In this commentary, Simpson observations include much commentary on the degree of "civilization" among various peoples and the results thereof--often not positive, especially with regards to the impact of missionaries on local culture and morality. Simpson also provides economic and trade analyses, linguistic comparisons, culinary critiques, and descriptions of local flora and fauna. [PRBM].
Why Not? After all, no-one had ever done it before. It would be one of the longest of all overland journeys – half way round the world, from the English Channel to Singapore. They knew that several expeditions had already tried it. Some had got as far as the desrts of Persia; a few had even reached the plains of India. But no one had managed to go on from there: over the jungle clad mountains of Assam and across northern Burma to Thailand and Malaya. Over the last 3,000 miles it seemed there were ‘just too many rivers and too few roads'. But no-one really knew … In fact, their problems began much earlier than that. As mere undergraduates, they had no money, no cars, nothing. But with a cool audacity, which was to become characteristic, they set to work – wheedling and cajoling. First, they coaxed the BBC to come up with some film for a possible TV series. They then gently persuaded the manufacturers to lend them two factory-fresh Land Rovers. A publisher was even sweet-talked into giving them an advance on a book. By the time they were ready to go, their sponsors (more than 80 of them) ranged from whiskey distillers to the makers of collapsible buckets. In late 1955, they set off. Seven months and 12,000 miles later, two very weary Land Rovers, escorted by police outriders, rolled into Singapore – to flash bulbs and champagne. Now, fifty years on, their book, ‘First Overland', is republished – with a foreword by Sir David Attenborough. After all, it was he who gave them that film.
‘Inspired’, ‘enthralling’ and ‘stylish’ are just some of the words used to describe the first edition of Bearback. Now in paperback, Pat Garrod’s remarkable story is set to be discovered by even more travellers.. Imagine jacking it all in, packing your life into a 41-litre pannier and riding into the sunset. Bearback is the story of two GPs who did just that, downing stethoscopes to take off on their motorcycle, The Bear, to see the world. Across the deserts of Africa, over the mountains of the Andes, deep into the jungles of Indochina, and beyond the Arctic Circle; 100,000 miles through six continents and 64 countries. A circumnavigation of epic proportion and entirely unsupported, it was to become one of the longest journeys ever undertaken by a couple on one motorcycle, a journey destined to change their lives forever. ‘A remarkable journey. Searching, honest, uplifting’ – Sir Ranulph Fiennes ‘An inspired travelogue, dispelling the myth that remarkable journeys are out of your grasp’ – National Geographic Traveller ‘Belts along at a cracking pace. Stylish and good quality’ - RIDE ‘I didn’t want this enthralling book to end. If you only read one travelogue this year, make it this one’ – Real Travel, Book of the Month ‘We’ve all dreamed about it – quitting the job, packing up the house, and hitting the road for the adventure of a lifetime. Few do it, and even fewer do it as well as Pat Garrod’ – Travel Africa Magazine
This fast-paced, often-humorous travel book tells the truly ridiculous story of how two British friends, Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes, became the first people to circumnavigate the globe on a scooter with a sidecar. Their world-record-breaking 34,000-mile-long journey took them through thirty-five countries and across five continents. With no experience of mechanics, overlanding, or even riding motorbikes, the pair took their Honda scooter and barn-built sidecar through some of the world's toughest environments, including a scorching Sahara Desert and the frozen wilds of a Siberian winter.This heartwarming story will restore your faith in humanity as strangers all over the world save the pair from the life-threatening and downright idiotic situations in which they find themselves. At the same time, the book lifts the curtain on the issue of modern slavery, which still plagues every country on earth. Matt and Reece meet survivors of modern slavery and organisations fighting it all over the world, and the hard-hitting stories they share will leave you questioning your role in the issue-and asking how you can help. "Reading this refreshing book is easy-time just slips by-but that's the only easy thing about the whole affair. So my advice is: Think of something you'd love to do that's really quite ridiculously impossible. Then read the book. Then go and do it. I must say, it really takes me back . . ." - Ted Simon, author of Jupiter's Travels "The many threads of this gripping adventure unfold as a powerful, at times opinionated, heart-tweaking, fast-flowing journey of surprises. Woven into the stories are top tips, quirky facts about the lands traversed, and a wonderfully self-depreciating sense of humour. This story is proof that a positive attitude, determination, respect towards others, and wide-open minds can change the world. Adventurists are going to love the challenges and, at times, readers are going to have to put this book down so they can really think about the images attached to the words they have just read." - Sam Manicom, author of Into Africa."A powerfully-written tale about travelling with purpose. But what a daft machine to use!" - Paddy Tyson, Overland MagazineYou can also get a signed copy of this book with colour pictures at www.armchairadventurefestival.com/shop.
