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The Middle Kingdom Ride: Two Brothers, Two Motorcycles, One Epic Journey Around China
When Canadian brothers Colin Pyle and Ryan Pyle set out from Shanghai on a motorcycle journey that had never previously been attempted, they thought they had some idea of what lay ahead of them. It was a misconception that became evident by the end of day 1. But despite the many challenges they faced, 65 days and 18,000 kilometers later, they’d succeeded in circumnavigating China. In an expedition of extremes, Colin and Ryan visited the third lowest point on Earth and slept at Everest Base Camp beside its highest mountain. In their book, The Middle Kingdom Ride, Colin and Ryan take us with them as they travel through the diverse and extraordinary landscapes of China, from its border with North Korea, to the ancient Muslim city of Kashgar, across the vast empty spaces of the Mongolian grasslands, over the mountains and into the monasteries of Tibet.
300 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
About the author
Ryan Pyle
6 books7 followersRyan Pyle is an adventurer, television presenter, producer, public speaker and award-winning photographer. His career has spanned over a decade in some of the most exciting places on the planet. Ryan strives to shed light on locations and situations that are often kept in the dark. Prior to 2010 Ryan was an award-winning photographer for magazines like the New York Times, TIME, Newsweek and Fortune. Since then, he has enhanced his story-telling abilities by making adventure travel television programs that take place in remote parts of the world. Ryan is available for lectures, public speaking, television interviews and everything in-between.
Ryan is currently a regular contributor to the world's major international publications, such as: Time, Newsweek, Fortune, Forbes, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Spiegel, and the Sunday Times Magazine. During the last nine years, while pursuing journalism stories in some of the most interesting corners of China, he has built up a significant amount of "on the ground" experience that has transferred well into television and the academic community.
Recent Awards
2010 - PDN Photo Annual - Winner
2009 - PDN 30 - Emerging Photographer
2009 - Magenta Foundation - Flash Forward Emerging Photographer
Television Series
2014 - Sacred Mountains: CHINA - Presenter / Producer
2013 - The India Ride - Presenter / Producer
2013 - The Middle Kingdom Ride - Presenter / Producer
Publications
2014 - Chinese Turkestan - Photography Book
2013 - The India Ride - Written Book
2012 - The Middle Kingdom Ride - Written Book
Affiliations
The Asian Institute - Affiliate Member
The Explorers Club - Member
Guinness World Record Holder - Endurance Motorcycle Riding in China
Ryan is currently a regular contributor to the world's major international publications, such as: Time, Newsweek, Fortune, Forbes, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Spiegel, and the Sunday Times Magazine. During the last nine years, while pursuing journalism stories in some of the most interesting corners of China, he has built up a significant amount of "on the ground" experience that has transferred well into television and the academic community.
Recent Awards
2010 - PDN Photo Annual - Winner
2009 - PDN 30 - Emerging Photographer
2009 - Magenta Foundation - Flash Forward Emerging Photographer
Television Series
2014 - Sacred Mountains: CHINA - Presenter / Producer
2013 - The India Ride - Presenter / Producer
2013 - The Middle Kingdom Ride - Presenter / Producer
Publications
2014 - Chinese Turkestan - Photography Book
2013 - The India Ride - Written Book
2012 - The Middle Kingdom Ride - Written Book
Affiliations
The Asian Institute - Affiliate Member
The Explorers Club - Member
Guinness World Record Holder - Endurance Motorcycle Riding in China
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 27, 2013
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure--brothers who set aside their lives as they know it to circumnavigate China on motorcycles--sets this book up for can't-stop-turning the-pages storytelling. Evading police, facing extreme weather conditions, and creatively managing equipment break downs--all while riding through some of the most beautiful and remote landscape, the brothers reflect on their journey, their relationship, and the Chinese people and countryside. Three stars because the book would have benefitted from a heavy edit; mechanical errors and a general lack of description in the narrative abound.
April 10, 2014
As someone who has lived in China, I have found the subject matter to be extremely interesting. However, the writing style and was not very good. I was unable to read most of Collin's entries, simply because Collin is not a very good writer.
March 19, 2015
Very unusual subject matter for me, but everyone needs a little change now and then, eh? Variety, as they say, is the spice of life.
I recently had the opportunity of a review copy of this book (and the associated DVD) and rearranged my reading schedule to fit it in. Nearly everything I read is historical, where it be fiction or non-fiction, but my love of travel and adventure is strong too, and I am a sucker for travelogues on TV, so I jumped at this chance.
Amazingly, this tremendous journey, painstakingly documented in both text and film, was carried out by the two stars from their own funds. They did not receive the financial and logistical backing of the BBC or Nat Geo, or any of the great media groups that usually produce such series. They did not get given special treatment from the authorities as media stars. They were not donated bikes. They used up their savings, sold a house, quit jobs and did it themselves. Did what? you ask… Oh yeah. Here’s what they did:
Ryan Pyle is a freelance photographer from Canada who’s lived in Shanghai for a decade now. He loves China. He loves the culture and the people and has been documenting it with his camera now for years. He’s also an enthusiastic, if relatively amateur, motorcyclist. His brother Colin owned a company back in Canada, but was tiring of the life and sought adventure – and he’s also a biker! So from Ryan’s enthusiasm and Colin’s need for change was born the idea of the Middle Kingdom Ride. The Middle Kingdom, you see, is a phrase derived from China’s name for itself, based on the principle that China was at the centre of its world. Ryan had this crazy idea that the two brothers could leave behind work and ordinary life – including, most wrenchingly, their wives – and take two bikes and a small support crew and ride around the circumference of China. China hold the longest unbroken border that can be driven or ridden, and to do so would not only be fascinating and an amazing achievement, but it would also be a world record.
Ryan and Colin sought financial and logistical support, but the deals they made fell through, leaving them alone. Not to be thwarted, the pair decided that they would do what they intended, with or without support. And so they found a filmmaker who was enthusiastic over the idea, who would travel behind the bikes in an SUV. And through careful planning around the route, arranged a series of local guides from each region who would join the support vehicle for a section of the trip. That was it. Two brothers on bikes, and two men in an SUV behind them.
So that’s the background. As for the ride itself? Well suffice it to say that, despite having recently watched Sue Perkins’ Mekong journey and Levison Wood’s Walking the Nile, this journey was at least up there with the others, and was actually better than them in some ways. The journey has everything, because the brothers are not just riding bikes around the country, they are also immersing themselves in the culture at every opportunity. Thus we are treated to seeing the more draconian side of the Chinese administration, the life of Mongolian peasants from their own level, oppressed-yet-rebellious Tibet, tourist-oriented river journeys and everything in between. One thing that struck me throughout was how friendly and helpful and genuinely interested almost everyone they met seemed to be.
