The world on two wheels
About three years ago I read Long way round: chasing shadows across the world by Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman and Robert Uhlig and it struck a chord. The idea that two men, both of them actors, decide to travel the world on motorbikes with a camera crew seemed like a crazy trip - but I envied them the freedom to be able to make that decision. At the heart of it this book is about two guys who always dreamed of riding around the world. This memoir manages to entertain and inform at one and the same time, and allows readers to get a frank and honest look at life on the road in all its exhaustion and glory.
Which got me thinking, what other great books do we have about people who head off to see the world on two wheels...?
We'd really like to hear from you if you know of books that would fit this theme and, if you've experienced your own two wheeled odyssey, email and tell us about it!
Long way round: chasing shadows across the world
by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman with Robert Uhlig
910.41 MAC
Two friends set out to travel around the world on motorcycles. This is the story of their 4-month ride of over 20,000 miles and their adventures on the way.
Lois on the loose : one woman, one motorcycle, 20,000 miles across the Americas
by Lois Pryce
917 PRY
Lois was working for the BBC in London, firmly set on the career track. But unbeknownst to her co-workers, she was leading a parallel life as well, that of a biker babe with an overwhelming case of wanderlust. Armed only with the Spanish words for “caution” and “cheese” Lois set off to conquer America - both Americas. Starting in Alaska and working her way down the Pacific Coast, she rides through snow, desert, and everything in between to reach the southern most tip of Argentina.
Jupiter's travels
by Ted Simon
910.41 SIM
Simon rode a motorcycle around the world in the seventies, when such a thing was unheard of. In four years he covered 78,000 miles through 45 countries, living with peasants and presidents, in prisons and palaces, through wars and revolutions. What distinguishes this book is that Simon was already an accomplished writer. In 25 years this book has changed many lives, and inspired many to travel, including Ewan McGregor.
Old man on a bike
by Simon Gandolfi
918 GAN
Documents the 73-year-old author's journey as he takes on a South American road trip by motorcycle. This book paints a picture of the people and culture of the area, as the author spends time with students and people along the way, wondering how they are affected by the everyday dangers faced by the population: manic macho truck drivers, bandits, and guerilla activity.
Under African skies : Jo and Gareth Morgan's epic ride from Cape Town to London
by Jo and Gareth Morgan
NZ 916 MOR
The intrepid bikers' latest exciting adventure takes them through Africa, in an epic ride from the south to the north - Capetown to London. A highlight of the journey is visiting the villages fortunate enough to have had water pumps installed, courtesy of the Morgans's charitable donations. Gareth Morgan is now a UNICEF ambassador and his view on Africa's woes and the solution to its plight are trenchant, but also heartfelt and compassionate.
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