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Going the Wrong Way: A Young Belfast Man Sets off on His Moto Guzzi Le Mans to Find Himself, and the Road to Australia. What Could Possibly Go Wrong!
What could possibly go wrong when a 21- year old man decides to fire up his set of wheels; his beautiful caf� racing Moto Guzzi and head for somewhere, yet nowhere- in response to his desire to explore; break free from his mediocre, middle-class life and reach out for the unknown?
What could go wrong during a 50,000 mile travel across the world, through 33 countries, executed by an unleashed 20-year old, making the spiritual transition to become a man?
As it turns out, a ton of things could go wrong, but a life-time of lessons would be learned as well- the hard way.
Ready for a journey of discovery through the eyes of someone who experienced all the horror, excitement, thrill, and hell; a boy turned man?Keep reading!
Since the first set of people roamed the earth, boys have been transitioning into men by setting off on journeys without particular destinations. For some, it was nothing more than an aimless wandering into the bush but for others, it has been a tale whose personas never lived to tell. Nevertheless, it has over the millennia been a necessity; an important phase and time for self-assessment and self-discovery.
This transition, though often dangerous and risky in many cultures, must have reached its highest peak in history in the early 1980s when a regular odyssey of a boy in his early 20s turned into a near-death experience filled with momentous and deadly catch 22s.
With the trigger happy boys soldiers armed with AK-47 in war-torn Africa, the Andes and the catastrophes of the Sahara desert to the disease in South America only describing the tip of the iceberg, Chris Donaldson's book takes you on a devastatingly blood-rushing and thrilling journey as you experience the tumultuous adventure just as it happened decades ago.
Question is, are you interested in finding out: - How a young man's personality and sanity can endure before being challenged and changed by strains and stresses of solo traveling?
- How one of the last true explorers to discover the world, before the internet, changed traveling forever?
- How a wild journey dogged by misfortune, trouble, and fantasy ends?
If you are, then this book is what you've been looking for!
Scroll up and click Buy Now With 1-Click or Buy Now to get started!
What could possibly go wrong when a 21- year old man decides to fire up his set of wheels; his beautiful caf� racing Moto Guzzi and head for somewhere, yet nowhere- in response to his desire to explore; break free from his mediocre, middle-class life and reach out for the unknown?
What could go wrong during a 50,000-mile travel across the world, through 33 countries, executed by an unleashed 20-year old, making the spiritual transition to become a man?
As it turns out, a ton of things could go wrong, but a life-time of lessons would be learned as well- the hard way.
Ready for a journey of discovery through the eyes of someone who experienced all the horror, excitement, thrill, and hell; a boy turned man?
Keep reading!
Since the first set of people roamed the earth, boys have been transitioning into men by setting off on journeys without particular destinations. For some, it was nothing more than an aimless wandering into the bush but for others, it has been a tale whose personas never lived to tell. Nevertheless, it has over the millennia been a necessity; an important phase and time for self-assessment and self-discovery.
This transition, though often dangerous and risky in many cultures, must have reached its hig
What could go wrong during a 50,000 mile travel across the world, through 33 countries, executed by an unleashed 20-year old, making the spiritual transition to become a man?
As it turns out, a ton of things could go wrong, but a life-time of lessons would be learned as well- the hard way.
Ready for a journey of discovery through the eyes of someone who experienced all the horror, excitement, thrill, and hell; a boy turned man?Keep reading!
Since the first set of people roamed the earth, boys have been transitioning into men by setting off on journeys without particular destinations. For some, it was nothing more than an aimless wandering into the bush but for others, it has been a tale whose personas never lived to tell. Nevertheless, it has over the millennia been a necessity; an important phase and time for self-assessment and self-discovery.
This transition, though often dangerous and risky in many cultures, must have reached its highest peak in history in the early 1980s when a regular odyssey of a boy in his early 20s turned into a near-death experience filled with momentous and deadly catch 22s.
