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Old Man on a Bike
 
 

Old Man on a Bike (Paperback)

by Simon Gandolfi (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
RRP: £8.99
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Product details

  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: The Friday Project Limited (1 Sep 2008)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 1906321663
  • ISBN-13: 978-1906321666
  • Product Dimensions: 19.3 x 12.7 x 3 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 6,727 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in this category:

    #98 in  Books > Travel & Holiday > Travel Writing

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Product Description

Product Description
A Septuagenarian Odyssey Simon Gandolfi has never been one to grow old gracefully and following two heart attacks he decides not to rest up, as many might, but to ride the length of Hispanic America on a 125cc motorbike. And why not? His wife may have plenty of reasons why not, but used to the intrepid septuagenarian's determination to complete any plan he comes up with, she shrugs her shoulders and waves him goodbye. At 73 years old, Simon Gandolfi sets off from Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico to embark on a five and a half month journey culminating at 'the end of the world', Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. For Simon this is a journey of discovery. Leaving behind the safety and sanctuary of friends and family, he is truly alone but along the way he meets and talks with rich and poor, old and young, officials and professionals, agricultural and industrial workers. This expertly written travelogue reveals not only the stories of those he meets, and his own, but also that of Latin America, its attitudes to itself, to the USA and the UK in the aftermath of the Iraq war and the realities of the poverty and endemic corruption throughout much of this continent.But whilst guide books often warn of thieves, corrupt police and border officials, Gandolfi writes of the incredible kindness and generosity he encounters, of hope and joy, understanding and new friendships, and ultimately, an old man's refusal to surrender to his years. 'The journey begins tomorrow at 8 a.m with a flight from the UK to Boston. I fly Aer Lingus and have bought and will wear a green shirt and a Clancy Brothers Arran sweater in hope of an upgrade. I will be away from home for many months and I have a long long way to ride. Am I nervous? Yes. Scared? A little.' Simon Gandolfi, 18 April 2006 Outrageously irresponsible and undeniably liberating, Gandolfi's travels will fire the imaginations of every traveller, young or old.

About the Author
Simon Gandolfi has travelled widely through the East and the Americas and has lived for periods in a variety of countries and cultures. He is author of XX books and now lives (when not travelling) in Herefordshire with his wife, Bernadette.

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Customer Reviews

10 Reviews
5 star:
 (7)
4 star:
 (2)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:
 (1)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Non-stop Read, 10 Nov 2008


Beware, this is difficult to stop reading once started. At one level it is a thoroughly engaging, informative and captivating account of a journey through the better and lesser known parts of South America by a seasoned traveller and writer who knows the continent well and speaks fluent Spanish. At another level it is a contemplative account of 21st century international perspectives from someone who is inquisitive and gregarious, someone who engages in conversation with anyone he meets and someone who listens.

He is no fan of President Bush, which in South America makes him welcome, and he gets on well enough with people to be accepted by Argentineans, although a Brit, and talk about the Falklands / Malvinas. Not Laurens van der Post, thankfully, but more honest, better written and many more laughs. His humility helps.

If you are over 73 you will wish you had done something similar. If, like me, you are under 73 you will be thinking it is not too late.

On page 288 he says his wife is egging him on to do the return journey from Tierra del Fuego to New York. I just hope that the resulting book is as good as this one.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An enthralling, unique paperback, 17 Nov 2008
By DJ Kirkby (Hampshire, England) - See all my reviews
Mr Gandolfi has had ten other books published and the reason for his success was obvious to me before I had finished giggling my way through the prologue of Old Man on a Bike.

With his remarkable insight and searing self awareness, Mr Gandofli reminded me, time and time again, of my grampie Kirkby. Once the patriarch of our family, always my hero, a man who died having forgotten more than I am likely ever to be able to learn.

This book is singularly unique in that it draws the reader inside an older person's mind. I found it an enriching, often comforting and pleasant place to be.

The writing style in Old Man on a Bike' is mature and mischievous, gritty, factual and witty. The book is filled with concise, clipped sentences of professional brevity:

'Although travelling, I am on familiar territory. We are always on familiar territory, all of us. Yet we divide ourselves from this reality by erecting fake barriers and boundaries of nationality and race and religion.'

'They infuse their finds in hot water and insist I bath the burns. They are small commanding women. They cook, clean and do the laundry. Disobedience would be foolish.'

'For the past few days I have been pursued by a middle-aged hen. Today the hen slinks into my room while Nora collects my laundry. I discover the hen on my bed. She has laid an egg.'

The book also regularly offers flowing paragraphs of perfect descriptive indulgence. I savoured every word.

I read the last page of this book with a smile on my face and a sense regret that I had reached the end of this enthralling paperback.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Pink Rats, 13 Feb 2009
By R. A. Francis "Robin" (England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Biker interest in this book is pretty low, his travel observation are reasonable, if you have a low, very low opinion of North Americans you will no doubt enjoy having your prejudice reinforced. Gandolfi is a bit tiresome in denying that his own views are represented but the repetition I did find tiresome and not convincing. But when he refers to N American missionaries as sneak-thieves on the prowl for victims....these pink rats, his own agenda becomes pretty clear. Try Chasing Che by Patrick Symmes, covers the ground, its a better book and he rides a better bike.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Old Man on a Bike
Great read, written as it happened on a daily basis. The type of book you can read a day at a time. As a biker, I can relate to some of Simon's experiences
Published 2 days ago by Vincent O' Connor

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Man On A Bike
When I first saw this book on the search results I was immediately drawn to it,why?,well just look at the cover!. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Mr. N. R. Eaton

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally absorbing and entertaining...
Once started I could not put this book down. I'm not quite as old as Simon Gandolfi but could really relate to his thoughts and observations. Read more
Published 2 months ago by G. M. Collins

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Man on a Bike
I thoroughly enjoyed this book . It is an inspiring read and surprisingly informative . I feel I know South America much better . Read more
Published 3 months ago by Prue ffrench Davis

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read for old men!
So much more than an adveture book - a clear demonstration of the wisdom of an elder of the tribe! Life goes on while life goes on!
Published 4 months ago by T. Ireland

5.0 out of 5 stars US through others eyes
Preceptions from an astute observer...and great fun reading about the lark from hell and gone. This grand "old man" visited Galveston after the book was written and I enjoyed his... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Terry Bleier Paul

4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
I have just started to read this book and can't put it down. The thought of riding so far on a 125cc Pizza Bike with so little kit and loads of enthusiasm, and aged 70+ should... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Nigel Grace

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