
Lone Rider
The First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World
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Narrated by:
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Wendy Wolfson
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By:
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Elspeth Beard
In 1982, at the age of just 23 and halfway through her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard left her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6.
Reeling from a recent breakup and with only limited savings from her pub job, a tent, a few clothes, and some tools, all packed on the back of her bike, she was determined to prove herself. She had ridden bikes since her teens and was well-traveled. But nothing could prepare her for what lay ahead.
When she returned to London nearly two-and-a-half years later she was stones lighter and decades wiser. She'd ridden through unforgiving landscapes and countries ravaged by war, witnessed civil uprisings that forced her to fake documents, and fended off sexual attacks, biker gangs, and corrupt police convinced she was trafficking drugs. She'd survived life-threatening illnesses, personal loss, and brutal accidents that had left permanent scars and a black hole in her memory. And she'd fallen in love with two very different men.
In an age before email, the internet, mobile phones, satnavs, and, in some parts of the world, readily available and reliable maps, Elspeth achieved something that would still seem remarkable today. Told with honesty and wit, this is the extraordinary and moving story of a unique and life-changing adventure.
©2018 Elspeth Beard (P)2019 Elspeth BeardListeners also enjoyed...




















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What an amazing story.....layered and unstoppable
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Wonderful story
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Well written and expertly narrated
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I wish I could have your panniers , But I am not willing to go through what you went through to get them.
From Rider to another well Done.
Real, very Real
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An epic adventure ending with hope and wonder
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Hang on for a fantastic ride around the world.
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This is a great tale, but I would remind potential readers that she was a kid when she did this on sort of a whim. That said, her planning was meticulous, and she learned her bike and apparently took the tools and parts that could reasonably be expected to be needed on such a long and dangerous journey. I would have liked to hear more about this aspect of her planning.
She was certainly resourceful. She was very brave to do this, and it’s sad her parents didn’t appreciate the amount of courage it took to do this.
I recommend this book to any serious motorcycle enthusiast, or anyone curious about what is involved with riding around the world on two wheels and a strict budget.
Of course times have changed and it’s probably impossible to ride through the Middle East, but that fact makes it all the more interesting that it was possible in 1982.
She also seems to have some long term problems based on her upbringing, but that’s all part of the story.
Give it a listen. It’s worth the time.
Great story
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What a great story. As the Father of 3 girls I hope they grow up with a Elspeth's strength and courage.
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Although it took place in the 80's, I felt bad for her as she went through America and met all these American idiots along the way and even the bikers who were total jerks. UGH.... Makes me angry to hear fellow riders treated her as they did.
Great book and I highly recommend it.
You must admire this woman
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a great accomplishment, and a great story
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