Uneasy Rider: Travels Through a Mid-Life Crisis Paperback – March 5, 2009

Easy rider is the title of the famous movie featuring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Though I haven't seen the movie, a good look at the poster tells you it is about men, motorbikes and riding. So when Mike Carter names his book as Uneasy rider, you pretty well know where it is leading to. First, this book is about bikes. Second, this book has an unusual way of looking at things, topped with generous dollops of humor. Thankfully, the book is enjoyable because of the second factor. Although the humor comes in the form of self-deprecating type, it is thoroughly enjoyable.After hitting forty and a divorce, even though he is unsure which is the hardest hitter, Mike Carter decides to take alcohol-induced challenge. Go on a bike trip all over Europe. Possessing neither a motorbike nor a license, he has to acquire these two before setting out on this adventure. He not only does these two but also goes on a course for riding in Wales. Then, he sets out on a road trip from Britain. The trip lasts six months, and it also takes him all over Europe, Scandinavian countries, Eastern Bloc countries and finally reaches Turkey where he turns around to head back home. During this trip, he finds out more about the middle age crisis, the necessity of human contact, countries and their customs, and finally how to reconcile with the past.The book is for men. What is the big thing with 40? Why do men feel chained after marriage? Why is it important to buy material possessions like a big ugly motorbike to boost your ego? Why do men after a certain age wants to lock their eyes with young things a little longer than necessary even though it is not leading anywhere except an instant ego massage? Why does thinning hair trouble men? These are some of the many questions asked in the book. Brace yourself. There are no answers in the book. The author frames these questions in a funny manner making you think harder and finally lets you reach the futility of this line of questioning. This style makes the book very enjoyable. These are the very questions which pop up in your mind at the most inopportune times. Mike Carter has written it down in black and white.Throughout the book, Mike Carter teases himself on why he is doing what he is doing. Who in the right mind will embark on a journey like this? Despite all the self-flagellation, Mike Carter finally finds peace. Most importantly, he makes new memories. He can move on. But, does this book serve as a solution to all men undergoing similar uncertainties in life? No, I don't think so. At the same time, the book confirms the fact you may not be the only one having self-doubts, and you are the only one who can solve the conundrum.As a bonus material, here is an article published by Mike Carter on the most beautiful motorbike rides in Europe. http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/mar/24/europe.top10motorbikerides

Hilariously funny - self depreciating humor with a touch of lament, Carter has it in spades.A midlife crisis (undoubtably excarbated by a recent divorce) finds Mike Carter longing for adventure and change of pace. Feeling a little jaded with life in general, the writer embarks on a motorcycle journey from his native London and sets off for a trip around Europe on his recently purchased BMW motorcycle. Early on in the trip, he decides to ditch his map and follow the open road. This takes him through France, Holland, most of Scandanavia and eastern Europe. He writes about the people he meets, the places he visits and battles with his own personal demons. Carter is unapologetic and, at times, overly candid about his vices, fears and failures. Without sounding despondant and melancholy, Carter manages to convey humor in his escapades and will have the reader laughing along with him. His descriptions of the landscape, countries and cultures are rich and well written.When I started reading this book it became quickly evident that Mike Carter is a skilled writer (confirmed by his acknowledgement that he is/was a journalist for the Observer and Guardian newspapers) - this put me in the mind of one of my other favorite travel writers; Bill Bryson, who strikes a similar prose in his books. I would give this a 5 star rating, but like one of the other reviewers I longed for some pictures and maps. But come to think of it... the map was discarded by the end of chapter three...

Super book about a man finding himself. It seems like a guys but when my wife is thoroughly enjoying it. Great read.

If you have ever read Jupiter's Travels, you have pretty much read "The" motorcycle adventure story, you think there's nothing else out there that will compare in captivating the reader, until now. I'm not saying this is better than the legendary Ted Simons book, but boy does it come so very very close, and yet it's different, in a good way. In a moment I could relate to the author, I could remember the things that happen to a guy at 42 and why that number is so significant, I think I got divorced at 42 thinking about it. This is a fabulous book, the motorcycle journey is just part of the story and I would whole heartedly recommend anyone to read "Uneasy Rider" Mike Carter has done a bang up job of putting together a good story, with insight and adventure, this is really worth the time.......thoroughly recommended.

I bought this book looking for motorcycle related reading. I've been wanting to get back into biking, after being out of it some 20+ years, and have been jumping into all things motorcycle touring!I picked up the book just to read the prologue at first, but put it down after 19 chapters! I picked it up the next morning and finished it! The writing style is very descriptive and flows at a good pace. There does seem to be missing pieces between 2 or 3 chapters, but it is just the author takes you between locations with chapter breaks, and not bore you with minute details. There is much insight into the mid-life crisis that most men in that age would very well relate to. The humor, and there's plenty, is self effacing and spot on funny. The drama has you feeling as though you are there! Really!I can EASILY recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who are close with travel, motorcycles, or both.

This book was so-so. By that I mean it had some interesting stories of people he met along the way but I felt cheated with the details. I admit there were some great stories like how he got his bike out of the lobby of a hotel. I do think that it didn't matter that he was riding a Beamer bike rather than a Harley although he does meet some Harley rider's and that just seemed to be a bit strange. We never do find out the meaning of "the map" that he eventually thows away. All in all it was fun to read but lacked details.

Terrific wit throughout. Mike sounds like the guy you want to share a pint (or 4) with, complain about the world and laugh about the experiences we share.

Relato divertido de um repórter inglês sobre sua inesperada viagem de motocicleta pela Europa. Vale a pena a leitura. Recomendo.

Loved it!

Great read! Hilarious and reflective, all forty somethings would appreciate some of the assertions , even envy many of them!

Loved the humour in this and a great trip. The author was a bit of a moaner. The book finished up a bit lack lustre.