An Indian content creator who had his motorbike stolen while undertaking a round‑the‑world challenge in the UK has been given a replacement bike after his story attracted international attention.
Yogesh Alekari, who had ridden about 15,000 miles through 17 countries before arriving in Nottingham, had his black, white and orange KTM 390 Adventure taken while it was parked in Wollaton Park on 28 August. The Off Road Centre in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, stepped in to donate and kit out a replacement motorcycle, which Mr Alekari collected on Thursday, though he cannot ride it immediately because his passport and driving licence were stolen with the bike.
Mr Alekari had been documenting the journey for an online audience of more than 180,000 Instagram followers and 16,000 Facebook followers. He said the theft also cost him luggage containing documents and about £15,000 worth of personal belongings. After the incident, he received messages offering practical help, clothing and even replacement motorbikes, including an offer from the production company behind the Long Way Home television series.
"After 10 days, I can smile. I never expected this kind of support — what can I say? I am speechless," Mr Alekari said. The Off Road Centre's managing director, Benjamin Ledwidge, said the business felt compelled to act because Nottingham is their home town and they wanted to help the traveller get back on the road.
Mr Alekari said he had bought the stolen bike in April after four years of planning and had ridden through countries including Iran, Nepal, China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before entering Europe and continuing through Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the UK. He plans to continue through about 30 more countries and hopes to head south through Europe into Africa once he has the necessary paperwork and insurance in place to ride the new bike.
Nottinghamshire Police said they located and arrested an 18‑year‑old man in Doncaster on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and other offences. Officers recovered a firearm, an extendable baton and quantities of cannabis from a property in Doncaster, and the man was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. Police said they are still trying to trace the stolen motorcycle.
The Off Road Centre has also offered to store Mr Alekari's original bike should it be recovered by police. Mr Ledwidge said the centre planned to follow Mr Alekari's journey as he resumed his challenge.
Mr Alekari said there remain administrative hurdles: because his passport and licence were taken, paperwork will keep him "on two feet, not two wheels" for a few weeks. He said he will pack the replacement bike and continue his route as soon as he is fully insured and able to travel. The donation and public response followed a wave of offers of assistance after news of the theft spread online and in the media.
The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of long‑distance travellers who rely on their vehicles and documents while crossing multiple countries. Local police continue to investigate the theft and seek to locate the original KTM that was taken from Wollaton Park on 28 August.