Sunday 20 June 2010

Good Vibrations

I chose to read this book just before I left for my own tour of the USA. I enjoyed reading it.

Written by Brit Ton Cunliffe, it describes the trip that he and his wife Roz took from Baltimore – Sturgis – San Francisco – New Orleans – Baltimore. Both on Harley-Davidsons, Tom rides a Heritage called “Black Madonna” and in-experienced on motorbikes, Roz is on an 883 Sportster called “Betty Boop”.

The book tells the story of their journey, from Roz’s unsteady beginnings on Betty Boop through the 12,000 miles they ride across the mid-States, Sturgis, the west coast, the heat of Death Valley and the deep South. I think the book achieves a good balance between appealing to bikers and non-bikers alike as there is enough in there about the bikes and riding to keep riders interested, but it also describes what the couple see and who they meet. If you want to read a lot of technical bike stuff, then this book isn't for you.

A well written book about an epic trip.

8 comments:

Eve said...

I bet you'll have great stories to tell after your adventure Gary!

Geoff James said...

Hi Gary - thanks for the link. Must get my paws on it. The link to another superb book by a Kiwi riding in the States is: http://www.elsewhere.co.nz/writingelsewhere/2554/twisting-throttle-america-by-mike-hyde-hello-i-must-be-going/. He's also written one on his circumnavigation of Australia. Both interesting and really funny.

RichardM said...

Only a couple of more days! Looking forward to your posts while on the road.

Unknown said...

Gary:

3 more sleeps !

I look longingly at your map (below) and noticed you have missed the entire Pacific North West.

I hope that your usatour2011 will bring you closer.

Have a good trip

bob
Wet Coast Scootin

mq01 said...

thanks for the info, I'll check this book out. and gary, have a fabulous trip! let the ride begin!!!

Gary France said...

Eve – Yes, I am sure that I will....

Geoff – Thanks for the suggestion. I might ask for one for Christmas!

Richard – Not long now!

Bob – Three more sleeps until I head out on the road, but I am actually flying to New York tomorrow. I collect the bike on Wednesday, spend the day in NYC riding and hopefully making a video, then I start the real journey on Friday. We were debating today which of those days represents the first day of the tour and didn’t really reach a conclusion. I am beginning to think the first real day is tomorrow, when I arrive in NYC, so perhaps this counts as only one more sleep! LOL, I like the sound of the usatour2011. I think Mrs F might have something to say about that though!

mq01 – Thanks. Let it begin indeed....

Canajun said...

Gary - Thanks for the reference, and good luck on your trip. Like the others I too am looking forward to your en-route postings. Ride safe, and have a blast!

Gary France said...

Canajun - Thanks for your good wishes.... Having a blast is right at the top of the list of things I must do!