Meet the Maker
Clive Barber: The Voice, Vision, and Community Behind the UK’s Adventure‑Motorcycling Storytelling Boom
If you spend any time in the UK adventure‑motorcycling world, one name keeps popping up with the consistency of a well‑packed pannier: Clive Barber. Rider, storyteller, festival director, and co‑host of one of the most globally loved trail‑riding podcasts, Clive has become a central figure in shaping how the community shares its stories — both through audio and on the big screen.
This is the story of how The Trail & Adventure Motorbike Podcast and The Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival became two pillars of modern moto‑culture, and how Clive Barber sits right at the heart of both.
The Trail & Adventure Motorbike Podcast: Where Riders Become Storytellers
The Trail & Adventure Motorbike Podcast began as a simple idea: two mates talking about bikes, trails, mishaps, and the kind of stories you only hear when helmets are off and pints are poured. But under Clive’s co‑hosting and production, it evolved into something much bigger.
What Makes the Podcast Special
- Authenticity — Clive’s warm, humorous, pub‑banter style makes every episode feel like you’re sitting at the table with him.
- Global reach — The show is now listened to in over 140 countries, proving that good storytelling travels as far as any RTW rider.
- Community focus — From everyday trail riders to legends like Charley Boorman and Patsy Quick, Clive brings out the human side of adventure.
- Filmmaker platform — Many of the filmmakers later featured at the festival first appeared on the podcast, making it a launchpad for creative voices.
On‑Air Magic
Clive has a knack for drawing out the story behind the story — the fear, the joy, the breakdowns, the breakthroughs. His interviews aren’t just Q&As; they’re conversations that reveal why people ride, not just where they ride.
The podcast didn’t just grow an audience. It grew a community.
The Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival: A Home for Moto Storytelling
In 2026, Clive Barber and Simon Josey launched something the UK had been missing for years: a dedicated festival celebrating motorcycle‑adventure filmmaking. Hosted at Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre, the Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival (AMFF) quickly became a cultural landmark.
What Clive Brought to the Festival
- Curatorial vision — From 50+ submissions, Clive helped select the 10–12 films that best captured the spirit of adventure.
- Judging leadership — He oversees categories like Best Feature, Best Short, People’s Choice, and Best Non‑Professional Film.
- Story‑first philosophy — Clive champions films that explore new territory “geographically, emotionally, or conceptually.”
- Community building — AMFF isn’t just a screening event; it’s a gathering place for riders, filmmakers, and dreamers.
Why AMFF Matters
Adventure‑motorcycling has always been rich with stories — but scattered. AMFF gives those stories a home, a spotlight, and a celebration. Under Clive’s direction, the festival has become the UK’s leading platform for moto‑travel filmmaking, filling the gap left by broader adventure‑travel festivals and focusing purely on motorcycle journeys.
How the Podcast and Festival Intertwine
- Clive’s two worlds feed each other beautifully:
- Filmmakers appear on the podcast, then premiere at the festival.
- Festival films inspire new podcast episodes.
- The podcast’s global audience boosts the festival’s reach.
- The festival’s creative energy fuels new conversations on the show.
Together, they form a storytelling ecosystem — one that Clive has nurtured with passion, humour, and a deep love for the adventure‑riding community.
Impact on the Adventure‑Motorcycling World
Clive isn’t just a host or a festival director. He’s a connector — someone who brings riders, filmmakers, and fans together through shared stories.
His work has:
- Elevated grassroots filmmakers
- Given everyday riders a voice
- Created a new cultural event for the UK moto scene
- Strengthened the global adventure‑riding community
- Inspired thousands of listeners and viewers to chase their own adventures
And he’s done it all with the same spirit that defines the best motorcycle journeys: curiosity, camaraderie, and a willingness to explore.
What’s Next
With the podcast continuing to grow and AMFF becoming a yearly highlight, Clive’s influence is only expanding. More films, more stories, more riders discovering their voice — and more people discovering the joy of adventure motorcycling through the platforms he’s built.
If you’re part of this world, chances are Clive Barber has already shaped your experience. And if you’re not yet, he’s one of the best guides you could ask for.
