Book Review: Journey to the End of the World

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24 October 2017 | Paul H. Smith | Books

Journey to the End of the World documents a South American group ride known as Expedition 65* that, according to organizer Jim Hyde, was partially inspired by Ewan and Charley’s Long Way series.

The book (and upcoming DVD†) follows 12 supported riders who wove their way from Cartagena, Colombia to Ushuaia, Argentina, on a route that avoided the Pan-American Highway. The name “Expedition 65” was derived from the 65 degrees of latitude the team crossed in order to reach their goal over approximately the same number of days.

Journey is a large-format photo pictorial, with accompanying anecdotal narrative. It showcases the photography of Alfonse (Fonzie) Palaima, with the often humorous and always informative Colin Evans supplying the expedition’s written account. Fonzie, easily one of the top five international adventure motorcycling photographers, perfectly captured many of the more memorable moments of the ride, while Colin’s storytelling and wit help to draw you into their life on the road, and keep you smiling.

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Although the book covers their route from beginning to end, its focus is on random tales of Expedition 65’s experiences mixed with numerous fascinating, lesser-known historical facts. The combination of Fonzie’s imagery and Colin’s wordsmithing make it difficult to not imagine being there with the guys.

I’ll read just about any book on motorcycle overlanding and, probably like you, they keep me motivated, inspired, and informed. As South America’s popularity increases and more riders take on the continent, we benefit from their reports as to how things went, their sights, the conditions they faced, and the souls encountered on these epic adventures. I never tire of reading tales like this, and am constantly amazed that so little of the material is iterative. The fact remains that every rider will have his or her own challenges, delights, and experiences along any given route, no matter how often it’s undertaken.

If you’re like me, and can’t read enough about riding South America, you’ll love Journey to the End of the World. Ride along with the guys of Expedition 65 and it won’t be long before you’re planning your own adventure. It’s a book for those who love adventure motorcycling in ALL its shapes ’n' sizes. OctanePress.com

*Expedition 65 was organized by Jim Hyde of the West Coast’s famed RawHyde Adventures (RawHyde-OffRoad.com).
†Noted motorcycle adventure cinemaphotographer Sterling Noren professionally filmed Expedition 65 for a DVD documentary expected soon.