BOOK REVIEWS
BACK ROADS OF SPAIN
The Adventures of Don Duncan
It is good to stop. Take a deep breath of the thick hot air of Spain, like a tasty chunk of chorizo it assaults your senses with strength and subtlety. The sharp tang of verge-heated wild herbs overlays the dust kicked up by my horse’s hooves as we left the tarmac and came to rest on the rutted dirt of the hard shoulder. Unhurriedly I remove my gloves and jacket. As I drop them across my ‘Rocinante’s’ seat I feel a year’s worth of busy-ness and stress begin to slide from me, alongside the thin trickles of sweat that start as the great August sky of Spain settles over me.
Alone at last. After a year of fighting many armed giants and warlocks, I am at last free. Do you find biking brings inner space? I think the very act of setting off from your front door on a motorbike brings on whispers of romance and legend. You may deny it, but deep down, buried away with your childhood dreams there is an echo of the Lone Ranger, Robin Hood, Richard the Lionheart...
Do you not feel a certain elitism, a difference from those ‘others’ in their cars? Why is there so much difference between driving a car and riding a bike? Does it lie in the greater immediacy of control, the sense of far greater interaction with the physical forces propelling you? And though you may hedge the question with family and loved ones; there is an inherent level of danger. In fact, do not the whispers of fear for your safety feed your own sense of bravery? I go where others fear, I do what others won’t. Is not an essential part of the buzz, the act of beating down those foes and fears, whether imaginary or real. Last year my research trip to a Spanish desert ended in ignominious retreat and wash out.
Now in mid-August, I have ten whole days, time and weather to reach the ‘Western’ film sets of Almeria. ‘Ahora’ (now). Here. On my first day back in Spain, I feel a great release. I’ve made it, made it back here, but more than that; I have again beaten down the craven worries, been victorious over the planning and booking. ‘Ahora Mismo’, I am alone, abroad, and ahead of me stretch the great plains of La Mancha - of all Spain. Riddled with giants and errant Knights, and probably some very errant (not that I’d have anything to do with them) Ladies. I have left behind my ‘Dulcinea of Toboso’. The Lady of my thoughts, in far Aberystwyth and now, as a true knight must, I shall re-mount and carry forward my lance in search of adventure…
Somewhere in La Mancha, in a place whose name I do not care to remember, a gentleman…”
Pulls his horse to a roadside stop, ground hitches her and slowly removes his helmet. Across the skyline march an army of enormous giants, each sedately wheeling their three arms in menacing gestures of defiance.
EXTRACT FROM BACK ROADS OF SPAIN
Graham Procter
Subject Books from Shepton Mallet
Message: Hi Don Duncan. Had a good chat with you at the show the other weekend and came back and picked up both books from you. Decided to start with Back Roads.... Very touching story about your father's affect on your travels, but for me it really came alive in the last 10 or so pages talking more about The Edge and how it affects our whole life.
5.0 out of 5 stars Touring in Spain. In a Moto Guzzi. With added Vultures,
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 February 2018
What's not to like. Travelling by Moto Guzzi, in beautiful countryside. Combine it with a bit of Vulture/Eagle spotting. A nice book to have in hand for the siestas on your European trip. It's a shame the paper version wasn't also available as it would make a nice gift.
5.0 out of 5 stars Back Roads? Everyone's roads!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 January 2010
Duncan's book was like being invited to be part of his trips. He travels through Spain and we enjoy experiencing that, but we are also sharing his own extended journey of reconciliation with himself.
I have a bike too, and was drawn to Back Roads in order to do a spot of armchair biking, and it doesn't disappoint. The heat, the long days, the people he meets... it's all there and it helps me re-live my own experiences of travelling the Guzzi way. I read it rather quickly the first time, but keep dipping back in when I'm in need of a little sun and dust.
A lovely book - thoroughly recommended!
Jim.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 April 2013
I thought this was quite enjoyable and the main reason I did not like it more was due to the fact I bought it after looking at the picture of country side and so was not expecting a book about motor bikes!
Loved the illustration and the small recipe section at the end..should be longer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great insights to travelling and life
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 August 2013
This book took me back to the years I spent on the road. Great anecdotes that highlight life and travel and the surprises and changes that come along - and how you flow with them. Nice to have a bit of wildlife thrown in too. Good read and I look forward to more
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great, great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2015
A Great, great read......And Good to read someone else's description and appreciation of my wife and my favourite place in the world. C us on our GS smiling
Viva Espana.. Muchos Gracias Duncan
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 January 2016
Fantastic book to read and relax, as if you were on the journey. Covers people, food and lots more. The best I have read
3.0 out of 5 stars And so well met
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 April 2013
Duncan has managed to capture the sense of lonely freedom the motorcycle riding brings. People met, an experience shared and then a fond goodbye and onwards.
The vivid pictures he paints of the back waters of Spain really do feel like escape for the every day world, makes the desire to throw on the saddle bags, gas up and go even greater, a really nice read.
5.0 out of 5 stars light hearted and a good read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 June 2017
Enjoyable, light hearted and a good read.