American Borders: A solo circumnavigation of the United States on a Russian sidecar motorcycle

by Carla King

An exploration of the borders between the United States, Canada, and Mexico on an unreliable Russian Ural motorcycle with sidecar becomes a comedy of breakdowns in small towns all around America. This four-month, 10,000-mile adventure spans moments of blissful backroads freedom, cultural connection, and roadside romance—interrupted by cracked welds, electrical gremlins, evil tow-truck drivers, tornadoes, and hurricanes. From British Columbia to the Blue Ridge, Boquillas to Beverly Hills, this is an intimate exploration of the United States and its neighbors.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Travel

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Carla King is an adventure travel writer and author who has captivated readers with her vivid storytelling and pioneering spirit. Best known for her solo motorcycle journeys, Carla has explored the world on two and three wheels, turning her adventures into unforgettable memoirs and travel blogs.

In 1995, Carla blazed a trail in the digital world as one of the first to share real-time travel stories online, creating what we now recognize as travel blogging.

Her groundbreaking work began with a 10,000-mile solo journey around the United States on a Russian Ural sidecar motorcycle, chronicled in her memoir American Borders. This book showcases Carla’s fearless approach to adventure, her ability to find humor in adversity, and her deep connection with the people and places she encounters.

Carla King is also a publishing coach dedicated to helping authors transform their stories into polished, professional books.

Reviews

[Tamela Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was attracted to the book because I enjoy long-distance motorcycling, but you don't have to be a motorcyclist to be enriched by it.

Carla King observed time and again what I observed in my travels: people aren't as scary as we've been led to believe. She solo-circumnavigated the US, skimming into Canada and Mexico along the way, on a bike that broke down regularly, and just as regularly, people came to her aid both mechanically and emotionally. Lovely.

[June Ahern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish I could have been with Ms. King on this incredible journey. I loved every story, every mile and this book, for anyone but especially a female ready to travel, should read. I'd like more of her stories. The Skye in June

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to have to find Ms. King's other works now!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1990s, before GPSs and smart phones, Carla King rode a Russian motorcycle with a sidecar 10,000 miles along the borders between the US, Canada and Mexico. I enjoyed reading about everything from her blissful moments to her misadventures, from the details of her surroundings and interactions with strangers to her ruminations on travel and solitude. I was impressed with what a gearhead she is, how she could deal with the intricacies of fixing the bike to being on the forefront of the revolutionary new Internet as she sent dispatches of her trip from a laptop that fascinated people who'd never before seen one. This book is a modern day "Travels with Charley" told from a woman's point of view.

Favorite quote: "It's difficult to explain to people who think they don't like being alone how nurturing it can be. Surrounded by people, it's hard to find the same kind of expansive feeling you find so often in nature. As for danger, it can be just as risky to be with people as it is to be alone in nature. I've been caught in an ice storm on a backpacking trip, but I've also been mugged on a city street. I've fallen into a river and twisted my ankle, but I've also become seriously depressed over a romantic breakup."

[Cherie Kephart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel. Adventure. Motorcycling. Breakdowns.Breakups. Roadside romance, and roadside danger. American Borders has it all. A true travel adventure book showcasing both the borders of America and the borders within one woman's courageous life. Cara King puts herself out into the world like few people have. She holds nothing back in how she lives, and also in how she writes. By reading King's journey, we catch a glimpse into one woman's willingness to explore the back roads of America, but also, herself.

[Terry Galbraith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Romantic Russian Rider-ess

Flirty female finds friends following failures of her funky mount. End of.
Would recommend this only to those with a passing interest in Ural Motorcycles. Those with a keen interest may be disappointed, as would those wanting a modest adventure yarn.
Who said Benny Hill was dead?

[Mike Haslip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Goldilocks Read - just right

This story is well-written and fun, with a great mix of insights, humor, empathy and sagacity. I found something enjoyable on every page, and finished wanting to start on the next adventure.

[Liz Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read it about five years ago and was entranced right from the beginning. I've enjoyed it several times again since then. Carla is a pioneer - whether it's on solo adventure travel or self-publishing.

You don't need to be a motorcyclists to get caught up in this book and the adventures of its author.

[Liz Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a profound effect on me when I first read it during an all-encompassing life transition. The author’s joie de vivre, humor and sense of adventure are contagious, uplifting and inspiring every time I read it. It just goes to show you how much richer our lives are when we overcome our fears.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed following Carla King on her journey around the US on a Russian Ural with sidecar. What an adventure. I am still wondering about Renata.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Made me itch for adventure!

[Richard T. Wisp]

I don't mind acid but Leary was a fame freak.