He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
Muhammad Ali
About me
I’m Dominik, a German solo motorcycle adventure rider driven by an insatiable curiosity for life. Exploring new countries, connecting with diverse people, and immersing myself in different cultures are my passions. I thrive on independence, cherishing moments in close contact with nature and its elements—whether it’s the wind, rain, sunshine, clouds, or fog—that truly make me feel alive.
My Story
Born in 1981 in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany, a town once humorously dubbed the “ugliest city in Germany” (which officially won an award in 2018!), my family sought escape through travel, often venturing to beautiful countries across Europe like France and Italy during my early years.
Ludwigshafen is that ugly, 90 % of their commuters don’t return after the end of the day
Christian Ehring, NDR
Perhaps it was this early exposure that ignited my lifelong passion for travel and adventure. Growing up, motorcycles were already in my blood; my father’s racing days on the Nürburgring sparked an early interest in me.
At 18, I obtained my driver’s license and purchased my first true motorcycle, a Kawasaki Ninja 600 F. Shortly thereafter, I embarked on my inaugural motorcycle adventure to Lake Garda, Italy, marking the beginning of my love affair with two-wheeled exploration.
Alongside my motorcycle passion, I pursued environmental sciences in Landau, Germany. During my studies, a thirst for adventure led me to a six-month stint in the UK and later back to Ludwigshafen for my diploma thesis in the chemical industry—where it all began.
Seeking broader horizons, I moved to Switzerland to launch an international career in life sciences. Travel, both for business and pleasure, continued to define my lifestyle, until I realized that work-life balance needed a reset. At 35, after a decade in the corporate world and completing my MBA, I bid farewell to my former life and embraced the unknown, following my heart into new adventures.
What started as a three-month backpacking trip in 2016 turned into a 2.5-year journey around the world. Early on, while exploring Southeast Asia, I discovered that backpacking and public transport didn’t suit my independent spirit. Thus, I bought my second “official” motorcycle, a Honda Win, and traversed Vietnam and Laos overland.
My next chapter unfolded in New Zealand, where I converted a Nissan Caravan into a DIY mobile home. It became one of my most cherished experiences, exploring the stunning landscapes of this beautiful country on 4 wheels.
Inspired by Che Guevara’s motorcycle diaries, my next adventure beckoned in South America. I flew to Brazil, purchased a BMW GS, affectionately named “Fury,” and embarked on an epic journey spanning the length of the Americas.
My sabbatical wasn’t just a remarkable adventure; it was a profound journey of self-discovery. In those two and a half years, I learned more about myself than in the previous 37, a transformative experience that continues to shape my perspective on life.
Get you going
If you are visiting zenmotero for the first time, read here some of my favourite articles to get you going.
How to buy a motorcycle in Brazil – Making the Impossible, Possible
The Pantanal in Brazil – On the Hunt for the Mighty Jaguar
Previous Adventures
Before I overlanded the Americas with my adventure motorcycle, I traveled Asia with a small Honda Win or built my own campervan in New Zealand.
Motorcycle Adventure Travel in Asia – Laos on a Honda Win
A Photography Tour Along the Railroads of Hanoii, Vietnam
How to built a Camper Van in 3 Weeks – Project DIY
The Great Ocean Road – One of the World’s Most Beautiful Road Trips
