A Ride In The Sun - Gasoline Gypsy

by Peggy Iris Thomas

This is a tale about an incredible Oppy, the indomitable motorcycle, its 125-pound frame swaying under three times its weight; Matelot, the automotive Airedale, perched on his box, ears flying in the breeze; and the gasoline gypsy, Peggy Iris Thomas, who bumped her way over 14,000 miles of the United States, Mexico and Canada. There is a touch of the vagabond in all of us. But few have the determination and courage that started Peggy off from Liverpool in the spring of 1951 with 60 dollars in her pocket and the gleam of adventure in her eye. Her new BSA Bantam motorcycle, Oppy, was loaded to straining point with clothes, food, and complete camping equipment. Matelot, both companion and guardian, stood wagging his tail by her side. Before they turned homeward once more Peggy and Matelot were to pitch their tent in such places as a vacant lot in downtown Los Angeles, a Mexican village bar room, a mosquito-infected Louisiana swamp, and on the heights of New Jersey's Palisades. In A Ride In The Sun - Gasoline Gypsy, Peggy tells the lighthearted story of her adventures whilst motorcycling through the forests of Nova Scotia and over the Canadian Rockies, stopping long enough along the way to recoup her finances by holding down two office jobs at once in an eighteen-hour working day in New Brunswick, and working as an apple picker and factory labourer in British Columbia. Then off down the beautiful Pacific coast, south east to Mexico and up the eastern seaboard to New York City. Undaunted by sandstorms, earthquakes, tropical gales and incredible desert heat, thrilled by the invigorating life out doors and cheered along by her many new-found friends, she has woven her unique journey into an engaging account of life on the open road. This second edition includes 14 photographs of the author, her motorcycle and Airedale dog. The original 1953 edition had no images.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2012

Reviews

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we know there is quite a choice of motorbike travel adventure books, (not going to list a bunch of authors) with usually good stories. BUT If you can get a copy this book, get it what a wonderful adventure Peggy, Matelot and oppy the BSA through Canada, america, Mexico and back to New York City.

This at a time, before all the fancy bike gear. Matelot sat in a open box on the back of the bike, while peggy navigates around. I somehow felt drawn to a time of innocence, and real freedom. Peggy & Matelot having a gay merry time. And been re aquainted with such a lovely old word "cocksureness"

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have loved to have met Peggy - she was such a cool lady! Her adventures on Oppy the BSA with only Matelot for company and protection were riveting. She found weird and physically demanding jobs along the way to fund her trip, met characters who offered her food, shelter and mechanical assistance and this was all in the early 50s! Incredible. Bravo Peggy!

[Jack Valerian · Rating 4 out of 5]

True motorcycle adventure and a great read. Peggy and Matelot really are the coolest as they bump their way around North America on their BSA Bantam. Doing her own maintenance and often camping by the roadside.

[Lisa Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! So so so good!!
As an Airedale owner, I couldn't believe how well behaved Matelot seemed to be. Really fascinating experience, would definitely reread it.