With the trigger happy boys soldiers armed with AK-47 in war-torn Africa, the Andes and the catastrophes of the Sahara desert to the disease in South America only describing the tip of the iceberg, Chris Donaldson's book takes you on a devastatingly blood-rushing and thrilling journey as you experience the tumultuous adventure just as it happened decades ago.
Question is, are you interested in finding out: - How a young man's personality and sanity can endure before being challenged and changed by strains and stresses of solo traveling?
- How one of the last true explorers to discover the world, before the internet, changed traveling forever?
- How a wild journey dogged by misfortune, trouble, and fantasy ends?
If you are, then this book is what you've been looking for!
Scroll up and click Buy Now With 1-Click or Buy Now to get started!
What could possibly go wrong when a 21- year old man decides to fire up his set of wheels; his beautiful caf� racing Moto Guzzi and head for somewhere, yet nowhere- in response to his desire to explore; break free from his mediocre, middle-class life and reach out for the unknown?
What could go wrong during a 50,000-mile travel across the world, through 33 countries, executed by an unleashed 20-year old, making the spiritual transition to become a man?
As it turns out, a ton of things could go wrong, but a life-time of lessons would be learned as well- the hard way.
Ready for a journey of discovery through the eyes of someone who experienced all the horror, excitement, thrill, and hell; a boy turned man?
Keep reading!
Since the first set of people roamed the earth, boys have been transitioning into men by setting off on journeys without particular destinations. For some, it was nothing more than an aimless wandering into the bush but for others, it has been a tale whose personas never lived to tell. Nevertheless, it has over the millennia been a necessity; an important phase and time for self-assessment and self-discovery.
This transition, though often dangerous and risky in many cultures, must have reached its hig
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2020
71 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Chris Donaldson
2 books8 followersOn his return from South America, Chris joined the family furniture shop in Belfast, which over the years he expanded into London and Dublin. He was UK Master Franchisor for a fitness company, developed a Health & Fitness Franchise, and a Mobile App company in Dubai; where he lived for eight years with his family on a 47ft yacht.
His hobbies include sailing and flying. Following his quest to do things his own way, he built his own aeroplane. He still rides his Moto Guzzi Le Mans, SOI 222, and some years ago rode it to Moscow and St Petersburg with his wife, Julie.
The journey still impacts his life to this day where he continues to go the wrong way whenever he can; a trip to Australia is still a dream.
Chris now works with Ed's son, Jeff Arditti from North Carolina. He sells their furniture in Europe, Russia and Australia.
He now lives in Belfast and is the father of two beautiful girls.
Belfast cemetery has recently noticed some paranormal disturbances at the grave of his old English teacher. Rumours of him writing a book have apparently reached the afterlife
His hobbies include sailing and flying. Following his quest to do things his own way, he built his own aeroplane. He still rides his Moto Guzzi Le Mans, SOI 222, and some years ago rode it to Moscow and St Petersburg with his wife, Julie.
The journey still impacts his life to this day where he continues to go the wrong way whenever he can; a trip to Australia is still a dream.
Chris now works with Ed's son, Jeff Arditti from North Carolina. He sells their furniture in Europe, Russia and Australia.
He now lives in Belfast and is the father of two beautiful girls.
Belfast cemetery has recently noticed some paranormal disturbances at the grave of his old English teacher. Rumours of him writing a book have apparently reached the afterlife
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 10, 2020
Loved it! This is an autobiography of a young man who takes a solo motorcycle trip from Northern Ireland in the 1970's with the hopes of making it to Australia and what happens on the way there. The author takes us through each country's unique culture and interesting tales of the people he meets along the way. The book is quite suspenseful, when the author is in very dangerous areas of the Middle East meeting both Israeli and Palestinian people and equally if not worse areas of the Sudan, Uganda and Kenya, with teenage soldiers armed with machine guns. The corrupt police in so many of the countries, the dangerous situations he finds himself in. Conversely, throughout the trip, I enjoyed the stories of hospitality and kindness from the people living in poverty and still offering what little they had to their guests, as was their custom. The characters he met along the way, similarly traveling alone, then forming a special bond traveling together for periods of time, and the loneliness when they parted, still leaves images in my mind of the unique trust level and friendships formed. I was amazed at the idea of a 21 yr old without internet, cell phones and GPS being able to persevere such a trek. The hardships the author faced, whether it was crossing the Nubian Desert, being in the middle or end of Civil Wars, the physical and mental exhaustion, and illness with fevers and GI conditions was palpable. The story takes an interesting turn toward the end when a sailboat becomes the mode of transportation for a time and again a completely foreign experience for the author to navigate through. I enjoyed every bit of this book and it left images in my mind of places I will most likely never see and I am richer for it!
July 13, 2020
A must-read for fans of motorcycle adventure.
A really interesting story, funny at at times almost tragic. Chris took an unsuitable motorcycle on a chaotic, virtually unplanned trip around the world with no insurance, hardly any money, yet a determination to continue as long as possible whatever the odds. Encountering gun-toting teenagers, corrupt officials, and other travellers, Chris's trip to Australia ends up taking him through Africa and the Americas instead. In the current modern, safety obsessed and highly connected world we live today, trips like this seem not just crazy, but almost impossible. Although my recent trip to South America was perhaps adventurous, it pales into insignificance compared to this. I had a tracker, posted updates on Facebook, could call my wife anywhere there was internet or a phone signal. Chris had nothing except determination and a growing understanding of how to keep his bike running.
Going The Wrong Way served as a timely reminder of how sanitised our lives have become in this age of connectivity. A thoroughly entertaining account of what most people today would consider an extreme and potentially hazardous undertaking.
A really interesting story, funny at at times almost tragic. Chris took an unsuitable motorcycle on a chaotic, virtually unplanned trip around the world with no insurance, hardly any money, yet a determination to continue as long as possible whatever the odds. Encountering gun-toting teenagers, corrupt officials, and other travellers, Chris's trip to Australia ends up taking him through Africa and the Americas instead. In the current modern, safety obsessed and highly connected world we live today, trips like this seem not just crazy, but almost impossible. Although my recent trip to South America was perhaps adventurous, it pales into insignificance compared to this. I had a tracker, posted updates on Facebook, could call my wife anywhere there was internet or a phone signal. Chris had nothing except determination and a growing understanding of how to keep his bike running.
Going The Wrong Way served as a timely reminder of how sanitised our lives have become in this age of connectivity. A thoroughly entertaining account of what most people today would consider an extreme and potentially hazardous undertaking.
January 10, 2021
Chris has a fantastic way with words that very much shows his personality. The story of him aiming for this journey to Australia, yet missing and having an equally spectacular time is a brilliant read.
I've read quite a few motorcycle travel books now and Chris' story is up there as one of my favourites and I'm very much looking forward to reading it again.
An engaging read of a set of experiences I wouldn't necessarily want to happen unto me, but I'm glad they happened to a man who could not only accept it, but then share it with the world.
You won't regret reading this book!
I've read quite a few motorcycle travel books now and Chris' story is up there as one of my favourites and I'm very much looking forward to reading it again.
An engaging read of a set of experiences I wouldn't necessarily want to happen unto me, but I'm glad they happened to a man who could not only accept it, but then share it with the world.
You won't regret reading this book!
October 22, 2024
I enjoyed this book, it was a real page turner. I felt every bump in the road as the author lurched from one crisis to the next, and it was set against some momentous geopolitical events that resonate even today.
My only criticisms are that it could do with better proof reading, and I found the last chapter a bit sanctimonious. Yes, he had an incredible adventure but it's not for everyone, so try not to look down on those who have led more "regular" lives.
My only criticisms are that it could do with better proof reading, and I found the last chapter a bit sanctimonious. Yes, he had an incredible adventure but it's not for everyone, so try not to look down on those who have led more "regular" lives.
