Far Horizons

Stalked by a black bear, experiencing a close shave with a bull buffalo, having his tent eaten by an elk and being mugged by a gang of racoons; these are just a few of the adventures Andrew Earnshaw faces in his gentle trip around North America by motorcycle. But will he survive intact when he finally comes face to face with the most dangerous of animals: the Canadian Sunday afternoon driver?

Far Horizons is a personal and light-hearted account of an attempt to circumnavigate the back roads of North America by motorcycle. Andrew's engaging narrative will draw you in – and you'll ride every mile of the trip with him.

From describing the minimal planning that took place and the doubts that hit once the journey began, to finding his motorcycle impounded by US Customs, Andrew's tale takes us on a classic road trip. He delves down the Appalachians into Alabama, meets kindred spirits from the biking world and warms mile by mile into a deep appreciation of the splendour of the landscape and the friendliness of the inhabitants. As he travels through the First Nation reservations, he looks into the history surrounding the demise of the Great Plains culture, describes the victory of the Sioux at Little Bighorn and the massacre at Wounded Knee, meeting descendants of those involved.

"Very few people get the opportunity to do what I've been able to do," observes Andrew. "Its addictive! For me, the inspiration is in meeting people and enjoying the freedom of the road."

The book is light-hearted and written in the spirit of gentle adventure by someone who admits to being a pretty slow rider and a navigational incompetent to boot. If he manages to get back to Baltimore it will be a small miracle and hopefully, by the time he gets there, he will have finally found out what the 'Great Divide' really is.