The Unforgiving Road with Marc Weitz

Spend an evening with adventurer Marc Weitz as he recounts his daring solo ride across Afghanistan’s wild central route. On a 150cc local motorbike, Marc crossed from Kabul through Bamyan and the high mountain passes to Herat, stopping at the remote 12th-century Minaret of Jam—a UNESCO World Heritage site deep in the Hindu Kush Mountains.

Riding eight to ten hours on brutal, unpaved tracks, the central route is a path of extreme challenges. Marc will detail dealing with the Taliban, navigating this remote landscape, tackling treacherous, unpaved roads that cling to cliffsides, maneuvering through deep sand and river crossings, and coaxing the small motorbike over 12,000-foot, high-altitude passes. The journey highlights the constant negotiation with risk, the solitude of the vast, empty landscapes.

This program offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a side of Afghanistan few outsiders ever see. Marc will share stunning photographs and compelling stories of the incredible warmth and hospitality he received from the Afghan people in isolated villages. He will reflect on the unique perspective gained by traveling alone on two wheels, stripped of the usual barriers, allowing for genuine human connection. It’s a story about grit, the beauty of remote places, and the profound power of solo adventure to change the way we see the world.

Marc Weitz is an attorney, arbitrator, and adventurer whose life has been defined by a rare blend of intellectual rigor and intrepid exploration. After a distinguished career in finance on Wall Street with firms like Lehman Brothers and Morgan Stanley, Marc founded his own law practice in Los Angeles. A member of the Los Angeles Adventurers’ Club and the Explorers Club, Marc is an avid traveler who has visited 127 countries. Marc’s passion for adventure continually draws him to the worlds less-traveled roads. He is also a published author of three novels. Marc lives part-time in Paris and can often be found running or hiking when not planning his next journey.   

This program was organized by Phoebe Piper.