Dedication: Theresa Wallach

The Rugged Road

Long before there was a "Long Way Down," two women made the very same trip: In 1935 Theresa Wallach and Florence Blenkiron rode a Phelon & Moore Panther single-cylinder motorcycle [avec sidecar and trailer] from the British Isles to South Africa:

Phelon & Moore [1904-1967]
Panther [1932-1967]
Air-cooled, OHV, single-cylinder engine
Model 100S Specifications:
Displacement: 598 cc
Bore: 87 mm
Stroke:100 mm
HP: 23 @ 5,300 rpm
Weight: 425 lbs [dry]
Top Speed: 68 mph

Theresa Wallach's Rugged Road story:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/books/rugged-road.htm
http://www.wimaworld.com/travel.html
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/The-Rugged-Road-p-16637.html

I've hoped for the "Long Way Down" expedition to be a smashing success, i.e., everyone better for the experience, and having raised huge sums of money for charity.

But having read the "LWD" coverage at Motorcyclist magazine, motorcycle.com, et al, it seems that Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are credited with having conceived of this particular route!

In all seriousness, the Wallach story means something to me. She gave something of herself to motorcycling. I wish that the "professional" journalists would remember her better.

On the subject of the 600cc single-cylinder Panther motorcycle: It puts to rest the idea that you "need more" or are doomed to "outgrow" anything smaller. Motorcycling isn't only about going fast -- it's about going far, and going well too. On a long motorcycle trip we see the world; we're free; we're really and truly alive.

Here's to a long life, remembering those who came before us...

Interested in other women who ride long distances?
See Motorcyclist on-line for an article about Elspeth Beard: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_0705_elspeth_beard/ .
And read about Lois Pryce's adventures, in her own words, at her website: http://www.loisontheloose.com/ .

p.s. Remember:
(1) Read everything that you can get your hands on;
(2) Complete at least one of the basic safety courses offered by an organization such as the MSF or TEAM prior to obtaining your operator's license;
(3) Purchase and wear protective gear, ATGATT: all the gear all the time;
(4) Find a lightweight, low-horsepower motorcycle that fits your body;
(5) Practice your riding skills in a controlled environment -- such as an empty parking lot -- prior to hitting the street;
(6) Continue your education. Take another course, read another book, practice the fundamental skills, spend a day at the track or in the dirt, become [more] involved in your motorcycle's maintenance, and keep learning;
(7) Don't rush;
(8) In time, give something back to motorcycling.

p.p.s. Titles?
I suggest the follwing, in the following order:
(1) The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycling by Darwin Holmstrom
(2) The MSF's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence
(3) Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough
(4) How to Ride a Motorcycle by Pat Hahn
And back issues of the following -- probably available in the periodical department of your local library -- contain a wealth of information:
(5) Motorcyclist Magazine
(6) Cycle World Magazine

That's the whole thing in a nutshell; that's the advice that I'd give to a family member or friend.

Good luck!

T O P | N E X T

This is a document that reflects its author's personal experience. The information presented on this page is not a substitute for any factory manual, or professional service. Go to the MSF, the SMF and the AMA; they want to help you. Read the Hurt Report. Do your own research; formulate a hypothesis; test it. Read the material linked from this site. Take responsibility. Ride to be alive.