If you, like me, appreciate the work of Stephen R Covey, you at least occasionally “seek first to understand”. Some of you have been reading this blog since 2018, so you know that that is how I try to approach motorcycle touring: to move not only through space, but also through ideas, history, and occasionally philosophy, within my own limited capacity for understanding such complex concepts. I measure distances not only in miles, but also in meaning.
Continue reading “Seek First to Understand”
I’m conscious that the account of my previous journey – 5000 sort of unplanned miles across France and Spain – ended abruptly two years ago. Those who care, know: I made my way to Bilbao through harsh winds, got on the ferry to Poole and ground my way back to SE England through rain and roadworks.
Continue reading “A couple of years and a few thousand miles later…”
A journey without music is no journey at all, as far as I’m concerned. There are many famous aphorisms about music, some so famous and true that they’ve become cliches. “If music be the food of love, play on”, wrote Shakespeare. Nietzsche went further: “Without music, life would be a mistake”. For me it was Dick Clark, US television’s equivalent of John Peel, who summed it up: “Music is the soundtrack of your life”. My journey would have far less meaning without it.
Continue reading “I’ve Been Everywhere, Man (a musical interlude)”
Everything was in place. Veronica was as ready as she’d ever be. I went to the local Turkish barber and had a very short haircut and cut throat razor shave.
Continue reading “The Countdown”
There is a strong wind but the skies are clear. The scenic route from the West Country back to London goes via the A38 and the A303 which runs through picturesque Wiltshire. It takes in several Stone, Bronze and Iron age sites and monuments, the most significant one of these being Continue reading “The Best is Yet to Come”
It takes only a few minutes to get from one side of Santander to the other. At the waterfront near the ferry port there is Continue reading “The Pilgrim Returns”
Blac Ridere 