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Book review – Timeless on the Silk Road by Heather Ellis.
I did some non motorcycle travel recently so as always made sure I had something to read in Kindle while sitting in airports and planes.
Heather Ellis had ridden through Africa and was working as a motorcycle courier in London in the mid 90’s to fund further riding when she was diagnosed with a killer disease.
Heather decides even though she has been handed a death sentence she will ride back overland to her home in Cairns, Australia. This is one tough ride by one very determined woman. Previously I’ve written about how I thought Spencer James Conway was a tough nut in Africa but Heather is another level hard.
Heather is also a writer of considerable talent. I wish I had a little of that. I found her book to be a real page turner. It’s written so well and is such a wild adventure I could not put it down.
Her journey is a ride I could never do. I did what I thought was some adventurous travel when younger but never felt the desire to rough it or take too many risks. I drove around Europe in 1992 in a van with no plan and have been to some dicey places over the years but nothing like Heather.
However I can empathize Heather’s sense of hopelessness and the soul searching Heather did with her medical condition. I had similar thoughts when I was told my cancer outlook was bleak and it is still in the back of my head every day that my next scan might show it no longer in remission.
Heather triumphs over many obstacles as she rides then has to face her hardest challenge, her illness which found it’s match in this hardcore badass biker but not before nearly killing her.
This is a great read which I recommend without any hesitation.
Thanks for the recommendation Warren.
I totally agree with everything you wrote. I’ve read it twice now and know I’ll be reading it again. Much respect to her. Did you know she’s planning to hit the road again? South America next time I gather.
Hi Sam,
Yes I think I might load it up in my Kindle to read again too. I’ll be looking forward to her next book. I’m planning some more riding in South America myself (health permitting after a big health scare on my current tour of New Zealand today …)
Ouch! Sorry to hear about your health scare! I hope that works out ok. Who knows, you might cross paths with Heather in SA.