Running with the Moon

by Jonny Bealby

Jonny Bealby was devastated when his fiancee, Melanie, died unexpectedly while they were travelling in Kashmir. Two years later, still heartbroken and utterly disillusioned, he took on the challenge of a lifetime. Setting out with only his motorbike for company, he began a daring and dangerous journey around the African continent in a desperate attempt to unearth some meaning in his life. Bittersweet, bold and beautifully told, Running with the Moon is a tale of true love and loss, of exploration, adventure and courage.

Genres: Travel, Africa, Nonfiction, Motorcycle, Biography

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Rock singer, writer and travel entrepreneur, Jonny Bealby has streetwise savvy and miles of travel under his belt. His experiences have given him the ideal background for setting up Wild Frontiers, the specialist award-winning tour operator which takes small groups and tailor-made clients to roads less travelled.

Reviews

[Jesse Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gripping, couldn't put it down, a definite 5 stars!

[Sumit Shinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book's well written but adding photos would have done justice to this epic solo trip taken around Africa. Photos really speak the world. Giving 4 stars for lack of photos but no doubt, an exceptionally well described arduous journey. Hats off to Jonny and sorry for your loss.

[Neil Mattey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic but beautiful book about someone trying to make peace with the past whilst testing themselves to the full. Honestly and adventurously written. Raw emotion and fantastic travelling tales.

[Matīss Jurģelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story teller with a nice sense of humor. What an adventure he took. I'd suggest this book to anyone who likes adventures or at least to read about them.
At first part of the book I taught I might do the same trip, but as I red the second half I was happy for Johny and also happy that I was not in his place. The times have changed and most likely treveling throught the Africa is not that difficult I wonder.
Nice story. Thank you Jonny!

[Evander]

Well, a few pages in and already we've had gems like "Zaire may have been in turmoil, as, no doubt, were countless other African states, but so what?" As long as your trip's still on, you don't care. Then his "first experience of African bureaucracy": "Jonny, remember, this is ~Africa~, learn patience." I don't have time already for this crap, and went to read this book because it's been on my shelf for years and I'm cleaning up. There are more than enough books about Africa by Africans for me to read instead. *shrug*

[Mihai Alexe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite motorcycling adventure book, by far.
Heartfelt and true, it's bits of Africa flying by you as you thunder down that dirt road. If you ever wanted to ride a motorcycle, please pick this one up.

[Kate]

Probably my favourite non-classic book. When I finished the book I felt I had to know what happened next. I didn't find the follow-up quite as compelling but still worth a read.

[Jane Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Being a rider myself I could understand his frustrations when the bike got stuck in mud. Wonder how things are with him now?

[Evison T · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Beauty. Emotion. Inspiration.’
Are words used to describe this beautiful book.
Bravissimo, bravissimo.
As an African I’m astonished by the beautiful depiction of Africa and its people.

[Doug Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bit of a slow burn to start with but ended up really enjoying this book about a man riding round Africa. Nicely written and relatable.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid addition to my work-in-progress motorcycle adventure library.
I must admit, I didn't see the ending coming, pleasant surprise there and a nice coda. I may have skipped out the italicized relationship-history sections, although I'm sure others would like the book for those exact parts.
Quite the feat for early-1990's Africa, legendary even?
Quite enjoyed the book, compare and contrast with Charlie Boorman and Ewen M.'s Long Way Down.
Enjoyed it, which is what counts.

[Kevin Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone whose long-dormant adventure biking career was resurrected by the death of his wife, I could strongly relate to this story. It is told in a simple and self-effacing fashion with good verbal imagery.

I tend to gauge adventure books by whether I think they would be of interest to someone who isn't an enthusiast in the discipline being described. I think this book would be a worthwhile read even for someone who doesn't appreciate motorcycling. It is a fascinating story.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guy travels through Africa by motorbike down the west coast and back up the east. Amazing journey off the beaten path.

[Eon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, not his writing so much.
The endless similes got on my nerves a bit.
But a heartfelt telling, and a great adventure.

[Aled Owen-Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this one three times now. Most travel books are tied to the period in which they were written but this one has an almost timeless quality.