Why a Booktrail?
2016 looking back: The story of one man and his bike
Long Way Back
What you need to know before your trail
Motorcycle adventurer Charley Boorman suffers a major road traffic accident in Portugal, breaking his hand and ankle and shattering his left leg. It’s unclear if he’ll ever walk properly again, let alone ride a motorbike. Bed-bound in a foreign hospital far from home, a lengthy recovery period awaits. For the son of a touring film director, used to being on the road in one way or another since childhood, it’s an unwelcome change.
Charley’s life has always been all about the challenge: but now he’s facing a challenge of a different sort. Told in his own words, Long Way Back is a story of a recovery. More than that, however, it’s a story of a life lived without fear; from child actor to painter-and-decorator to television presenter and professional biker, always on the lookout for the next adventure.
Travel Guide
Portugal
Charley is in Portugal when the accident happens. This accident is the pinnacle of the book and starts it off since this change in Charley’s life, his determination to fight back and to get his life back is the theme which runs throughout.
Driving in Faro on the Portuguese Algarve, the day stated out like any other:
“There is nothing that beats being on a motorbike when the day is young and the world is still pulling its boots on. There’s a freshness to the air that you can almost taste; it was my favourite time of day when I made my way through Africa with Ewan McGregor. Maybe it’s because there’s not too much humidity, but for some reason its at that time of day when the engine seems as its sweetest.”
London
The map above takes in a few places in London including a motorcycle museum which may also be of interest to the reader and traveller.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: Long Way Back
Destination: London, Faro Author/Guide: Charley Boorman Departure Time: 2016 looking back
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