You’d think that with the age of the Internet, publishing books on good motorcycle journeys would be a dying art, but not according to Whitehorse Press who have just released two new excellent books in their ‘Motorcycle Journeys’ series.
Motorcycle Journeys Through The Pacific Northwest
This is the second edition of this book and features several new rides in the Oregon, Washington and British Columbia riding areas (that would be the Pacific Northwest bit).
Written by moto journalist Bruce Hansen, the book details 31 two-day or single-day trips, as well as the ‘Deuce-and-a-half’ ride that takes in a selection of the trips in one mega two-week, 2,500 mile loop.
Each trip is illustrated with relief maps, colour photographs and directions as well as recommendations on where to stay, eat and things to do along the way.
Hey, if you’ve never ridden out west then put it on your bucket list as it doesn’t get much better. The only problem (for most of us) is trying to get the same kind of riding high when you get back home.
Cost is US$27.95 and can be ordered directly from the publisher at WhiteHorsePress.com (link will take you directly to the book’s page, including a downloadable sample chapter).
Motorcycle Journeys Through Western Europe
The trouble with Europe is that it has the Alps. Okay, that’s a massive asset rather than a problem, but then it means that all the other glorious riding to be found there tends to get overshadowed by the Alps.
Well, this latest addition to the Journeys series by Toby Ballentine takes care of that by focusing on 16 core rides in other less well known (but still glorious riding) areas such as the Pyrenees, Tuscany, Provence and yes, even some of the Alps (though Whitehorse Press is careful not to duplicate routes suggested in their Journeys through The Alps And Beyond book).
And what North American guidebook would be complete without including routes that take in much of ancient Europe as well with it’s chateaus, castles, monasteries and Roman ruins? Of course, there’s also a chapter devoted to the Second World War, with visits to the D-Day beaches and the horror that is Dachu (somewhere that I too have been and is well worth a visit).
As with the Pacific Northwest book, each trip is illustrated with relief maps, colour photographs and directions,
as well as recommendations on dealing with customs, renting bikes, etiquette, where to stay, eat and things to do along
the way. There’s also a Grand Tour that incorporates many of the suggested small tours into a single whopper.
Cost is US$29.95 and can be ordered directly from the publisher at WhiteHorsePress.com (link will take you directly to the book’s page, including a downloadable sample chapter).