Then there were the hiccups. From broken bikes to more broken bikes, to two broken bikes at the same time, to almost uncrossable terrain, to impassable landslides, to forbidden expressways with angry policemen, to whole forbidden regions, the world seems to batter the pair on a regular basis. And yet, the brothers continually push down the disappointments and fears and overcome to push on. Even with the requisite number of falls – some of them quite hard, too. Anyone who’s ridden a bike will probably tell you that a fall is inevitable at some point. I myself have come off one a few times, though never badly. All I would say it that, given the terrain across which these two rode, it is just astounding that they didn’t fall more often.
I won’t delve any deeper into the content of the journey, as that’s for the reader/watcher to discover for themselves.
I read the book and then watched the DVD, and if you feel like doing both, that is most definitely the order in which to do it. The DVD will allow you to picture what you have already read, and the – by necessity – sparser detail in the DVD is best approached by having read the book and being able to fill in the blanks as it were
The book is fascinating. It is well written and well edited and proofed. The book follows the journey from its conception to its conclusion, divided up into chapters at the appropriate spots. Each chapter is lovingly told by Ryan in excellent detail, aided I’m sure by the fact that both brothers kept a video diary at the end of each day’s ride, and by the video footage that had been taken. At no point does the read become dull or repetitive, which I consider an achievement when you’re writing about 60 days and 18,000 km of motorcycle journey. But there is no lag in the tale. At the end of each chapter, Colin adds his impression of the same events, which sometimes throws new light on things and allows for an interesting counterpoint to the main text. If I had one criticism of the book it was that the first half of the journey takes up nearly 3/4 of the book, and so it feels like less justice has been done to the second half of the ride, but I suspect that most of the reason for that is that the latter leg of the journey was faster, on more major roads and with less trouble. Better not to labour whole sections of ‘we rode and nothing happened’ I suppose. The book is an excellent record of the journey, but also forms an amazing glimpse into the lives, minds and emotions of both brothers. All in all, the book was an excellent read, and I found myself glued to it at times.
The DVD matches up in its production to any of the travelogues you will catch on TV. Using footage from the support crew as well as from the helmet cameras of both riders and their video diaries at the days’ end, the film-maker has done an excellent job of production. It is a thoroughly professional piece. Split into six episodes it allows you to in some way, join in with the ride, and experience some of what the brothers felt and saw. I have two minor criticisms of the DVD. One was the length of the introduction and ‘previously on’ at the start of each episode, which had to be sat through to get to the film (though this is a common problem I’ve found with travelogues and in no way unique to this DVD!) And the other is that in places the sound is not so good. Of course, that is occasioned by the fact that this was a proper adventure with only two men supporting, not a whole film crew with a mic boom and so on. So the sound you hear on the film is not the clean sound of the large-scale documentary film-maker, but the real sound of the journey. And while that means that sometime you might have to listen hard to hear over the truckstop noises, it does mean that you are truly immersed in the journey. So I suppose in retrospect they’re not so much criticisms, as comments. The DVD does not have the level of detail that the book has, of course, so as I suggested earlier, if you get both book and DVD, read the book first. However, the DVD is well enough produced and written that if you don’t read the book, you won’t know you’re missing the minutiae, and the DVD will still be a treat to watch. Really, the scenery alone makes it worthwhile, to be honest.
So there you go: two brothers, two motorcycles, 18,000 kilometers. One of the most fascinating, varied, and well-documented journeys you will get to read or see. And now, it seems, the brothers have gone on to ride around the edge of India next, so I bet you can guess what I’m getting and shuffling into the reading pile now?
I recently had the opportunity of a review copy of this book (and the associated DVD) and rearranged my reading schedule to fit it in. Nearly everything I read is historical, where it be fiction or non-fiction, but my love of travel and adventure is strong too, and I am a sucker for travelogues on TV, so I jumped at this chance.
Amazingly, this tremendous journey, painstakingly documented in both text and film, was carried out by the two stars from their own funds. They did not receive the financial and logistical backing of the BBC or Nat Geo, or any of the great media groups that usually produce such series. They did not get given special treatment from the authorities as media stars. They were not donated bikes. They used up their savings, sold a house, quit jobs and did it themselves. Did what? you ask… Oh yeah. Here’s what they did:
Ryan Pyle is a freelance photographer from Canada who’s lived in Shanghai for a decade now. He loves China. He loves the culture and the people and has been documenting it with his camera now for years. He’s also an enthusiastic, if relatively amateur, motorcyclist. His brother Colin owned a company back in Canada, but was tiring of the life and sought adventure – and he’s also a biker! So from Ryan’s enthusiasm and Colin’s need for change was born the idea of the Middle Kingdom Ride. The Middle Kingdom, you see, is a phrase derived from China’s name for itself, based on the principle that China was at the centre of its world. Ryan had this crazy idea that the two brothers could leave behind work and ordinary life – including, most wrenchingly, their wives – and take two bikes and a small support crew and ride around the circumference of China. China hold the longest unbroken border that can be driven or ridden, and to do so would not only be fascinating and an amazing achievement, but it would also be a world record.
Ryan and Colin sought financial and logistical support, but the deals they made fell through, leaving them alone. Not to be thwarted, the pair decided that they would do what they intended, with or without support. And so they found a filmmaker who was enthusiastic over the idea, who would travel behind the bikes in an SUV. And through careful planning around the route, arranged a series of local guides from each region who would join the support vehicle for a section of the trip. That was it. Two brothers on bikes, and two men in an SUV behind them.
So that’s the background. As for the ride itself? Well suffice it to say that, despite having recently watched Sue Perkins’ Mekong journey and Levison Wood’s Walking the Nile, this journey was at least up there with the others, and was actually better than them in some ways. The journey has everything, because the brothers are not just riding bikes around the country, they are also immersing themselves in the culture at every opportunity. Thus we are treated to seeing the more draconian side of the Chinese administration, the life of Mongolian peasants from their own level, oppressed-yet-rebellious Tibet, tourist-oriented river journeys and everything in between. One thing that struck me throughout was how friendly and helpful and genuinely interested almost everyone they met seemed to be.
