Henry Cole’s love of bikes has manifested in a plethora of TV shows in the last three decades.Fans have grown to love his easygoing personality and his adventures on the open road.
He arrived in South Africa, again, to shoot three episodes for his forthcoming instalment of World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides.
I got to meet this revered TV presenter on his 54th birthday, which he was most nonchalant about. He took a few minutes to try to mentally tally the countries he’s been to.
Some more snaps from @HenryColeTV and the team as they bike through some of South Africa's lesser known provinces, filming for @TravelChannelUK's popular series 'The World's Greatest Motorcycle Rides.’ #MeetSouthAfrica🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/7hvb6VvbfF
— South Africa Tourism (@VisitSA_UK) February 28, 2018
“I’ve been doing this for about 32 years now,” he says. “I’ve done about 40 countries. I prefer the feeling of being in a frontier country.” He reflects: “I have travelled to Croatia, former Yugoslavia and Latvia, for example. You feel the different culture here.
“They have a unique way of doing things. I learn little bits but I know I’m never going to get under their skin. That just means I have to return to learn more.”
“There are countries that are full of surprises. America is about Los Angeles, New York and the movies,” he continues. “But the majority of America is a very deprived and poor country.
“You ride across and you see things you wouldn’t believe is happening in this most capitalist country in the world.
Some more snaps from @HenryColeTV and the team as they bike through some of South Africa's lesser known provinces, filming for @TravelChannelUK's popular series 'The World's Greatest Motorcycle Rides.’ #MeetSouthAfrica🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/7hvb6VvbfF
— South Africa Tourism (@VisitSA_UK) February 28, 2018
“There are people living in caravans in the middle of the desert, with no running water. I know there are people living in much worse conditions around the world, but I’m trying to point out that you don’t get to see the real America.
“Hence why I’ve ridden Route66 three times. It’s 3500 miles long (5630km). Every time I see something different.
“I learn more about that culture. It’s the same with South Africa. I learn about the indigenous languages here. I try and speak some of them but I’m useless.”
Left Rorkes Drift behind and now having #lunch in Clarens. Golden Gate looking stunning with great colours of Gold and Green. @VisitSA_UK @SouthAfrica @HenryColeTV @SafariTart @SANParksGGHNP @SANParks @JofamaMC #Lindstrand #travelchanel pic.twitter.com/nDMzAe5M8T
— Alex J Jackson (@KaapstadTours) February 27, 2018
In general, Cole steers clear of places that have been commercialised as it dilutes the authenticity of the place.
When it comes to cuisine, if he’s working, he sticks to a plain-old cheese-and-ham sandwich and a bottle of sparkling water.
But if he is on holiday, he gets a bit more adventurous.
He admits: “I’ve got to put my hands up here. I will very much eat culinary delights (like street food), to a degree. When I’m working, play it safe. But, if I’m on holiday, I will sample the food of different cultures.”
Reflecting on some of his most remarkable road trips to date, he says: “I would like to say that every trip is unforgettable because I chose it.
“Riding in Italy is amazing. The centre of Spain, which is so gloriously rustic and beautiful, is unforgettable. Riding in France, Norway, Sweden, Finland and from Sydney to Perth.”
As for his must-haves when he travels, he admits he takes the usual, a credit card and mobile phone. “And because I’ve stayed at some pretty horrible hotels, I carry my battery-operated clip-on bedside light. The moment it goes on, I can cosy up and feel like I’m at home. The other thing is instant coffee.”
In the meantime, he’s enjoying exploring more of South Africa’s picturesque routes before heading back home to shoot a few of his other TV shows, including a one-hour documentary on the history of Harley Davidson in Milwaukee.