KEEP MOVING: Tokyo to Cape Town by Motorbike

by Monica Joseph

The idea to travel the world on a motorcycle did not 'come out of the blue'. Monica's husband Simon had this dream for 30 years. The opportunity to go arose after their three children had left school and home. Monica had a motorcycle licence but no mechanical skills and very little riding experience. She didn't even have a motorcycle. At the end of a focussed year of preparation sandwiched between two busy jobs as a social worker she was more or less ready to go. The original plan was to ride from Tokyo, Japan to St. Petersburg, Russia via Mongolia and the Central Asian Republics. The twists and turns of fate saw them return home through Africa, which had never been part of the plan. From the fabled Silk Road route to Timbuktu there was plenty of adventure and challenges. After 50,000kms and through 30 countries Monica managed to miss out on learning how to change a tyre as she didn't even manage to get a flat. The trip was one of extreme travel and adventure and a wonderful way of spending a year. Monica and Simon managed to return home still married and keen to do more.

252 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2013

About the author

Monica Joseph is a social worker and modern-day adventure traveller. She has written her first book Keep Moving: Tokyo to Cape Town by Motorbike after a tough and rewarding year on the road on her bike accompanied by her husband Simon. They live on five acres in rural New South Wales. Their three grown children live scattered elsewhere. Monica cooks, gardens, reads books and occasionally rides her motorbike.

Reviews

[Zed · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account of an extraordinary adventure especially if you're interested in motorbike travel as it describes the ups and downs, and ins and outs of this type of travel.

It was great to learn a bit about the history and culture of the countries visited as well as points of interest and landmarks. It was also interesting to read about other motorbike travellers met along the way.

All the experiences from road conditions, border crossings, everyday practicalities, and the general wonder of travelling are written in a highly detailed and engaging way.

It was fun to be along for the ride!

*I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways*

[Janet Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a roller coaster of a read - following the trials and joys of a year long motorbike ride from Japan, through Mongolia and "the Stans" to St Petersburg, then across to Europe and down through Africa! It was a delight to be taken through the spectacular and diverse landscapes and cultures, contrasted by the day to day realities of group travelling by motorbike. A caution to readers though - it will give you the travel bug :)

[Gloria Elias-Fallone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ticks so many boxes for me. Not only is it well written but it takes you on an adventure of a life time without any emotional, psychological or financial cost!! I'll never be able to travel like this, it is just too scary and arduous, but thank you Monica for giving me a good taste of it. The book is also great for adventurous motorcyclist keen to see some of the most remote parts of the world. The author provides a generously detailed guide on how to navigate through some of the most treacherous roads on this planet, how to cope with tricky checkpoints, corrupt customs and police officers. Despite some of the terrible ordeals encountered on this journey it leaves you with a sense of hope that you can do amazing things if you take the bull by the horns and 'Keep Moving'.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author as a Goodreads giveaway.

Overall I found it an enjoyable book. It covers a very daring year long motorcycle journey from Tokyo to Capetown across some pretty rugged parts of the world. There’s an interesting mix of travel diary (ie what they saw, who they saw it with, what the conditions were like etc) and more behind the scenes insights into some of the practicalities involved in motorcycle travel such as maintenance, insurance etc.

As tends to be the case with travel, the most harrowing days make for the best stories and there are plenty of not so great days here that are looked back on, if not with fondness, then at least with some sense of having learned something or added another story to the memory bank.

The last part of the book recounting their travels through southern Africa felt rushed, but perhaps that just reflects that they did actually seem to rush through that part of the trip. Worth a read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads and am so glad I did.
I loved it, I loved the journey that the author Monica Joseph took me on.
The highs and lows of travelling through Asia and Europe and then Africa on a motorcycle make for a most interesting read.
I will never be brave enough to do it myself, so this wonderful book is as close as I will get.
If you're like me, don't miss this book.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible journey! 'Keep Moving' was enjoyable to read as a travel adventure, but it is also a detailed travelogue that would be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to explore some of the world's remotest corners. A must-read for anyone keen on long distance motorbike touring.