Then there were the hiccups. From broken bikes to more broken bikes, to two broken bikes at the same time, to almost uncrossable terrain, to impassable landslides, to forbidden expressways with angry policemen, to whole forbidden regions, the world seems to batter the pair on a regular basis. And yet, the brothers continually push down the disappointments and fears and overcome to push on. Even with the requisite number of falls – some of them quite hard, too. Anyone who’s ridden a bike will probably tell you that a fall is inevitable at some point. I myself have come off one a few times, though never badly. All I would say it that, given the terrain across which these two rode, it is just astounding that they didn’t fall more often.
I won’t delve any deeper into the content of the journey, as that’s for the reader/watcher to discover for themselves.
I read the book and then watched the DVD, and if you feel like doing both, that is most definitely the order in which to do it. The DVD will allow you to picture what you have already read, and the – by necessity – sparser detail in the DVD is best approached by having read the book and being able to fill in the blanks as it were
The book is fascinating. It is well written and well edited and proofed. The book follows the journey from its conception to its conclusion, divided up into chapters at the appropriate spots. Each chapter is lovingly told by Ryan in excellent detail, aided I’m sure by the fact that both brothers kept a video diary at the end of each day’s ride, and by the video footage that had been taken. At no point does the read become dull or repetitive, which I consider an achievement when you’re writing about 60 days and 18,000 km of motorcycle journey. But there is no lag in the tale. At the end of each chapter, Colin adds his impression of the same events, which sometimes throws new light on things and allows for an interesting counterpoint to the main text. If I had one criticism of the book it was that the first half of the journey takes up nearly 3/4 of the book, and so it feels like less justice has been done to the second half of the ride, but I suspect that most of the reason for that is that the latter leg of the journey was faster, on more major roads and with less trouble. Better not to labour whole sections of ‘we rode and nothing happened’ I suppose. The book is an excellent record of the journey, but also forms an amazing glimpse into the lives, minds and emotions of both brothers. All in all, the book was an excellent read, and I found myself glued to it at times.
The DVD matches up in its production to any of the travelogues you will catch on TV. Using footage from the support crew as well as from the helmet cameras of both riders and their video diaries at the days’ end, the film-maker has done an excellent job of production. It is a thoroughly professional piece. Split into six episodes it allows you to in some way, join in with the ride, and experience some of what the brothers felt and saw. I have two minor criticisms of the DVD. One was the length of the introduction and ‘previously on’ at the start of each episode, which had to be sat through to get to the film (though this is a common problem I’ve found with travelogues and in no way unique to this DVD!) And the other is that in places the sound is not so good. Of course, that is occasioned by the fact that this was a proper adventure with only two men supporting, not a whole film crew with a mic boom and so on. So the sound you hear on the film is not the clean sound of the large-scale documentary film-maker, but the real sound of the journey. And while that means that sometime you might have to listen hard to hear over the truckstop noises, it does mean that you are truly immersed in the journey. So I suppose in retrospect they’re not so much criticisms, as comments. The DVD does not have the level of detail that the book has, of course, so as I suggested earlier, if you get both book and DVD, read the book first. However, the DVD is well enough produced and written that if you don’t read the book, you won’t know you’re missing the minutiae, and the DVD will still be a treat to watch. Really, the scenery alone makes it worthwhile, to be honest.
So there you go: two brothers, two motorcycles, 18,000 kilometers. One of the most fascinating, varied, and well-documented journeys you will get to read or see. And now, it seems, the brothers have gone on to ride around the edge of India next, so I bet you can guess what I’m getting and shuffling into the reading pile now?
July 12, 2017
Should have left the SUV home
This book was interesting and i was surprised that Westerners could travel through so much of China. The book is missing something and that is hard to pin down what it is. Food was either good or bad, but no details about what the food was. Scenery was beautiful, but no details of why. The authors are intelligent and well educated but inexperienced and should get an experienced author to help them add some flair.
This book was interesting and i was surprised that Westerners could travel through so much of China. The book is missing something and that is hard to pin down what it is. Food was either good or bad, but no details about what the food was. Scenery was beautiful, but no details of why. The authors are intelligent and well educated but inexperienced and should get an experienced author to help them add some flair.
January 19, 2015
"An Amazing Challenge, Two Brothers Will Not Be Defeated"
This is a true account of two brothers setting a goal for themselves, which most people could not conceivably accomplish. Ryan Pyle, the older brother, is a successful freelance documentary photographer and has lived in Beijing, China for over 8 years. When the depression hit the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., it impacted his work assignments as too many publishers in these countries were suffering and funding for his projects diminished. His younger brother, living in Canada, had sold his currency trader firm, which was profitable when sold. He and Ryan meet in New York City to discuss their current lives as to the effects of the recession. They both ponder on the values in life and the importance of money, huge salaries, big homes ... was just not the paths they wished to stay upon. Colin and his wife decide to sell their house, put personal belongings into storage, and travel. While Colin had worked at a desk, Ryan was getting paid to climb mountains in Tibet, exploring remote and spectacular parts of China and taking photographs. Ryan and Colin decide to set a goal of traveling to China starting in August 2010 and circumnavigate China by motorcycle, setting a goal to accomplish the trip in 65 days, a trip of 10,846 miles. Ryan is passionate about China and it's beauty and he looks forward to sharing it with Colin and rebuilding their close relationship they had during their younger years. They are both experienced motorcycle enthusiasts, but the right kind of bike will have to be obtained and they also attend a two-day training school in Germany which turned into a grueling workout of off-road riding. It takes them nearly a full six months of planning their routes, equipment suitable for passing through deserts, snow-capped mountains, finding a film-maker, book publisher, etc. The easiest part of the plan was obtaining Canadian photographer Chad Ingraham who already lived in China, having a great personality for the job. He will be driving the support vehicle. The long trip starts off on August 14. They mount their bikes with exhilaration and confidence heading north out of the over-populated city of Shanghai that is known for heavy traffic, crazy drivers, bad air, and low speeds which caused body heat to soar under their protective clothing. But there will be no turning back, and as they pass close to the North Korean border, westward toward the Pakistan border, south to Tibet, Hong Kong, and back to Shanghai, they endure heavy rains, hail, show, wind, sand storms, mud, heat and cold. Many times both men question why they set this unrealistic goal for themselves, but they are courageous, they never quit, and their resilience is remarkable. They endure many dramatic moments when at military checkpoints, having teenage boys holding AK-47's trying to turn them back, as motorcycles are not normally permitted on many roadways. Fortunately, they had arranged for interpreters to ride with Chad which helped tremendously. This story story I have read on my Kindle and I'm impressed how well written Ryan's account of the trip is, and the daily journal notes of Colin added to each chapter often include humorous comments. There are a few photographs to be seen midway through the novel. Double tap the photos to enlarge. Even though I've never been a motorcycle enthusiast, I have always loved adventure and challenges of white water kayaking, riding hunters and jumpers, and living and sailing aboard our 35-foot ocean-going sloop. I loved reading their personal thoughts while accomplishing these goals exceptionally well. They are two mean who are definitely goal setters, and they are very fortunate to have wives who support them and are always there for them when they return home. The wives are heroes, also. Ryan and Colin Pyle have set a Guinness World Record awarded in 2011 and are in the Guinness World Records printed in 2012. Check out Ryan's web page at www.ryanpyle.com Settle in and take an awesome trip ... I highly recommend this story to anyone who has always had a special dream to fulfill. Live the dream, just do it!
