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In Chris Donaldson’s Going the Wrong Way he takes the reader along for the ride on his 50-odd thousand-mile Moto Guzzi road trip. Originally motivated by a desire to get out of 70’s Northern Ireland, he set off from 1970’s Belfast to Australia on a journey of self-discovery. But when the Iranian revolution put a stop to his original plans, he ends up high in the Andes after the trip of a lifetime.
Independently published just over a year ago, Chris Donaldson’s Going the Wrong Way has become an overnight Amazon sensation, having wracked up 500+ five-star reviews already.
A gem of a book, the author recounts a come of age trip of a lifetime, with all its ups, downs, excitement and drama – all of which is written with a raw energy and a big dose of Belfast humour.
With the reader often feeling that Chris is still out there on his Moto Guzzi, this travel memoir reminds us of a time before risk assessments, 24/7 reliance on our smartphones became the norm. A book to get lost in, Going the Wrong Way will touch the hearts of an audience far greater than motorbike fans. It’s a must-read for armchair adventurers as well as those who feel the pandemic has been a wake-up call to get out there and experience life.
Everyone who reads this book will be thanking Mr Donaldson for not keeping his story to himself.
Going The Wrong Way
Chris took an unsuitable motorcycle on a chaotic, virtually unplanned trip around the world with no insurance, hardly any money, armed with a dogged determination to continue as long as possible, whatever the odds.
Encountering gun-toting teenagers, corrupt officials, and other travellers, 21-year-old Chris’s planned trip to Australia ends up taking him through Africa and the Americas instead.
In the current modern, safety obsessed and highly connected world we live today, trips like this seem not just crazy, but almost impossible.
These days a trip to South America or Africa can be adventurous, with trackers, posted updates on Facebook, and if there is internet or a phone signal you can phone home every day. Chris had nothing except determination and a growing understanding of how to keep his bike running. A great read.
Going The Wrong Way is a very entertaining and well-written book. Overall, a brilliant account of what most people today would consider an insane undertaking. Proof too, if any is needed, that you don’t need an “adventure” motorcycle laden with expensive equipment, or, indeed, well-thought-out plans, to have an adventure. In fact, you’re probable less likely to find adventure if you spend too much time worrying about what might go wrong.
About Chris Donaldson
On his return from South America, Chris joined the family furniture shop in Belfast, which over the years he expanded into London and Dublin. He was UK Master Franchisor for a fitness company, developed a Health & Fitness Franchise, and a Mobile App company in Dubai, where he lived for eight years with his family on a 47ft yacht.
His hobbies include sailing and flying. Following his quest to do things his own way, he built his own aeroplane. He still rides his Moto Guzzi Le Mans, SOI 222, and some years ago rode it to Moscow and St Petersburg with his wife, Julie.
The journey still impacts his life to this day where he continues to go the wrong way whenever he can; a trip to Australia is still a dream.
Chris now works with Ed’s son, Jeff Arditti from North Carolina. He sells their furniture in Europe, Russia and Australia.
He now lives in Belfast and is the father of two beautiful girls, but this year has decided to finally complete the journey and has set off for Australia on his original Moto Guzzi Le Mans. He will make the trip in sections, returning home at various times to keep up with work and family.
Find More From Chris Donaldson
Independently published, Going the Wrong Way is available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle format and as an audiobook on Amazon as follows:
Hardcover (£19.97) – https://amzn.to/31R9Puh
Paperback (£13.99) – https://amzn.to/3pZWqrO
Kindle format – https://amzn.to/3dQQxHx
Audiobook – https://amzn.to/31R9Y0N
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