From Belfast to Down Under: Moto Guzzi Journeys with Chris Donaldson

Belfast rider and author Chris Donaldson weaves the tale of his decades-long attempt to reach Australia on his 1979 Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Leaving Belfast at 21 amid the Troubles, he planned to ride to Australia but was diverted by the Iranian Revolution, traveling instead through Africa (including apartheid South Africa), the Americas, and Argentina, later recounting it in his memoir Going the Wrong Way. Chris reflects on traveling for the journey, the kindness of strangers, and how writing the book 40 years later drew on diaries and photos. After his first adventure, Chris joined the family furniture shop in Belfast, which over the years he expanded into London and Dublin. In 2021, encouraged by a friend, he resumed his quest after COVID, faced border issues (including being denied entry to Jordan), continued alone after his friend quit the trip in Athens, and finally reached Australia, forming the basis of his next book, Adventure Before Dementia (May 2026). He discusses travel changes due to phones and the internet, Moto Guzzi community, other rides including Russia and U.S. trips, and how a Parkinson’s diagnosis motivates him to keep pursuing adventures.   Pictures of Chris, His Moto Guzzi and His Travels Don’t miss the gallery on Chris’s website: https://chrisdonaldson.world/gallery-2/ Instagram: @chrisdonaldson.author   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Chris Donaldson 02:43 From London to South Africa 04:02 With a Motorbike, You're Bonded to the Landscape 04:22 From the U.S. Down to Argentina 06:53 Another Go at Australia 08:30 What's Changed in 40 Years, What's Stayed the Same 11:38 Going Back to the Family Business in Belfast 14:14 A Pensioner Riding a Motorbike Around the World 16:42 Pilgrimage to Australia - Arriving at Last 17:54 The Moto Guzzi Le Mans 19:23 Crossing the Sahara on the Motorbike 20:23 The Biggest Problem at Age 21 22:52 Every Corner Is a Danger 23:59 Traveling Light 27:10 Teo Lamers Cathedral of Moto Guzzi Festival 27:57 Texas 29:30 It Keeps You Young  31:00 Meeting Up With Old Friends on New Journeys 32:20 Russia 34:42 Spark of Recognition 38:06 Adventures Before Dementia and Going the Wrong Way   Chris’s Books Going the Wrong Way Adventures Before Dementia   Both books are available on his website: https://chrisdonaldson.world   Or use Amazon (not an affiliate link) if ordering from the U.S. or Canada:  Going the Wrong Way - https://www.amazon.com/Going-Wrong-Way-Australia-possibly/dp/1838012761 CREDITSHost and creator: Christi CassidyContact: [email protected] by Phyllis BusellMusic by Eve’s Blue. Post-production help from Auphonic.com.Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai. LINKS:More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.comPast episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram