Unfit and overweight at the age of 58 in 2002, Mary set off with her partner Warren to cycle round the world. They cycled for 2 years through 15 countries and 3 continents without backup or support, through areas not usually visited by tourists. Travelling through Europe, Asia and Australia with heavily-laden bicycles (including camping gear), they cycled 9000 miles before their trip was tragically cut short. From France to Turkey, India to Sri Lanka, Japan and Burma to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, from Thailand to Australia - all are described in detail and with humour. Their journey proved that anyone with a dream can make it a reality. Illustrated with colour photos.Several simple recipes are also included, which were collected on their travels, so that readers can enjoy them too.
A comprehensive travel journal of an 18 month trip by bicycle. The very notion that a retired couple from England would even undertake a journey across the world by bicycle is reason enough to read this fascinating book. The interactions with local people were so very interesting, the almost obsessive accounting for meals and lodging and descriptions of each meal and hotel room were not so interesting.
I am a travel writing junkie and love books like this. Mary's description of her travels was comprehensive and certainly she has a gift for picking out the details of her experience. The journey was cut short in the end due to a bereavement, but all the same a very interesting and enjoyable journey.
The story starts out as two ordinary people begin a long bike ride. By the time they’re done with the trip, you have slowly learned what extraordinary people they really are.
We had travelled to many of the places in this book although we went by plane. Really enjoyed the story and could visualize the little towns and villages.n
Very detailed description of a multi-country bike ride
Well written book from a pair who cycled through numerous countries. The author does a wonderful job describing the places, people, food & sights. Her attention to detail is impeccable. Though the book seemed long at times, I found the authors descriptions made me feel as if I was riding with them.
I selected this book because I enjoy reading about cycling. This book however was more of a travel log about tree destinations than about cycling. So if you want to read about cycle touring don't select this book. I was disappointed from the start but struggled to get through it.