This is a true account of two brothers setting a goal for themselves, which most people could not conceivably accomplish. Ryan Pyle, the older brother, is a successful freelance documentary photographer and has lived in Beijing, China for over 8 years. When the depression hit the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., it impacted his work assignments as too many publishers in these countries were suffering and funding for his projects diminished. His younger brother, living in Canada, had sold his currency trader firm, which was profitable when sold. He and Ryan meet in New York City to discuss their current lives as to the effects of the recession. They both ponder on the values in life and the importance of money, huge salaries, big homes ... was just not the paths they wished to stay upon. Colin and his wife decide to sell their house, put personal belongings into storage, and travel. While Colin had worked at a desk, Ryan was getting paid to climb mountains in Tibet, exploring remote and spectacular parts of China and taking photographs. Ryan and Colin decide to set a goal of traveling to China starting in August 2010 and circumnavigate China by motorcycle, setting a goal to accomplish the trip in 65 days, a trip of 10,846 miles. Ryan is passionate about China and it's beauty and he looks forward to sharing it with Colin and rebuilding their close relationship they had during their younger years. They are both experienced motorcycle enthusiasts, but the right kind of bike will have to be obtained and they also attend a two-day training school in Germany which turned into a grueling workout of off-road riding. It takes them nearly a full six months of planning their routes, equipment suitable for passing through deserts, snow-capped mountains, finding a film-maker, book publisher, etc. The easiest part of the plan was obtaining Canadian photographer Chad Ingraham who already lived in China, having a great personality for the job. He will be driving the support vehicle. The long trip starts off on August 14. They mount their bikes with exhilaration and confidence heading north out of the over-populated city of Shanghai that is known for heavy traffic, crazy drivers, bad air, and low speeds which caused body heat to soar under their protective clothing. But there will be no turning back, and as they pass close to the North Korean border, westward toward the Pakistan border, south to Tibet, Hong Kong, and back to Shanghai, they endure heavy rains, hail, show, wind, sand storms, mud, heat and cold. Many times both men question why they set this unrealistic goal for themselves, but they are courageous, they never quit, and their resilience is remarkable. They endure many dramatic moments when at military checkpoints, having teenage boys holding AK-47's trying to turn them back, as motorcycles are not normally permitted on many roadways. Fortunately, they had arranged for interpreters to ride with Chad which helped tremendously. This story story I have read on my Kindle and I'm impressed how well written Ryan's account of the trip is, and the daily journal notes of Colin added to each chapter often include humorous comments. There are a few photographs to be seen midway through the novel. Double tap the photos to enlarge. Even though I've never been a motorcycle enthusiast, I have always loved adventure and challenges of white water kayaking, riding hunters and jumpers, and living and sailing aboard our 35-foot ocean-going sloop. I loved reading their personal thoughts while accomplishing these goals exceptionally well. They are two mean who are definitely goal setters, and they are very fortunate to have wives who support them and are always there for them when they return home. The wives are heroes, also. Ryan and Colin Pyle have set a Guinness World Record awarded in 2011 and are in the Guinness World Records printed in 2012. Check out Ryan's web page at www.ryanpyle.com Settle in and take an awesome trip ... I highly recommend this story to anyone who has always had a special dream to fulfill. Live the dream, just do it!
September 24, 2016
"... exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, rewarding, scary, and a privilege."
These are the words that Ryan Pyle uses to sum up his epic, 65-day, 18,000 km motorcycle ride around the edges of China with his younger brother Colin. And the reader nods his head in agreement because (miraculously) these two bright, talented, likable men make you FEEL every emotion along the way. This is NOT "armchair travel." This is hang-onto-the-bike, spit-the-bugs-out-of-your-teeth, and hope-like-hell-that-those-rifle-toting-teenagers-in-army-uniforms-don't-shoot-you-for-fun travel.
I'm somewhat surprised that I was offered a review copy of this beautiful book and even more surprised that I accepted it. I hate motorcycles and races and record-breaking feats bore me to tears. But I AM interested in China so I said yes and then I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I think what makes the difference for me is that this is not just two guys headed someplace challenging to set a record, but the words of a man who has lived in China for many years and loves the country and the people unashamedly. To be able to travel independently through the hinterlands showing his younger brother the people and places that he has visited repeatedly and found fascinating is indeed a great privilege. In 20 years, a trip to Inner Mongolia or Western Tibet may be as commonplace as a vacation at Disney World. Right now, this book is like reading an account of a visit to the dark side of the moon. The stories are startling and the pictures are mind-boggling.
There are problems, of course. China simply isn't set up for independent travelers, especially not ones who are riding the kind of huge motorcycles that most Chinese have never seen. And if the bikes break down (and don't they always?) the nearest parts are in Germany. An even bigger problem is that the purpose of the ride is to "circle" China, so they are always on the borders. China's huge size means long borders with many different countries and the Chinese government takes its borders very seriously. Whereas in the U.S. we're very relaxed about our border with Canada and very up-tight about our border with Mexico, the Chinese take the attitude that a border is a border. Whether the neighbors are communist or non-communist, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or Shinto, friend or foe, the Chinese are going to guard that border like every inch of it is threatened. Plus China has the largest standing army in the world, and you have to do SOMETHING with all those soldiers. It makes for some dicey encounters.
The out-going older brother Ryan (a professional photographer and writer) tells most of the story and his quieter younger brother chimes in with his impressions. As the trip unfolds, you get a real sense of their similarities and differences and of their close relationship. My ONLY complaint is that they tell very little about their childhoods, parents, and families and I would find the book more satisfying if I knew more about them. I suspect they figured that their readers would be men and they needn't waste time pandering to silly female curiosity and maybe there's something to be said for that thinking. It didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the book, which I think is one of the most entertaining ones that I've read in a while.
Free copy provided for review.
