BOOK REVIEWS
A Short Ride In The Jungle Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent 2020 ( 2014 ) ISBN 978-1-8495354-3-4
Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent ’ s A Short Ride In The Jungle was , and still is , an outstanding travelogue of riding an aging Honda C90 along the Ho Chi Minh trail , that ‘ track ’ forced through the jungles of Vietnam , Laos and Cambodia at a time when the United States was forcing its foreign policy on southeast Asia .
Antonia follows the HCM trail and discovers a history rich in colonialism , conflict , and culture . Through interaction with the people of the three countries plus a myriad of foreigners , we ’ re treated to a history lesson that puts context to the travellers tale . This is travel writing of the highest standard .
When the audiobook version of
A Short Ride In The Jungle came into the Traverse inbox it was with a level of mild amusement that we pressed play , audiobooks aren ’ t for everyone .
Antonia adds her own inflection to the text and in many ways this adds to the overall experience of sharing the story , the downside being there ’ s a constant flow that is hard to break , there ’ s little time to question , to re-read , to discuss . It ’ s the curse of the audiobook .
This shouldn ’ t discourage you from the adventure that is A Short Ride In The Jungle . Our suggestion would be read the book ( first published in 2014 ), and if you ’ re so inclined listen to Antonio telling her own story ( 2020 ).
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook ( 8th Edition ) Chris Scott 2020 ISBN 978-1-9127161-8-0
There ’ s a myriad of information available on the internet , most opinionated , most biased , most inaccurate . Step in Chris Scott ’ s Adventure Motorcycling Handbook ( 8th Edition ). This is real world information and regarded as the bible of all adventure riding tomes .
When it comes to overland travelling , especially by bike , Chris has a wealth of knowledge through his many exploits , he ’ s experienced the good , the bad , the ugly and is willing to share that knowledge .
Now into it ’ s 8th incarnation , the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook , covers everything ; bikes to borders , tyres to tools , absolutely everything . The great thigs about the Adventure Motorcycling
Handbook is that Chris doesn ’ t talk down , he relies on experience , his and that of fellow travellers and starts a conversation .
If you want up to date firsthand information without wading through pages of online opinions and distrust then Chris ’ s Adventure Motorcycling Handbook is the first place to start , it even covers information that will help with Covid-19 decisions , Chris has covered everything .
When planning a motorcycling overland adventure , small or large , the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook should be the first place you start , if for nothing else it will give you a little confidence to take the first steps .
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