Farther Than the Sun Can See: A Tale of Two Men Riding for the Light

by Joel Friesen

Six months. Seventeen countries. And two clueless cyclists.

In 2016, Joel and Brad cycled from Belgium to India in support of women and children impacted by human trafficking.

From sleeping under bridges to pulling water from wells to dodging police and eating whatever strangers offered them (including canned horse, sheep’s tail, and fish caught by hand and killed by teeth) they adapted, and forged their way from Belgium, across Europe, through Central Asia toward their final India.

This is the ridiculous story of two young men who wanted to make a difference in the world but forgot to bring a map.

Enjoy the journey!

372 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2022

Reviews

[Josiah Barkowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly inspiring and engaging read. While most books and tales of adventure make you feel like an external observer, Joel’s writing welcomes you along for the ride.

[Manisha Blaskevitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way this book is written because it feels like you are sitting with Joel, drinking a coffee, while he shares his story. I caught myself laughing and smiling a lot more than I thought I would, considering how big a feat Brad and Joel undertook. But it was that comedic relief, the things Joel and Brad would say, that made the book feel even more personal and moving!

Such a raw, beautiful story of growth, self discovery and the impact two people can make by testing their limits! I commend Joel for sharing so much of his feelings throughout the book.

[Adam Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole book felt like I was sitting down with Joel over some coffee and recapping his once in a lifetime ride for freedom. Such kindness and care in every story. this book was incredibly impressive and I’m so proud of him for nailing this. Go Joel!

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Peter Lublink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I always love travel/adventure books and this one really delivered with the humor and honesty.

[Lance Bartel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Adventures will pass, but radical love for others will ripple through eternity” - Joel Friesen

This is a wonderfully written book. It is a raw, authentic, humorous adventure book that goes far beyond just being about adventure. Joel and Brad accomplished an incredible feat to raise support and awareness for the ongoing atrocities of human trafficking, with a specific focus on sex trafficking, that sadly are doing just as much, if not more damage, to countless lives as that industry has been doing for much of human existence. It is men like these and books like these that we need to stimulate us to take notice and action of how much our decisions (mostly unintentionally) perpetuate the horribly lucrative business of exploiting our fellow humans and selling of their lives.

Thank you Joel for sharing with us about your bravery and boldness to go into the dark places of your own heart and of those around you to bring about radical love and change.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. You will be engaged, challenged and inspired by the honest authenticity written in these pages!