Long before Lois Pryce rode (and wrote about her travels) solo in Iran, there was Peggy Iris Thomas who, in the early 1950s, rode a 125cc BSA Bantam through Canada, the continental United States and Mexico. Camping, relying on the generosity of many a good person and taking care of her Airedale, Matelot, riding in the box behind her, Thomas had an extraordinary adventure, and if you can find a copy of this book, and are interested in solo travel, I’d suggest giving it a read.
Not only does Thomas travel solo at a time when it was considered ridiculously dangerous for a woman, she works her way through, taking on office jobs, picking fruit and working in a sawmill while traversing Canada. Her overburdened BSA “Oppy” fails on several occasions and what she does to get back on the road is not only an inspiration for solo travellers, it will warm your heart in how people’s generosity can overshadow fearmongering.
Author: Peggy Iris Thomas
Book: A Ride in the Sun or Gasoline Gypsy
Publisher: Rixon Groove
Year of Publication: This edition, 2012 (originally published in 1953)
