‘I have seen your motorbike and I think you have travelled to many countries. But I wonder have you been to my country? That is Iran.....Please come to my city, Shiraz’. This tantalising invitation left on her motorbike in London convinces Lois Pryce, the author of Revolutionary Ride, that she must make this journey.

She sets off alone on a 3,000-mile ride from the Turkish border to Shiraz. Her adventures are fascinating and give a real sense of Iran today. Imagine riding a motorbike in the compulsory hijab and a helmet! She meets people from all walks of life and her ride is peppered with incidents some amusing and others terrifying. The kindness, hospitality, and the traditions, combine with the stories we hear so much of in the UK; corruption, intimidation and the all-seeing eyes of the Revolutionary Guard. Intermingled with this is the history of this interesting country including Britain’s part in that through the control of Iran’s oil in the early twentieth century.

Lois Pryce also devotes a chapter to the explorer and travel writer, Freya Stark, following in her footsteps through the Alborz Mountains, as described in ‘The Valley of the Assassins’. Whilst Freya Stark walked through the mountains Lois rode her motorbike. On her arrival in Shiraz, Lois reflects on her journey; trying to make sense of ‘this intriguing, confusing and most beguiling of countries.’ She resolves to return and comments that the lifting of sanctions would bring trade deals and tourism, but it would be a long time before Iran became a ‘hen-night destination’!

Whether you are an intrepid traveller or a motorbike enthusiast this book is a worthwhile read.