October 12, 2020
A great read. I am not a big reader but was sent this book by a fellow motorcycle enthusiast, and being laid up following an op, it seemed a good time to read. . What a fantastic way to fill time. Funny, shocking, enthralling all in good measure. The bike interest was great, but also the insight in different cultures. It has certainly wet my appetite to travel further than my usual European trips. Highly recommended.
Read
March 19, 2021For anyone who wishes that they had been more adventurous in their youth this will either make you regret not having the balls, or justify your decision to stay home and safe!
A great read - (one chapter to go). I just wish you hadn't abandoned your girl!
I thoroughly recommend this book to motorcycle enthusiasts and to those who have never ridden a bike or traveled beyond their comfort zone. John Mee.
A great read - (one chapter to go). I just wish you hadn't abandoned your girl!
I thoroughly recommend this book to motorcycle enthusiasts and to those who have never ridden a bike or traveled beyond their comfort zone. John Mee.
November 5, 2020
Again a fascinating travel book not only for riders. As a rider myself, I have always respected people travelling on budget. Chris was brave to simply head out to the world and go through with it. He describes experiences that only those can gain who have the courage to go on a trip like this. I highly recommend this book to everyone, because it's a great read, adventurous and hard to put down.
January 18, 2021
..you know when you finish a good book, it's when you feel a little lost when you have finished the final page!
A great story of a remarkable journey that is also well written.
Why he chose to do what he did using a Moto Guzzi cafe racer is beyond any sort of logic, but I guess that just adds to the story.
Would highly recommend it if you are interested in either motobikes or travelogs.
A great story of a remarkable journey that is also well written.
Why he chose to do what he did using a Moto Guzzi cafe racer is beyond any sort of logic, but I guess that just adds to the story.
Would highly recommend it if you are interested in either motobikes or travelogs.
February 28, 2021
What an adventure! Here is someone who actually did what I didn’t have the bottle to do. One of those adventure books that is difficult to put down. A must read for everyone but definitely bikers like me who had a Le Mans and 100% regret selling it to Aussie student living in London who want to ride back to Australia on it!!
March 16, 2021
This is one of the most engaging and un-put-a-downble books I have read for a long while, Chris writes with humour and as a man of similar age and interests i.e motorcycles it was easy to get involved in the book. I would highly recommend this read to anyone with an interest in bikes/travel/life! His adventures were legendary the like of which would not happen in todays world!
Nigel
Nigel
January 3, 2021
A good story
A young Irish lad begins his odyssey to Australia but winds up with an entirely different trip. A worthwhile read!
A young Irish lad begins his odyssey to Australia but winds up with an entirely different trip. A worthwhile read!
October 18, 2020
A really entertaining account of accidental motorcycle travel
Well done Chris
A really great personal trip through war torn and politically disrupted continents without the support of a huge film crew, massive financial and infrastructure as seen more recently on the telly.
Respect to you Chris, and no surprise that the family or friends were not really interested in your return, all the more benefit to you.
Well done Chris
A really great personal trip through war torn and politically disrupted continents without the support of a huge film crew, massive financial and infrastructure as seen more recently on the telly.
Respect to you Chris, and no surprise that the family or friends were not really interested in your return, all the more benefit to you.
July 1, 2020
You can feel the experiences
A fantastic journey, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Chris is lucky to have survived this trip and you can sense the danger and adventure he writes about. Good job!!
A fantastic journey, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Chris is lucky to have survived this trip and you can sense the danger and adventure he writes about. Good job!!
September 7, 2020
A good tale, spoilt
An interesting adventure, and quite obviously true. Well worth reading, but spoilt for me by the non-stop use of the Fxxx word, many times on every page. No doubt it is the way the author thinks but it adds nothing to the readability.
An interesting adventure, and quite obviously true. Well worth reading, but spoilt for me by the non-stop use of the Fxxx word, many times on every page. No doubt it is the way the author thinks but it adds nothing to the readability.
