Lisa & Simon Thomas share two-wheeler adventures across 80+ countries at Xposure 2025

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

At the 9th International Photography Festival (Xposure 2025), adventurers Lisa and Simon Thomas shared their incredible story of traveling the world on motorcycles. Over nearly two decades, the English couple covered 507,000 miles, turning personal struggles into an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, challenges, and photography.

A Journey That Changed Their Lives

What started as a simple one-year trip soon became a 17-year-long adventure. In total, they rode more than 500,000 miles—equivalent to circling the planet 20 times. But the beginning of their journey was far from easy.

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“Just 27 days after buying our dream motorcycles, I was hit by two cars,” Simon recalled. “The accident crushed my right lower leg, ankle, and foot. After two years of surgeries and recovery, we lost everything—except our bikes. So, we thought, why not go on an adventure?”

Back then, there was no Google Maps or social media to guide them. All they had were paper maps, a strong will, and a desire to see the world differently. “We weren’t professional travelers. We weren’t trained photographers. We just knew we wanted to explore,” Lisa explained.

Moments of Danger and Trust

Throughout their journey, they faced moments of danger, uncertainty, and trust. One of the scariest experiences happened deep in the Amazon jungle. Simon lost control of his bike and crashed into rocks. What he didn’t know at the time was that he had broken his neck in two places. With no medical help nearby, Lisa helped him through three exhausting weeks in the jungle. “She carried me, both physically and mentally,” Simon said, his voice filled with emotion.

In Mali, they reached a river crossing with no bridge or ferry. The only way to get across was a hollowed-out tree trunk. They had no choice but to hand over their valuable motorcycles to strangers and hope for the best. “We paid with two BMW key fobs, two dollars, and some soft cigarettes,” Simon laughed.

From Accidental Photographers to Global Storytellers

Photography was never part of their original plan. But as they traveled, they wanted to capture the beauty and emotions of the people they met. Over time, their photos gained recognition.

“We were just taking pictures to remember our journey,” Simon said. “Then one day, a company saw our photo and asked if they could use it for a national campaign. I asked how much they usually pay for something like this. They said $2,000. That’s when we realized—maybe we could make a living doing this.”

That moment changed everything. Lisa and Simon went on to become Nikon ambassadors, turning their passion into a profession. “Most of the time, we had no idea what we were doing,” Lisa admitted. “But if you want something, you’ll find a way. And if the path doesn’t exist, you create one.”

Their journey is proof that storytelling isn’t just about photos. It’s about the people you meet, the connections you make, and the experiences that shape you. Lisa and Simon Thomas started as ordinary travelers but became global storytellers—one mile, one photo, and one adventure at a time.

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