Riding Towards Me: A Thousand-Day Journey on a Motorcycle

by Jay Kannaiyan

Riding Towards Me is the epic adventure story of Jay Kannaiyan who dropped everything he had in the US to ride his motorcycle back home to India by the longest possible route. The journey took him three years and three months as he rode through Latin America, Europe and Africa, finally reaching New Delhi in 2013. Jay and his motorcycle, sanDRina, encountered mechanical meltdowns, remote Mayan villages, weeks of high-altitude desert isolation, Caribbean and Atlantic voyages, humility and friendship. The book explores what it means to have an identity in today's world. Jay's go-with-the-flow attitude mixed with whatever-it-takes resolve brought him fame amongst the overland traveling community. This account of Jay's extraordinary escapades, which almost destroyed his bike and spirit, makes for a riveting read.

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2019

Reviews

[Hitesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the journey of reading through this book was a marvel. Through every chapter narration of the story creates a visualisation of the experiences author had. I recommend this book to all those who are avid riders; has the courage to respect the Motorcycle Riding not only as sport but a passion that runs through their blood.

You reminded me of the days of long rides alone through storms, chilling winter on highways, hot summer deserts and the life left behind due to responsibilities and liabilities.

This books is an inspiration for me to look back again and take that step ahead towards what I actually desire, Riding through continents, exploring cultures and nature.

I have made some highlights of some really inspiring quotes from the book. Must read for all sorts of readers.

[Prakash Holla · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a delight to find a person who has both penchant for biking and a way with words in narrating those traverses across the world...his mechanical skills, his prowess in narration, his expression of awe and respect of nature and above all his story telling style makes you a pillion rider and envision his journey...

[Samir Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone dreaming to tour on a bike! Longer the tour you are planning, higher the importance of reading this one.

[Kevin Kuruc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a ton of fun! Author is a total bad-ass without being pretentious or braggy at all. I mean, cmon, as a mere footnote he mentions a motorcycle trip he did from Chicago to Alaska as a precursor to this epic adventure where he rides through South America, up to Africa by boat with his motorcycle, then onto India.

While the traveling aspect of the book is fun for vicarious living, his connections and reflections on people is what makes it a real gem. He not only constantly relied on strangers, but was giving back through the entire trip: stories of his travels, guest appearances for elementary school classes in Latin America, and of course his famous chicken curry. (In fact, I was so inspired by this part of the book I signed myself up to be a couch surfer in hopes of helping and meeting folks like the author)

Would absolutely recommend if you are a traveler and/or into stories filled with interesting people!