It's the real thing - and massively inspiring as a result
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The key to a really great travel/real-life adventure book is not only the quality of the writing, but the authenticity of the experience. Austin Vince and his gang of good-natured companions were legends in the motorcycling world for taking off on a 44,000-mile trip around the world that took in everywhere from former Soviet workers paradise Magadan to the barren deserts of Chile long before this document of their travels came out. They almost got five-year jail sentences in Turkey. Vince almost electrocuted himself to death in Peru. And yet they returned to tell the tale, and anyone that reads this book will be massively thankful for that. Having never been near a motorbike, it made me want to jack it all in and take off round the world too. All of the team contribute their tales of joy, despair and excitement, but you feel that it's editor Austin Vince's enthusiasm and generous, boyish nature that pulls you through. He is the perfect host. It really is the ultimate adventure!
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Madly Inspirational!
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Okay, Paul Theroux they ain't. Some reviewers (who have spelling/grammar issues themselves...) seem to have expectations of this being a literary attempt. It's a DIARY. It's funny (schoolboyishly), enlightening (attitudes), and full of what-not-to-do's. Near 500 pages of simple, humourous adventure. Trouble is... i want some!
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The sort of thing people plan down the pub but never do. Fantastic
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I love the book, DVD and the follow up `Terra Circa', bring on the t-shirt. My advice is see the Mondo DVD first, then read the book, which is really more a diary. It tells you all about the bits that weren't filmed.
Just remember they didn't go out to write a book or make film/TV series. It's just a group of mates with a mad and crazy idea. That's so good it's got cult status.
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Marvellous.
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Fantastic book, no complaints about the writing style at all, it reads like a hectic record which suits the venture perfectly I would think. I'm off to search out the DVD. After having read this LWR/LWD "expeditions" come across almost as a package holiday. Echoing another review it really does inspire you to jack it all in and ride off into the distance.
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Mondo Enduro
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What a great read.
This is a real adventure from real people.
No backup (unlike others I won't even mention) just blokes and bikes showing us what a great place the world is.
A real inspiration to all us dreamers.
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