August 21, 2020
Well worth reading .
Set off to ride from Belfast to Austraila and ended up in Argentina , this could be me without my satnav !
Set off to ride from Belfast to Austraila and ended up in Argentina , this could be me without my satnav !
October 26, 2020
A good read!
Enjoyable yarn about 1970’s third world travels on a motorcycle. Far more interesting than I was expecting and well written🤗
Enjoyable yarn about 1970’s third world travels on a motorcycle. Far more interesting than I was expecting and well written🤗
February 28, 2021
A very well written and highly enjoyable book with such hilarity and intrigue you won’t want to put it down! I challenge you! Definitely 5 stars!!
April 29, 2021
Read this book!!!!!
An honest account of traveling by bike in the 80s ,sadly lost for today's youth.a brilliant read ,I highly recommend it
An honest account of traveling by bike in the 80s ,sadly lost for today's youth.a brilliant read ,I highly recommend it
June 5, 2021
Great Motorbike Traveller
What a great story of a young-man’s motorbike travel and testimony to the robustness of a Moro Guzzi and the human spirit.
What a great story of a young-man’s motorbike travel and testimony to the robustness of a Moro Guzzi and the human spirit.
September 26, 2023
The greatest read of all time. This chap has balls of steel and the guile and resilience to crack on. Beautifully, brutally truthful, honest and raw. It's also fucking hilarious simply due to the circumstances and the 100% disregard for his own safety or consequences of his actions.
Corrupt cops, angry Generals, pissed off Freedom fighters and pretty much all other officials are only a side issue compared to the 'ordinary' folk he mixes it up with on his travels.
It's a clever book written by an intelligent guy who learns, grows and blags his way around the world one day at a time. The almost symbiotic relationship with the MotoGuzzi is mind blowing and the running repairs ridiculous. The mental strength and searching are the backbone of this adventure and makes you question your own place in a diluted risk averse world.
Corrupt cops, angry Generals, pissed off Freedom fighters and pretty much all other officials are only a side issue compared to the 'ordinary' folk he mixes it up with on his travels.
It's a clever book written by an intelligent guy who learns, grows and blags his way around the world one day at a time. The almost symbiotic relationship with the MotoGuzzi is mind blowing and the running repairs ridiculous. The mental strength and searching are the backbone of this adventure and makes you question your own place in a diluted risk averse world.
July 7, 2021
Fantastic Read
Couldn't put it down. Full of description and colour together with Irish black humour, it makes for a very entertaining read.
Couldn't put it down. Full of description and colour together with Irish black humour, it makes for a very entertaining read.
November 6, 2020
An incredible story of a young man's search for something. Whether it was fulfilment ,excitement, or just himself, he wasn't sure, but he knew he couldn't find it at home in Belfast during the "troubles" of the Eighties.
He sets off for Australia, via Europe and the middle East, riding his trusty Moto Guzzi Le Mans, but ends up travelling down through Africa. His journey though was far from over, and his method of return travel to Europe was inspired. After a brief visit with family he resumed his adventures, this time from North America to South America.
Over 20 months, 39,000 miles and 33 countries, he encountered love ( or at least lust) , para-militaries, drug barons, wild animals, friendly locals, and fellow travelers, amongst many other things.
Before the age of the mobile phone, and the internet, Chris was truly alone, and showed great ingenuity when faced with the various mechanical problems that befell the Guzzi, as Chris rode his "sportbike" through deserts and jungles.
If this was a film script ( and it really should be made into one ), you'd think it too far fetched! Although in parts terrifying, Chris' storytelling is captivating, and humorous, and makes this book hard to put down.
If you like adventure, I can't recommend this enoug
He sets off for Australia, via Europe and the middle East, riding his trusty Moto Guzzi Le Mans, but ends up travelling down through Africa. His journey though was far from over, and his method of return travel to Europe was inspired. After a brief visit with family he resumed his adventures, this time from North America to South America.
