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The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa
"Cycling is a good way to travel anywhere, but especially in Africa. You are independent and mobile, and yet travel at people speed – fast enough to travel on to another town in the cooler morning hours, but slow enough to meet people; the old farmer at the roadside who raises his hand and says, 'You are welcome,' the tireless women who offer a smile to a passing cyclist, the children whose laughter transcends the humblest home."
So begins the text of Neil Peart’s extraordinary journal about riding a bicycle on the roads and off the beaten track in West Africa. The Masked Rider is about the bike trek and the people who travel along with the author, including literary sidekicks Aristotle and Vincent Van Gogh. Sometimes it’s the story of a tour of hell – Dante on a bicycle – as he suffers the pains of dysentery and stares down the muzzle of a drunk soldier’s machine gun. Other times it’s a journey of exalted discovery and African adventure of the highest calibre. Neil Peart is the drummer and lyricist of the legendary rock band Rush.
So begins the text of Neil Peart’s extraordinary journal about riding a bicycle on the roads and off the beaten track in West Africa. The Masked Rider is about the bike trek and the people who travel along with the author, including literary sidekicks Aristotle and Vincent Van Gogh. Sometimes it’s the story of a tour of hell – Dante on a bicycle – as he suffers the pains of dysentery and stares down the muzzle of a drunk soldier’s machine gun. Other times it’s a journey of exalted discovery and African adventure of the highest calibre. Neil Peart is the drummer and lyricist of the legendary rock band Rush.
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
80 people are currently reading
1166 people want to read
About the author
Neil Peart
92 books513 followersNeil Peart (pronounced /ˈpɪərt/) OC, (born Neil Ellwood Peart) was a Canadian musician and author. He is best-known as the drummer and lyricist for the rock band Rush.
Peart grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Canada (now part of St. Catharines) working the occasional odd job. However, his true ambition was to become a professional musician. During adolescence, he floated from regional band to regional band and dropped out of high school to pursue a career as a full-time drummer. After a discouraging stint in England to concentrate on his music, Peart returned home, where he joined local Toronto band Rush in the summer of 1974.
Early in his career, Peart's performance style was deeply rooted in hard rock. He drew most of his inspiration from drummers such as Keith Moon and John Bonham, players who were at the forefront of the British hard rock scene. As time progressed, however, he began to emulate the jazz and big band musicians Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Peart is also a pupil of jazz instructor Freddie Gruber. Peart has received many awards for his musical performances and is known for his technical proficiency and stamina.
In addition to being a musician, Peart was also a prolific writer, having published several memoirs about his travels. Peart was also Rush's primary lyricist. In writing lyrics for Rush, Peart addressed universal themes and diverse subject matter including science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy, as well as secular, humanitarian and libertarian themes. In contrast, his books have been focused on his personal experiences.
Peart grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Canada (now part of St. Catharines) working the occasional odd job. However, his true ambition was to become a professional musician. During adolescence, he floated from regional band to regional band and dropped out of high school to pursue a career as a full-time drummer. After a discouraging stint in England to concentrate on his music, Peart returned home, where he joined local Toronto band Rush in the summer of 1974.
Early in his career, Peart's performance style was deeply rooted in hard rock. He drew most of his inspiration from drummers such as Keith Moon and John Bonham, players who were at the forefront of the British hard rock scene. As time progressed, however, he began to emulate the jazz and big band musicians Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Peart is also a pupil of jazz instructor Freddie Gruber. Peart has received many awards for his musical performances and is known for his technical proficiency and stamina.
In addition to being a musician, Peart was also a prolific writer, having published several memoirs about his travels. Peart was also Rush's primary lyricist. In writing lyrics for Rush, Peart addressed universal themes and diverse subject matter including science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy, as well as secular, humanitarian and libertarian themes. In contrast, his books have been focused on his personal experiences.
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February 23, 2017
David, founder, owner and secretary of Bicycle Africa did a noteworthy job of leading 60 year old Elsa, the young smiling Annie, Vietnam vet Vincent and the author (whom I later learned is the drummer in the band Rush) to complete a month long bicycle trip through Cameroon unscathed. This rigorous 1988 trip went from Cameroon’s Atlantic Coast to its northern border with Chad.
While the trail was nearly impossible, the climate hot and water not always available, Cameroon seemed to be an OK place for such a trip if you contrast it with the military culture of Chad where these 5 travelers ended their trip fearing imprisonment or death.
There are unique travel experiences such as spending a night in the convent, touring the “palace” of a “Fon” (ruler) and visiting a wildlife refuge. There are descriptions of the land, the condition of the roads and trails and of occasional wildlife. Lodgings become a literary motif in the descriptions of how each is uniquely bad. Friendly people call to them “hey white man” as a greeting. Many puzzle over Vincent, since they are unaware that there are black Americans. Peart describes the many towns and settlements they pass through or spend the night and he can sometimes find someone to communicate with in French or English.
Interspersed in the travelogue, are the musings of a young man (I wonder how Peart feels now about the opinions of his younger self). He analyses his companions: their hearts (hard or soft) and their reasoning (linear, circular or parabolic). He is reading Aristotle and letters of Vincent Van Gogh and comments philosophy and art.
I was disappointed in the photographs. I’d have liked more of the landscape and people. Most of these seem to be art shots. Only a few amplify the text.
While it lacks the historical and cultural perspective of writers such as Paul Theroux or Timothy Butcher who have both covered travel in Africa, Peart did a good job of communicating his unusual trip.
While the trail was nearly impossible, the climate hot and water not always available, Cameroon seemed to be an OK place for such a trip if you contrast it with the military culture of Chad where these 5 travelers ended their trip fearing imprisonment or death.
