America: Through a Veil of Tears
Live your dreams, face your fears...
A motorcycle tour of the American continent, that was the simple dream of a father and son from North Wales. Then, just days into the biggest adventure of their lives, disaster strikes – a catastrophe beyond imagination. A story of bravado and high adventure turns quickly into death and devastation. There is no running away from such purgatory, there is nowhere to hide.
Traumatised, a lone figure rides into the American wilderness, barely aware of anything but the all-consuming grief ripping him apart. Trying desperately to deal with unimaginable loss, some of the most remote regions in North America are explored, against a backdrop of whatever nature could throw at him. Even that proves nothing, compared to the exploration of his own tormented soul and the battle to uphold a semblance of sanity. His life had been ripped apart but he couldn’t let his loss be for nothing.
The author
Les Kay has led an interesting and varied life, rather than applying himself to a set career he’s enjoyed a succession of diverse occupations. Included amongst them are service as an army apprentice, a research assistant in the rubber and plastics industry, a motorcycle instructor, data support officer in marine conservation, handyman and life model. A return to education, at 35 years old, was accompanied with a more serious desire to study. Which was duly rewarded with an honours degree in Marine Archaeology, and a lasting discipline to tackle protracted literary projects.
A steady stream of active sports and exciting past times lent an element of adventure to life, but his lifelong passion has always been for motorcycles and travel. Whether jumping out of planes, plunging under the waves or hanging over precipitous drops, nothing managed to surpass the thrill of riding a motorbike, and almost any activity was found more enjoyable in an exotic location. The birth of a son in 1989 enhanced these simple pleasures; he quickly became a stalwart companion, as keen as Les on wild and exciting past-times. Becoming a single parent to a six year old lad, Les found the bond between them grew stronger with each passing year. Lean times did little to dissuade the two from their quest for new exploits. Whenever possible father and son would head off for far-flung destinations in search of fun and adventure.
The experiences and subsequent yarns had long enthralled friends and family, whose encouragement led him to consider recording events more formally. His first attempt at writing was to be a humorous account of high adventure, motorcycle mayhem across the Americas with his son, 18 years old by this time. It proved to be so much more, and infinitely more challenging.
You may also like...
We accept no responsibility for any of the above information in any way whatsoever. You are reminded to do your own research. Any commentary is strictly a personal opinion of the person supplying the information and is not to be construed as an endorsement of any kind.
Member login
Book categories
Are you an Overland Adventure Traveller?
Does the smell of spices wafting through the air make you think of Zanzibar, a cacophony of honking horns is Cairo, or a swirl of brilliantly patterned clothing Guatemala? Then this is the site for you!
Hosted by Grant and Susan Johnson, RTW 1987-1998
Next HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
Books
All the best travel books and videos listed and often reviewed on HU's famous Books page. Check it out and get great travel books from all over the world.
NOTE: As an Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases - thanks for your help supporting HU when you start from an HU Amazon link!