Imagine for a minute that you’re part of a progressive rock group that’s sold a zillion albums and received decades of critical acclaim. What do you do with your spare time?
In the case of Neil Peart, drummer of Canadian classic rock trio Rush, you get on a motorcycle, ride from show to show while the band’s on tour, and then write about those experiences on your website.
Check Peart’s site out – there’s a lot to see, but perhaps the most interesting spot to park is his News, Weather, and Sports section, which details his road adventures. You can throw aside the common jokes about illiterate, slackjawed rock drummers – Peart’s prose is some of the best motorcycle writing you’ll ever come across, which is no surprise when you consider he’s the driving force behind Rush’s lyrics.
It’s refreshing to come across thoughtful bike stories that take their time with pacing, getting the story told in its own time and way, without the restraints that come with most publications.
There’s lots of other stuff to check out as well, including information on Peart’s acclaimed motorcycle books and magazine articles about his motorcycle adventures from other publications.
I also read Peart’s “Ghost Rider” … several years ago … and was touched by the personal tragedy that promted his initial Road Sabbatical and the measure of healing it eventually brought to his tortured soul … the most moving motorcycle related literature I’ve ever read. Peart likely continues to look to The Road as a way of dealing with a personal loss only few can imagine.
Ride On Neil … godspeed …
i enjoyed “Ghost Rider”, except for the beginning of course…seems like a regular bloke who knows being on the road is good for the soul & can afford to stay in nicer hotels than i can…LOLÂ