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Three Wheeling Through Africa
A Group of friends travel across the Sahara desert on a motorcycle and side car.
- GenresTravel
351 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1936
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 24, 2012
Remarkable. A rare find from a used bookstore in Athens, GA, this book turned out to be one of the most engaging and exciting reads I've had in a while. It was a best seller when it came out in the late 30's but has since been somewhat forgotten. It's an insight into character, courage, and open-mindedness much advanced for its time. I really can't emphasize the tremendous quality of both the book and the two adventurers who inspired it (one being the author).
December 31, 2025
Hello Friends,
There is an incredible new addition to the Tiger Coward Adventure Motorcycle Library: Three-Wheeling Through Africa by James C. Wilson.
This fantastic story takes place in 1927, when Wilson and his pal Francis Flood decided—on a whim and without a plan—to ride from west to east across Africa.
Their odyssey began in Lagos, Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast and concluded at the Red Sea. This journey was remarkable in many ways. First and foremost, this route had never before been completed by automobile or motorcycle—and may not even have been attempted—prior to Wilson and Flood giving it a go.
Additionally, they undertook the journey with sidecars attached to 5 hp Triumph motorcycles. These machines were woefully underpowered and ill-equipped for the terrain, and there was no manufacturer support whatsoever.
Finally, there were no maps to guide them, largely because there were very few roads and almost no one else trying to get from there to here.
The story and the writing are second to none, though it’s important to note that the book is written in the aristocratic language of the 1920s. Some turns of phrase feel awkward today, but if you imagine old, pre-WWII newsreels playing in your head as you read, you’ll settle in just fine.
That said, the writing is also wildly racist by today’s standards. The descriptions of Indigenous peoples are shockingly bigoted and can be jarring. This is not simply a matter of modern political correctness—it requires genuine mental adjustment.
Even so, Wilson was often generous in his praise of the people he encountered and made real efforts to interact with them and explore their history.
I loved this book. It is a truly epic tale from a time when such journeys were attempted by only a rare few explorers.
Here are the five things I loved most about this book:
1. The Writing
This book is a joy to read. The style and syntax of the 1920s add depth and excitement, and the formality of conversations with colonial military commanders and missionaries only adds to the charm of a story from another era.
2. The Adventure
On this odyssey, Flood and Wilson scratched and clawed their way through jungles, across deserts, around lakes, and over rivers. Along the way they dealt with snakes, crocodiles, lions, and more. At nearly every village they were warned that the route ahead was dangerous, impassable, and impossible.
The greatest challenge of all, however, was the constant shortage of clean drinking water. Foolhardy? Absolutely. Thrilling? Without question.
3. The Motorcycles
Of course, I’m a Triumph fan—but the single-cylinder, 5 hp Triumph sidecar rigs ridden by Wilson and Flood will win over even the skeptics. These little beasts were thrashed, broken, rebuilt, and pushed through terrain that routinely destroys today’s best rally bikes.
Wilson proved himself ingenious and mechanically brilliant. With the help of local blacksmiths—and often on his own—he fabricated parts, manufactured tools, and even built a makeshift forge in the middle of the desert.
They weren’t Tigers, but their toughness might just make you a little Triumph-curious.
4. The Banjo
Is it just me, or do banjos keep making cameos in adventure motorcycle books? Steve Steven Sherrill ’s Motorcycles, Minotaurs and Banjos comes to mind, and Lois Pryce is now almost as well known for her banjo as her writing.
Wilson’s banjo takes centre stage—used to annoy Flood, entertain colonial officials, and make friends with Indigenous people. It’s an integral part of the story, and you may want to consider learning to play one before riding around the world… or at least across Africa.
5. The Buddy Story
I’m not a fan of riding in large groups, and I’m easily annoyed by my own company—but I love riding with a buddy or two. When it comes to adventure motorcycle books, nothing beats a great buddy story.
Geoff Hill and Patrick in Way to Go, Ewan and Charlie in a Long Way… somewhere, and—of course—Tiger Coward fans may think of Spike as the ultimate riding companion. But Flood and Wilson did it first, and they did it the best!
This pairing worked remarkably well and never truly fell out—even when Flood discovered that Wilson had been deceptive and wildly dishonest about the quality of the roads ahead. Through thick and thin, they were an incredible team.
Conclusion.
In short, if you can look past the casual racism of the era and focus on the expedition and the explorers, you’ll find this to be one of the most extraordinary adventure books ever written.
I loved it. You might too.
PS: This extraordinary book was sent to me by the one and only Michelle Lamphere —author, podcaster, and adventure motorcycle rider. Thank you, Michelle!
There is an incredible new addition to the Tiger Coward Adventure Motorcycle Library: Three-Wheeling Through Africa by James C. Wilson.
This fantastic story takes place in 1927, when Wilson and his pal Francis Flood decided—on a whim and without a plan—to ride from west to east across Africa.
Their odyssey began in Lagos, Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast and concluded at the Red Sea. This journey was remarkable in many ways. First and foremost, this route had never before been completed by automobile or motorcycle—and may not even have been attempted—prior to Wilson and Flood giving it a go.
Additionally, they undertook the journey with sidecars attached to 5 hp Triumph motorcycles. These machines were woefully underpowered and ill-equipped for the terrain, and there was no manufacturer support whatsoever.
Finally, there were no maps to guide them, largely because there were very few roads and almost no one else trying to get from there to here.
The story and the writing are second to none, though it’s important to note that the book is written in the aristocratic language of the 1920s. Some turns of phrase feel awkward today, but if you imagine old, pre-WWII newsreels playing in your head as you read, you’ll settle in just fine.