These are the words that Ryan Pyle uses to sum up his epic, 65-day, 18,000 km motorcycle ride around the edges of China with his younger brother Colin. And the reader nods his head in agreement because (miraculously) these two bright, talented, likable men make you FEEL every emotion along the way. This is NOT "armchair travel." This is hang-onto-the-bike, spit-the-bugs-out-of-your-teeth, and hope-like-hell-that-those-rifle-toting-teenagers-in-army-uniforms-don't-shoot-you-for-fun travel.
I'm somewhat surprised that I was offered a review copy of this beautiful book and even more surprised that I accepted it. I hate motorcycles and races and record-breaking feats bore me to tears. But I AM interested in China so I said yes and then I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I think what makes the difference for me is that this is not just two guys headed someplace challenging to set a record, but the words of a man who has lived in China for many years and loves the country and the people unashamedly. To be able to travel independently through the hinterlands showing his younger brother the people and places that he has visited repeatedly and found fascinating is indeed a great privilege. In 20 years, a trip to Inner Mongolia or Western Tibet may be as commonplace as a vacation at Disney World. Right now, this book is like reading an account of a visit to the dark side of the moon. The stories are startling and the pictures are mind-boggling.
There are problems, of course. China simply isn't set up for independent travelers, especially not ones who are riding the kind of huge motorcycles that most Chinese have never seen. And if the bikes break down (and don't they always?) the nearest parts are in Germany. An even bigger problem is that the purpose of the ride is to "circle" China, so they are always on the borders. China's huge size means long borders with many different countries and the Chinese government takes its borders very seriously. Whereas in the U.S. we're very relaxed about our border with Canada and very up-tight about our border with Mexico, the Chinese take the attitude that a border is a border. Whether the neighbors are communist or non-communist, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or Shinto, friend or foe, the Chinese are going to guard that border like every inch of it is threatened. Plus China has the largest standing army in the world, and you have to do SOMETHING with all those soldiers. It makes for some dicey encounters.
The out-going older brother Ryan (a professional photographer and writer) tells most of the story and his quieter younger brother chimes in with his impressions. As the trip unfolds, you get a real sense of their similarities and differences and of their close relationship. My ONLY complaint is that they tell very little about their childhoods, parents, and families and I would find the book more satisfying if I knew more about them. I suspect they figured that their readers would be men and they needn't waste time pandering to silly female curiosity and maybe there's something to be said for that thinking. It didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the book, which I think is one of the most entertaining ones that I've read in a while.
Free copy provided for review.
February 5, 2015
A Six episode documentary about two brothers Ryan and Collin, who set out to do the impossible. From Shanghai on motorcycles, they make the long journey of circling China. Whilst taking on this challenge of exploring this vast country, they overcome many inhospitable and hostile elements.
They take us along with them as they document all their hardships of cross-country riding and dangers that lay ahead of them. They trek through the third lowest point on Earth, travel through harsh deserts in stifling heat waves, through the sandstorms of Turpan, endure torrential rainstorms and monsoons with fast rising floods, and ramble through the Mongolian grasslands. These are just a few instances that these two men endure and you find yourself on the edge of your seat watching as you silently encourage them to make it through what nature has to offer. Not all is harsh and bitter though as they come across the town of Kuqa, sample their markets, and meet friendly inhabitants native to this land.
The pure focus on China in all its glory and breathtaking back drops of scenic pleasure is opened up to us. Ancient villages and Chinese culture are shared as they track through China's diversity which as you will see in this DVD, can also be cruel punishment.
The two DVDS are of good quality and the sheer rawness and emotions of Ryan and Collin's adventures are unedited. They leave nothing to imagination which I think was unusually captivating to watch. The two brothers relationship was enduring as they show pure determination using strength and emotional turmoil that they shared with us viewers. It was astounding and incredible to say the least.
So take 'The Middle Kingdom Ride' of 65 days and 18,000 Km and all their experiences along the way, you'll be glad you did.
In their 6th and final episode of there journey around China, they mentioned that they were going to try and circumference India next so I'm looking forward to seeing that trip.
A BIG thank you to Ryan and Collin, there producers, and everyone whom helped give us viewers this incredible and overwhelming involvement to their successful quest. A truly entertaining DVD.
I was given this DVD for evaluation and an unbiased review.
They take us along with them as they document all their hardships of cross-country riding and dangers that lay ahead of them. They trek through the third lowest point on Earth, travel through harsh deserts in stifling heat waves, through the sandstorms of Turpan, endure torrential rainstorms and monsoons with fast rising floods, and ramble through the Mongolian grasslands. These are just a few instances that these two men endure and you find yourself on the edge of your seat watching as you silently encourage them to make it through what nature has to offer. Not all is harsh and bitter though as they come across the town of Kuqa, sample their markets, and meet friendly inhabitants native to this land.
The pure focus on China in all its glory and breathtaking back drops of scenic pleasure is opened up to us. Ancient villages and Chinese culture are shared as they track through China's diversity which as you will see in this DVD, can also be cruel punishment.
The two DVDS are of good quality and the sheer rawness and emotions of Ryan and Collin's adventures are unedited. They leave nothing to imagination which I think was unusually captivating to watch. The two brothers relationship was enduring as they show pure determination using strength and emotional turmoil that they shared with us viewers. It was astounding and incredible to say the least.
So take 'The Middle Kingdom Ride' of 65 days and 18,000 Km and all their experiences along the way, you'll be glad you did.
In their 6th and final episode of there journey around China, they mentioned that they were going to try and circumference India next so I'm looking forward to seeing that trip.
A BIG thank you to Ryan and Collin, there producers, and everyone whom helped give us viewers this incredible and overwhelming involvement to their successful quest. A truly entertaining DVD.
I was given this DVD for evaluation and an unbiased review.
February 5, 2015
A Six episode documentary about two brothers Ryan and Collin, who set out to do the impossible. From Shanghai on motorcycles, they make the long journey of circling China. Whilst taking on this challenge of exploring this vast country, they overcome many inhospitable and hostile elements.
They take us along with them as they document all their hardships of cross-country riding and dangers that lay ahead of them. They trek through the third lowest point on Earth, travel through harsh deserts in stifling heat waves, through the sandstorms of Turpan, endure torrential rainstorms and monsoons with fast rising floods, and ramble through the Mongolian grasslands. These are just a few instances that these two men endure and you find yourself on the edge of your seat watching as you silently encourage them to make it through what nature has to offer. Not all is harsh and bitter though as they come across the town of Kuqa, sample their markets, and meet friendly inhabitants native to this land.