Over 20 months, 39,000 miles and 33 countries, he encountered love ( or at least lust) , para-militaries, drug barons, wild animals, friendly locals, and fellow travelers, amongst many other things.
Before the age of the mobile phone, and the internet, Chris was truly alone, and showed great ingenuity when faced with the various mechanical problems that befell the Guzzi, as Chris rode his "sportbike" through deserts and jungles.
If this was a film script ( and it really should be made into one ), you'd think it too far fetched! Although in parts terrifying, Chris' storytelling is captivating, and humorous, and makes this book hard to put down.
If you like adventure, I can't recommend this enoug
May 23, 2020
This is a fabulous book just published, should be given more credit! He handles extremely serious situations in a comedic way and with the sarcasm only an adolescent who lived through " The troubles" on the streets of Belfast could. I thoroughly recommend this coming of age adventure that has you "creasing up" from page 1.
You can purchase or download on Amazon today. Do yourself a favor, and get it! MUST READ!
You can purchase or download on Amazon today. Do yourself a favor, and get it! MUST READ!
December 5, 2020
Fantastic
This book was amazing, a great read. Chris tells his story well. It’s really wild that he survived some of the situations
This book was amazing, a great read. Chris tells his story well. It’s really wild that he survived some of the situations
February 28, 2021
This is an excellent read and very funny. If you dream of doing a round the world trip on a bike read it.
February 28, 2021
Nice
Great book for any one, not only motorcycle enthusiasts and travel buffs
Great book for any one, not only motorcycle enthusiasts and travel buffs
September 22, 2024
Hello Friends,
There is a new addition to the Tiger Coward Adventure Motorcycle Library: Going the Wrong Way by Chris Donaldson.
This is a fantastic book about an epic journey that occurred 40 years ago. Donaldson leaves behind the Troubles of Belfast and pilots his Moto Guzzi LeMans towards Australia. Spoiler alert, he doesn't get there, but instead rides the length of Africa and sails back to Europe. Then he rejoins the Moto Guzzi in California and rides to Argentina by way of Canada. What an amazing journey.
Donaldson finds romance a couple of times, but this is not a romantic story. It is raw, gritty, and gives you a true picture of the struggles of traveling the world by motorcycle. If you like a story with a fairy tale ending, then this book is not for you. Bruce Willis does not sweep in and save Julie Roberts at the end of this movie!
This book is an easy read, and Donaldson is remarkably funny. I was laughing out loud on many occasions, and I couldn't put it down.
Here are the 5 things I liked most about the book!
1. The bike
There are two sayings that I love: any bike that you have an adventure on is an Adventure Bike, and the best bike is the bike you have.
These are both relevant for this story. The LeMans was never designed to be a round the world distance bike, nor was it designed to be a an off road desert sled, but it was the bike he had and that is how Donaldson used it.
This, of course, meant that there were many on course modifications and roadside repairs. It is worth reading just to learn how Donaldson repairs the bike's forks with rope!
2. Traveling before the internet
Traveling before GPS, Google maps, and social media dictated that plans had to be more flexible, and locals were relied upon for directions and news. This lack of accurate data and information resulted in many unplanned adventures with varying outcomes.
I wouldn't want to travel that way today, but it certainly makes for entertaining reading.
3. Friends along the way
Of course, great stories are not about the machines or the routes. They are about the people. On this trip, Donaldson meets so many wonderful people that he encountered, lodged, and traveled with. Donaldson does a wonderful job of describing the deep and short-lived relationships of a moto hobo.
There are many heart warming, and heart breaking, tales in this journey.
4. The soul searching
Donaldson's adventures are so grand that the book could have stood alone on the description of what happened. What makes this story so rich is the introspection that he has along the way. How he, as a young man, grows and makes sense of the trip and the world around him.
Of course, this book is written by a man reflecting on his journal from 4 decades ago, and the story is richer from the decades of contemplation that went into writing this book
5. Resilience
Breakdowns, of the mechanical types, but also in relationships and in his own health are some of the hurdles Donaldson overcomes in this adventure.
