TRAVERSE 196
BOOK REVIEWS
Riding Towards Me Jay Kannaiyan 2019 ISBN 978-93-5277-670-2
It ’ s an achievement to ride around the world , a three-year commitment . That commitment is greater when the rider decides to write a book about the experience and when it ’ s well written it ’ s a commitment worth undertaking .
As was the case with Jay Kannaiyan and his Riding Towards
Me documenting his three years ride from the United States through the Americas , Europe , Africa and eventually back to his country of birth , India .
Riding Towards Me combines the usual , I did this , I did that , accounts of the journey but includes poignant reflection as Kannaiyan discovers that an adventure as such is much more about the discovery of one ’ s self . Starting with a display of arrogance Riding
Towards Me changes throughout to become a book about reflection , discovering what it means to be human and a citizen of the world . Kannaiyan grows throughout the book seemingly becoming a more humble , open person .
If Riding Towards Me has a negative it ’ s the insistence on name dropping products throughout , it ’ s a minor inconvenience far outweighed by an engaging writing style highlighting an ability to tell a story that focuses on the highlights and not just the riding .
Riding Towards Me should be a book that anyone who has thought about a ride across the world but is doubting their own ability to pick up and read , if for nothing else but a great journey .
Overland To India Gordon G . May 2008 ISBN 978-0-95611-680-2
Imagine riding from England to India , plenty of riders have done it , but what about on a 55-year-old Royal Enfield ? Gordon May did it in 2008 and covered almost 15,000 kilometres .
Overland To India is the compelling story of the seven-week journey , yes , just seven weeks and yet the book covers so much . It ’ s an engaging read that keeps you wanting more and wanting to be the next to do that ride . But it ’ s not just about the ride , Overland To
India tells of the restoration of the old bike and how it took him to the Royal Enfield factory in India , it ’ s about the trials and tribulations of riding an old bike .
May has a style of writing that comes easy , it ’ s like conversing with an old friend , you could easily sit down with a beer and listen to the tales of adventure .
If you ’ ve every thought about riding to India , or just taking an old bike on an adventure then Overland To India is a must read , or you could just read it and enjoy May ’ s journey .
TRAVERSE 196