Chris McCormack has been one of Overland Expo’s most popular instructors at our EAST event for several years now, so we were thrilled when he told us he was planning to do a cross-country trip this summer and hit as many Overland Expos as he could. Chris is a seasoned travel photographer, motivational speaker and humanitarian who has explored more than 30 countries in the past decade. As a speaker, Chris says his “seminars and presentations are designed to transport audiences into different cultures, encouraging personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.” You can learn more about Chris, his photography, and the immersive tours he leads around the world at TheChrisMcCormack.net. Attendees at Overland Expo WEST, Pacific Northwest, Mountain West and EAST will be able to hear Chris speak about his adventures in Iceland, Mongolia and Guatemala. Chris will also lead seminars on adventure photography and solo travel. To learn more about Chris, continue reading below.
Q&A with Chris McCormack:
Tell us about your rig:
2024 Shineray Mustang XY200 – Chinese motorcycle
You can find “better” or more luxurious motorcycles to buy or rent in Mongolia but believe it or not, it might not be in your best interest. If you’re riding in the Steppe of Mongolia, you won’t find any Jiffy Lubes or Advance Auto Parts! All of the nomads who live in the steppe, have the exact same motorcycle! So, if your motorcycle breaks down, you crash, or need to change a blinker, with the Shinery Mustang, you can ask the nomads for help, and 99/100 times, they will be there for you.
All-time favorite campsite:
Mogollon Rim, Coconino National Forest, Payson, AZ, USA
What’s your go-to overlanding meal?
When I’m in the USA – chicken quesadillas
When I was in Mongolia – Goat & Tuna
Best silver-lining story?
In 2016, I landed in Myanmar and went to the ATM at the airport to withdraw local currency, the Kyat. I had just lost TWO debit cards in Bali. I was down to only my credit card. But… when I went to the ATM, it asked me for a pin number… What?! I don’t have a pin number for my credit card! I couldn’t withdraw any money! At the time, debit/credit cards weren’t widely accepted yet so I asked the taxi’s for a quick ride into town and once I figured out my finances I’d give them 10x the amount. As if I told the funniest joke, they laughed so hard at me and pointed to my gold chain as payment for a $5 ride.
With really no other options to get into town, I decided to start walking along the highway. Taxi after taxi would pull over to give me a ride but when I signaled, “No. Money.” with my hands, they sped off.
The 13th taxi driver pulled over and asked me for a ride. At this point, I was losing patience from explaining the same thing, the suffocating humidity, and thick exhaust from the shifting trucks driving by me.
The driver of the 13th taxi spoke English and said, “No problem, get in.” After triple checking and making it 100% clear I had no money to give him, I got in the taxi.
To make a long story short, while I waited for my debit card to be mailed to Myanmar from New Jersey, we spent the next seven days together. He took me to as he said, “special places every tourist needs to see if visiting Myanmar”. He bought and snacks water for me. He paid for my food at restaurants, we took mini road trips together and I spent time with his family in his village.
I will always remember his humbleness, generosity, and kindness.
His name was Aung Zaw OO. He was my guardian angel from Myanmar.
All because I had lost two debit cards.
What is an area of overland travel that you think you have nailed? (e.g. are you a proficient mechanic, provisioner, etc.)
To some it may seem rudimentary but to others it seems impossible. I think I’m really good at always finding a place to stay. I don’t usually book/schedule accommodations or sites in advance, I’d rather keep my options open and have my travel as flexible as possible. Less deadlines = less pressure.
What is an area of overland travel that you feel you could use some improvement in? (e.g. would you like to learn more recipes so your diet while traveling is more varied.)
I definitely need to be better at fixing my own car/motorcycle mechanical problems that pop up every once in a while. Sometimes, I don’t have the proper tools/space to be able to fix everything but I can definitely be better at learning how to fix the rest of the issues.
To see Chris’s photos, learn more about his adventures, and hear his advice on taking great photos on the road and traveling solo, stop by one of our Overland Expo events this season. Our next event is Overland Expo WEST, taking place this coming weekend from May 16-18 in Flagstaff, Arizona. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the buttons below.
Article written in collaboration with Chris McCormack