The pure focus on China in all its glory and breathtaking back drops of scenic pleasure is opened up to us. Ancient villages and Chinese culture are shared as they track through China's diversity which as you will see in this DVD, can also be cruel punishment.
The two DVDS are of good quality and the sheer rawness and emotions of Ryan and Collin's adventures are unedited. They leave nothing to imagination which I think was unusually captivating to watch. The two brothers relationship was enduring as they show pure determination using strength and emotional turmoil that they shared with us viewers. It was astounding and incredible to say the least.
So take 'The Middle Kingdom Ride' of 65 days and 18,000 Km and all their experiences along the way, you'll be glad you did.
In their 6th and final episode of there journey around China, they mentioned that they were going to try and circumference India next so I'm looking forward to seeing that trip.
A BIG thank you to Ryan and Collin, there producers, and everyone whom helped give us viewers this incredible and overwhelming involvement to their successful quest. A truly entertaining DVD.
I was given this DVD for evaluation and an unbiased review.
They take us along with them as they document all their hardships of cross-country riding and dangers that lay ahead of them. They trek through the third lowest point on Earth, travel through harsh deserts in stifling heat waves, through the sandstorms of Turpan, endure torrential rainstorms and monsoons with fast rising floods, and ramble through the Mongolian grasslands. These are just a few instances that these two men endure and you find yourself on the edge of your seat watching as you silently encourage them to make it through what nature has to offer. Not all is harsh and bitter though as they come across the town of Kuqa, sample their markets, and meet friendly inhabitants native to this land.
The pure focus on China in all its glory and breathtaking back drops of scenic pleasure is opened up to us. Ancient villages and Chinese culture are shared as they track through China's diversity which as you will see in this DVD, can also be cruel punishment.
The two DVDS are of good quality and the sheer rawness and emotions of Ryan and Collin's adventures are unedited. They leave nothing to imagination which I think was unusually captivating to watch. The two brothers relationship was enduring as they show pure determination using strength and emotional turmoil that they shared with us viewers. It was astounding and incredible to say the least.
So take 'The Middle Kingdom Ride' of 65 days and 18,000 Km and all their experiences along the way, you'll be glad you did.
In their 6th and final episode of there journey around China, they mentioned that they were going to try and circumference India next so I'm looking forward to seeing that trip.
A BIG thank you to Ryan and Collin, there producers, and everyone whom helped give us viewers this incredible and overwhelming involvement to their successful quest. A truly entertaining DVD.
I was given this DVD for evaluation and an unbiased review.
April 4, 2015
I enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to watching the accompanying DVD as well. It is an interesting book, both because of the travelogue and the epic nature of the journey and because it has two authors. Both brothers have written their own point of view, based on their contemporary video diaries recorded at the end of each of the 60 days that they spent on the road (and in some cases off it) on the way round China.
The book is very much a narrative of the journey and the effect it has on the brothers. There are lots of unusual aspects pointed out, like the fact that no-one seems to have a proper motorbike in China. This means that many officials they come across don't comprehend their machines. For example motorbikes are banned on the motorways, because the local ones are 100cc and it would be dangerous, but a BMW 850cc can outstrip everything else (which they do when the local police try and stop them at one point).
You get a good impression of how Chinese officials deal with things, and the variability of approach. The Chinese police seem to have arbitrary power, yet you can simply ignore the blue flashing lights if you can leave their jurisdiction behind. There doesnt seem to be any cross-border co-operation between them, which saved the brothers from having to change track a couple of times.
Another thing you get is the psychological effect of the journey on the brothers. The entries are based on the daily vlogs that they did before bed. So they build up a picture of how they felt at the time, rather than than being completely reflective afterwards. Most days are seen as extremes at the time, only to be surpassed later on by another even more extreme event, whether good or bad.
The best bits for me were when they had a couple of days in the same place and had the time to see local stuff and describe it, which is why I'm looking forward to watching the DVD, because it will show me more of China than you can get just from the words.
If you like travel books, are curious about different cultures or wonder about the psychology of adventurers then you'll find something here worth reading.
The book is very much a narrative of the journey and the effect it has on the brothers. There are lots of unusual aspects pointed out, like the fact that no-one seems to have a proper motorbike in China. This means that many officials they come across don't comprehend their machines. For example motorbikes are banned on the motorways, because the local ones are 100cc and it would be dangerous, but a BMW 850cc can outstrip everything else (which they do when the local police try and stop them at one point).
You get a good impression of how Chinese officials deal with things, and the variability of approach. The Chinese police seem to have arbitrary power, yet you can simply ignore the blue flashing lights if you can leave their jurisdiction behind. There doesnt seem to be any cross-border co-operation between them, which saved the brothers from having to change track a couple of times.
Another thing you get is the psychological effect of the journey on the brothers. The entries are based on the daily vlogs that they did before bed. So they build up a picture of how they felt at the time, rather than than being completely reflective afterwards. Most days are seen as extremes at the time, only to be surpassed later on by another even more extreme event, whether good or bad.
The best bits for me were when they had a couple of days in the same place and had the time to see local stuff and describe it, which is why I'm looking forward to watching the DVD, because it will show me more of China than you can get just from the words.
If you like travel books, are curious about different cultures or wonder about the psychology of adventurers then you'll find something here worth reading.
December 19, 2014
Colin and Ryan Pyle's "The Middle Kingdom Ride: Two Brothers, Two Motorcycles, One Epic Journey" drew me in from the first chapter. I like travelogues anyway, but this is the first one I've read that had brothers traveling together, and also had both of them taking turns telling their sides of the story.
Ryan Pyle, who already lived in China, dreamed up a trip where he and his brother would ride motorcycles around the entire border of China. He was anxious to show his adopted country to his brother, and with both men married and in their 30s they may have both felt the need to challenge themselves a little.
What follows is a diary of the 65 days it took them to drive the 18,000 km (11,000 miles) from Shanghai on the East coast, up to Beijing, West along the border with Mongolia, skirting along the borders of Kyrgzstan and Pakistan, South into Nepal and Tibet, then East again back to the starting point in Shanghai. Their journey was recorded in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the first circumnavigation of China on motorcycles.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their journey, and their human reactions to horrible weather, spills from their motorcycles, mechanical breakdowns, breathtaking and awe-inspiring scenery (they visited Mount Everest base camp), wonderful local people, differences and similarities between cultures, senseless bureacracy in "closed" areas of China, and about their re-finding the closeness they had as boys.
