to be able to call Jersey home, however in the winter it’s a different game altogether. The routes that we ride don’t change, the people are the same and the coffee stops are still as regular but it’s your attention that changes. As we are surrounded by the ocean, the air is cold and wet, which when on the bike keeps you on your toes. Even on short rides you feel like your on an adventure, with extra supplies and layers to get you home in one piece. It’s amazing when the conditions become more challenging, you and your bike become more or a team, with a connection that not many people can understand.
Winter doesn’t make you faster. It makes you present.
THE NIGHT BEFORE
Whether it’s a long or short ride the following day, there’s always a bit of excitement. A little bit of planning is always needed. The workshop is normally quiet, with a few spanner checks and last minute preparations. Chain, pressures, lights but you’re really doing something else. Tyring to find a reason to leave now!
ROLLING OUT
Turning the key and seeing those dials come to life means it’s time to leave. The first few miles are always stiff. Your body asks questions that your mind can’t answer yet. It always takes you a couple of miles to settle in and relax. Then before you know it the engine is feeling smooth and your hands find the rhythm. Your shoulders loosen and the world becomes simple again.
WHEN THE RIDE TURNS PERSONAL
You can tell when a ride becomes personal. It happens quietly. If you’re just riding and seeing where the road takes you, you normally end up being drawn to your favourite place. Your favourite view, beach, headland, forest or food stop. Somewhere that allows you to relax and unwind, which normally means a bike selfie or two. Standard biker stuff. The ride home however is always important. The cold winter air is very honest as you can’t fake comfort. You can’t pretend you’re not tired. The road always asks for your full attention and if it has been a long day in the saddle this is where accidents can happen. Having said that, being fully focused gives you silence that feels earned.
SALT AIR, STEEL HANDS
As you pull into the workshop, kick the stand down and hear the engine utter its final breath, the silence hits you hard. Your brain slows to a normal pace and the adrenaline pours out of you. I always take time to reflect and appreciate what I have and where I am. If we get to spend our free time doing things like this we are amongst the lucky ones. As I walk away, I take the obligatory final look back at the bike and then slide down the shutter door. Until next time.
FEATURED IN THIS STORY
Shop the pieces featured in this story—tested on real miles, not in a studio.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JAMES WALKER
James Walker is an ex-professional racing driver with an obsession for motorcycles, speed and fashion. Drawing inspiration from years spent around motorsport, he now focuses on custom motorcycle culture, and has built a reputation around authenticity, individuality and following his new passion, whether that’s on the track, on two wheels, or through the brands and communities he creates.
