a must read even for the non reader June 19, 2008 I'm not a big book reader, too much riding or other things to do. This book, I just couldn't put it down! What an adventure, I want Louis to go on another trip. This book has excitement and disapointments. If you have ever gone on a bike trip, you can relate to Louis with either someone she traveled with, or it makes you see yourself in how she explains her companions. Louis- if you are out there, YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
Pretty Good, British Humour abounds March 28, 2008 One of the many books I've read on motorcycle travel. A good read, not many insights into what and what not to do on motorcycle travel but a very entertaining book and as an Ex-pat in the US, I loved her humour and quirky insights.
Lois on the Loose March 11, 2008 I really liked this book. It was a light, easy read, & I almost finished it in one sitting -- didn't want to put it down. Lois sounds like a really great person -- someone you'd like to meet, but I know there isn't much chance of that. I wished for a few more specific details about the places she passed through, as well as more photos & maps. I read the book as research for a similar trip. I look forward to any other things she has written. Thank you.
Lois takes an ego trip! January 17, 2008 8 out of 11 found this review helpful
As an avid motorcyclist (I currently own two)and Central American traveler I was extremely excited get my hands on this book. My disappointment in it is almost beyond words. I feel obligated to write my first Amazon review as a warning to others.
My first impression was how in the world could an author compress such an epic journey into such a small book? After a thorough reading I'm all too aware of how that is possible. She simply blew through the entire journey as fast as possible and seemingly learning as little as possible.
For her "Glory ride" she chooses to travel through thousands of miles of Latin America but, by your own admission, doesn't bother learning any Spanish beforehand. Then she proceeds to complain endlessly about communication difficulties. She breaks just about every possible cultural taboo wherever she travels then proceeds to complain about not being treated respectfully. It seems the author's paranoia of host country nationals is more fueled by her chronic total disregard of indigenous culture than by any malevolent intent on the part of those she encounters along the way. The rich Gringa bikes through the Third World staying in ultralow budget accommodations and complains incessantly about a perceived lack of cleanliness by her first world standards.
The author mixes all of this with an unbelievable dose of hypocrisy by berating almost every other traveler she encounters! There may be more insensitive and disagreeable travelers in this region but, in my experiences and author would have to rate close to the top on the obnoxious scale! She chooses to travel with only one set of clothing and by her own admission is almost constantly filthy and stinks yet sees fit to complain when she is treated better than her appearance and demeanor would justify.
This book will tell you nothing about the cultures of central or South America because the author knows nothing of those cultures. This book will tell you nothing of the technical details of riding a motorcycle in this region because the author doesn't know anything more about motorcycles than how to add fuel and oil.
This book is a how to not travel! She blows down the road so fast and so blind as to not really experience anything. This is a classic example of having made the trip but never taken the journey.
The only redeeming feature of this book is that this time at least the "ugly American" was an ugly Brit. In a nutshell the whole story is painfully sordid and poorly rendered. If you must read it borrow the book from someone or a library. Please do not support this person in her ego trip by financially rewarding her!
Can't wait for the next book January 5, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Great fun read. Not a great amount of detail on doing a trip of this sort but that's not what the book is about...it's about a fantastic adventure. I get a kick out of certain movie stars doing a round the world trip with a support team, video...on big BMW bikes....and then reading about a woman who does N and S America on a 225cc dirt bike without support. Too bad there isn't any video. Now she's gone and done Africa N to S....hopefully she will continue to ride and write...there is still a lot of East to West.
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