Additionally, Donaldson's global journey could not avoid some political turmoil, wars, crushing poverty (including his own), overt corruption, and even an overly amorous border gaurd. These are just a few of the other challenges to be met and conquered.
CurrentIy, I believe that there is a resilience deficiency in Western society. The grit demonstrated by Donaldson should be a lesson to us all as it is inspirational.
I give this book a 5 paw rating on the Tiger rating scale.
Recommendation: Buy it!
There is a new addition to the Tiger Coward Adventure Motorcycle Library: Going the Wrong Way by Chris Donaldson.
This is a fantastic book about an epic journey that occurred 40 years ago. Donaldson leaves behind the Troubles of Belfast and pilots his Moto Guzzi LeMans towards Australia. Spoiler alert, he doesn't get there, but instead rides the length of Africa and sails back to Europe. Then he rejoins the Moto Guzzi in California and rides to Argentina by way of Canada. What an amazing journey.
Donaldson finds romance a couple of times, but this is not a romantic story. It is raw, gritty, and gives you a true picture of the struggles of traveling the world by motorcycle. If you like a story with a fairy tale ending, then this book is not for you. Bruce Willis does not sweep in and save Julie Roberts at the end of this movie!
This book is an easy read, and Donaldson is remarkably funny. I was laughing out loud on many occasions, and I couldn't put it down.
Here are the 5 things I liked most about the book!
1. The bike
There are two sayings that I love: any bike that you have an adventure on is an Adventure Bike, and the best bike is the bike you have.
These are both relevant for this story. The LeMans was never designed to be a round the world distance bike, nor was it designed to be a an off road desert sled, but it was the bike he had and that is how Donaldson used it.
This, of course, meant that there were many on course modifications and roadside repairs. It is worth reading just to learn how Donaldson repairs the bike's forks with rope!
2. Traveling before the internet
Traveling before GPS, Google maps, and social media dictated that plans had to be more flexible, and locals were relied upon for directions and news. This lack of accurate data and information resulted in many unplanned adventures with varying outcomes.
I wouldn't want to travel that way today, but it certainly makes for entertaining reading.
3. Friends along the way
Of course, great stories are not about the machines or the routes. They are about the people. On this trip, Donaldson meets so many wonderful people that he encountered, lodged, and traveled with. Donaldson does a wonderful job of describing the deep and short-lived relationships of a moto hobo.
There are many heart warming, and heart breaking, tales in this journey.
4. The soul searching
Donaldson's adventures are so grand that the book could have stood alone on the description of what happened. What makes this story so rich is the introspection that he has along the way. How he, as a young man, grows and makes sense of the trip and the world around him.
Of course, this book is written by a man reflecting on his journal from 4 decades ago, and the story is richer from the decades of contemplation that went into writing this book
5. Resilience
Breakdowns, of the mechanical types, but also in relationships and in his own health are some of the hurdles Donaldson overcomes in this adventure.
Additionally, Donaldson's global journey could not avoid some political turmoil, wars, crushing poverty (including his own), overt corruption, and even an overly amorous border gaurd. These are just a few of the other challenges to be met and conquered.
CurrentIy, I believe that there is a resilience deficiency in Western society. The grit demonstrated by Donaldson should be a lesson to us all as it is inspirational.
I give this book a 5 paw rating on the Tiger rating scale.
Recommendation: Buy it!
January 21, 2024
Book Review – “Going the wrong way” by Chris Donaldson.
Ok I do this because, it’s fun, it is my opinion and I’m not paid to do it. As I said my opinion.
For some reason, I put off reading this book, I knew I wanted to read it, I had bought it and it was sitting nestled between some others, that those that had been read and those that were waiting to be read. The it appeared in my hands and when I had finished it, I give myself a good talking to, why had not read this earlier.
