For those of you not already familiar with Ted Simon's iconic book, it is the story of his four-year, 60,000-mile-plus journey around the globe aboard a Triumph T100 Tiger. Stretching from 1973 through 1977, Simon's trip traversed parts of all the continents save for Antartica, although he bypassed notable regions of interest such as nearly the entire United States, Canada, China, Russia, and covered Europe in about five pages.

Don't get me wrong. I have tremendous respect for any individual who undertakes such an amazing adventure. It's just that Mr. Simon writes relatively little about the joy of riding or the scenic vistas he undoubtably witnessed from the saddle. Instead, there are almost continual descriptions of misery, either as the result of the elements and/or local political issues. In fact the only points at which Mr. Simon appeared to enjoy himself was when he was not riding - once while spending about a month with friends in Rio de Janerio, and once while spending about a month with friends in Northern California. (Kind of like while on vacation.)

There is an inordinate amount of space dedicated to India, yet entire countries such as Mexico are barely mentioned. Mr. Simon also lapses into extended descriptions of mental and emotional instability, which after a while I just began skipping over. Could not connect with these ramblings.

Others may find Jupiter's Travels to be the "Best Motorcycle Book Ever Written". Personally, I could give it a pass.