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Rating: 
Summary: plesantly surprised!
Review: I have been a Rush fan for many years, and as a drummer, a Neil Peart fan for many years. For those who actually READ Neil's lyrics, you know that he is an intelligent, philosophical, and insightful writer. I was curious, however, how that style of writing would translate into a book about an African bicycle adventure. I had visions of long winded diatribes about the state of government affairs in West Africa...To my surprise, it was a most enjoyable, light-hearted, read that emphasized not only the African culture he encountered, but the most engaging dynamic between he and his riding companions. I found myself drawn into that interplay as much as, if not more than, the scenery and culture that he so eloquently descibes. Rush fan or not, this is an excellent book, that comes highly recommended from this reader!
Rating: 
Summary: Camarooned
Review: I stumbled onto this book and had no idea about Peart's books or other job/personla history. Immediately I noticed that he has a great writing stlye, very much like the way any cyclinst ponders life as they slug away on the cranks weherever their travels find them.
I was a bit surprised at the focus of the personalities of the group, I expected more on Africa itself, but I can't say it was a totally unpleasant turn.
Great book, definately didn't convince me to pack up my roadbike and spend a month in africa though, but reading the book was a good trip.
The presentation and layout was really impressive, the book was a pleasure to go through, hard to put down really. Peart's style is pretty great, I'll check out another one some time I bet.
So if you dig on cycling trips, and stories check it out, or if you're a super nuts Rush fan, you might dig it.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book, but is Neil Peart truly worthy of such praise?
Review: Like many other readers of this book, I too am a devoted fan of Rush, and of Neil Peart, whose tremendous skill on drums is matched by no one I've heard of. As the band's lyricist, he has written some of the most incredible, creative, beautiful, and powerful prose I have read. One might apply the term genius. I do not apply that term to Neil Peart, especially after reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to all Rush fans. I was amazed at the accomplishment of cycling through Cameroon and most impressed with his head-first approach. His description of the West African landscape is both beautiful and grotesque, painfully honest at times, and is an excellent travelogue. It is obvious from reading this book that he approaches other aspects of his life with the same intensity, focus, and excellence that he applies to his work with Rush. Ultimately, however, this is a book about Neil Peart, and not about bicycling, West Africa, politics, or philosophy. And it most definitely is not about interpersonal skills. Readers who are quick to apply "genius" to Neil Peart would do well to remember that there are multiple intelligences, among them interpersonal intellegence, and he is sadly lacking in people skills. At first, I thought the others in his tour were very lucky to be travelling with this great man, but after a few miles, I felt sorry for them! It is ironic that he recognizes (and appreciates!) the kind words and support offered by some of the strangers met along the way, but he cannot even conjure simple respect for most of the other tour members. I found that irony distracting. The reader is (understandably) getting a slanted view of Neil Peart's trip through Cameroon, and for that reason I would have a dificult time recommending it to someone who doesn't know who he is.
Rating:
Summary: From First to Last, the Peak is Never Passed
Review: This is THE best nonfiction book I have ever read. Neil Peart's writing style is as simple yet elegant as his lyrics. I could not tear myself away from Mr. Peart's book. It was a powerful firsthand account of cycling in Africa--the politics, the landscape, the dysentary. Mr. Peart's reflections upon life and philosophy (I was proud to say I'd read all of the books he'd mentioned and discoursed upon) provide another, deeper level of understanding of this complex man. I must say that certain parts of the book, those concerning his wife and daughter, were very sad when looked back upon now. I will admit I got a lump in my throat when Mr. Peart wrote about finally meeting Jackie in Paris after being separated for so long. There was also one section where Mr. Peart talked about how losing a child must be the worst thing a parent has to go through...it was heartbreaking. This book is definately worth the wait from the publisher. It took me three months to get my mitts on this book, and I'm so happy I did. The book is fun, sad, scary, and an excellent read. RUSH RULES!
Rating:
Summary: Primal Bicycle Ride
Review: Though I read this book over a year ago, the images that are conjured up when recalling excerpts from "The Masked Rider," a writing of Neil Peart's travel through West Africa with a group of bicycle enthusiasts leads me to think, "I'm not sure if I'd want to subject myself to what he and his fellow riders did." His writing is (as usual) eloquent and very thought provoking and really helped to place my fanny on the seat of my own bike riding along side him on the dusty trails of a primitive land. He details so many great stories of encounters with African tribal leaders and their people, good (and not so good!) meals, sicknesses, danger, laughter, home sickness, and the ever present oven-like heat that I'm not sure if I ever could summon up the courage to take a trip such as his on my own bicycle. Intruiging thought though I think I'll stick with the annual 42-mile Bike NY ride and call it an accomplishment. :-) "The Masked Rider" is definitely worth a second read. Neil Peart has traveled all over the planet and I hope he writes more on his journeys as they would likely be lessons in geography, social studies, personal endeavors, and triumphs.
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