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issues . The exuberance of youth soon quashed any thoughts of never making it to the end and Chris continued on .
“ The real adventure began in Africa ,” suggests Chris . “ As soon as we got off the ‘ paddle steamer ’ on Lake Nasser we were in the thick of the desert .”
And despite the challenges of different cultures , people , and political situations Chris found one thing in common , the attitude of the people , all curious and helpful .
“ All through Africa it was the same ,” he explains , including South Africa that was in the throws of Apartheid . “ It was a challenge , especially trying to leave the country , there were just no flights .”
Then came the chance of crewing on an ocean-going yacht in the midst of an international race . A crew member had become ill and so a replacement was needed , a few stories of adventure and sailing later and Chris was on his way to the USA . “ I knew nothing of sailing , but they didn ’ t need to know that ,” he laughs . This led to a ride through the America ’ s eventually finishing in Buenos Aires , Argentina , where the young man suddenly decided enough was enough . “ Yes , the bike was almost destroyed from all of the riding ,” he shrugs . “ I ’ d had enough of boats , motorcycles and travelling , I think I just wanted to get a job , to settled down .”
The end of the road had come and with that Chris had some money sent to him , he booked a flight , returned home , and settled into a life of business , family and everything that comes with it . Yet tucked away in the subconscious something must have been tickling for forty years later the idea of a book came to the fore .
“ Writing the book three years ago regenerated the interest in bike and travel ,” a wry smile crossed Chris ' face , the tickle was there . “ A mate actually said that I ’ d never finished the ride so perhaps I should .”
At sixty-four Chris needed to know if he still had the desire , the drive , the ability to get to Australia ,
“ I was either stubborn or stupid , or both ,” he laughs . “ Australia has always been a dream destination for me to ride .”
The ride this time , completed in weekly blocks , time on , time off , saw Chris and the same Moto Guzzi ride from Ireland to Athens , then on to Dubai , Pakistan , including Iran , to India and finally Nepal where it was easier to ship the bike to Australia , finally landing in Brisbane .
“ Welcome to our country ,” grinned Chris . “ This is how I was welcomed into Iran , a country I was now worried about . The people are so friendly , even the government officials .”
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