The University of Gravel Roads

At the end of a great day of riding and exploring, have you ever wanted nothing more than to fall asleep, exhausted from new experiences, only to wake up the next day and do it all again? And again? And again? Join the adventure as 33-year-old Rene Cormier politely removes himself from the working world that surrounds him and cashes in what few possessions he has to finance a three-yearlong motorcycle journey around the world. Never one to let excessive planning get in the way of a good ride, Rene runs out of money half way through the tour and ultimately takes five years to cover his 41-country, 154,000-kilometre (95,000-mile) route. Written with equal measure of cultural insight and travel logistics, this light travelogue brings you alongside Rene as he pulls off the ride of a lifetime, doing it the old-fashioned way; no sponsors, no support vehicles, and no idea about what he is going to learn along the way. Is a bad day spent outside really better than a good day at the office? This collection of 23 short stories, written by 20 semi-intrepid adventurers, aims to answer that question. Alternately laugh, cringe, giggle and feel inspired by our writers as they tell some of the most outrageous tales from the Great Outdoors that you have ever heard.