“Imagine you had the privilege to see Africa and Europe by scooter. Meet all walks of people, dance evenings away, sit around campfires solving the world’s problems. See, taste and feel things for the first time in your life; on a daily basis. Argue with friends, debate life and grow as a global citizen. Imagine forgetting what day it is or even what time it is. Imagine living daily what millions in the world will forever only imagine doing? Christopher has shown us that we don’t have to imagine. We can go out and do it.”
Riaan Manser — Pioneering World Explorer. Four World Firsts. www.riaanmanser.co.za"Harrowing. That is the only word that could describe the beginning of this book. I found myself holding my breath and flipping pages like I was reading a thriller. However, that simply does not do this book justice. Inspiring is the only word that can do that. Chris is a remarkable man, and a phenomenal storyteller. I was proud to have my logo on that fateful scooter, and even prouder to have these words on this book."
Richard Mulholland — Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur. Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. www.richardmulholland.co.za“If you’ve ever wondered what an Overland adventure is about warts and all, this book tells it straight and with a grip that makes it hard to put down. Chris had me in tears! So powerful are his descriptions and the passion with which he writes, that I felt the frustration, and was shocked by the betrayals. But I laughed with him and rode along with the pure buzz that being on the long road on two wheels gives you. Raw courage and determination – a true tale of the road where the surprises never stop coming.”
Sam Manicom — Motorcycle adventurer and world traveller. Author of four best-selling adventure travel books: Into Africa, Under Asian Skies, Distant Suns and From Tortillas to Totems. Exeter, United Kingdom“What an adventure! Who would know this selfless act of charity would lead to a lifelong journey of a whole new world. For most people this would be the end of their life, but for the author it's just an opportunity to motivate people to overcome the obstacles and keep inspiring them even more.”
Jim Paradiso — Visually impaired traveller, adventure seeker and mobility instructor. Ecuador, South America“More than just a travelogue, more than just a personal memoir, this is a story filled with experiences both wonderful and traumatic, insights into diverse lands and cultures, and varied culinary delights. Well worth the read!”
Lois Strachan — Inspirational Speaker and Author “A Different Way of Seeing: A Blind Woman’s Journey of Living an ‘’Ordinary’ Life in an Extraordinary Way”. Cape Town, South Africa“A story of the ultimate two wheeled adventure. The author never imagined how much this 30 000 km trip would cost him, told through the eyes as only the Blind Scooter Guy can.”
Dan Parker — Blind Land Speed Racer. Georgia, USA“Christopher is the kind of man who leads a life that most of us only dream of, or read about in books. But what happens when after years of meticulous planning for the adventure of a lifetime, the one thing he didn't plan for is the one thing that happens. This is a powerful and deeply moving travel memoir of an extraordinary man with an extraordinary heart, and a real privilege to read.”
Megan Darcy — Coffee Addict, Runner, Baker, Blogger and Blind Mama. Sydney, Australia“Charity gatherer Chris Venter who covered over ten million meters to generate funds for the Red Cross Hospital for children was robbed in Africa. He was robbed not of material possessions but the blessed God gift of sight. Through his acceptance of this dreadful burden and his new pitch black World, he is a shining example to us and how supremely fortunate we should consider ourselves. Chris thank you for showing us the way.”
Terence Tracy — Adventure traveller, petrol head, restaurateur and author of ‘No Way back! Johannesburg to London in an Imp.’ Johannesburg, South Africa“This story tells the tale of a man´s desire to do good for people less fortunate. It´s adventure, courage, hardship, endurance, joys, pains, laughs and tears and ultimately a sting in the tail (or sting in the tale) or tale as the case may be.”
Mark Wild — Lambretta Scooter Rider and enthusiast (Santarcangelo di Romagna), Rimini, Italy.“It's easy to become complacent when reading travel biographies; they all have personal thoughts and feeling, they all tell a tale of meeting new people, of witnessing new sites, of emotion and experience, yet nothing can set you up for the adventure Chris takes you on. From the outset, How I Became The Blind Scooter Guy hits you. No! It kicks you, kicks you right where it hurts, as you realise that the outcome of this story isn't going to be good. The opening sets a scene that you desperately want to turn from, to seek a better solution, a better outcome. The reality is you are stuck with this, and the more you come to grips with it, the more you are drawn into Chris' adventure, a life changing adventure.”
Traverse Magazine — Traverse Magazine