Update: Finally finished this book last night and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. As I said in my Amazon Review, it was evocative of my own days starting out on my 175cc BSA Bantam; although my first long trip was only a couple of hundred miles and not 2,600 kms! Coincidentally we've had a few lovely Spring-like days here this week and I was able to get out on three separate runs, reminding my older, jaded self just what freedom and clarity of purpose riding a bike or scooter brings! The end of winter (hopefully) brings with it the promise of a whole new riding season full of sights scents and living. Carpe diem.
Here's another UK review:
MR MARK G ORRIDGE
5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for the sleepless nights Markus, I couldn't put it down!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 February 2026
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
A story for those with two stroke oil in their veins and a yearning for more out of life than the dubious offerings of the corporate rat race to nowhere. This story encourages us to pause and take stock of our own lives before it is too late. Some get a reality check after serious illness, a near death experience or, in the case of the subject of the story Kai Ritter*, a relationship breakdown, boredom with his humdrum life and crucially, inspiration from Miguel, a deceased friend. Kai finds an old photo of Miguel and his Spanish Motovespa GS150 with the words "my freedom begins here" handwritten on the back. This photo inspires Kai to follow in his friends 10" wheel tracks, to risk all, buy a vintage Motovespa GS150 and challenge himself to ride 2600km whilst being reminded daily through mobile phone texts of what he has left behind, what he stands to lose, but most importantly all that he has gained on his travels.
* Interestingly, that's what he calls himself in the book, but it's written by the "Round the World by Vespa" guy and all his social media presence goes by the name of Markus Andre Mayer. Go figure.
(
https://www.facebook.com/MarkusAndreMayer)
