Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #767 in Books
• Published on: 1980-07-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Synopsis
In the late '70s, Ted Simon rode 63,000 miles over four years through fifty-four countries in a journey that took him around the world. Through breakdowns, prison, war, revolutions, disasters and a Californian commune, he travelled into the depths of fear and reached the heights of euphoria. He met astonishing people and was treated as a spy, a welcome stranger and even a god. For Simon, the trip became a journey into his own soul, and for many others - including bikers Charley Boorman and Ewan McGrergor - it provides an inspiration they will never forget.

Customer Reviews

1st half was the best bit
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.