Across America by Motor-Cycle

Remastered and Reset

By: C. K. Shepherd, Mark L. Hunnibell

Narrated by: Will de Renzy-Martin

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

A veteran of World War I, British RAF Captain C.K. Shepherd arrived in New York in June 1919, bought a top-of-the-line Henderson four-cylinder motorcycle, and headed west on a solo cross-country adventure to see America. He set off on his adventures, arriving in San Francisco two months later. Having completed his voyage, he sold his beloved motorcycle, dubbed “Lizzie”, on the street in San Francisco and then made his way back to his home in Birmingham, England. 

Three years later, he wrote Across America by Motor-Cycle - a memoir and travelogue that has become a motorcycle history classic. The 1922 book is now in the public domain and has been reprinted and made electronically available by others besides me. However, this is the first known production of the book in audio format. The entire recording has been painstakingly made by reference to a digital copy of the book newly scanned from an original print of the hardcover book as published in 1922. 

All words in the original book are spoken in a voice selected to most closely represent that of C.K. Shepherd as well as all of the "characters" about whom C.K. wrote. This audiobook will provide listeners with a new way to appreciate this wonderful adventure. Enjoy!

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2019 Mark L. Hunnibell

A Great Account of Early American Travel by a Brit

When this Brit crossed the US by motorbike in the early 1900's, it was obvious that there were things he absolutely had trouble with. Primarily America itself. More often than not, Mr. Shepherd was quite critical of Americans at the time as well as with the American culture that apparently wasn't as refined as his homeland.

Beyond the occasional dislike of where he was, the account of his journey was quite entertaining. His journey, can be compared in some ways to George Wyman's, who cross the US by motorbike some years before him. Mr. Wyman's account of his travels was far less critical of the people and places than his British counterpart was naturally, but both expressed quite the distaste of American roads at the time.

Certainly a worthwhile listen and I recommend it. Gives the listener a view into what motorcycle travel was like over 100 years ago.

The narration was quite good and I really enjoyed listening to Mr. De Renzy-Martin. It was written that the narrator's voice may have closely represented Mr. Shepherd's and in doing so, they were able to really draw the listener into the emotion of the Brit quite well.

Good job and a great story.

Fantastic

My only regret is that I won't be able to be a part of the 100 year anniversary of Capt. Shepard's journey across the US. This is a wonderful book, excellently narrated in all ways and well produced as an audio book.

Great story and great narration

I’m glad I listened to this story. Really cool hearing a 1919 view of crossing the country on a cool bike. The narrator was great as well.

Epic

Ignore any bad reviews you read about this tale. It is impressive that this guy made this trip and even more so because of when he did it. I read a review where he was criticized for making fun of Americans. Come on, be willing to laugh at yourselves. This was one of the best motorcycle adventure stories i have read.

GREAT BOOK

It is very interesting listening to him describe the different people that he meets going through the different towns and the situations he had to go through on he’s way.

I Recommend this book to anyone that is adventurous and loves motorcycles or scooters!!!

Brilliantly done

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book but it sounded intriguing so I bought it and I was extremely surprised. The amount of knowledge in the way he painted his travels across the country in the early years of the 20th century was fabulous. The roads that we take for granted we’re not even planned yet. And yeah, we take it all for granted until we listen to stories about the earlier travelers before there were interstates and what’s even more amazing is that the people actually did this and experienced a good chunk of American life before it became known as a destination place to travel. I really wish more books were written about this time and the experiences these travelers had.

A fascinating journey across America by a gent.

A product of its time, but well worth a read. The roads were always garbage.

great history

i love motorcycles. any adventure tale involving them sets me off. this one, read in a realistic british turn of the century accent is excellent. the riding, the breakdowns, the ingenuity involved in keeping the bike running for its 5000 mile ride was wonderful. you can follow much the same path today. and see the same locations. but the road will be a little better. my bike is a 250cc scooter with 20 horsepower. twice what the Henderson 4 had. he often made 10 mph.. i could follow at 60.
i loved the book.. the language takes getting used to.. but it is REAL.

Rude & offensive to Americans

I found the story to be very demeaning to Americans and our way of life. I could only get through a few chapters.

Much more than I expected

This is an absolutely fantastic slice of the American story from a British person‘s perspective. I think anyone would enjoy it whether they like to ride motorcycles or not, but if you like motorcycles you will love this story.

jolly good

great book wish I was on the trip with him...
the world has changed but riding a motor bike will always be the same