Gasoline Gypsy

by Peggy Iris Thomas

244 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

Reviews

[Bev Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd just bought my little 125 Yamaha Virago... feeling a little intimidated by all the big bikes around. But being 53 and not having sufficient resources nor confidence to pass my test, that's my limit.

Then a client put me onto this true story of a woman who crossed the USA and Canada just after the Second World War on a BSA 125 ( yes- really !) complete with a rear box mounted in the place of a parcel rack sufficiently big to accommodate her Airdale dog who accompanied her right throughout the voyage.

Written by Peggy in her own voice, it's not great literature and speaks from the time it was written but that all adds to its charm in many ways.

It has humour and great pragmatism. Today, we'd say she was probably way too trusting and naive. I prefer to think she was someone who thought most people were decent and good -intentioned. Maybe this is something we'd could profit from today?

I enjoyed this road trip with Peggy, her tiny motorcycle and her very big dog. It inspired me to get out on my little motorcycle alone and enjoy the road. It's gentle and fun.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has many charms. The author recounts the myriad adventures she and her Airedale, Matelot, enjoyed as they embarked on a 14,000-mile motorcycle trek through Canada, the United States and Mexico from 1950 to 1952. As an unassuming paean to a considerably more innocent time, it's a delight. At every hairpin turn along the way, Peggy miraculously finds a trucker who will pick up her woefully underpowered and overloaded motorcycle and transport it to the next garage. With only one or two comically villainous exceptions, those garages are staffed by resourceful mechanics willing to figure out the vagaries of her unusual model of bike and get her back on the road again - often no charge. At times fearless and self-sufficient, at times naively hapless, Peggy is always captivating, and Matelot is the epitome of canine patience and fidelity.

Read my full review here: http://bookgaga.posterous.com/a-ride-...

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book, brought back into publishing by Gordon G May. This is such a charming adventure, well written and brought to life by the words on the page. This should be cult fiction and will forever remain a book on my shelf. Recalling the adventures of Peggy, along with her airedale dog Matelot travelling 14,000 miles through Canada, the USA and Mexico on a 125cc BSA, Gasoline Gypsy allows us to travel with a brave, spirited and warm-hearted lady. This is proper travel literature with a big heart.

[Jem Wilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this..obviously a very tough lady doing the travels on her little BSA with her dog on board - brilliant! Dated a little bit - but still an unusual slant on the motorcycle travel book

[Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of Peggy Thomas who in 1951 took her 125cc BSA Bantam with her Airedale Terrier 'Matelot' on the back on a mammoth tour of North America.