Book and DVD Reviews
The Last Hurrah - A motorcycle Odyssey

More than a motorcycle story, more than a travel tale.

Truly enjoyed the "Last Hurrah"

'Truly enjoyed the "Last Hurrah". Taking a couple of ancient British bikes across half the world in modern times made a very good read. The pure challenge on a modern bike is adventure enough. The older bikes slowed the pace to more of a human pace allowing the rider to really experience the countries travelled through. And isn't that one of the big reasons we take our motorcycles through the countries of others to begin with? Great story.'

Dal Smilie,
Chairman
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

Absolutely wonderful

'I have watched the DVD with great admiration and would be honoured to meet or just to correspond with these great adventurers. Absolutely wonderful.'

Peter Williams
British motorcycling legend
1970's Norton factory racer

Absolutely Fantastic

Des: not sure if you'll get this or not, but I just wanted to say that your book is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC !

Lynda Blair
Ducati rider New Zealand

Eat your heart out

'Picked up my copy of the "last hurrah" at the National (Panther) rally. Just finished watching the DVD... the "Long way round"... eat your heart out. If you haven't got it, get it now, its brill'.

Graham Sherbourne,
Chairman
Panther Motorcycle Owners Club

Get One Now

'Thoroughly enjoyed it, if you haven't got a copy... GET ONE NOW... you won't regret it.'

Tom Norman UK

I was really engrossed

Hi Des
'We bought a copy of the book at the DVD launch and I have just finished it. I just want to add to the fan mail and tell you how much I loved it - this from someone who doesn't normally go for "travel books," and is not even a motorcyclist. I was really engrossed. The fact that I know Dick, and have met you, and driven and walked in Tibet, certainly would have had something to do with my enjoyment, but I would have skimmed through the book, or not finished it, if it hadn't been so interesting and entertainingly written. I had no trouble seeing the landscape - it was brilliant - and completely disagree with the publisher who said that by the end of the book he knew little more about you than when he started. You came through strongly to me - just in the way you put things, and what you chose to say.

In fact about three quarters of the way through the book I said to Graham, "I really like this guy!"

So congratulations, and thank you for the experience of reading the book.'

Wendy Allardice, NZ

Fantastic !!!

Des,
'Have viewed the DVD - Fantastic !!! Now doubly sorry that I missed it on the big screen. Also, can I get another one please.'

Robert Lithgow - BMW, Aprilia and Yamaha rider NZ

Delicately blended

'Congratulations on the movie, I thought it was very good, you have delicately blended an at times light hearted tale with what were very personal journeys, well done!'

Craig Barr, Dunedin NZ

I still get a lump in my throat

'I have watched the DVD twice now and am still reading the book! I still get a lump in my throat at the scene where you and Dick are reunited! It's like we are there with you during the highs and lows of the trip, totally fantastic but gruelling all the same, what a journey! Fantastic DVD.'

Pam Abercromby, NZ

On an oil rig in the North Sea

Hi Des,
'Just a short note to say how much I enjoyed the launch of the DVD and subsequently reading the book. I thoroughly enjoyed them both and wondered if my enjoyment was personal because of the close association with Dick over the years and the friendship with you and Steve and that the appeal to others may not have been as great. I am pleased to say I was quite wrong.

I have lent the book to and watched the video with people who have no association with motorbikes at all and they have all thoroughly enjoyed them both. One copy of the DVD and the book I purchased were forwarded through an associate to a guy on an oil rig in the North Sea. Apparently all on board have watched the DVD and read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I also hear there is another oil rig north east of Australia where both the book and the DVD have been enjoyed. I wish you the very best in promoting the book and the DVD. I am sure the people lucky enough to get the book or the DVD will enjoy it as much as I did.'

Geoff Guenole