Go with the Flow - Ride2Kite and their life on two enduro bikes
Bee & Lobo sold everything, got on their KTM enduro bikes - and set off. Today, after a decade on the road and a base camp in the Caribbean later, they tell us why encounters are more valuable than any destination - and how to learn freedom and serenity on the road.
We talk to people who live their lives differently - consciously, courageously, sometimes radically. Not to impress. But to inspire, to question and to show: There is another way. And that's okay.
This is not about empty phrases. Not about gloss. It's about real answers - to the questions you ask yourself around the campfire when no one is making small talk anymore. Because when you're on the road, you have a lot to tell. And often more to give than you think.
"Go with the flow - then the right things automatically happen at the right time."
The two have been riding their KTM enduro bikes in South America since 2015. Not as record hunters, not to count kilometers or tick off a bucket list. But because they wanted to know what it feels like to let go of everything - routines, certainties, the life they are used to - and simply see what comes next.
A spontaneous departure turned into a new way of life: ten years, 140,000 kilometers, a base camp in the Caribbean - and countless encounters that became more important than any destination.
In this interview, Bee & Lobo talk about everyday life without a clock, about the freedom to take breaks and about the realization that serenity is sometimes the greatest adventure.
About you and your journey:
Tell us about yourselves: Who are you? How long have you been on the road? What have you already done? Where are you/living right now? And what's coming up next?
The Ride2Kite team can be explained quite quickly and simply: our passion is sport - everything that moves on two wheels - and water sports, of course. Formerly windsurfing, now kitesurfing. That's why we found our home here - in the middle of the Caribbean, in the beautiful and diverse Dominican Republic.
Our passion for enduro riding also took off here. Off-road - whenever possible. Once you've seen the hinterland, you'll quickly understand why. Immerse yourself in nature. Soaking up the culture, getting in touch with the real people.
We've been on the road as long-term travelers since 2015. We sold everything we could in Germany in order to take some start-up capital with us - without knowing whether we would even like this way of traveling. We kept one base in Germany, just in case. But our heads said: look ahead and let go. So we did it.
From Germany, we first went through Switzerland, France, Andorra, Spain and Portugal - and soon we knew: This is it. That suits us. The motorcycles also lived up to their promise. Two new KTM 690 Enduro R bikes that took us everywhere. We mastered even the wildest off-road crossings in the Pyrenees - and had fun, despite the challenges and luggage.
So it was clear: the bikes had to go to South America. First to Chile - we read and heard only good things: easy border crossings, vast countries, diversity from the Andes to the Amazon. Ten years have passed since then. 140,000 kilometers on each bike, the engines already half overhauled - and we love every single day on the road. No matter where. The main thing is to get out of the rut, out of the grind.
"We have nothing to prove to anyone - we live as we please."
Why haven't we gone further north yet? We've already planned to do that twice. But firstly, it's a math problem: nowadays, the cost of transferring the vehicles is considerably higher than it was back then. What's more, there are still areas we want to explore - even though we already know South America really well. Once around and right through. We now have contacts everywhere, the language is fluent, the hospitality is tremendous - and the highlights seem endless. Why move further north when we hear from all our colleagues: "We'll be back - this continent is simply amazing."
Do you remember the moment when you felt it for the first time? I want to get out. I want more out of life?
Part of us had been infected with this virus for a long time. And a virus spreads quickly when you have a partner who wants to join you. If you want to shape the future together, you have to find a way. Preferably at the same time, in the same place - and experience it together.
The job was no longer satisfying either. The years until retirement dragged on endlessly. So we asked ourselves the question: wait, work hard, ruin your health - or have fun and see what happens? You can always work. Age doesn't matter. We opted for plan B. And we don't regret a single day of it.
The idea came about almost incidentally - casually over the kitchen counter. Just take a break and see what happens. Traveling means getting creative, finding new passions, making new contacts.
"Sharing is the most fun - that's why we set off together."
It is our life. Life means living. There is a solution for everything. And finally you can find friends like you. A community, simple, rustic, back to the roots - with attention to detail. Material things are not important. The important thing is to shift the focus.
What does your everyday life on the road look like - or does it no longer exist?
Everyday life? What is it? After all these years, we've learned to take it easy.
We get up in the morning, see what the weather is like, how we feel - and then we decide: go on or stay. Sometimes it's all about spare parts or a garage. Sometimes it's about laundry, shopping or the question: where are we going next?
Many things used to be easier. Today you have to keep an eye on the political situation. Fuel? Guerrillas? Strikes? Roads blocked by landslides? All of this has long been part of our everyday lives. It's normal for us.
What has been the most beautiful place you've stayed in so far - and why?
There is no such thing as the most beautiful place for us. We fall in love again and again. It's the moments that stay with us. The people who grow close to our hearts. Encounters - with wildlife, with like-minded people. Experiences that often come completely out of the blue.
If you are under no time pressure, you can simply let these things happen. A tip from someone on the side of the road is often enough. As long as we have time, these are our highlights: visiting indigenous villages, observing condors, spending the night at lagoons under volcanoes. Discovering the puna, páramo and other landscapes. Sharing a cup of coffee with people, striking up a conversation - that can be energizing.
If you take the time, you live life. And you realize how high the stress level used to be. Our guiding principle: "Go with the flow" - then the right things happen at the right time.
"We could fill books with the generosity of our hosts."
Of course, we can list magical places in every country. But we have particularly taken Colombia and Venezuela to our hearts. Their way of life, their warmth - simply exemplary. Their language, their sayings, the lightness in their words - impressive. Many Europeans could learn from them.
Were there moments when you wanted to give up everything?
