Interview: Jérôme Pierre, founder of “Un Pneu Dans La Tombe”

Roadtrip moto culture isn’t only about destinations—it’s also about the people who keep the scene alive between two rides: the builders, the storytellers, the rally organizers. “Un Pneu Dans La Tombe” started as one of those passion-driven biker blogs. Then it grew into something more: a community that shares routes, machines, and meet-ups across France. We met its founder, Jérôme Pierre (aka Susokary), to talk about how you go from forum posts to a real-world movement—and what it costs in time, energy, and sleep.

1) Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Jérôme Pierre: “Hi, I’m Jérôme—online, people mostly know me by my nickname Susokary (long story…). I was born at the end of the ’70s, basically on the sidecar my parents used as their main vehicle—until they decided to have five more kids.”

“I’ve lived most of my life around Lille, and recently moved just across the border to Belgium. One of the perks: a driving licence system without points to lose. It’s reassuring—though of course it doesn’t mean everything is allowed, and you still have to ride smart.”

2) What is “Un Pneu Dans La Tombe”? How did the idea start?

Jérôme Pierre: “At one point I was pretty active on café racer/custom forums, but the format didn’t suit me. You could learn a lot, but the good contributions got buried under jokes, debates, and criticism—sometimes useful, often not.”

“At the same time, people told me my posts were long, documented, illustrated… and maybe not getting the space they deserved. So the idea of leaving those platforms and building my own place grew slowly. Then one morning I just went for it.”

“The name and baseline came quickly: Un Pneu Dans La Tombe, a blog dedicated to ‘old-school bikes—tricky, loud, full of character’. And it was adopted fast by the community.”

3) Where does your motorcycle passion come from?

Jérôme Pierre: “From my parents, without a doubt. As a kid they took me to gatherings—like the ones in Le Touquet, for example—even if life constraints forced them to pause that passion from the mid-’80s.”

“Then movies took over: Mad Max I for the thrill of speed, Easy Rider for the freedom. And then riding did the rest. Once you’ve felt what it’s like to ride a bike with real character on roads that have character too—how could you not get hooked?”

4) How do you keep it running? Do you have help, partners?

Jérôme Pierre: “A few friends contribute occasionally, but honestly I handle 95%+ of the work myself. The most demanding part is the regional meet-ups: there, I have to delegate because of distance, and it relies on local contacts who are motivated to organize their own rides.”

“For the site and Facebook, I manage. But I wouldn’t be anything without people who send me pictures and information. I’m just the cook mixing ingredients—behind it there are craftsmen: photographers, pro or amateur builders… people doing great work.”

5) With strong traction on Facebook and regular events, it works. How did it scale—and how do you manage it all?

Jérôme Pierre: “Honestly? Not that well. I sacrifice a lot of sleep. It’s not my day job—it’s what happens after work, after the kids are asleep, after the house is sorted.”

“I get asked a lot, and my to-do list is endless. Still, the project grew naturally. I could be more ‘strategic’, more ‘marketed’, and probably reach four times more people—but what for? I’d likely lose the joy.”

“So I stay myself and talk about what I truly care about, my way. If it resonates with part of the community, that’s already a win.”

6) If I want to be part of the UPDLT community, how do I join? Any criteria?

Jérôme Pierre: “Not really. We’re open—door’s wide. At meet-ups, we do have a soft spot for ‘classic’ or character bikes (vintage, customs, neo-retro…), but we welcome everyone.”

“We’ve had tattooed ACAB guys and, sometimes, police officers riding too. If there’s any selection, it happens naturally: we don’t try to please at all costs. Those who connect with the spirit stay; others go elsewhere—and that’s fine, there are plenty of clubs.”

“As for ride organization, at our level it’s pretty anarchic. And I think regulars like that—elsewhere they can feel locked into something too rigid or too bland.”

7) One piece of advice for future Planet Riders?

Jérôme Pierre: “Enjoy it. Chances to ride in unusual conditions are too rare—especially far from home. And I’m not even talking about preserved landscapes…”

8) Your next dream roadtrip?

Jérôme Pierre: “It could be the Tarn, Iceland, or Mongolia. As long as there are corners, good weather, and the gods of mechanics are with us… There are beautiful things everywhere—even at home. Landscapes, local food, people.”

“And obviously, I’m always watching for any chance to feel a real change of scenery. If it’s a motorcycle trip, I’m basically up for anywhere. ‘No matter the destination, only the journey matters,’ people say. I believe it.”

What this means on the road (Planet Ride’s pro take)

UPDLT’s spirit is a reminder of something we see on every roadtrip moto: the ride isn’t only about the route, it’s about the rhythm and the people you share it with. A few concrete pointers if you’re joining a community ride or planning your own:

• Ride pace: on mixed groups, plan “real riding time” rather than kilometres. On French backroads, 4 to 6 hours of saddle time already makes a full day once you add fuel, coffee stops, photo breaks, and detours.
• Keep margin for the unexpected: vintage and “character” bikes can be flawless… until they’re not. Build one buffer stop into the day (a village with services, not the middle of nowhere).
• Meet-up logistics that actually matter: arrive with a full tank when you can. In rural areas, stations can close early or be scarce at night; don’t assume 24/7 fuel.
• Offline basics (still relevant in 2026): download your maps before leaving, and carry a charging solution that survives a full day (12V/USB on the bike + cable you’ve tested with gloves on).
• Safety without killing the vibe: agree on simple group rules (buddy system, regroup points, what to do if someone gets separated). That’s how you keep “anarchy” fun, not risky.

À savoir aujourd’hui

This interview reflects a specific moment in the life of UPDLT—and the mindset behind it remains the same: ride for the pleasure, keep it human, stay yourself. Before you head out in 2026, check the current meet-up formats, local rules, and practical details (routes, regroup points, and any access constraints) directly with the organizers.

Mini-FAQ

Is a “roadtrip moto” in France worth it without big distances?

Yes. In France, the density of secondary roads means you can build a strong day with limited kilometres—especially in regions like the Tarn where curves and scenery stack up fast.

Do I need a special licence to join community rides in Belgium/France?

No special licence for standard road riding—just your valid motorcycle licence, insurance, and a bike that’s road legal. If the ride includes off-road sections, requirements can change depending on the event.

What’s the realistic budget for a weekend roadtrip moto in France?

It depends on your bike and comfort level, but the big variables are fuel, lodging, and meals. If you keep flexibility, you can scale from simple guesthouses to boutique stops—book early during peak riding season.