Bikers' Bookshelf

When classic motorcycle author Steve Wilson planned his 6,000-mile ride through Africa, perhaps his last real run on two wheels before the bus pass took over, the journey sounded challenging enough – just two Brits on 1950s Ariels, using their own resources to survive life on the wild roads.

It became even more hair-raising when events meant he would have to do the ride solo. In this moving account Steve chronicles the entire experience: bike preparation, organisation, mechanical mayhem, personal discovery and – one of the reasons for the trip – raising a cheque for GBP2,000 for a small school in Kawaza, Zambia.