There are unique travel experiences such as spending a night in the convent, touring the “palace” of a “Fon” (ruler) and visiting a wildlife refuge. There are descriptions of the land, the condition of the roads and trails and of occasional wildlife. Lodgings become a literary motif in the descriptions of how each is uniquely bad. Friendly people call to them “hey white man” as a greeting. Many puzzle over Vincent, since they are unaware that there are black Americans. Peart describes the many towns and settlements they pass through or spend the night and he can sometimes find someone to communicate with in French or English.
Interspersed in the travelogue, are the musings of a young man (I wonder how Peart feels now about the opinions of his younger self). He analyses his companions: their hearts (hard or soft) and their reasoning (linear, circular or parabolic). He is reading Aristotle and letters of Vincent Van Gogh and comments philosophy and art.
I was disappointed in the photographs. I’d have liked more of the landscape and people. Most of these seem to be art shots. Only a few amplify the text.
While it lacks the historical and cultural perspective of writers such as Paul Theroux or Timothy Butcher who have both covered travel in Africa, Peart did a good job of communicating his unusual trip.
April 2, 2021
Stayed up to finish it~ this was a superbly written travelogue about a cycling trip in Cameroon, set in 1988 - full of wit, very real and vividly describing an account packed with challenges. I enjoyed the honest, curious outlook Peart has, into the social and cultural differences that he saw, as well as the positive self-talk and introspections that kept him company as he faced the physical challenges in his journey.
Pretty stoked to later learn that the author, Neil Peart was also dummer for the Canadian progressive rock band, Rush.
Pretty stoked to later learn that the author, Neil Peart was also dummer for the Canadian progressive rock band, Rush.
August 25, 2020
Perhaps I have less refined tastes in literature than some of the other reviews here because, in my humble opinion, Neil Peart could write, at least he could for a drummer.
I enjoyed this journey by bicycle through West Africa in the late 1980s. It was interesting and insightful, though I can’t imagine bringing Aristotle with me for such a trip. He definitely had a greater interest in philosophy than I ever did.
I remember hearing on the news when the author died. I’ve never really been a Rush fan, though they’ve always been held out as one of our premier Canadian rock bands. The only song of theirs I’m familiar with is Closer to the Heart. Not a bad song, that.
When Audible made a bunch of his books available for free I grabbed 4 of them. I do love free stuff. I’m glad I did. I look forward to reading more of them in the future.
This book is worth more than I paid for it.
I enjoyed this journey by bicycle through West Africa in the late 1980s. It was interesting and insightful, though I can’t imagine bringing Aristotle with me for such a trip. He definitely had a greater interest in philosophy than I ever did.
I remember hearing on the news when the author died. I’ve never really been a Rush fan, though they’ve always been held out as one of our premier Canadian rock bands. The only song of theirs I’m familiar with is Closer to the Heart. Not a bad song, that.
When Audible made a bunch of his books available for free I grabbed 4 of them. I do love free stuff. I’m glad I did. I look forward to reading more of them in the future.
This book is worth more than I paid for it.
June 28, 2025
The bike tour from hell!
As a fellow cyclist who has done a couple of bike tours in the US, any memoir of touring by bicycle appeals to me. Neil Peart, at that time (1990s) the drummer in a well-known rock band (Rush), is not a typical cycle-tourist, by any means, but he sure knew how to tell a good story. RIP Neil.
Between horrific "rustic hotel" accommodations with mosquitoes, grime, often no water, never any air-conditioning; hole-in-the-floor filthy "toilets" (or worse, buckets), this small group embarked on an organized bike tour in Cameroon, Africa, and saw it all. Most of it nothing I'd ever want to experience.
The roads sounded unfit for cycling in most cases; often little more than rocky, rutted paths that required walking one's steed or pedaling very slowly. The hills went on and on. The heat and sunshine were relentless. The water was sometimes scarce and often polluted, so they drank mostly Fanta sodas, and who could blame them?
Worse than the cycling conditions were some of the people they encountered along the way. The police and military presence was a constant annoyance and threat: confiscating passports, requiring excessive paperwork and explanations from the cyclists of where they were from and where they were going, and in general harassing the group of tourists. The locals were sometimes friendly but often wary and/or mean, calling out taunts of "white man" as Neil pedaled through their villages.
It's hard to believe the cyclists paid for the "privilege" of embarking on such a tour.
To be sure, there were some happy moments: occasional friendly and helpful locals, breathtaking vistas, and...not a whole lot else to brag about. Unfortunately, none of the participants really seemed to become friends, just uneasy compatriots on an adventure that was more than any bargained for.
A huge takeaway from a "tour from hell" like this is how privileged we in first-world countries are. Just to have clean, running water and flush toilets is a privilege not everyone can even dream of. In Paris afterwards, Neil appreciated every creature comfort in ways he hadn't before, as anyone would. And as I closed the book, I said a silent prayer of gratitude for all of the material comforts I take for granted in my life.
Fantastic read!
As a fellow cyclist who has done a couple of bike tours in the US, any memoir of touring by bicycle appeals to me. Neil Peart, at that time (1990s) the drummer in a well-known rock band (Rush), is not a typical cycle-tourist, by any means, but he sure knew how to tell a good story. RIP Neil.
Between horrific "rustic hotel" accommodations with mosquitoes, grime, often no water, never any air-conditioning; hole-in-the-floor filthy "toilets" (or worse, buckets), this small group embarked on an organized bike tour in Cameroon, Africa, and saw it all. Most of it nothing I'd ever want to experience.
The roads sounded unfit for cycling in most cases; often little more than rocky, rutted paths that required walking one's steed or pedaling very slowly. The hills went on and on. The heat and sunshine were relentless. The water was sometimes scarce and often polluted, so they drank mostly Fanta sodas, and who could blame them?
Worse than the cycling conditions were some of the people they encountered along the way. The police and military presence was a constant annoyance and threat: confiscating passports, requiring excessive paperwork and explanations from the cyclists of where they were from and where they were going, and in general harassing the group of tourists. The locals were sometimes friendly but often wary and/or mean, calling out taunts of "white man" as Neil pedaled through their villages.
It's hard to believe the cyclists paid for the "privilege" of embarking on such a tour.
To be sure, there were some happy moments: occasional friendly and helpful locals, breathtaking vistas, and...not a whole lot else to brag about. Unfortunately, none of the participants really seemed to become friends, just uneasy compatriots on an adventure that was more than any bargained for.
A huge takeaway from a "tour from hell" like this is how privileged we in first-world countries are. Just to have clean, running water and flush toilets is a privilege not everyone can even dream of. In Paris afterwards, Neil appreciated every creature comfort in ways he hadn't before, as anyone would. And as I closed the book, I said a silent prayer of gratitude for all of the material comforts I take for granted in my life.
Fantastic read!
August 6, 2012
Stylistically, this effort is one of the better written of Peart's books. Slow going in the beginning, as the descriptions of remote Cameroon villages and towns, and the roads and trails linking them gets redundant. It doesn't take Peart long, though, to begin psychoanalyzing his fellow riders of the bicycle tour. Surprisingly, or not, Peart picks on the two women, especially the eldest rider, Elsa, while admiring his two fellow male companions. Peart paints himself quite the trail blazer, riding out ahead of the pack, and forced to wait on the others. Bicycle enthusiasts will certainly be disappointed as Peart never mentions what gear he favors, not even what brand bicycle he is riding. Likewise, music lovers are offered a couple descriptions of tribal drums, but that is all. The abrupt ending is horrible, but Peart's experience of a month long ride through a rugged impoverished land carries with it a lesson that he has seemed to have appreciated.
August 20, 2020
This one was an interesting, enjoyable read. I know Neil Peart previously as the drummer from the band Rush.
He sadly died of cancer earlier this year. RIP.
The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa is what the title describes; Peart signed up for a month-long bicycle tour of West Africa in 1988. The tour focused mostly on travel through Cameroon.
The book has many interesting travel stories, as well as insight into the African culture.
The tour consisted of 5 members in total: Neil, the leader David, a black American named Leonard, and two women; Else and Annie.
Peart chronicles most of this journey, and all the ups and downs along the way; conflict with the other four, troubles with local police, conditions of the trips, local highlights, and other interesting tidbits.
If I would fault the book for one thing, it would be its lack of pictures. Peart doesn't even include a shot of the 5 members of the tour; to which the entire book is based upon. The few pictures in the book are somewhat random; pictures of a few people they encountered, some drums, and other minor things. It would have been nice to have a few more shots, to provide a bit of reference.
Overall I found the writing here to be well-done, and enjoyed listening to Peart's take on rural Cameroon.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested.
4 stars.
He sadly died of cancer earlier this year. RIP.
The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa is what the title describes; Peart signed up for a month-long bicycle tour of West Africa in 1988. The tour focused mostly on travel through Cameroon.
The book has many interesting travel stories, as well as insight into the African culture.
The tour consisted of 5 members in total: Neil, the leader David, a black American named Leonard, and two women; Else and Annie.
Peart chronicles most of this journey, and all the ups and downs along the way; conflict with the other four, troubles with local police, conditions of the trips, local highlights, and other interesting tidbits.
If I would fault the book for one thing, it would be its lack of pictures. Peart doesn't even include a shot of the 5 members of the tour; to which the entire book is based upon. The few pictures in the book are somewhat random; pictures of a few people they encountered, some drums, and other minor things. It would have been nice to have a few more shots, to provide a bit of reference.
Overall I found the writing here to be well-done, and enjoyed listening to Peart's take on rural Cameroon.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested.
4 stars.
June 25, 2014
A fair first effort, but someone should have edited out "smashed circles of fried eggs." Ye gods. I laid the book aside for months after being subjected to that.
It was my mom who pointed out to me that Neil doesn't actually like anyone. Everyone else has something wrong with them. Neil alone is a man of integrity and beneficence and rational thought--even when he's taking advantage of his whiteness to cut in line at a bank when he KNOWS it's wrong, even when he's dismissing an entire country's cuisine as "rice with junk on it." He's interesting and persuasive in the moment, but upon reflection, I think I'll just let him cycle on ahead and pretend he's first because he deserves to be there.
It was my mom who pointed out to me that Neil doesn't actually like anyone. Everyone else has something wrong with them. Neil alone is a man of integrity and beneficence and rational thought--even when he's taking advantage of his whiteness to cut in line at a bank when he KNOWS it's wrong, even when he's dismissing an entire country's cuisine as "rice with junk on it." He's interesting and persuasive in the moment, but upon reflection, I think I'll just let him cycle on ahead and pretend he's first because he deserves to be there.
March 30, 2009
I concluded that Peart is a better drummer than writer after reading this book. I also can't say that he was able to convey any particular insights about West Africa or its people either. However as a cyclist and traveler, I enjoyed his descriptions of the difficulty of riding almost 1000 miles through some inhospitable terrain.
November 11, 2010
Not bad, though Peart spends almost as much time talking (often complaining) about his companions, as he does describing Cameroon. I came away suspecting the book's popularity is due to his celebrity status as a musician.
May 23, 2018
This is a book filled with many different elements of culture. This autobiography written by progressive rock drummer Neil Peart shows the importance of broadening one's horizons to other lifestyles. Cycling around Africa, he discovers African history and really puts an open mind on everything around him. “I can worship Nature, and that fulfills my need for miracles and beauty. Art gives a spiritual depth to existence -- I can find worlds bigger and deeper than my own in music, paintings, and books. And from my friends and family I receive the highest benediction, emotional contact, and personal affirmation. I can bow before the works of Man, from buildings to babies, and that fulfills my need for wonder". Through this newly found culture, Neil discovers what's beyond himself. This quote is important to put in perspective. Finding the time to appreciate the finer cultural things in life is something many people lack when they're so caught up in their own worlds.
April 29, 2011
Read this back in 1998 for resaon of my of Rock Musicioan and Drummer Neil Peart and mainly his writing style. Dedicates front of book to Jackie and Selena "acchh" who both passed away a few years after the book was written. Again well written by man who takes bucycle tour through Africa. His decscription of Godzilla Bugs biting him and terrible dysentry and encounters with rebels with guns is riveting. Funny parts in book as he sits with another man alone in a tiny village and the man is playing hand drums and reluctantly offers Neil a chance to "play" with the bongo. After which the man looks and smiles not realizing whi ge just handed drum bongo to. Could not speak each others language but enough was said via facial expressions by the elder African that he expressed "WOW".
July 6, 2020
I’ve listened to this audible version of the book twice now. The narrator is engaging and the bike adventure gives a beautiful insight into Cameroon in the 80’s. Of course the political landscape has changed, but the experiences at the different villages and towns, and the conversations Neil had with the Cameroonians, interspersed with some historic background really give a good insight into Cameroon. On top of all of this I am a keen cyclist and could therefore really appreciate the challenges and beauty of cycling long distances.
August 1, 2011
For the first 50 pages I thought the answer to 'What kind of a person choses to go cycling in Africa?' was going to be one I dislike, but then I got into it and finished the book. It's quite interesting in bits, but I missed the kind of informative quality that good travel writers like Bill Bryson or AA Gill have - this was more about the author than travel.
September 4, 2011
Peart is an engaging observer and writer, and he sure is intrepid! His tale of a cycling tour through Cameroon has a bit of everything -- cycling, drumming, ethics, politics, character studies, introspection. Even if you are neither a cyclist nor a drummer, if you enjoy travel and venturing in new ways and places, you will enjoy this book.
August 30, 2020
I’ll preface by saying I enjoy bicycle touring so I probably got more out of this book than non-cyclist. I found it to be a compelling story. The author is a good writer and share the joys and the frustrations. Of cycling. Doesn’t make me want to tour in West Africa but it was pretty good from the armchair
February 24, 2020
An excellent travel adventure. Whether you’re a fan of Rush or Neil Peart specifically, this is a great read. Well-written, funny and insightful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 29, 2024
Recently, my husband and I have been listening to some of our favorite Rush songs. He then began watching YouTube videos of Neil Peart’s amazing drum performances. As you might guess, the rabbit hole of the internet led to the discovery of interviews with Neil about the books he has written. As a complete book nerd, I set off to research his nonfiction works. Thanks to an incredible Audible sale, I purchased all of Neil’s nonfiction books.
I decided to start with The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa. If my research is accurate, I believe this is the first book he wrote. Neil joined a group through African villages for one month on his bicycle. The group consisted of a total of five people: Neil, the tour leader (male), another man, and two women. The ride itself was physically and mentally challenging, and Neil shares the struggles of bike repairs, long rides up steep hills and treacherous terrain, and searches for food and drink. He documented the beautiful scenery with photographs and insights gained through journaling.
Neil didn’t hold anything back with this book. I appreciate how he described all aspects of the journey, from the special moments he experienced learning the African culture to the horrible illnesses he suffered and frustrations with his group members. He was a great storyteller and a transparent person. Neil demonstrated his humanness, which helped me relate to him.
It might seem small to some people, but it warmed my heart that one of the books Neil took on his travels included Dear Theo, Vincent van Gogh’s letters to his brother. I was fascinated to read how portions of the book correlated to events occurring on this trip. Vincent appeared to give Neil someone to relate to as he journeyed physically and mentally on this adventure.
Watching the YouTube interviews with Neil, I immediately liked him. He was not only talented at playing the drums; he was also intelligent, enjoyed reading, and was curious and adventurous. Playing drums and being a member of Rush was a career he seemed to genuinely love, while also having other interests. A lot of the books I read about celebrities primarily focus on their specific careers. I loved that The Masked Rider rarely mentioned his profession. This book is about Neil’s experience cycling in West Africa; it’s not about his celebrity or playing drums. This is Neil Peart, an adventurous cyclist. I’m so glad I went along for the ride.
On my blog, I included an interview with Neil that I think is great. I learned a lot about him, and it sold me on wanting to read his books.
I will definitely read more of Neil’s books. I’m excited to learn about his other adventures. Not only that, but I also have Geddy Lee’s book, My Effin’ Life, which I plan to read soon.
The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa is only available as an audiobook from Audible. Narration by Brian Sutherland was great. I would have loved it if Neil could have narrated, but Brian had a voice that reminded me of Neil, so the listening experience was perfect.
I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
I decided to start with The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa. If my research is accurate, I believe this is the first book he wrote. Neil joined a group through African villages for one month on his bicycle. The group consisted of a total of five people: Neil, the tour leader (male), another man, and two women. The ride itself was physically and mentally challenging, and Neil shares the struggles of bike repairs, long rides up steep hills and treacherous terrain, and searches for food and drink. He documented the beautiful scenery with photographs and insights gained through journaling.
Neil didn’t hold anything back with this book. I appreciate how he described all aspects of the journey, from the special moments he experienced learning the African culture to the horrible illnesses he suffered and frustrations with his group members. He was a great storyteller and a transparent person. Neil demonstrated his humanness, which helped me relate to him.
It might seem small to some people, but it warmed my heart that one of the books Neil took on his travels included Dear Theo, Vincent van Gogh’s letters to his brother. I was fascinated to read how portions of the book correlated to events occurring on this trip. Vincent appeared to give Neil someone to relate to as he journeyed physically and mentally on this adventure.
Watching the YouTube interviews with Neil, I immediately liked him. He was not only talented at playing the drums; he was also intelligent, enjoyed reading, and was curious and adventurous. Playing drums and being a member of Rush was a career he seemed to genuinely love, while also having other interests. A lot of the books I read about celebrities primarily focus on their specific careers. I loved that The Masked Rider rarely mentioned his profession. This book is about Neil’s experience cycling in West Africa; it’s not about his celebrity or playing drums. This is Neil Peart, an adventurous cyclist. I’m so glad I went along for the ride.
On my blog, I included an interview with Neil that I think is great. I learned a lot about him, and it sold me on wanting to read his books.
I will definitely read more of Neil’s books. I’m excited to learn about his other adventures. Not only that, but I also have Geddy Lee’s book, My Effin’ Life, which I plan to read soon.
The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa is only available as an audiobook from Audible. Narration by Brian Sutherland was great. I would have loved it if Neil could have narrated, but Brian had a voice that reminded me of Neil, so the listening experience was perfect.
I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
June 4, 2021
The Masked Rider is Neil Peart's first published book, published in 1996 and the style of writing shows it. It is not that his writing got better over the years but that it changed. Of course this is inevitable, but the Masked Rider reads like a "first published book". In it the now deceased Peart describes his tour through parts of the African continent...with a group. Peart was not renown for his love of crowds or is desire to be surrounded by strangers and so it could be this that sets the book apart. Throughout the tour the dynamics of the group changes and Peart documents the change as it happens, including his own. Anyone who has ever toured, especially by bicycle or hiking, with a group will recognize the dynamics that Peart writes about. But this is not really the only thing that sets the book apart.
In the Masked Rider Peart refers to Aristotle throughout, seemingly searching or referencing his tendencies towards virtue theory, the theory that the ideal happiness is one which is a good in itself. Throughout Peart's life he was an avid reader. So, the reference to Aristotle is no surprise, but given the references to Ayn Rand's objectivism in Rush's lyrics and in Peart's comments with regard to her philosophy, the references to Aristotle (Rand famously based her own ethical theory on virtue theory) is straight forward rather than ambiguous. Yet, this is not the only thing that sets the book apart.
Neil Peart was a legendary drummer, considered by fans and accomplished musicians alike as being a master drummer, a master musician on the whole and he fought the tendency of fans to escalate him to that god-like status. However, in his later books it is clear that he has lived in the bubble of fame and wealth for so long that he has forgotten that humans are judgemental, that we are imperfect and carry emotional and intellectual baggage and that we are prone to viewing the world with narcissistic tendencies. In the Masked Rider Peart, either consciously or inadvertently, writes from a human perspective, one which includes all of the above human tendencies.
The Masked Rider is set apart from his later books because in it Neil Peart, the god-like drummer of Rush, shows himself to be human, to be fallible. This is what sets the book apart. It is a travel book, but more so it is a testament to Peart as a person, as a human being rather than a god-like drummer traveling on a bus with three motorcycles and a security guard the way he perhaps had to in his latter writings.
In the Masked Rider Peart refers to Aristotle throughout, seemingly searching or referencing his tendencies towards virtue theory, the theory that the ideal happiness is one which is a good in itself. Throughout Peart's life he was an avid reader. So, the reference to Aristotle is no surprise, but given the references to Ayn Rand's objectivism in Rush's lyrics and in Peart's comments with regard to her philosophy, the references to Aristotle (Rand famously based her own ethical theory on virtue theory) is straight forward rather than ambiguous. Yet, this is not the only thing that sets the book apart.
Neil Peart was a legendary drummer, considered by fans and accomplished musicians alike as being a master drummer, a master musician on the whole and he fought the tendency of fans to escalate him to that god-like status. However, in his later books it is clear that he has lived in the bubble of fame and wealth for so long that he has forgotten that humans are judgemental, that we are imperfect and carry emotional and intellectual baggage and that we are prone to viewing the world with narcissistic tendencies. In the Masked Rider Peart, either consciously or inadvertently, writes from a human perspective, one which includes all of the above human tendencies.
The Masked Rider is set apart from his later books because in it Neil Peart, the god-like drummer of Rush, shows himself to be human, to be fallible. This is what sets the book apart. It is a travel book, but more so it is a testament to Peart as a person, as a human being rather than a god-like drummer traveling on a bus with three motorcycles and a security guard the way he perhaps had to in his latter writings.
December 15, 2018
I was thoroughly disappointed with this book. I picked it up because I spent the majority of my childhood there, from ages 2-18. I suspect that had the author had not been a part of a popular band, this book would not be nearly as widely read as it seems to have been, nor would it have such favorable ratings. The quality of writing is merely acceptable, it is less travelogue than subjective stream-of-consciousness narration, and his observation of people and places comes across as narrow-minded, arrogant, and hypocritical.
He consistently makes fun of an older traveler’s weaknesses, inserting quotations from their fellow bicyclists as though to say, “See? They’re all on my side. This is how obnoxious this woman is.” He also seems to lack the introspection to realize that his own snide remarks to their tour guide may come across as equally grating, despite his assertion that his comments were merely “humor.” The arrogance overflows into his observations of those he meets along their path, freely assigning motives and personality flaws to people he has only just met, such as the Lutheran missionaries who are fellow guests at a monastery where his touring group spends one night.
He frequently describes the cuisine as “rice with junk on it,” neglecting to go into any informative detail about much of the various delicious foods they sampled. In fact, I began to wonder if he had even bothered to find out. He spoke favorably of the omelettes and the fried beignets, possibly because these were familiar to his palate? He also comments positively on the salad he ate at one of the restaurants, even though it resulted in gastric discomfort later on.
Rather than reflecting upon his experience as a white man in rural west Africa, he frequently gets irritated at being called “white,” and at one point, snaps at a villager (he says “with new insight into the ugliness of racism”), “Don’t call me names!” as though merely noting the difference in his skin color is an insult. I was a racial minority in Cameroon, and while racism exists there as in any other place where there is a dominant “race,” the author’s experience and consequent reactions seem more to do with his discomfort at being a minority rather than being a victim of genuine racism.
It is such a shame that he traveled to “Africa in miniature,” and seems to have missed out on genuinely appreciating the beauty of Cameroon.
He consistently makes fun of an older traveler’s weaknesses, inserting quotations from their fellow bicyclists as though to say, “See? They’re all on my side. This is how obnoxious this woman is.” He also seems to lack the introspection to realize that his own snide remarks to their tour guide may come across as equally grating, despite his assertion that his comments were merely “humor.” The arrogance overflows into his observations of those he meets along their path, freely assigning motives and personality flaws to people he has only just met, such as the Lutheran missionaries who are fellow guests at a monastery where his touring group spends one night.
He frequently describes the cuisine as “rice with junk on it,” neglecting to go into any informative detail about much of the various delicious foods they sampled. In fact, I began to wonder if he had even bothered to find out. He spoke favorably of the omelettes and the fried beignets, possibly because these were familiar to his palate? He also comments positively on the salad he ate at one of the restaurants, even though it resulted in gastric discomfort later on.
Rather than reflecting upon his experience as a white man in rural west Africa, he frequently gets irritated at being called “white,” and at one point, snaps at a villager (he says “with new insight into the ugliness of racism”), “Don’t call me names!” as though merely noting the difference in his skin color is an insult. I was a racial minority in Cameroon, and while racism exists there as in any other place where there is a dominant “race,” the author’s experience and consequent reactions seem more to do with his discomfort at being a minority rather than being a victim of genuine racism.
It is such a shame that he traveled to “Africa in miniature,” and seems to have missed out on genuinely appreciating the beauty of Cameroon.
June 25, 2020
When I was young I picked up Neal Peart at the airport in Reno as they were doing a concert there the following day. He asked if could drive him around town and give him a lay of the land so he could sight see a little while he was there. I remember thinking here’s a typical rock star (stereotyping) but was very surprised at his intelligent manner, articulate communication style, and interest in others and the world around him. I was a fan of Rush and have been ever since. Not a fan of all their songs but of enough that I enjoy listening to my personal “best of collection” regularly. I came across his series of travel experience books and always wanted to read them “someday”. When I heard he passed away in January of this year, 2020, I decided I’d finally read one. I chose this one because it was a bike ride in Africa, not knowing it was his first book. I would recommend it. He gives great insight into the dark continents cultures, and people, as well as his experiences there. Wow, I use to think something like that would be adventurous and fun, but no thanks. I am impressed with his ability to endure hardships, his self introspection, his life lessons, and assessments of his riding companions, their philosophies, his philosophies, and his interaction with African society. Some good, some bad, some ugly. Captivating, funny, and educational. I’m impressed with his life, his experiences, and adventures, not necessarily his world view, however most of it I do agree with but some, no. Worth the read though. Then listen to some Rush albums to put icing on the cake.
February 6, 2020
Just after Neil Peart, the author of this book and drummer for Rush, passed away in January, Audible offered almost all of his books for no charge. I was happy to take them up on this as I'd been hearing good things about his writing for years. I knew he had a reputation for honesty, and I also knew he was a very bright man. I thought that I'd give them a try. This is the earliest published book I downloaded. I was a little surprised by it. I knew of Neil's love for motorcycling and expected this to be in that vein. The surprise? This is a travelogue of a bicycle trip through the nation of Cameroon in west Africa. I'm not sure why that was a surprise. Anyone who looked at Neil could tell you he was pretty fit. And where do you learn a love of two wheeled travel? On a bicycle. There's a lot of good stuff in here about the quirks of traveling in a group of people whom you have only just met. There are also a lot of interesting stories about the joys and difficulties of traveling through Africa, and even living there. I enjoyed Neil's voice. He doesn't always paint himself in the most positive light, which a lot of people, even those who aren't famous, will do. He does always want to make you see why the things he wrote were important to him. This worked for me.
June 27, 2020
Neil Peart, the late drummer and lyricist for the great Canadian rock band Rush recounts his adventures from a bicycle tour he took through Cameroon in 1988.
I have never considered traveling to Cameroon, but having learned a bit about Nigeria and Ghana from my readings and acquaintances, I found that there were similarities in the geography and demographic composition between North and South.
