over 1400+ Reviews
Best Selling Author | Traveler
If you love real-life adventure stories that are raw, thrilling, and unforgettable — filled with courage, chaos, and humor — you’re in the right place.
"I was 21 and wanted to go 'somewhere' for 'some time' and, well, for 'something'!"
- Chris
Best-selling book
Going the wrong way
(1403)
Driven by a desire to break free from his mediocre, middle-class existence and escape the Belfast (IRA) “Troubles” of the 70’s, Chris Donaldson strikes out on his café racing Moto Guzzi on a cross-country road trip of self-discovery.
But when the Iranian revolution stops the planned motorcycle trip to Australia, he switches gears and begins a 33-country, 50,000-mile odyssey across Europe, Asia, and the Americas including 10,000 miles on an ocean-going racing yacht.
As Chris leaves the “Belfast Troubles” behind, he creates his own trouble. Along the way, there are formidable roadblocks: trigger-happy soldiers with AK-47s in war-torn Africa, getting bogged in the Sahara Desert, waves the size of Everest that threaten to sweep him overboard, hepatitis E in South America, and PTSD when he gets home.
A ‘coming of age’ road trip like no other…
Going the Wrong Way is raw in its exposure, thoughtful in its deliberations, and revealing about the regimes and cultures it passes through. What an amazing adventure in the days before Google maps, mobile phones and social media. Chris encounters a near-death experience around almost every corner, and a cast of characters that will change his life forever. All told in an honest style with the best of Belfast humour.
This is not just a solo travel memoir. It’s a story about finding oneself in the midst of chaos, and about the transformative power of travel. As Chris navigates the challenges and joys of the open road, he learns important lessons about perseverance, friendship, and the importance of following your dreams.
Check out the reviews and order your copy today. You won’t be able to put it down!
coming soon
Adventure Before Dementia
A life lived in straight lines was never meant for Chris. From crossing deserts in Morocco to sleeping under the auroras of Iceland, his travels blur the lines between thrill and reflection.
This book is part travelogue, part self-discovery — a reminder that adventure doesn’t end with age, it begins when comfort does.
📍 A true story that will make you pack your bags and chase your own horizon.
Best-selling book
Going the wrong way
(1403)
Driven by a desire to break free from his mediocre, middle-class existence and escape the Belfast (IRA) “Troubles” of the 70’s, Chris Donaldson strikes out on his café racing Moto Guzzi on a cross-country road trip of self-discovery.
But when the Iranian revolution stops the planned motorcycle trip to Australia, he switches gears and begins a 33-country, 50,000-mile odyssey across Europe, Asia, and the Americas including 10,000 miles on an ocean-going racing yacht.
As Chris leaves the “Belfast Troubles” behind, he creates his own trouble. Along the way, there are formidable roadblocks: trigger-happy soldiers with AK-47s in war-torn Africa, getting bogged in the Sahara Desert, waves the size of Everest that threaten to sweep him overboard, hepatitis E in South America, and PTSD when he gets home.
A ‘coming of age’ road trip like no other…
Going the Wrong Way is raw in its exposure, thoughtful in its deliberations, and revealing about the regimes and cultures it passes through. What an amazing adventure in the days before Google maps, mobile phones and social media. Chris encounters a near-death experience around almost every corner, and a cast of characters that will change his life forever. All told in an honest style with the best of Belfast humour.
This is not just a solo travel memoir. It’s a story about finding oneself in the midst of chaos, and about the transformative power of travel. As Chris navigates the challenges and joys of the open road, he learns important lessons about perseverance, friendship, and the importance of following your dreams.
Check out the reviews and order your copy today. You won’t be able to put it down!
I'm Chris Donaldson
On his return from South America, Chris joined the family furniture shop in Belfast, which over the years he expanded into London and Dublin. He was UK Master Franchisor for a fitness company, developed a Health & Fitness Franchise, and a Mobile App company in Dubai; where he lived for eight years with his family on a 47ft yacht.
His hobbies include sailing and flying. Following his quest to do things his own way, he built his own aeroplane. He still rides his Moto Guzzi Le Mans, SOI 222, and some years ago rode it to Moscow and St Petersburg with his wife, Julie.
The journey still impacts his life to this day where he continues to go the wrong way whenever he can; The journey started in 1979 finally completed in March 2023 when Chris finally arrived in Australia with the same Moto Guzzi Le Mans after riding to Nepal and flying from Katmandu to Brisbane. Burma was closed in 1979 and still is, although he finally made it through Iran! The bike is currently in the Moto Guzzi Cathedral in Yea, near Melbourne.
It only took 43 years to get there!
Chris now works with Ed’s son, Jeff Arditti from North Carolina. He sells their furniture in Europe, Russia and Australia.
He now lives in Belfast and is the father of two beautiful girls.
Belfast cemetery has recently noticed some paranormal disturbances at the grave of his old English teacher. Rumours of him writing a book have apparently reached the afterlife
