Roads are for journeys, not destinations. IN 2003 Melbourne couple Shirley Hardy-Rix and her husband Brian Rix fulfilled a lifelong ambition of motorcycling across the world. In an incredible 350-day journey, they would do everything they'd ever dreamed of as well as getting much more than they'd bargained for. Crossing 27 countries and covering 56,671 kilometres, they raced around the Isle of Man motorcycle circuit on Mad Sunday, survived Iran's traffic and travelled through Taliban strongholds under armed guard. Shirley and Brian's story is an epic account of the ups and downs of seeing the world on two wheels - from the frustrations of potholes and flat tyres, to the splendour of some of Europe and Asia's most awe-inspiring sights. Full of terrific anecdotes, down-to-earth humour and practical advice, Two for the Road is a must for anyone who's ever imagined escaping the daily grind to experience the romance of the open road.

Plenty of retirees take a holiday. When Brian Rix retired after 36 years as a policeman in Victoria, rather than hitching up the caravan he put his wife, journalist Shirley Hardy-Rix, on the back of his motorcycle and headed off for a ride. For the next 16 months Brian and Shirley rode more than 82,000 kilometres through 32 countries on five continents. They rode from the bottom of South America to the very top of North America - from the Antarctic Circle to the Arctic Circle. They rode over 5,000 metre mountain ranges, through snow and ice, through deserts and tropics, enduring altitude sickness and a near catastrophic breakdown in the heart of bear country. Circle to Circle is an inspiring and engaging account of the travels of an adventurous couple. It will entertain you in your armchair, or it may even inspire you to get up and go.