From a Sidecar to Armchair: How It All Began 🏍️🌍
Two blokes, one scooter and sidecar, and a rather ambitious idea to ride around the world. What could possibly go wrong?!
Around this time nine years ago, Matt and Reece (aka The Sidecar Guys) were setting off on an adventure that would eventually lead to something neither of them could have imagined: Armchair Adventure Festival!
Armed with a scooter, a sidecar and not a huge amount of motorcycling experience, the pair waved goodbye to life as they knew it and headed off around the world, raising awareness of modern slavery along the way.
Were they prepared? Debatable.
Were they excited? Absolutely.
Were there a few tears before they'd even properly got going? Quite possibly.
And within a week, they were already missing their mums. 😂
A Few Adventures Along the Way…
As you can imagine, travelling around the world on a scooter and sidecar wasn't always plain sailing.
There were breakdowns, freezing temperatures, challenging roads and plenty of moments that probably seemed like a good idea at the time.
But there were also some unforgettable highlights.
🏍️ Breaking down in Ethiopia: What started as a bit of a disaster turned into a proud moment when the boys managed to fix the bike themselves. Who needs a mechanic anyway? (Them, quite often.)
🏔️ Tackling the Lagunas Route: Taking a sidecar off-road through some seriously spectacular scenery, 16,000ft above sea level. FYI this was not a great idea as apparently the scooter and sidecar outfit needed oxygen to run... who knew?!
🥶 Crossing Siberia in minus 40°C: Frozen eyelashes, frozen everything else and the enormous relief of returning with all four nipples still intact.
So, How Did a Sidecar Adventure Turn Into a Festival?
Fast-forward a few years to 2020.
The world had come to a standstill. Travel plans were on hold, adventures were cancelled and many were spending a rather alarming amount of time binging Netflix and learning Tik Tok dances.
Like so many people, Matt and Reece were missing adventure, the people they'd met along the way and the brilliant stories that came with it.
Then they had an idea, one of those ideas that keeps you awake at night until you finally do something about it.
What if they got a bunch of adventurers together online, shared some brilliant stories and gave everyone something to do other than bake their 47th loaf of banana bread?
And so, the very first Armchair Adventure Festival was born!
More than 40,000 people joined the online adventure weekend, tuning in to hear incredible stories from adventurers around the world.
Some camped in their gardens. Others pitched tents in their living rooms. And many joined in with the now rather legendary (and slightly chaotic) Big Fat Quiz of Adventure.
It was a little bit ridiculous, a whole lot of fun and exactly what everyone needed.
From Living Rooms to a Field in Cornwall
After the success of the online festival, people started asking whether Armchair could happen again.
And, more importantly, whether everyone could actually get together in person.
Well, one thing led to another…
And Armchair Adventure Festival found its home at the beautiful Mount Edgcumbe Country Park in Cornwall.
What began as an online gathering has grown into a weekend packed with adventure talks, films, hands-on workshops, live music, camping and plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people.
It's a place for seasoned explorers, weekend wanderers, families, first-time adventurers and anyone who enjoys a good story.
And while the festival has grown, the idea behind it hasn't really changed.
#GetOutDoStuff. Come back with a tale that'll have us on the edge of our seats.
And the Adventure Continues…
Nine years on from that first slightly questionable decision to ride around the world, Matt and Reece are still bringing people together through adventure.
Only these days, there are a few more tents, a festival pub and a whole lot more people involved!
A huge thank you to everyone who's been part of the journey so far, whether you joined that first online festival, have been coming to Mount Edgcumbe for years or have only just discovered Armchair.
Here's to more adventures, big and small!
Fancy joining us for the next one?
Armchair Adventure Festival returns to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park in July 2027, and early bird tickets are on sale now (but they won't be around for long!)
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