When I was introduced to xBhp about 8 years ago, I was a novice in motorcycling and traveling. But what inspired me to take the art of motorcycling seriously was many enthusiasts on xBhps, who with whatever machines they could have, were posting detailed motorcycle journeys. Reading them, virtually experiencing their journeys, was a favorite pastime and very inspiring at the same time, compelling me, and I believe many others, to get out of our little nests and explore the world.

These travelogues helped to understand nitty-gritties of motorcycling, right from preparing for the journey like packing & mounting the luggage, safety measures like safety gears, preparing the rider and the machine, selecting the route, thrills, mistakes, lessons learnt during the journey, stays, food...and so on.

Best part was riders took time out of their busy schedule to share their stories. That clearly showed that they cared for the community. They cared to share at the expense of their time.

I am not saying that only travelogues did this. Other threads also did this and are continuing to do so. But, according to me, travelogues attracted most attention as that gave lot of insights into capability of a machine & possibilities for a rider.

I see motorcycle traveling has increased exponentially over last few years. Earlier a luggage bound motorcyclist was a rare and thrilling sight. Now, its a common sight. Business ventures selling motorcycling gears and accessories have grown manifold. But what has reduced is the excitement to share.

I know, many will say we have Vlogs to take of this, now. But I see very few can produce a quality vlog as I feel it is more time and resource consuming. With advent of go pros/ action cameras, many have pounced on Vlogs. Add to it, youtube also brings the angle of financial income as well. But, very few, well financed channels are able to generate Vlogs with quality content and they try to pack lot of content in a 15 minutes video. Also many who started their channels as enthusiastic riders have got diverted and now those channels have become more of a lifestyle channels with less focus on rides and machines. Because it is no longer about rides, it's about views and money. Also, it becomes more of looking cool, acting energetic and sounding way more enthusiastic to push the channel.

Also, many top class riders have either moved on from the scene of motorcycling or are too busy due to life's grind which only increases as one ages with more responsibility to shoulder.

But, as the new gen of riders take over and rule the roost, I hope the tradition of writing/ publishing travelogues is revived, along with Vlogs (I have nothing against them).
Don't forget, no matter how many videos are published, books still rule.

Link to the travelogues which inspired me to take motorcycling as a passion:

Road to ST7 | Thrills of Touring