Preface
The personality traits and interests of ADV enthusiasts often share common themes, encompassing various philosophies, iconic role models, and passions. With this in mind, the book recommendations below include both familiar titles and some that fall outside the typical ADV realm, yet many readers find them to be valuable reads.
-Aaron Pufal
Ted Simon
Jupiter’s Travels
Simply start here. "Jupiter's Travels" is the definitive adventure motorcycle book. It’s rare to find a motorcycle travel book that is not only well-written and engaging but also filled with valuable facts and inspiration about motorcycle travel. Ted departs from England in 1973, providing a snapshot of the golden age of motorcycle exploration. His journey serves as both an incredible account for any two-wheel enthusiast and a historical record of travel before the age of the internet and GPS - In my opinion, he’s the real deal and he did it the hard way.
Written by an award-winning author, the book is far from a dry Wikipedia entry. If you’re considering embarking on your own adventure across a continent or around the globe, Ted’s honest self-assessments as an average rider and mechanic will inspire you to take the plunge and just go for it. If he could undertake this journey on a Triumph Tiger 100 without a smartphone, an established route, or a travel community, then you certainly can too. Read the book and set off on your adventure!
Tip: If you listen to the audiobook, buy the paperback for the fantastic photos, images, and sketches.
Elspeth Beard
The Photographs
This a high-quality, large-format coffee table book that should be in every motorcycle enthusiast’s home, shop, or workplace. Every image is artistic, well-shot, and thoughtfully annotated by Elspeth herself. Are you looking for a gift? Just Say’in…
Shop at her store HERE
ADV Cannonball Podcast - Elspeth Beard Interview in Surrey, England
Elspeth Beard
Lone Rider
Elspeth offers a unique perspective as the first British woman to ride around the world. She not only overcame the practical challenges of overlanding on an early BMW GS motorcycle, but she also faced harsh skepticism from the motorcycle community about her ability to succeed. Upon her return, the motorcycling establishment largely overlooked her groundbreaking achievements at the time.
It’s heartening to see that the adventure motorcycle community has now embraced Elspeth, recognizing her book and her round-the-world journey as a remarkable accomplishment. Her pioneering journey has opened doors for many riders, regardless of gender. By any measure, she is an ADV Badass. You can read more about her journey in her book, *Lone Rider*.
Tip: If you choose to listen to the audiobook, consider purchasing the paperback and her coffee table book for valuable reference images.
Shop at her store HERE
Mark Richardson
Zen and Now
I read this book first and then I listened to the no-dramatized version of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” and I’m unashamed to admit it.
In 1968, Robert Pirsig and his son, Chris, made the cross-country motorcycle trip that was the basis for Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a book that has inspired generations with its searching personal and philosophical narrative.
After rereading the book at the onset of middle age, reporter Mark Richardson tuned up his old Suzuki dirt bike and became a "Pirsig Pilgrim", one of the legions of fans who regularly retrace the author's route from Minneapolis to San Francisco.
Richardson, like Pirsig before him, traveled the lonely roads of the American West, where he encountered many of the same people and places that inspired Pirsig. Richardson also corresponded with the reclusive author and his legendary editor, James Landis, and uncovered new details about Pirsig's mental illness, his unhappy celebrity, and his struggle to put his life together after the brutal murder of his son in 1979.
Published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Pirsig's trip, Zen and Now is an intellectual adventure, a meditation on the values of a classic book, and an inquiry into its relevance to the complex and bewildering world we inhabit today.
Helge Pederson
10 Years on 2 Wheels
This book is not just a large-format collection of stunning photographs from around the world; it also features an honest and insightful narrative of Helge's ten-year journey across the globe, the hard way. As one of the few BMW ADV Riders to spend a decade fully immersing himself in the cultures he encountered, Helge shares the stories from his travels in this captivating book.
Helge is an original ADV Badass having crossed the Darien Gap on this GS. You can get a sense of that adventure in this short documentary.
Sterling Noren produced this documentary about Helge’s 10-year adventure on The Motorcycle Travel Channel.
Shop at Globe Riders HERE
Hunter S. Thompson
Hell's Angels
Hunter S. Thompson’s compelling account of his time with California’s notorious Hell’s Angels begins in the mid-1960s. Spending nearly two years living among the outlaws, he embraced their anarchic spirit while riding along the coast.
Thompson’s book captures a pivotal moment in American history when the biker lifestyle emerged, and countercultural movements both excited and shocked the nation. Renowned for his Gonzo journalism, Thompson’s writing is characterized by bravado, energy, and brutal honesty, all delivered with a nuanced perspective.
As The New Yorker noted, “For all its uninhibited and sardonic humor, Thompson’s book is a thoughtful piece of work.” Published in 1967, *Hell’s Angels* remains a gripping and illuminating portrait of an American legend.
Hunter was an avid rider and his embedded work on this book is the real deal.
Locals in Woody Creek share stories about Hunter, who often visited the local tavern and sought refuge in a corner booth. Legend has it that when fans approached him to sign one of his books, he would take them outside and shoot a hole through the book with his six-shooter. What a legend!
Aaron is sitting in Hunter’s booth in the Woody Creek Tavern in the adjacent photo.
Jordan Gibbons
Riding in the Wild
Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner seeking a new way to explore the world, *Riding in the Wild* has something for everyone. This book is filled with stunning photography, maps, illustrations, and inspiring stories, making it an excellent companion for those with an adventurous spirit.
Written by motorcycle enthusiast and travel expert Jordan Gibbons, this comprehensive guide offers insights into riding classic motorcycles both on and off the roads. It takes you on a journey around the globe, highlighting the best motorcycle regions and routes for unforgettable experiences. From the rugged terrain of the Australian outback to the winding roads of the Scottish Highlands, Gibbons provides informative advice on what to pack, what to wear, and which bikes to choose for your journey.d which bikes to choose for your journey.
ADV Cannonball Podcast - Jordan Gibbons Interview
Neil Peart
Ghost Rider
*Ghost Rider* Travels on the Healing Road may be riddled with emotional sinkholes, but, if you’re a well-seasoned adult, past your midlife crisis, and your honest with yourself; perhaps this is a good read for you. Please don’t be mistaken—Neil is a bona fide biker. In this book, however, he grapples with tragedy and faces long, challenging rides to cope with it. Like many epic motorcycle adventures, he ultimately discovers renewed happiness so stick with the read.
If you are a Canadian rider, this is a must-read, as it contains numerous local references. Let’s face it: he is a hero to many men over 50, being the legendary drummer and lyricist for Rush. His other works to be considered are Far and Wide & Far and Away.
The Moment Collectors ASIA
Sam Manicom
Sam has six motorcycle adventure books that I know of, but The Moment Collectors ASIA is at the top of my list.
Linked by their love for motorcycles and a thirst for adventure, this collection of over 400 pages presents stories that transport readers through various landscapes. From the scorching heat of the Central Asian steppes to the snow-capped peaks of Nepal, from the backroads of India to the historical adventures in Korea, and from the forests of Burma to the harsh extremes of eastern Siberia, these tales offer a captivating exploration of diverse regions and cultures.
Guy Martin
My Autobiography
The book reads like a living room conversation with Guy.
Guy Martin, international road-racing legend, maverick star of the Isle of Man TT, truck mechanic and TV presenter, lives on the edge, addicted to speed, thoroughly exhilarated by danger.
‘It was the start of the third lap of the 2010 Senior TT, the last race of the fortnight. The last chance to get a TT win for another year, and I was pushing hard.
Ballagarey. The kind of corner that makes me continue road racing. A proper man’s corner. You go through the right-hander at something like 170mph, leant right over, eyes fixed as far down the road as I can see.
But this time something happened. This time the front end tucked …’
Charley Boorman
Race to Dakar
I enjoy anything Charley Boorman does, even if it’s not on two wheels. Be sure to check out his other books, including *Extreme Frontiers* and the well-known *Long Way Round*.
In 2006, participants raced in trucks, cars, and motorbikes from Lisbon to Dakar in the 28th annual Dakar Rally, known as the most dangerous race in the world. Among the competitors was a team of three bikers: Matt Hall, Simon Pavey, and Charley Boorman. After *Long Way Round*, Charley was eager for another challenge. Competing in the Dakar Rally had always been a dream of his, making it the perfect choice for his next adventure.
Robert Edison Fulton, JR.
One Man Caravan
Do you think you need all those farkles on your giant EFI ADV bike? Dive into his adventure and you’ll never complain that your automatic suspension feels a little squishy in the turns with your folding camp chart on the back.
One of motorcycling’s greatest adventurers, without a doubt. If a solo circumnavigation by motorcycle in the 1930s doesn’t place a rider in that elite group, I’m not sure what will. Fulton’s 18-month journey from 1932 to 1933 on a modified, 6-hp, Douglas twin brought worldwide attention to motorcycles and showcased what they could accomplish. His trip also documented the world of that era, when much of Asia was still under colonial rule, maps were often nonexistent for parts of his route, and many people had never even seen a motorcycle.
Che Guevara
The Motorcycle Diaries
The book is, first and foremost, better than the 2004 film adaptation.
"The Motorcycle Diaries" is Che Guevara's account of his journey across Latin America while he was still a medical student. In 1952, he set out on a vintage Norton motorcycle with his friend Alberto Granado, a biochemist. The book captures, perhaps more than any other, the exuberance and joy of one person's youthful belief in the potential for humanity to progress towards justice, peace, and happiness.e Motorcycle Diaries is Che Guevara's diary of his journey to discover the continent of Latin America while still a medical student, setting out in 1952 on a vintage Norton motorcycle together with his friend Alberto Granado, a biochemist. It captures, arguably as much as any book ever written, the exuberance and joy of one person's youthful belief in the possibilities of humankind tending towards justice, peace and happiness.
Matias Corea
Two Wheels South
Join two friends on the adventure of a lifetime as they embark on a motorcycle journey from Brooklyn to Patagonia. In this photographic travelogue, Matias shares valuable insights on how to prepare for the trip, select the right motorcycle, pack effectively, plan the route, find the best camping spots, and, importantly, prepare your mindset for the journey ahead.
Setbacks and mechanical issues are inevitable parts of the adventure, but with preparation and experience on the road, you’ll gain the confidence to overcome any challenge. Follow Matias and his friend Joel as they travel through the American South, navigate Central America over the treacherous Darien Gap, cross rickety jungle bridges in Colombia, and ride through the arid plateaus of Argentina.
Experience the unique character of the roads and the fresh scents of nature; riding a motorcycle is one of the purest forms of travel. After seven months and thirteen countries, Matias and Joel have gained invaluable knowledge while journeying south on their trusty BMW air-cooled G/S adventure bikes. They are excited to share their experiences with you in "Two Wheels South," inviting you to partake in this unforgettable adventure.
Follow Matias’s other project, Myth Motor
Anthony Bourdain
Kitchen Confidential
Bourdain lived his life like a true Cannonballer—just outside the bounds of accepted normality. He stuck with it, and ultimately, it paid off. However, it's unfortunate that years later, he tragically took his own life, reportedly over a woman half his age. At least he did it in a luxurious hotel, which seems fitting for Bourdain.
This book is semi-autobiographical and definitely worth a read. It resonates with bikers and others, as he describes his journey of rising through the kitchen ranks while facing the harsh realities of working in a kitchen. Although he often found himself in that good brand of trouble, you'll need to read the book to discover all the details.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Hunter S. Thompson
In "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," Hunter S. Thompson was originally assigned to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race held in Las Vegas. The book is a fictionalized account of Thompson's real-life visits to Las Vegas in 1971.
Hunter was a badass bike rider and motorsports enthusiast to be sure. In this book, his focus is slightly blurred.
As your attorney, I recommend that you hop on your adventure bike and ride across the country to obtain a copy of this epic book. Oh, and take a friend with a briefcase full of supplies..