Closing date for April issue -> February 17
Now there is only one Paul
The famed motorcyclist, adventurer and philosophical romantic Paul van Hooff passed away recently. His life and his farewell were moving, and our thoughts are with his family. He lives on in the minds and lives of those whose lives were changed by his books. His travels were far-flung and on minimal budgets. He redefined the concept of "hardship." He slept in the middle of nowhere, in the freezing cold, in a deserted bus shelter while the wolves howled.
The other motorcycling and writing Paul, Paul Weekers, is still alive and kicking. His approach was and is more lighthearted and uninhibited than that of the late Paul.
Where Paul van Hooff thoughtfully and somewhat philosophically described the hardships and emotions of motorcycling while traveling, there is the other Paul – who not only has the same first name, but also Guzzi rider is – more lighthearted. His stories are more likely to make you dream away with a smile than to make you sink into your pillows in sympathy. Paul Weekers, professional designer, photographer, traveler, and writer. Of those four things, only one brings in money. And that's enough for Paul.
For me, motorcycling is a kind of 'adventure around the corner.' When I start my engine, everything falls away. I can truly savor the moment, wherever I go. For me, motorcycling also means getting lost and meeting other bikers. And it turns out, all those people have their own motorcycle-related stories, often too good to ignore.
The phenomenon of motorcycling is also extremely photogenic, so the combination of photography and motorcycle stories is a very logical one for me, an almost unavoidable one even.
The books of Paul van Hooff are still available. And Paul Weekers is after his first book Paul tells the story, for which he crisscrossed the Netherlands to harvest motorcycle and human stories, currently working on book 2.
This will be a travelogue designed by the author himself, a book you'll enjoy reading with a smile. A coffee table book richly illustrated with images. Imagine setting up a tent in a field with a sprinkler system automatically rising from the ground in the morning and unexpected encounters.
Weekers is setting up a crowdfunding campaign to help fund his second book. Keep an eye on his social media!
https://www.facebook.com/eenboekvolmotorverhalen
https://www.instagram.com/paulhaaltverhaal
https://www.youtube.com/@PaulhaaltVerhaalwww.paulhaaltverhaal.nl
And in new Dutch we say: “Check that out!” on Google under 'Paul haal Verhaal'. He's even on YouTube.
A book like this can wake you up and change your life.
Because who has ever been old enough for a fully organised motorcycle holiday?
I have all of Paul's books on the shelf and I especially liked "From Here to Tokyo" and "Man in the Saddle, the Rider" was a beautiful story that started in Friesland and led to a worldwide search for a Vincent Black Shadow, beautifully written.
I myself know a Paul who rides a Guzzi and is also very fond of travelling.
On one of his Guzzis – an SP1000 – he reached the three hundred thousand mark without any problems.
I think you know him, Dolf.
It's so sad that Paul had to trade earthly for heavenly. An immense loss. Seeing the man and the bike, he was having a good time. The world is one fine man poorer.