About the Book In 1982, at the age of twenty-three, 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. With some savings from her pub job, a tent, a few clothes, and some tools, all packed on the bike, she was determined to prove herself and to get over a recent heartbreak. She had ridden bikes since her teens and was already well travelled, but this journey would be the toughest thing shed ever done. By the time she returned to England two years later, she was 30 pounds lighter and decades wiser--Back cover. Book Synopsis In 1982, at the age of just twenty-three 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 travelled. 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. Shed 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. Shed survived life-threatening illnesses, personal loss and brutal accidents that had left permanent scars and a black hole in her memory. And shed 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. Review Quotes A beautifully crafted memoir. -- The Guildford Magazine An eye-opening account of one of adventure motorcyclings most enjoyable and inspiring stories. If theres only one adventure biking book you read this year, make it this one. --Byrn Davies Adventure Bike Rider Elspeths journey is a stunning read, but its the companionship and sense she will never be able to fully convey those years of her early 20s that hits you hardest . . . the disconnection she feels after the trip - combined with a travelling love story as heartbreaking as it is real - means this is essential reading if youve ever been on, or have planned, a road trip. --Tim Rodie DriveTribe Stunningly honest, Lone Rider is going to raise eyebrows. This extraordinary story is hard-hitting . . . Its going to challenge and surprise every reader. -- Overland Magazine