Riding the Continent

Hamilton Mack Laing was a motorcycle-naturalist who used it to access the natural world, taking on a transcontinental journey in 1915. His previously unpublished manuscript of this journey has been hidden away for nearly a century, and is now available to readers for the first time. The manuscript explores the beauty of North America's bird life, describes the sights, scenery, and people he encountered, and takes us along for the ride on a 1915 Harley-Davidson he named Barking Betsy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2022
Publisher: Ronsdale Press

Hamilton Mack Laing, a renowned British Columbia writer and naturalist, is often overlooked for his unique identity as a "motorcycle-naturalist." In his mid-thirties, Laing embraced the motorcycle as his primary means of exploration, believing it offered him a distinct advantage over other forms of transportation. From 1914 onwards, he embarked on a series of adventures, utilizing his motorcycle to venture into the natural world. During this period, he undertook a remarkable transcontinental journey, riding across the United States from Brooklyn to Oakland in 1915.

His previously unpublished manuscript detailing this journey has remained hidden away for nearly a century. However, now, for the first time, readers are able to delve into the pages that recount his six-week perambulation. Titled Riding the Continent, this captivating book tells the story of a pioneering motorcyclist and independently minded naturalist, as well as an extraordinary road trip. Laing himself described the allure of the unending road as a call that could not be denied.

Within the pages of Laing's tale, readers are transported to the breathtaking beauty of North America's bird life. He vividly describes the sights, scenery, and people he encountered along his journey, providing a vivid account of his adventures. Moreover, Laing takes us on a ride on a 1915 Harley-Davidson he named Barking Betsy, sharing the excitement and challenges of motorcycle travel in the early 20th century.

To enhance the reader's experience, Riding the Continent includes a foreword by Laing's biographer and B.C. historian, Richard Mackie. Additionally, an afterword by editor and motorcycle travel writer Trevor Marc Hughes provides further insights into Laing's life and work.

In conclusion, Hamilton Mack Laing's story is a testament to his passion for exploration and his unique perspective as a "motorcycle-naturalist." Through Riding the Continent, readers are invited to journey alongside him, experiencing the wonders of the natural world and the thrill of motorcycle travel in a bygone era. This captivating book offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of a remarkable individual, reminding us of the power of curiosity and the enduring spirit of adventure.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781553805564