The Team

Des Molloy has travelled across nearly 50 countries (depending how you count those which are now split) on elderly motorbikes like Ernie his ES2 Norton, Bessie the pre-war BSA and Penelope the wonderful Panther that starred in the year-long adventure in South America in the 1970's as well as the recent China to Holland Last Hurrah odyssey. He has also travelled far more countries in his head. This time Des will be astride Gunther, a sprightly 1965 600 cc BMW R69S. It seems that this bike has been kryogenically frozen for most of its life and still only 3,500 miles on the clock.

Des at Speed: E-mail des@thelasthurrah.co.nz

Just as Robert Pirsig had one of his off-spring along for the experience, Des has included daughter Kitty as percussionist, health advisor, masseuse and provider of youthful insight. Kitty thought she was on the way to India and enlightenment. A two-wheeled adventure with a couple of old duffers could have the same effect.

Kitty at Home: E-mail kitty@thelasthurrah.co.nz

Providing a foil to Des's almost manic enthusiasm will be Myles Feeney. Myles, a 54 year old carpenter, has an abiding hatred of dogs, children, politicians, commercial radio announcers, fruit with a sticker on it telling him it is yummy, lawyers, boyracers, electric fences, queues, parsnips, telemarketers and is deeply suspicious of everything else. Some will deem it child abuse but Myles and wife Sandy brought their children through to adulthood without TV. Myles will be riding a 1965 CB77 Honda 305 Superhawk just like Pirsig rode although this one is white not black.

Myles the Carpenter: E-mail myles@thelasthurrah.co.nz