A book has been published called "Che Guevara-The Motorcycle Diaries" This however is a misnomer. Of the total 155 pages, only the first 44 deal with motorcycling. At that point having ridden two up on a well overloaded Norton 500, the motorcycle finally broke down for the last time.
"The bike did strange things every time it had to go uphill....On the first steep hill....It finally gave up....we left her at a fire station....It was our last day as 'motorized bums"....
However, no matter how short this 1951 journey Che and his friend made on the Norton, we are luckly to have this account. He completed his journey on bus and boat and othermeans and so it is somewhat in error to call the book "The Motorcycle Diaries" since motorcycling was but one-third of the journey. It is still a travel book having taken place over 40 years ago by a person whose later travels in Cuba, Southern Africa, and South America are well known. His journeys ended when he was executed by the Bolivian army under orders from President Barrientos.
Reportedly this book can be obtained by contacting VERSO, 180 Varick St. New York, New York, USA 10014-4606 , or in the UK at 6 Meard St, London W1V 3HR.
TYNDA
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10 June 98