At home with Elspeth Beard: Part one

Back in 1982, Elspeth Beard was just 23, living as a student in London and halfway through an architecture degree when she decided to embark on her record-making adventure around the world.

To set the wheels in motion, Elspeth started work in a pub, saved up £2,500 and bought a 1974 BMW R60/6 with 45,000 miles on it for £900.

Armed with just her bike tools and a few clothes, she headed to New York and from there, followed wherever the warmer weather took her.

It’s a story that is in stark contrast to today’s world, where every memory can be documented online and every journey planned to perfection.

Watch our three-part interview and take a step back in time…