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Des Molloy and Dick Huurdeman look like the sort of guys who should be sedately steering a sleigh in a Santa parade, not riding old single-banger British bikes half way across the world through some of the most difficult and remote terrain imaginable. Des's son Steve joined this intrepid pair as a cameraman and general factotum for the highs and lows of an incident-packed three-month trek from Beijing to Arnhem on 'Penelope', a 1965 Yorkshire-made 650cc Panther, and 'Dutch Courage', a 1954 Norton 600.
Was this idiocy or odyssey? Decide for yourself as you read Des Molloy's account of their adventures and misadventures. You don't need to be a motorcycle maniac to enjoy this story which reads like a long yarn over a
few beers at the pub.
Prepare to be amused, excited, moved, entertained, and informed as you find out how much of this impossible dream became a reality for our unlikely trio.
About the author
A dreamer and schemer. Maybe mum was right when she used to describe me as a 'little Walter Mitty' - a fictional character of James Thurber. I laugh when now as an adult I can reference authorities like the American Heritage Dictionary and find Walter Mitty noted as 'an ordinary, often ineffectual person who indulges in fantastic daydreams of personal triumphs.' In my childhood I'd not enjoyed the Danny Kaye movie portrayal and thought mum's description was mean and a little demeaning, even though she always said it with a smile on her dial. Now I would wear it as a badge of honour.
More Bill Bryson than Robert Pirsig, I enjoy sharing my adventures with others. I come from a line of raconteurs who loved a fireside yarn and I humbly endeavour to continue this affliction for the generations who follow.