Peart's account of the ride is engaging, if at times a little too nonchalant about certain cultural details (e.g. his repeated reference to the local cuisine as rice with junk on it). He is very eager to analyze his riding companions. He is fairly good at introspection, careful to avoid too much self-indulgence, at least publicly for his readers.
I do not think that the significance of the title was adequately developed (The Masked Rider, so then what mask? why wear a mask?). It was kind of thrown on at the end as an afterthought.
Nevertheless, I thought it was an enjoyable read. The best part was when he wrote about all the different types of thinkers and then finished off with a discussion about Mendelson Joe, the concentric thinker (264-5). I haven't thought about Mendelson Joe in a very long time.
Worth reading if you're interested in cycle touring or traveling in the Sahel region of Africa.
I have never considered traveling to Cameroon, but having learned a bit about Nigeria and Ghana from my readings and acquaintances, I found that there were similarities in the geography and demographic composition between North and South.
Peart's account of the ride is engaging, if at times a little too nonchalant about certain cultural details (e.g. his repeated reference to the local cuisine as rice with junk on it). He is very eager to analyze his riding companions. He is fairly good at introspection, careful to avoid too much self-indulgence, at least publicly for his readers.
I do not think that the significance of the title was adequately developed (The Masked Rider, so then what mask? why wear a mask?). It was kind of thrown on at the end as an afterthought.
Nevertheless, I thought it was an enjoyable read. The best part was when he wrote about all the different types of thinkers and then finished off with a discussion about Mendelson Joe, the concentric thinker (264-5). I haven't thought about Mendelson Joe in a very long time.
Worth reading if you're interested in cycle touring or traveling in the Sahel region of Africa.
October 21, 2021
I had trouble sticking with this one. I loved Neil’s Roadshow book. This one was a lot dryer and less interesting to me.
I applaud his courage in spending a month bicycling through Africa. I question his sanity. Why? I get that Africa is picturesque and interesting and beautiful in its own way. It was also quite dangerous.
They biked 40-some miles at a clip, sometimes through barren and desolate countryside. He suffered hunger, thirst, rashes, bug bites, cuts and scrapes, and several bouts of gastrointestinal illnesses. Yuck.
There are few pictures in the book because photos are not allowed nor are they welcomed by the natives. A picture of a river or stream from a bridge is seen as an espionage attempt. You can’t photograph bridges or government buildings. Small towns with various tribal leaders are strict with rules (you can’t cross your legs in the leader’s presence). They met with a lot of hostility from natives, security people, police and military.
This trip was not something that interested me in the slightest. I read the book because I am a Peart fan. I enjoyed Neil’s verbal pictures.
I applaud his courage in spending a month bicycling through Africa. I question his sanity. Why? I get that Africa is picturesque and interesting and beautiful in its own way. It was also quite dangerous.
They biked 40-some miles at a clip, sometimes through barren and desolate countryside. He suffered hunger, thirst, rashes, bug bites, cuts and scrapes, and several bouts of gastrointestinal illnesses. Yuck.
There are few pictures in the book because photos are not allowed nor are they welcomed by the natives. A picture of a river or stream from a bridge is seen as an espionage attempt. You can’t photograph bridges or government buildings. Small towns with various tribal leaders are strict with rules (you can’t cross your legs in the leader’s presence). They met with a lot of hostility from natives, security people, police and military.
This trip was not something that interested me in the slightest. I read the book because I am a Peart fan. I enjoyed Neil’s verbal pictures.
July 9, 2023
Neil. Not only were you one of my favorite drummers, you were also one of my favorite authors. Rest in peace sir!
This is the 4th book of Neil's that I have read and it was very much what I was expecting from his writing style: detailed descriptions, thoughtful ponderings, but most of all.... Honesty! He always calls it how he sees it.
He doesn't sugar coat any of the details of his time in Africa whether he is discussing his companions, the locals, the terrain, the accommodations, the bureaucracy, the food, or even his own health! We get the honest truth which I think speaks to his humble demeanor. Here's a man in his mid-thirties (at the time of his travel) who is already a bonifide rock star and who has traveled the world, appreciative of eating "rice with junk on it" and chugging a bottle of fanta. All while enduring a physical feat most of us wouldn't even dream of doing.
Reading this book was also an eye opening experience for me in understanding my "western civilization" privilege and realizing that every day "luxuries" for me truly are precious for those in other places of the world. Thank you Neil for bringing your experience to us with this wonderful publication!
This is the 4th book of Neil's that I have read and it was very much what I was expecting from his writing style: detailed descriptions, thoughtful ponderings, but most of all.... Honesty! He always calls it how he sees it.
He doesn't sugar coat any of the details of his time in Africa whether he is discussing his companions, the locals, the terrain, the accommodations, the bureaucracy, the food, or even his own health! We get the honest truth which I think speaks to his humble demeanor. Here's a man in his mid-thirties (at the time of his travel) who is already a bonifide rock star and who has traveled the world, appreciative of eating "rice with junk on it" and chugging a bottle of fanta. All while enduring a physical feat most of us wouldn't even dream of doing.
Reading this book was also an eye opening experience for me in understanding my "western civilization" privilege and realizing that every day "luxuries" for me truly are precious for those in other places of the world. Thank you Neil for bringing your experience to us with this wonderful publication!
October 18, 2020
I'd read all of Neil's books prior to reading this one. I avoided it. I thought it would be Neil in solitude, alone and it was nothing like that. I felt it was possibly the most revealing book about Neil. He was younger then. He sounded more snarky and judgmental than in his later years. Neil was traveling with a group of bicyclists with varied levels of skill. This gave the whole story a reality show vibe. Like Survivor. The bond between the people in the small group wasn't friendly nor backstabbing. Each person seemed to get on each others nerves. If it wasn't the oppressive heat, it was being challenged in every town to show passports or find clean water, edible food, and lodging. It made Neil's travelogs written after 2000 seem like a very cushy life.
I enjoyed it more than I thought because Neil often had to be a team player and help others who were struggling. Neil's ability to speak French was helpful for some conversations with the locals. Learning how Neil treated others who weren't always appreciative made it an interesting read.
I enjoyed it more than I thought because Neil often had to be a team player and help others who were struggling. Neil's ability to speak French was helpful for some conversations with the locals. Learning how Neil treated others who weren't always appreciative made it an interesting read.
February 7, 2023
As an avid fan of the band Rush, I am not the best for objectivity regarding their heralded drummer's literary work. The autobiographical tale of Mr. Peart's grueling bicycle trip through Africa is not only an accessible, first-person account of his journey but surprisingly void of any meaningful mention or conversation about his "day job."
Mr. Peart captures his impressions of his experiences both in Africa's terrain and geographical wonders, but of its culture and the dynamic of his traveling partners. The convoy of cross-country bicycle riders and its unique characters helps bridge the human experience of the grueling ride and the travel journal narrative.
I enjoyed this book immensely, partly because it is a good read about a subject I am not overly familiar with and partly because it gave me insight into the person behind my musical idol. Again, I am not objective, but I have read the book a few times and still find joy in it beyond being a "fanboy," so he must have done something right!
Mr. Peart captures his impressions of his experiences both in Africa's terrain and geographical wonders, but of its culture and the dynamic of his traveling partners. The convoy of cross-country bicycle riders and its unique characters helps bridge the human experience of the grueling ride and the travel journal narrative.
I enjoyed this book immensely, partly because it is a good read about a subject I am not overly familiar with and partly because it gave me insight into the person behind my musical idol. Again, I am not objective, but I have read the book a few times and still find joy in it beyond being a "fanboy," so he must have done something right!
December 18, 2019
This book took me forever to finish. I refused to stop reading it though, despite a deep desire to do just that. I had to interview myself to understand my dislike for the book:
Is it uninteresting? No. It is actually a pretty fascinating journey.
Was it poorly written? No, the writing was fine if a little dry.
Was it what you expected? That’s the question. This book is not what I expected. Peart is my favorite musician. He is the greatest drummer alive, and his lyric writing is even better. He is the closest I come to hero-worship. Yet reading this book I couldn’t help disliking him. As he wrote his own thoughts, I continuously thought he sounded like a self righteous ass. He judged people and painted them as charatures of real people. He saw them always through the shaded lens with which he first labeled them. I have several of his other books on my tbr shelf. Not sure if I will do that to myself.
Is it uninteresting? No. It is actually a pretty fascinating journey.
Was it poorly written? No, the writing was fine if a little dry.
Was it what you expected? That’s the question. This book is not what I expected. Peart is my favorite musician. He is the greatest drummer alive, and his lyric writing is even better. He is the closest I come to hero-worship. Yet reading this book I couldn’t help disliking him. As he wrote his own thoughts, I continuously thought he sounded like a self righteous ass. He judged people and painted them as charatures of real people. He saw them always through the shaded lens with which he first labeled them. I have several of his other books on my tbr shelf. Not sure if I will do that to myself.
February 9, 2020
I’m working my way through all of Neil Peart’s books, in honor of his incredible life and recent passing from brain cancer. Peart has written extensively about his motorcycle travels, but in this one, he documents a bicycle tour that he took across Africa with a group of friends. The story is quite humorous to me, as I am a big fan of the road bike. One member of his bike group has only trained for the trip for 3 months, and had only once ever ridden a length of 75 miles. So she is completely maxed out, and because she won’t happily quit, yet complains through the entire, there is a lot of attempts for comedic levity, to maintain sanity, by Neil and the rest of the cyclists. There are lots of trials, terrible roads, subpar and exotic hotel and food stories, and other various weird experiences that surely would arise on an African road trip. All perfectly written, by Rush drummers inimitable Neil Peart. I adore his witty, expansive writing.
January 29, 2020
As a traveler, I enjoy reading travel books. I picked up Peart’s Masked Rider at the time of his death. It was a mostly engaging account of,his bicycle travel’s through Cameroon; at times I found his grumbling a little irritating. And I was incredibly curious about his traveling companions: four people all traveling by themselves on a month-long bike tour of a very much off the beaten path part of Africa? Fascinating!
But, Peart is a private person and (mostly) respected the privacy of his traveling companions. The petty complaints he lodged against the two women grew more and more uninteresting as the trip unfurled; I would have been more interested if I knew more about them as a people. But, Peart’s complaints lacked dimension, as his companions were more background than more fleshed out characters/people.
But, Peart is a private person and (mostly) respected the privacy of his traveling companions. The petty complaints he lodged against the two women grew more and more uninteresting as the trip unfurled; I would have been more interested if I knew more about them as a people. But, Peart’s complaints lacked dimension, as his companions were more background than more fleshed out characters/people.
September 22, 2018
An interesting look at a region that isn't well known to Westerners. The interaction between the tour participants has a ring of familiarity if you've ever had people visit you in a remote area. It is obvious that the writer didn't spend much time getting to know the local culture, but that he has traveled quite a bit. His travel experience and ability to speak French helped him see better than others, but it is still a very superficial peak behind the curtain of culture. I applaud their willingness to "suffer" through questionable accommodations and food, but I'm put off by the complaints. Hundreds of millions of people live like this throughout their entire life. If you're interested in West/Central Africa, not a bad read. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't recommend it.
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