Not that we can remember, because somehow we're always lucky - even when things aren't so easy. We think very positively and always say: this must be the case now, that we are somehow heading towards something that will be a blast. It's true, that's our belief.
And if things get really uncomfortable on the road, we still have the option of parking the bikes legally and flying home. It's just great to know: There is a place where we like to stay, have our own bed and time doesn't matter.
Let's be honest: uncomfortable situations are part of life. Everyone experiences them, regardless of their lifestyle. We then say to ourselves: keep going. It keeps us happy, makes us curious and keeps us fit. We can rest when we are dead - now is the time to live and experience.
If you could give your former "self" a sentence before you set off - what would it be?
Why not earlier? But we know the answer too. Raising children and creating a foundation - that makes life easier on the road.
The question everyone is asking:
How do you finance this life? And how do you deal with the uncertainty that may come with it?
Without passive income, it will be difficult from today's perspective. Online jobs are not feasible for everyone: Internet, time difference - all that makes it complicated. Many colleagues work here and there while traveling, but after two years it's usually over. Money worries put an end to the journey. Because even if you live cheaply, it always costs something. And once you've been on the road for a while, it's difficult to get back into the old system in your country of origin. Who wants that? A certain basic income is therefore not a bad move.
We ourselves have sold all our possessions in Germany - house, contents, vehicles. At the same time, we reinvested in apartments because we didn't know at the time whether we would really like life on two wheels. That way, if we had any doubts, we immediately had a place to retreat to. Today, we rent out these apartments. Today we rent out these apartments. For our two grown-up children, this is their home at the moment - and for us, it's the basis for being able to travel freely and without worries.
Being on the road as a life principle: what does traveling mean to you - beyond postcard motifs and bucket lists?
For us, traveling means experiencing real, genuine life. We know enough about postcard destinations - it's usually just good marketing behind them. And we've often been disappointed.
Has being on the road changed your view of the world?
Absolutely. We are close to people and their living conditions and are often amazed at how they cope with things. You can't let people put you down from above - that only destroys your own being.
The world is beautiful. But sometimes you have to stand up for those who don't have a voice. When the rainforest is cut down or the sea is poisoned, you can't look away. Then it's time for us to show what's happening outside.
"The world is beautiful, but sometimes you have to stand up for the minority."
Are there any encounters that have particularly shaped or changed you? One that you will never forget?
Oh yes, many. Above all, the generosity of our hosts - time and time again. Unbelievable.
We could fill books with them. These experiences make us more grateful and we carry them into our everyday lives. And we often ask ourselves: why did we grow up in a system where everything has to be doubly secure? Where freedom is limited from an early age and you are hardly allowed to develop?
There are so many organizational talents out there, people who live on the sidelines - and still master everything. Why not us too?
What role does "home" play for you - and where would you say today: I'm staying here?
Good question. Home is where the family is - no matter where. When we're on the road, we always look to see if somewhere might feel like a new home. But to be honest: not yet.
Our family is international. And we all know where our "magic place" is. When we want to recharge our batteries, need to recover or want some family time, we go to the island - to the Dominican Republic. Take a deep breath, visit friends, do sport, discover new things.
The sea is our best friend. And the grandchildren have their roots here, their stories, their cradle, their names.
Is there anything you've let go of along the way - and don't miss?
We are now very adaptable. If we find a good place, a supermarket, a stove and a fridge, we sometimes stay there for a few days longer.
We've mainly let go of the time and the day of the week. That no longer plays a role. We live with the sun - and that's great. Strict planning? Not necessary. Just see what the day brings.
Serenity is one of the biggest advantages of traveling. We have nothing to prove to anyone. We live as we please.
What do you want to leave behind - not in the sand, but with the people you meet?
Good vibes, inspiration, hope. Many people remember us when we come back after a year or two. The name is still there - a sign that we were able to leave a mark and motivate someone.
We also often receive feedback on social media. That makes us particularly happy. Everyone with their own means - and that's exactly what's nice. It fulfills us.
"It's the moments that stay with you, it's the people who grow close to your heart."
What drives you when things get tough?
We are a team. We walk the path together - no matter what happens. Everyone gets hit once, you have to get through it. And we know that: After every valley comes another mountain.
What else do you dream of - personally, honestly?
We dream of growing old together in good health. And of the opportunity to pass on our experiences - to anyone who wants to accept them.
Have you come across a project, an initiative or a person who is getting things moving? Or have you started something yourself that is more than just your own adventure?
We have two projects that are with us permanently. One is in Nazca, Peru - the Pachamama orphanage, run by a German lady called Nicky. She used to be Maria Reiche's right-hand woman.
We have been friends with Nicky and Rodolfo, the founders of this association, for many years and are in close contact with them, so we know the difficulties they face every day in Peru.
We have also been there several times and have seen what happens there - with how much love and selflessness these children are given a life. More information: asociacion-pachamama.de
Pachamama can use all the support it can get and it goes straight to the children. Any help helps to give these children a perspective - be it education, a safe home or sometimes just one more warm meal.
If you would like to support this project close to our hearts, you can help directly and tangibly:
Donation account:
Asociación Pachamama e.V.
Frankfurter Volksbank eG
IBAN: DE51 5019 0000 6000 5757 70
BIC: FFVBDEFF
We are also newly involved with organizations in Ecuador: @amazonfrontlines and @allianzaceibo. You can also find all the information there. Creating a little awareness for our planet is a must.
Highly recommended is the book by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson: We Will Be Jaguars. It explains the situation impressively.
In the end, it's not just about traveling, but about leaving our mark - on people, on projects, and maybe even a little bit on the world. Come with us virtually on our travels, follow