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The Long Sit Des Molloy 2024 ISBN 978-1-7386002-8-1
Des Molloy , the ‘ silly old duffer ’, is back and again with Penelope , his often non-complying 1965 Panther 120 . This adventure , The Big Sit , sees the pair on a lap of Australia .
Bobbling around the south-east for a while the pair head north along the Great Dividing Range reaching Far North Queensland before heading west , with many detours in place . It ’ s a ride numerous have done , and many suggest is too much , but not Des and Penelope who complete the west coast , the Nullarbor , and then on to Tasmania .
It ’ s not all completed in one run , no , various commitments , and then a worldwide pandemic interrupt yet the way Molloy it could easily be one continuous adventure .
Riding Australia is a large undertaking and perhaps not just for one book . The Big Sit isn ’ t short by other such biographical travelogue standards yet at times it feels a little rushed , not helped by interjections of reports direct from Facebook . The flow isn ’ t interrupted however , despite the inclusion of italics , it is often difficult to decern the difference between social media post and the purposeful writings of a book . It ’ s a shame as Molloy is a great writer who has a way of engaging the reader like an old friend .
Molloy includes varied interactions with fellow travellers ,
some by bike , some by car , and you will laugh out loud at his descriptions of those who chose to tow great white boxes behind their vehicles . It seems that most twowheeled travellers have comparable stories of interactions with ‘ grey nomads ’.
The Big Sit is an entertaining read with plenty of self-deprecation that Molloy is famous for , his turn of phrase is refreshing in what at times feels like an extended ride report . Could that be just the monotony of many of Australia ’ s roads and highways ?
If you have dreamt of riding Australia and need a little push of inspiration then Des Molloy and Penelope are just the shove you need . The Big Sit is a book that will drive you in the right direction .
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