Classic Chrome with Ron Fellowes of Old Bloke on a Bike

Special Guests: Ron Fellowes, author of No Room for Watermelons, veteran motorcycle traveler

Many people dream of one day getting on their motorcycle and setting out to see the world, but not enough of us get that opportunity. This week on Classic Chrome, we are honored to be joined by one man who took such a journey; aboard a now 105 year old motorcycle. In 2012, 68 year old Ron Fellowes of Brisbane, Australia set out to ride his 1910 Fabrique Nationale (FN) Four Cylinder motorcycle more than 9,000 miles from Kathmandu to the factory where it originated in Belguim. Over eight months, Ron’s journey took him through 15 countries and challenged every mechanical part on his machine as well as every fiber of his being. Through his journey, Fellowes traveled across some of the most hostile territory in the world while battling mechanical failures in the face of treacherous environmental conditions and dangerous bystanders. Ron’s pilgrimage brought him to some of the most beautiful parts of the globe, as well as brought him literally within sight of death. With no gears, pedal cranks, and lack of appropriate brakes, Effie, Ron’s 1910 FN made the trip ever more difficult. Despite these tough factors though, Ron and Effie traveled across the globe in the ultimate test of man and machine; a trip only made possible by his own dedication and the unending help of his wife Lynne and generosity of complete strangers.  After the trip was completed, Ron and Lynne compiled their documentation and commentary on the ultimate journey of a lifetime into an incredible book: “No Room for Watermelons: A man, his 1910 motorcycle, and an epic journey across the world”. 

Ron Fellowes Website: www.oldblokeonabike.com