What do the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Nelson, and a 271-mile motorcycle challenge across England have in common?
Well, quite a lot, as you’ll discover in ABR’s brand-new adventure film, The Trafalgar Challenge, available to watch now on YouTube HERE.
It all began back in 1805, when the British fleet defeated the French and Spanish at the Battle of Trafalgar. It was one of the most important naval victories in British history. But Admiral Nelson was dead, and nobody back home knew what had happened.
There was no telephone, no internet, and certainly no WhatsApp. Someone needed to get the news to London. Fast. Enter Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotière, a Royal Navy officer with one hell of a journey ahead of him.
His mission? Race from Falmouth in Cornwall to the Admiralty in London, changing horses along the way, to deliver news that would shake the nation. But there was a catch. Another naval officer was trying to steal his glory.
More than 200 years later, we decided to recreate his extraordinary journey. On motorcycles, obviously. And we’ve made a film of the whole adventure, which you can watch below.
Could we complete the Trafalgar Challenge?
The rules were simple. At least on paper. 271 miles. 39 historic plaques. 37 hours. No motorways or dual carriageways.
Our mission was to follow Lapenotière’s original route as closely as possible, finding all 39 bronze plaques commemorating his journey along the way.
And we had to reach London before the clock ran out. Suddenly, 271 miles didn’t seem quite so straightforward.
What followed was a race against time across England, some brilliant motorcycle riding, and a fascinating journey through a chapter of British history that deserves to be far better known.
And somewhere along the way, we discovered that one of Britain’s most remarkable historical journeys also makes for a cracking motorcycle adventure.
But did we find all 39 plaques? And could we complete the challenge within 37 hours? There’s only one way to find out.
Get the GPX file for The Trafalgar Challenge
So, put the kettle on, get comfortable, and join us for the most remarkable motorcycle challenge you’ve never heard of.
It’s part adventure, part history, and a challenge I’d highly recommend attempting yourself. You’ll find a GPX file for the entire route in the video description on YouTube to do just that.
