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SAM MANICOM 2008 ISBN 978-1-550-22808-3
There are motorcycle travel books that simply document a journey, and then there are those that transport you there. Tortillas to Totems is firmly in the latter camp. The fourth instalment in Sam Manicom ' s Every Day an Adventure series follows his ride from Mexico through the United States and into Canada. After years crossing Africa, Asia and South America, you might expect North America to provide a comparatively straightforward finish to an epic round-the-world ride. Instead, Manicom discovers that every country has its own challenges, surprises and rewards.
What sets this book apart is its focus on people rather than places. While spectacular scenery and memorable roads feature throughout, it is the conversations, chance encounters and acts of generosity that define the journey. Manicom has a remarkable ability to capture the character of those he meets, turning ordinary interactions into stories that linger long after the page has been turned.
His writing is warm, conversational and quietly humorous. It feels less like
reading a travel diary and more like listening to a well-travelled friend recount the day ' s ride around a campfire. There is no bravado or manufactured drama, just an honest account of life on the road and the lessons that come with it.
That humility is one of the book ' s greatest strengths. Unlike many adventure narratives, Manicom never tries to position himself as the hero. Instead, he remains an observer, allowing the cultures, communities and individuals he encounters to take centre stage. The motorcycle is simply the vehicle that opens doors to experiences many travellers never have.
Adventure riders will appreciate the realities of long-distance travel that weave through the story. Mechanical hiccups, border crossings, unpredictable weather and the constant need to adapt all feature, but they never overshadow the human side of the journey. The book serves as a reminder that successful adventure riding is built as much on patience and curiosity as it is on riding skill.
Perhaps the most enduring message is one of optimism. Despite
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the occasional setback, Manicom consistently finds kindness in unexpected places. His belief that people are generally generous and welcoming gives the book a warmth that is increasingly refreshing in modern travel writing.
If there ' s a minor drawback, it ' s that readers looking for a practical guide to riding North America won ' t find detailed routes or logistical advice. That ' s because Tortillas to Totems isn ' t a guidebook— it ' s travel literature. Its purpose is not to tell you where to ride, but to inspire you to explore with an open mind.
In the end, it ' s not the roads that stay with you, but the people. Their stories become the true landmarks of Manicom ' s journey, reminding us that the greatest adventures are measured not in kilometres, but in the connections made along the way.
Thoughtful, engaging and deeply human, Tortillas to Totems is an outstanding read for motorcyclists and travellers alike. It ' s the kind of book that rekindles the desire to throw a leg over the bike, head for the horizon and see what stories await.