Defender 90 UK: a passion for CBS handed down for generations
Here we are on our date with Midland Ambassadors! Today we introduce you to a true off-road enthusiast: Samuel Coltman-Bates who, thanks to his Land Rover Defender 90 and his father's truck driver experience, discovered his passion for CB radios.
Hello Samuel, thank you first for giving us this interview! Let's start from the beginning: who’s hiding behind @defender90_uk and where does this name come from?
Hi Midland, Hiding behind the wheel of Defender90_uk is Samuel Coltman-Bates aged 28 from the south of the United Kingdom. I was inspired to call my page Defender90_uk for some obvious reasons really, I own a Land Rover Defender 90 and I’m UK based so the name although simple Is also very striking!
When and how did your off-road passion begin?
My passion for off-road adventures have always been a big part of my life, I have loved exploring the beaten track since I was young and could ride a bike however the real fun began in April 2019 when I first bought my Land Rover Defender and set off with the bare essentials and a keen enthusiasm to push the cars limits and myself!
How did your passion for travel come about and why did you choose Midland?
My Passion for travel I guess came from when I was a young boy. I used to go to work with my father who is a lorry driver and we used to have trips up and down the country and sometimes even abroad to France and Spain! Midland actually ties in with this as he often was using his Midland CB radio in his truck. I used to listen to him talking to other road users and I guess it's become the only name for me when it comes to this type of communication. Funny story: his Operator’s name was the “Flying Cucumber '' as that’s often what he used to deliver back then.
Which Midland product do you think every off-road lover should always have with him/her?
Great question! I actually think this is very subjective but if I had to recommend a product to any off-roader it would have to be the Alan 42 DS handheld CB radio. The one I currently have in my truck and for some very good reasons. This appealed to me for its versatility in how it can be used. Hard wired into the truck for the more typical way of using a CB or handheld, this is what sets this product apart for me. Going handheld means you can also use the radio like a walkie talkie which is perfect for spotting a fellow off-roader who needs help tackling some tricky sections on a trail.
How does Midland help you live your Off-Road Dream?
Midland offers me a great way to stay connected. Often I am travelling with others and a lot of the time I am in a vehicle for anywhere up to 8 hours. Being able to communicate for directions and general chatter across the channels is essential. Midland also offers a great safety blanket. Here in the UK channel 9 is an Emergency channel, this is always nice to have as a failsafe on your journeys!
Wanna know Samuel’s adventures on Instagram?
Follow him here: www.instagram.com/defender90_uk/