Odyssey to Ushuaia: A Motorcycling Adventure from New York to Tierra del Fuego

by Andres Carlstein

What makes a man sell all he owns and ride a motorcycle 22,000 miles from his hometown in upstate New York to the southernmost tip of South America? Some call it craziness; Latinos call it “cojones.” This funny, fast-paced narrative follows a young man in his search for meaning, adventure, and the best rum in Latin America. Battling rough roads, careening buses, and bribe-taking cops in 14 countries, he discovers breathtaking beauty as well as what it feels like to hit a truck head-on. He and his companions for much of the trip—two bikers he met over the Internet—form an unlikely and amusing trio. In the tradition of Road Fever and Motorcycle Diaries , Odyssey to Ushuaia is a riot for every reader, and absolutely essential for those planning a similar trip. Loaded with insider information such as how to bribe cops and not lose one’s savings, how to cross a border without going crazy, how to handle an accident, and much more, it also features an appendix with the detailed trip lists from all three riders.

Genres: Motorcycle

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Marc · Rating 2 out of 5]

It should have been interesting, but it just wasn't. The author is a self-centered dweeb and it was impossible to like him enough to be engaged by his odyssey.

[Krishl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arrogant and obnoxious fellow graduates from Penn State and rides a KLR650 to the southern end of South America with a couple of other fellows (one is Canadian). Adventures ensue. The other two fellows are married, but the author has random sex with most of the outrageously beautiful women between Texas and Tierra del Fuegos. I was happy when it was over. Not especially recommended.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fantastic journey, beautifully told. in the tradition of guevara, the author sets off on a trans-continental motorcycle journey in search of as much self-discovery as truth about the places he visits.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a tough read at times, due to the fact that the author is so full of himself. I forced myself to finish the book, because of the trip itself, but the self-absorbed nature of the writer makes it hard to care if he makes it to Ushuaia or not.

[Bobby Jett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read. Recommend this book highly