Adventure Motorcycling inspirational book list - Top 3 Books

Ben, I'd add the well written and very humorous exploits of Mike Carter in his book 'Uneasy Rider' ISBN 978-0-09-192326-6. It will be an inspiration to anyone facing up to a mid-life crisis, giving them the courage to take the plunge and have their own adventure. I liked his writing style and wit, and have no hesitation in recommending it to fellow bikers.

Posted: 12/01/2011 at 20:35

You are missing Lost on Earth by Steve Crombie! Have just finished it and had trouble putting it down.

Posted: 18/01/2011 at 04:36

I've read a few motorcycle travel books - Jupiter's travels (surprised not to see it on this list), Running with the moon (a ride from UK to South Africa and back again - my favourite), Uneasy rider - midlife crisis material, Triumph around the world - a short guy who leaves everything and heads off on a bike far too big for him, Lonesome Rhodes - a guy who rides from south america to north america ... and the Ewan/Charlie books plus the Lois ones.

 My problem with the article recommending the Ewan/Charlie ones is that it says if they can do it so can you - while neglecting to mention the support crew and organisational support they had, plus a lot of whining in the books about them missing their families.  As for Lois' books - I was definitely unimpressed with these regarding both her attitude to people around her, general incompetence and reliance again and again on getting others to help her. 

But there are parts in all these books which bring the countries and experiences alive and make you want to take the plunge and see the world on your bike.   

Posted: 20/01/2011 at 13:35

Edit - it does mention their support crew and budget, but it's ridiculous to ignore it.

Posted: 20/01/2011 at 13:36

That's a really good list. It's going to draw a few bucks out of my pocket. 

I'd also recommend One Man Caravan.  It's remarkable to see how much the world has changed, yet how much has stayed the same since the author biked the world in the 1930s.  He had to leave room for thousands of feet of film where we only need to take some memory cards.   Yet he also had the same types of run-ins with police as did Ted Simon in Jupiter's Travels.  

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Caravan-Incredible-Journeys-Books/dp/1884313051/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295540163

US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1884313051/ref=oss_product

Daniel 

Posted: 20/01/2011 at 16:17