A SOUTH Norfolk couple in the middle of a round-the-world motorcycle adventure have just finished the North and South American leg of the epic journey.

A SOUTH Norfolk couple in the middle of a round-the-world motorcycle adventure have just finished the North and South American leg of the epic journey.

Former police officers Lesley and Nick Poole, from Harts Farm, Wymondham, set off on their BMW GS1150 Adventure in June 2006.

They are aiming to cover 200,000 miles on their global trek and have so far clocked up 57,000 miles.

After flying to Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada, they rode their bike through more than 15 countries including the United States, Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Chile before they flew to New Zealand on February 13.

“It is with mixed emotions that we hastily said farewell to the Americas,” wrote Mrs Poole in her diary entry on their webpage dedicated to their dream trip.

“We have had 19 fantastic months travelling from north to south of the continent, everyday experiencing something new or making new acquaintances and friends, but… a new continent is waiting to be discovered.

“We both agree that we now have that great feeling of satisfaction and achievement that we were expecting to feel when we arrived at Ushuaia having completed the 'end to end.'”

To get to New Zealand the couple faced an arduous task arranging for their beloved bike to be flown to the country and pass through customs.

Mr Poole wrote on their webpage: “Having been separated for seven days I felt like an expectant father as I waited outside the warehouse for my bike, the joy of getting my bike back was awesome!

“I unwrapped it, pumped up the tyres, fuelled it up, connected the battery, replaced the screen and mirrors and rode out of the compound a happy man.

“The Pooles are now back on the road, albeit on the left-hand side of the road for the first time since July 2006, so it could be fun, watch this space!”

After exploring New Zealand and Australia Mr and Mrs Poole will ship their bike to Asia where they will pass through countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

They will then ride or fly across Pakistan and Iran to Turkey where they will begin their travels through Europe.

To read updates on Mr and Mrs Poole's adventures visit www.pooleglobaltrek.com