There are some great pictures included in the book, taken by the support team they had follow them during their trip. They've also released a separate DVD of film footage of their trip, which I haven't yet had time to watch.
If you enjoy seeing other countries through the eyes of travelers, you'll enjoy this book. If you've ever thought of throwing away the rat race and driving off into the sunset, you'll love it.
I received a complimentary copy of The Middle Kingdom from the publisher, for review purposes. I wasn't asked to leave a positive review, and this is my honest opinion of this entertaining book.
Ryan Pyle, who already lived in China, dreamed up a trip where he and his brother would ride motorcycles around the entire border of China. He was anxious to show his adopted country to his brother, and with both men married and in their 30s they may have both felt the need to challenge themselves a little.
What follows is a diary of the 65 days it took them to drive the 18,000 km (11,000 miles) from Shanghai on the East coast, up to Beijing, West along the border with Mongolia, skirting along the borders of Kyrgzstan and Pakistan, South into Nepal and Tibet, then East again back to the starting point in Shanghai. Their journey was recorded in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the first circumnavigation of China on motorcycles.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their journey, and their human reactions to horrible weather, spills from their motorcycles, mechanical breakdowns, breathtaking and awe-inspiring scenery (they visited Mount Everest base camp), wonderful local people, differences and similarities between cultures, senseless bureacracy in "closed" areas of China, and about their re-finding the closeness they had as boys.
There are some great pictures included in the book, taken by the support team they had follow them during their trip. They've also released a separate DVD of film footage of their trip, which I haven't yet had time to watch.
If you enjoy seeing other countries through the eyes of travelers, you'll enjoy this book. If you've ever thought of throwing away the rat race and driving off into the sunset, you'll love it.
I received a complimentary copy of The Middle Kingdom from the publisher, for review purposes. I wasn't asked to leave a positive review, and this is my honest opinion of this entertaining book.
March 16, 2015
This is one of those books that shouldn't sit on a shelve - rather be handed around to friends whom like to travel.
Having reviewed the DVD first, I'm glad to have received the book and here is why:
The book delves much deeper into backstory and the daily journals. You get a much better sense of Colin and Ryan Pyle's thoughts and personal reflections. The DVD is great because of the footage, but the book provides more content and context.
For all the things Westerners think about China, there really is treasure - scenery - and people - worth seeing and meeting. Yes, getting a police escort through a leg of the journey or in Tibet having restricted access as foreigners may be `odd' given our rights, but the scenery would be worth those setbacks.
Brothers Pyle take off on a pair of modified BMW motorcycle to traverse China on a 65 day, 18,000 km tour of China. Starting and ending in Shanghai, the brothers ride to the North Korean border, through Inner Mongolia, across the Silk Road and Xinjiang, then turn South to the Pakistani border, Tibet, Mt. Everest Base Camp and through the Yunnan and Guangdong Province.
It is a striking example of the multitudes of various climates within China: desert, rolling fields, mountains, isolation, and urban sprawl. Roads vary greatly on this journey and a few spills happen along the way. Lake Longmu, which is 5200m above sea level, is this beautiful lake near mountains and dirt roads without a population near. It is literally just a lake out in the middle of China. There are many interesting scenes in this collection.
Read January 2015: Paperback provided by publisher
Having reviewed the DVD first, I'm glad to have received the book and here is why:
The book delves much deeper into backstory and the daily journals. You get a much better sense of Colin and Ryan Pyle's thoughts and personal reflections. The DVD is great because of the footage, but the book provides more content and context.
For all the things Westerners think about China, there really is treasure - scenery - and people - worth seeing and meeting. Yes, getting a police escort through a leg of the journey or in Tibet having restricted access as foreigners may be `odd' given our rights, but the scenery would be worth those setbacks.
Brothers Pyle take off on a pair of modified BMW motorcycle to traverse China on a 65 day, 18,000 km tour of China. Starting and ending in Shanghai, the brothers ride to the North Korean border, through Inner Mongolia, across the Silk Road and Xinjiang, then turn South to the Pakistani border, Tibet, Mt. Everest Base Camp and through the Yunnan and Guangdong Province.
It is a striking example of the multitudes of various climates within China: desert, rolling fields, mountains, isolation, and urban sprawl. Roads vary greatly on this journey and a few spills happen along the way. Lake Longmu, which is 5200m above sea level, is this beautiful lake near mountains and dirt roads without a population near. It is literally just a lake out in the middle of China. There are many interesting scenes in this collection.
Read January 2015: Paperback provided by publisher
March 25, 2015
Disclaimer: While I aim to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.
I’ve got to be honest with you, I didn’t expect this book to be this good – especially so because it was sent to me with an accompanying DVD. But I managed to do the sensible thing and read the book first, and I’m glad I did – now I can’t wait to watch the DVD!
The Middle Kingdom Ride tells the epic tale of the authors, Canadian brothers who ride over 18,000 kilometres around China on the back of 800cc motorbikes. It sounds difficult enough, but when you factor in some of the crazy laws that are followed to the letter despite them contravening common sense, the unpredictable weather, the wearying conditions and the inherent danger in riding motorbikes that far across the weirdest roads you can imagine, you start to get a feel for how mammoth the task is.
The two brothers’ writing is in just the right style for the job – they take it in turns to cover what’s happening, and they explain it simply and with just the right amount of westernisation. It’s the kind of book where you actually learn something, and that’s always good in my eyes. It almost makes me want to travel around China, except I don’t have the money to fund the trip, I can’t ride a motorbike and the whole thing sounds pretty damn impossible to repeat.
Seriously, they came pretty close to death on several occasions. Don’t try this at home.
I’ve got to be honest with you, I didn’t expect this book to be this good – especially so because it was sent to me with an accompanying DVD. But I managed to do the sensible thing and read the book first, and I’m glad I did – now I can’t wait to watch the DVD!
The Middle Kingdom Ride tells the epic tale of the authors, Canadian brothers who ride over 18,000 kilometres around China on the back of 800cc motorbikes. It sounds difficult enough, but when you factor in some of the crazy laws that are followed to the letter despite them contravening common sense, the unpredictable weather, the wearying conditions and the inherent danger in riding motorbikes that far across the weirdest roads you can imagine, you start to get a feel for how mammoth the task is.
The two brothers’ writing is in just the right style for the job – they take it in turns to cover what’s happening, and they explain it simply and with just the right amount of westernisation. It’s the kind of book where you actually learn something, and that’s always good in my eyes. It almost makes me want to travel around China, except I don’t have the money to fund the trip, I can’t ride a motorbike and the whole thing sounds pretty damn impossible to repeat.
