The Long Way to Vladivostok
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Riding a motorbike in howling high winds and freezing temperatures to reach Nordkapp, the northern most point of Europe could have been disastrous. But for Shirley Hardy-Rix and Brian Rix it was one of the best days of their lives. This is what the well-travelled retired couple had hoped for when they planned to fill a gap in their riding experience and take on Scandinavia, the old Silk Road in Central Asia and the world's largest country, Russia. They shipped their motorcycle to Greece and spent the next six months riding to the northern most tip of Europe and then taking the long road to Vladivostok in Russia. From freezing cold to the searing heat of 47°C in the deserts of Central Asia, Shirley and Brian pushed the boundaries, tackling icy roads and gravel tracks. They rode through water crossings and deep sand drifts to reach some of the most beautiful cities on the Silk Road. The Long Way to Vladivostok takes readers through some of the world's most glorious and remote areas, sharing the joys and hardships of life on the road. Experience their travels from the comfort of your armchair or be inspired to pack your bags and hit the road. 'Few books are as inspirational as that just written by Melbourne journalist Shirley Hardy-Rix and her policeman husband Brian Rix.' - Herald Sun on Two for the Road
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This is the third book of motorcycle travel by Australian couple Shirley Hardy-Rix and Brian Rix, although the first I have read. It is self published, but in this case don't let that deter you - it is not filled with typos and errors which plague many self published efforts, there were only a couple I noticed!
Commencing in Greece, with a rapid trip up to their real staring point in Denmark, then through Scandinavia, including Nordkapp, the northernmost point in Scandanavia reachable by road. Crossing into Russia at St Petersburg, they travel southwest into Central Asia then back into Russia for a side-trip into Mongolia and across Siberia to Vladivostok. From there it is a ferry trip to South Korea where their journey ends.
36,300 kilometres and 18 countries, it is an impressive effort over six months.
The husband and wife alternate in writing a few pages each, taking over where the previous one left off, so we don't suffer repetition, only the odd comment of agreement or disagreement with the previous end. Divided geographically into chapters, with area clearly mapped, as well as an overall journey map at the front and a map of their 4 motorcycle journeys (in 3 books) all on a world map at the end of the book. Throughout the books are loads of colour photos which are particularly good quality, and well selected for interest.
Throughout the trip they are accompanied for varying durations by other motorcyclists. In a couple of cases the meetups are pre-arranged, travelling with friends - some of which have accompanied them on other journeys, some people they have found through motorcycle blogs, and others who they just run into on the road.
Through the book we get a light history, descriptions of the places visited, and plenty about the trials and tribulations, weather, road conditions and traffic. This is, of course the norm for motorcycle travel books, and the balance is about right with this one, making it quite readable.
3.5 stars, rounded up due to the great photos.
