Bikers' Bookshelf

“My two trips by bike were amazing and life changing, but short compared to Tom’s two-year traveling extravaganza! One Man, One Scooter, One Hell of a Ride!”
~ Ewan McGregor, actor and humanitarian

“I had the privilege of interviewing Tom for the website, BoomersInt.com. It was truly an education. …I admire Tom as he tries to teach us all that our real odyssey is to, “Reach for the stars, and that nothing is impossible”
~ Gary Sorkin, novelist, screenwriter, New York, NY

Are you at a critical crossroads in your life? Unsure of what direction to take?

Author Thomas Martin Smith sure was – he was broke, unemployed, and virtually homeless, a rather shy divorced parent who realized that as well as needing a new career, he was in need of new perspectives on life and love. Already in his thirties, he knew the time to break out of his owner-built cocoon was now. A mentor suggested Tom should challenge himself. Books he studied said likewise. So Tom created a project, mustered his courage and went for it.

Despite tearing a ligament during physical training, and never having ridden a motorbike before, nor having been outside North America Tom began a two-year journey around the world on a motorscooter he named Melawend (for his two daughters).

IN THE LONG RUN: A Hopeful World Odyssey was motivated, externally, in part because of depressing news events around the world. It became Tom’s quest to promote global friendship, understanding and communication, which presented a huge opportunity for him to pursue and develop his passions for writing and photography for the benefit of others. Rather than be held back by fear, Tom invested himself in hope, which he discovered is the necessary foundation for belief in the world and the self – leading to faith, clarity, certainty, love – and action – for betterment all around, in the long run.

On a personal level, Tom shows us how getting out of our comfort zones, especially at a crossroads in our lives, can free us of largely self-imposed limitations so we can pursue a happier and more fulfilling life.

What you have here is more than just another travel memoir filled with a diverse range of people and hair-raising misadventures (or self-righteous bitch fests, as many such memoirs seem to be). Tom shares his story with such open candor, detail and self-deprecating humor that we can imagine ourselves making this amazing journey of inward and outward discovery – and without all the risks. We find that in his dealing with so many diverse challenges and the range of human emotions, they also happen right at home, in everyday life. We see how we can apply Tom’s many lessons of life learned along the way to make our own lives better, wherever we are.

Tom’s story is a call for us to rise above our fears and take action on our greatest passions and dreams and, in some way, to also serve the greater good. He shows us that through hope and clear focus, there is real power when we tell ourselves, “Go for it!” – and then do it!

“Tom, you got to me!! I have never been so moved in my life! It was me on that scooter, and it was me looking out of your eyes, and feeling and being.”
~ Murray Andrews, Golden Poet Award-Winner, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“I love your book Tom. There are no other words to describe it – it is full of wonders – inspiration – spirituality – history and so much more… Your odyssey has taken me on a journey of the spirit. You took one step further – you believed in your capacity and your dreams, and you drove through with determination and confidence toward your journey of life…..Your words have painted a canvas of the world for me, describing people, cities, and things…..I feel your emotions – fear, stumblings, pain, ecstasy, fantasy, luck, discoveries and amazements……Thank you Tom, you’ve taken me back home again.… to follow your dreams, take a chance, and never give up.”
~ Jo-Ann Owen, Program Assistant, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver