Across America by Motor-cycle

In the wake of the 1918 armistice, two young veterans linger in a London hotel, mulling over life after the war. One dreams of returning home, the other craves an adventure that will shake off the lingering restlessness of service. Their conversation turns from marriage to a bold, impromptu plan: a cross‑country motorcycle trek from the Atlantic to the Pacific. With the decision made, the narrator purchases a four‑cylinder bike and sets out for an uncharted American odyssey.

Over roughly three months, he covers nearly 5,000 miles of varied terrain, often alone, confronting heat, dust, and the relentless need for mechanical attention. He details countless engine overhauls, countless falls, and the surprising endurance of his tyres and fuel economy. Along the way, the narrative captures the raw freedom of the open road, the camaraderie of fellow riders, and a vivid portrait of early twentieth‑century America seen from a saddle.