Ed Nell catches up with Andy Ibbott as he talks about life after stroke through the lens of constant challenges, zip-lining in Wales, tackling Hadrian’s Wall, open-water swimming, and getting back on a motorbike. Andy reflects on his pre-stroke mindset from magazine test days and the California Superbike School, and how that same drive now fuels carefully adapted goals. He’s frank about the graft it takes, from a painful London-to-Paris ride not long after his stroke to relearning how his body behaves on a bike and the mental shift required to “deal with it” rather than wish it away. Beyond personal feats, Andy shares wins from his coaching of young riders and his growing speaking work. The thread running through it all: try it, adapt, and keep going.Key TakeawaysPushing limits, then and now: From 225mph test days and near-record runs to post-stroke adventures, the instinct to edge the limit remains, only now with deliberate adaptation.Acceptance and adaptation: Early rides post-stroke exposed unexpected quirks (like drifting left); progress began when he decided he couldn’t change the stroke, only how he’d deal with it.Coaching impact: Despite earlier worries about speech, Andy returned to trackside coaching, helping youngsters to championship titles and supporting riders across BSB and WorldSBK classes.Speaking & books: His talks span stroke, motorbike craft, and elite riders; he’s also planning an updated edition of Performance Riding Techniques with fresh chapters.Core message: Try it, pass or fail, because the act of trying moves you forward.Best Moments“Each challenge is… different for me with half a body… Hadrian’s Wall… won’t be as hard physically; mentally it will be.”“London–Paris… like riding a push bike with a dummy leg… so painful… but I kept on going.”“I didn’t accept it until probably five years down the line… then things became a challenge.”“It helps me to help them”—on why coaching riders from six-year-olds to superbike classes still lights him up.About Andy IbbottAndy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi. After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables. A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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