The story starts in a time when the world was much different, a normal as normal as you can be young man living in Belfast at the height of the troubles, decides he wants to ride a bike to Australia.
So, what you get is an honest and at times terrifying account of his journey which at times is really funny as he rides off from Belfast on a moto guzzi, yes, a moto guzzi and makes his way to south Africa via countries that are a struggle to get through now adays.
Then joins a cross Atlantic sailing race as a crew member with no real experience of sailing then rides through North and South America before returning home. Yes, he does not make it to Australia.
This is a very enjoyable book and it even has coloured photos, If you buy and read this book in 2024 and I don’t think you would be disappointed just think on this, Chris’s journey happened 54 years ago.
Ok I do this because, it’s fun, it is my opinion and I’m not paid to do it. As I said my opinion.
For some reason, I put off reading this book, I knew I wanted to read it, I had bought it and it was sitting nestled between some others, that those that had been read and those that were waiting to be read. The it appeared in my hands and when I had finished it, I give myself a good talking to, why had not read this earlier.
The story starts in a time when the world was much different, a normal as normal as you can be young man living in Belfast at the height of the troubles, decides he wants to ride a bike to Australia.
So, what you get is an honest and at times terrifying account of his journey which at times is really funny as he rides off from Belfast on a moto guzzi, yes, a moto guzzi and makes his way to south Africa via countries that are a struggle to get through now adays.
Then joins a cross Atlantic sailing race as a crew member with no real experience of sailing then rides through North and South America before returning home. Yes, he does not make it to Australia.
This is a very enjoyable book and it even has coloured photos, If you buy and read this book in 2024 and I don’t think you would be disappointed just think on this, Chris’s journey happened 54 years ago.
March 6, 2023
Unexpected Brilliance
I was looking for my next motorcycle adventure book and was reluctant to pick one as a few of them didn’t reel me in, even Ted Simon’s—except this one. Chris Donaldson does a phenomenal job story telling with enough detail to capture my imagination but not enough to bog me down like George R.R. Martin describing a room. I’m an avid motorcyclist as well and could nearly see myself riding behind the handle bars on the Le Mans through the Sahara or over the Andes. I was genuinely disappointed when the book ended, and I really appreciated the final wrap up.
This is a for sure read for anyone wanting a great motorcycle travel story that is dependent on the shear will power of the adventurer.
I was looking for my next motorcycle adventure book and was reluctant to pick one as a few of them didn’t reel me in, even Ted Simon’s—except this one. Chris Donaldson does a phenomenal job story telling with enough detail to capture my imagination but not enough to bog me down like George R.R. Martin describing a room. I’m an avid motorcyclist as well and could nearly see myself riding behind the handle bars on the Le Mans through the Sahara or over the Andes. I was genuinely disappointed when the book ended, and I really appreciated the final wrap up.
This is a for sure read for anyone wanting a great motorcycle travel story that is dependent on the shear will power of the adventurer.
August 20, 2023
Engaging story with lots of challenges mishaps and frightening situations. I can’t imagine ever having the fortitude to carry on with a journey like this and would have given up or taken an easy way out.
Mind you this is 1980 so mobile phones, internet etc didn’t exist so in some way there wasn’t a lot of choice
I also recently read the elspeth beard book which describes a similar journey at about the same time and the two definitely complement each other (although hers has more a more emotional conclusion and is better written- sorry Chris!)
Im curious why he waited so long to write this and would have liked to see that in the conclusion
Overall a good read that id recommend to anyone interested in travel (motorcycle or otherwise) and early 1980s world politics
Mind you this is 1980 so mobile phones, internet etc didn’t exist so in some way there wasn’t a lot of choice
I also recently read the elspeth beard book which describes a similar journey at about the same time and the two definitely complement each other (although hers has more a more emotional conclusion and is better written- sorry Chris!)
Im curious why he waited so long to write this and would have liked to see that in the conclusion
Overall a good read that id recommend to anyone interested in travel (motorcycle or otherwise) and early 1980s world politics
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