
The University of Gravel Roads
Global Lessons from a Four-Year Motorcycle Adventure
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Narrated by:
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Rene Cormier
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By:
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Rene Cormier
About this listen
At the end of a great day of riding and exploring, have you ever wanted nothing more than to fall asleep, exhausted from new experiences, only to wake up the next day and do it all again? And again?
Join the adventure as 33-year-old Rene Cormier politely removes himself from the working world that surrounds him and cashes in what few possessions he has to finance a three-year-long motorcycle journey around the world. Never one to let excessive planning get in the way of a good ride, Rene runs out of money half way through the tour and ultimately takes five years to cover the 41-country, 154,000 kilometer (95,000 mile) route. Written with equal measure of cultural insight and travel logistics, this light travelogue brings you alongside Rene as he pulls off the ride of a lifetime, doing it the old-fashioned way; no sponsors, no support vehicles, and no idea about what he is going to learn along the way.
Winner of the Bronze Medal in the category of Travel Essay at the Independent Publisher Book Awards, New York City, 2010.
Winner of the DaVinci Eye Award, 2011
Finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award for Short Prose and Independent Books
©2010, 2011, 2017 Rene Cormier (P)2021 Rene CormierListeners also enjoyed...
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Old or unsuitable motorbikes, distant places, poor weather, and gravel roads, these are the common threads in Nick’s motorcycle travels. He’d been hoping to ride out west a couple of years ago until a little heart trouble intervened. Two years later, a short "shake-down" trip morphed into a 9000 mile journey across the continent. Trouble free? Not exactly. Riding a 1972 Moto Guzzi Eldorado, a Suzuki Burgman Scooter, and a 1976 Moto Guzzi Convert (automatic), and ever optimistic, Nick heads for the Canada’s distant horizons.
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Moto Guzzi gold. Motorcycle dreams.
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What listeners say about The University of Gravel Roads
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Brian
- 02-24-24
Very well thought out adventure novel
I truly enjoyed listening to this adventure motorcycle around the world novel. I was able to imagine myself behind the handle bars and experiencing the adventure right along with Rene. Highly recommended listen if you’re into traveling.
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- Kathy Neal
- 09-16-23
Great and personal story
I really enjoyed how the author’s perspective and concerns evolved over his years on the road. I’ve been contemplating a much shorted adventure and this book has given me the nudge to take a chance.
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- Michael.r.smith
- 10-26-23
professional
Should’ve heard a professional narrator, even though it is a good story and he does go the distance. I will definitely check out his website.
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- Katy Tuleja
- 04-15-23
great story but....
This book would have been amazing if read by a professional narrator. The story is great and as a neophyte adventure rider I loved hearing his stories.
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- Marcus Lyon
- 10-05-23
Great story, easy listen
Great story and easy to listen to. Very enjoyable. Just the right length to appreciate his travels.
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- Sandeep Tawde
- 08-08-24
Lovely adventure of one or all Of us!
The author takes you with him to travel around the world on a motorcycle. He shares his delights and his lows. I enjoyed traveling with him.
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- A. M.
- 06-06-24
Less interesting than I hoped
Okay listen. Author kept it simple which was good. Story less than interesting 1/2 the time.
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