2008-04-22 It's the real thing - and massively inspiring as a result

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!