That said, the writing is also wildly racist by today’s standards. The descriptions of Indigenous peoples are shockingly bigoted and can be jarring. This is not simply a matter of modern political correctness—it requires genuine mental adjustment.
Even so, Wilson was often generous in his praise of the people he encountered and made real efforts to interact with them and explore their history.
I loved this book. It is a truly epic tale from a time when such journeys were attempted by only a rare few explorers.
Here are the five things I loved most about this book:
1. The Writing
This book is a joy to read. The style and syntax of the 1920s add depth and excitement, and the formality of conversations with colonial military commanders and missionaries only adds to the charm of a story from another era.
2. The Adventure
On this odyssey, Flood and Wilson scratched and clawed their way through jungles, across deserts, around lakes, and over rivers. Along the way they dealt with snakes, crocodiles, lions, and more. At nearly every village they were warned that the route ahead was dangerous, impassable, and impossible.
The greatest challenge of all, however, was the constant shortage of clean drinking water. Foolhardy? Absolutely. Thrilling? Without question.
3. The Motorcycles
Of course, I’m a Triumph fan—but the single-cylinder, 5 hp Triumph sidecar rigs ridden by Wilson and Flood will win over even the skeptics. These little beasts were thrashed, broken, rebuilt, and pushed through terrain that routinely destroys today’s best rally bikes.
Wilson proved himself ingenious and mechanically brilliant. With the help of local blacksmiths—and often on his own—he fabricated parts, manufactured tools, and even built a makeshift forge in the middle of the desert.
They weren’t Tigers, but their toughness might just make you a little Triumph-curious.
4. The Banjo
Is it just me, or do banjos keep making cameos in adventure motorcycle books? Steve Steven Sherrill ’s Motorcycles, Minotaurs and Banjos comes to mind, and Lois Pryce is now almost as well known for her banjo as her writing.
Wilson’s banjo takes centre stage—used to annoy Flood, entertain colonial officials, and make friends with Indigenous people. It’s an integral part of the story, and you may want to consider learning to play one before riding around the world… or at least across Africa.
5. The Buddy Story
I’m not a fan of riding in large groups, and I’m easily annoyed by my own company—but I love riding with a buddy or two. When it comes to adventure motorcycle books, nothing beats a great buddy story.
Geoff Hill and Patrick in Way to Go, Ewan and Charlie in a Long Way… somewhere, and—of course—Tiger Coward fans may think of Spike as the ultimate riding companion. But Flood and Wilson did it first, and they did it the best!
This pairing worked remarkably well and never truly fell out—even when Flood discovered that Wilson had been deceptive and wildly dishonest about the quality of the roads ahead. Through thick and thin, they were an incredible team.
Conclusion.
In short, if you can look past the casual racism of the era and focus on the expedition and the explorers, you’ll find this to be one of the most extraordinary adventure books ever written.
I loved it. You might too.
PS: This extraordinary book was sent to me by the one and only Michelle Lamphere —author, podcaster, and adventure motorcycle rider. Thank you, Michelle!
October 14, 2019
Wonderful book. A time capsule of an historic first I'd never heard about. Dated, yes (his casual racism makes you cringe, but for the time he was quite accepting), but his sense of adventure & lack of cynicism is delightful. The only map in the book I had was the endpapers which were also dated drawings but a good picture of the divisions of colonial Africa at the time. Wilson & Flood had an incredible journey & I was glad there were photos included. One could wish he had written about the rest of their trip around the world, but since it took him almost a decade to get this published maybe there wasn't the interest. A fun & interesting read
May 13, 2022
“Any kind of water will keep you alive if it’s boiled, even if you have to settle it with alum and then strain it through your teeth.”
A fantastic used bookstore find. Two guys a few years out of college and in a rut decide to travel around the world and ride sidecar motorcycles across Africa in 1927.
This particular copy was a gift: “To Dad from Lloyd, Christmas 1936” and also signed by the author: “Dear Mr Kennedy – Here’s wishing you good luck, good trails, and plenty of water holes! Sincerely Jim Wilson”
“It was my own ideas and conceptions of culture that were queer and picturesque—they were what ought to be in a museum here in Bida.”
A fantastic used bookstore find. Two guys a few years out of college and in a rut decide to travel around the world and ride sidecar motorcycles across Africa in 1927.
This particular copy was a gift: “To Dad from Lloyd, Christmas 1936” and also signed by the author: “Dear Mr Kennedy – Here’s wishing you good luck, good trails, and plenty of water holes! Sincerely Jim Wilson”
“It was my own ideas and conceptions of culture that were queer and picturesque—they were what ought to be in a museum here in Bida.”
November 16, 2010
This book was recommended to me by the Author's son. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It describes an amazing journey by to men on motorcycles with sidecars across the continent of Africa. They had great interactions with the people, both natives and colonists. There descriptions make it feel like you are there. I am surprised no one has made a movie of this book.
September 21, 2010
two Americans trying to make a buck during the depression catch a steamer to west Africa, then decide to ride sponsored motorcycles (triumphs) from Lagos to red sea. its a rough ride to say the least. lots of interesting stuff about french foreign legion in chad, sudan, darfur.
December 19, 2015
This was a fascinating account of a motorcycle journey across Africa in the late 1920s by two young Americans. Thanks to Cyrus for the recommendation and the loan of the book.
February 2, 2015
This is one of my all-time favorite books. A wry account of the 1930's traverse of Africa by the author and his friend, on motorcycles with sidecars.
November 8, 2016
really great. 1930's, two american guys become the first people to motorcycle across africa. a great, gonzo adventure.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews