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Preview
  • Lone Rider

  • The First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World
  • By: Elspeth Beard
  • Narrated by: Wendy Wolfson
  • Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (364 ratings)

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Lone Rider

By: Elspeth Beard
Narrated by: Wendy Wolfson
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Summary

In 1982, at the age of just 23 and halfway through her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard left her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6.

Reeling from a recent breakup and with only limited savings from her pub job, a tent, a few clothes, and some tools, all packed on the back of her bike, she was determined to prove herself. She had ridden bikes since her teens and was well-traveled. But nothing could prepare her for what lay ahead.

When she returned to London nearly two-and-a-half years later she was stones lighter and decades wiser. She'd ridden through unforgiving landscapes and countries ravaged by war, witnessed civil uprisings that forced her to fake documents, and fended off sexual attacks, biker gangs, and corrupt police convinced she was trafficking drugs. She'd survived life-threatening illnesses, personal loss, and brutal accidents that had left permanent scars and a black hole in her memory. And she'd fallen in love with two very different men.

In an age before email, the internet, mobile phones, satnavs, and, in some parts of the world, readily available and reliable maps, Elspeth achieved something that would still seem remarkable today. Told with honesty and wit, this is the extraordinary and moving story of a unique and life-changing adventure.

©2018 Elspeth Beard (P)2019 Elspeth Beard
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What listeners say about Lone Rider

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This is a excellent book

Wendy Wolfson does a excellent job of being Elspeth. This is more than just a "Around the World" trip, the problems she faces and overcomes, this is one adventure travel book that you MUST! listen / read

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thought provoking story

An amazing story that makes you think about what you are doing with your life. Elsbeth deserved so much more recognition for her achievements.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

exceptional story of resilience

The story was wonderful and I really felt Elspeth told the story with emotion. The reader made me smile with their accents. Thoroughly enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

amazing story loved every minute

great story from start to finish. what an amazing woman, and must I say it a bit of a player as well. I could picture every place she went to as the story put your mind in her eyes. great audiobook

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Ignore the misogynistic reviews

This book left me inspired, filled with admiration and an overwhelming urge to load up my bike & take off in a trail of dust!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best audio books I’ve listened to

Enjoyed this from start to finish and could relate to Elspeth on many levels.
The balance of travels, personal tribulations, love, hardship and sadness makes this a fantastic and hard to put down listen.
100% recommended.
Only mark dropped was the ‘reserved’ narration

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

descriptive stories of her motorbike rides and adventures along the way .

I could not put stop listening once I started. I actually felt sad when the book ended because I felt like I was on the adventure too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best ever travel book

loved this book from start to finish. a recommended listen. for travel enthusiasts and bikers alike.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A brave and driven motorcyclist.

Traveling alone, often in a hostile environment, one women's endeavour to satisfy her need to go beyond the comfort zone. A strong story, sadly the narrator was not the person in my head, otherwise 5 stars.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Simply a gripping story from beginning to end.

I promise you won't be disappointed. This is enthralling and is a must read. A story of motorcycling and romance. Thanks Elspeth.

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