★★★☆☆

By Dom Giles, DomGiles.co.uk

Published by Pen Press, PenPress.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-78003-720-2

Paperback: $22.80, Kindle: $7.50

Documenting our journeys has become somewhat of a trademark amongst adventure motorcyclists. Long trips where riders are thrown into the world to experience whatever comes their way, removed from their otherwise “ordinary” lives, tend to provide one heck of a storytelling platform. 2013 was a banner year for new books in this genre—lots of riders sharing their individual stories, telling their tales in unique ways, and for many different reasons.

One such release to hit the shelves just before the close of last year was Gone Riding by Dom Giles. Imagine planning a big international trip where you pick up a well-worn and very used R1200GS in Alaska, have zero mechanical aptitude, virtually no off-road experience, and you just go. With this level of under planning it could easily have been a recipe for disaster; instead, it’s a set-up for this author’s particular chronicle.

Geographically the book covers Dom’s ride from Alaska into Central America, then on to and through South Africa. But, as is often the case with accounts like this, there’s much more to the story. Something we’re seeing more often within the adventure riding community—indeed, a major trend—is finding ways to give back along our routes. And, Dom chose to volunteer his time with some unique and imaginative projects. You’ll enjoy reading his experiences saving giant sea turtles in Baja and rescuing sloths in Costa Rica. A history teacher by profession, Dom also utilized his credentials to help students in the African educational system. And, speaking of history, if you like reading travelogues peppered with rare and unusual tidbits from the past, the author doesn’t disappoint there, either.

Accounts like Gone Riding present fascinating snippets of life away from the comforts of home and the generally negatively propagandized media depictions of foreign lands. These overlanding time capsules bring us closer to understanding other societies and cultures, help map the way for would-be travelers to follow, and to no lesser extent, supply fuel that’ll get us out there exploring the world.

So many riders dream of similar experiences, but are held back by invisible hands. Writers like Dom make it clear that most of these apparent obstacles are nothing but noise. By illustrating that you don’t need to overdo it to get going, his work serves as not only a wonderful account of his journey, but also as an inspiration to others.

As we learn from those who have gone before, it doesn’t seem as dangerous or imposing. And, as one turns the last page of Dom’s book, the reader is left with the realization that “Yes! I can do this, too!”