Seriously, they came pretty close to death on several occasions. Don’t try this at home.
February 21, 2015
One of my favourite books, and one I will read a few more times.
First it struck me that it's well written, considering neither Ryan not Colin are "writers" as their profession. The book was more of less an afterthought, something that came out of a desire to document their dream adventure.
I liked that each chapter gave both of their points of view, and it was so interesting how differently they described some of the events. And it certainly was an eventful trip. Good grief, what did they NOT encounter? There were mud slides, relentless rain, scorching heat, breakdowns, confrontations with military and police and every kind of landscape/terrain. The way it's written, I felt like I was right there along with them (minus the physical pain and discomfort). They go through a range of emotions, and their excitement is infectious. The ups and downs are just crazy. They encounter such a diversity of culture and it's so interesting to follow them on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Colin said that amazing, beautiful and incredible sound so cliche when used all the time, but that he run out of words to describe what he saw. Well, this book, their journey, was all of those. Simply unbelievabley amazing.
This book is riveting. Can't wait to watch the DVD.
First it struck me that it's well written, considering neither Ryan not Colin are "writers" as their profession. The book was more of less an afterthought, something that came out of a desire to document their dream adventure.
I liked that each chapter gave both of their points of view, and it was so interesting how differently they described some of the events. And it certainly was an eventful trip. Good grief, what did they NOT encounter? There were mud slides, relentless rain, scorching heat, breakdowns, confrontations with military and police and every kind of landscape/terrain. The way it's written, I felt like I was right there along with them (minus the physical pain and discomfort). They go through a range of emotions, and their excitement is infectious. The ups and downs are just crazy. They encounter such a diversity of culture and it's so interesting to follow them on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Colin said that amazing, beautiful and incredible sound so cliche when used all the time, but that he run out of words to describe what he saw. Well, this book, their journey, was all of those. Simply unbelievabley amazing.
This book is riveting. Can't wait to watch the DVD.
February 25, 2015
Canadian brothers Colin and Ryan Pyle turn their backs on their everyday lives and set out on a 65 day, 18,000km trip around China on motorcycles. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, quite a lot as it happens, from over zealous bureaucracy to mechanical breakdowns, extremes of weather and more. This book is the story of that journey.
The narrative charts the progress of the brothers on the trip of a lifetime. For my liking it focusses rather too much on the logistics of the journey. There were times when I really wanted to know more about the places and people encountered along the way.
That quibble aside it's a light, entertaining read and you don't need to be an endurance motorcycling enthusiast to enjoy it. It should appeal to fans of Michael Palin and similar travelogues.
There's a DVD documentary available charting the same journey which, thanks to its visual approach, gives a better impression of the country. You should probably view the DVD and book as companion pieces giving a full picture of the trip.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy by the publisher.
Well, quite a lot as it happens, from over zealous bureaucracy to mechanical breakdowns, extremes of weather and more. This book is the story of that journey.
The narrative charts the progress of the brothers on the trip of a lifetime. For my liking it focusses rather too much on the logistics of the journey. There were times when I really wanted to know more about the places and people encountered along the way.
That quibble aside it's a light, entertaining read and you don't need to be an endurance motorcycling enthusiast to enjoy it. It should appeal to fans of Michael Palin and similar travelogues.
There's a DVD documentary available charting the same journey which, thanks to its visual approach, gives a better impression of the country. You should probably view the DVD and book as companion pieces giving a full picture of the trip.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy by the publisher.
March 15, 2015
THE MIDDLE KINGDOM RIDE is the story of two Canadian brothers and their journey around China via motorcycle.
Ryan Pyle had lived in China for ten years, working as a freelance photographer and journalist. Younger brother Colin had started a business in Canada, finally selling it, but staying on to run it.
The motorcycle journey came about because of both brothers finding life changing. The downturn in world economy made Ryan selling photos and stories on China realize that was going away. Ryan soon found running a company wasn't the same as owning it. A desire to spend time together was another part of it, years having gone by between visits.
What they decided would be no easy task. 18,000 kilometers in sixty days in a wide loop around China.
This book chronicles the planning. the journey, and all the problems they encountered, as well as the highs.
The book was nicely written, never dragging, with each chapter broken into two parts, with Ryan talking about a particular part of the ride, then Colin giving his impressions of the same incident(culled from a video diary each made every night when they stopped).
An entertaining read.
Ryan Pyle had lived in China for ten years, working as a freelance photographer and journalist. Younger brother Colin had started a business in Canada, finally selling it, but staying on to run it.
The motorcycle journey came about because of both brothers finding life changing. The downturn in world economy made Ryan selling photos and stories on China realize that was going away. Ryan soon found running a company wasn't the same as owning it. A desire to spend time together was another part of it, years having gone by between visits.
What they decided would be no easy task. 18,000 kilometers in sixty days in a wide loop around China.
This book chronicles the planning. the journey, and all the problems they encountered, as well as the highs.
The book was nicely written, never dragging, with each chapter broken into two parts, with Ryan talking about a particular part of the ride, then Colin giving his impressions of the same incident(culled from a video diary each made every night when they stopped).
An entertaining read.
March 2, 2015
This was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a very long time. If you have ever dreamed about leaving behind your job and day-to-day life for the adventure of a lifetime … then read this book. Two brothers set out to ride motorcycles across China – but as they glimpse communist North Korea, desolate interior regions of China, the Pakistani border, and the base camp at Mount Everest, they learn the most important journeys in life inevitably lead to self-discovery and the desire to be a better person AFTER the journey. The brothers/authors do an amazing job of capturing that in this book. It is insightful, poignant and at times funny – and very much worth reading.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2015
I had such high expectations of this book as it combines two things I love: adventure motorcycling and china. Perhaps my fault for having such expectations. For a journalist, not great writing. So little detail about the country and culture traveled through. Nice to include the brothers comments and thoughts occasionally but after a while it became tiresome; one book, one writer please.
April 26, 2017
Epic Ride of a Lifetime
As a fellow motorcycle enthusiast I empathise with many of the description of encounters with the unexpected on the road. The narrative of both brothers was genuine, and the juxtaposition of each brother's perception of events was an excellent literary approach. Hardships were described very realistically, and it became easy to put myself in each brother's boots. Well done!
As a fellow motorcycle enthusiast I empathise with many of the description of encounters with the unexpected on the road. The narrative of both brothers was genuine, and the juxtaposition of each brother's perception of events was an excellent literary approach. Hardships were described very realistically, and it became easy to put myself in each brother's boots. Well done!
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