Hell of a Ride: Chasing Home and Survival on a Bicycle Voyage Across Canada

by Martin Bauman

A spiritual successor to the bicycle-bound escapades of Kate Harris’s Lands of Lost Borders, with an emotional candour reminiscent of Antonio Michael Downing’s Saga Boy and Greg Gilhooly’s I Am Nobody, Bauman’s Hell of a Ride takes its readers on a journey from the rain-slicked streets of Vancouver, British Columbia, to the hills of St. John’s, Newfoundland, through encounters with couch-surfing swingers, pot-smoking Maritimers, runaway army veterans, prairie farmers, steely-eyed birdwatchers, and Kiwi empty-nesters. Along the way, Bauman interrogates the past through reflections on home, family secrets, and How to feel at home in a place one always itches to leave? And if one is always on the move, how to find a home at all?

Heartfelt and uplifting, Hell of a Ride is a coming-of-age tale of a son’s search to connect with his father and also come to terms with his own past. It is a clarion call for deep community, an ode to forgiveness – of oneself and others –and a love letter to the call of adventure.

220 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2024

Reviews

[Danielle Latour]

A beautifully written and deeply moving account of adventure and resilience. Martin’s vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling make you feel as though you are pedaling across Canada alongside him. His ability to weave so many interesting facts and tales seamlessly is a testament to his skill as a writer.
This narrative is not just about a physical journey, but also about an emotional and psychological journey toward understanding and healing. Martin’s bravery in sharing his vulnerabilities is both inspiring and touching. I appreciated his honest and open discussion about his family's struggles with mental health.

[Ian Reed]

Thank you for sharing your story Martin! Your willingness to be transparent gives voice to what a lot of us aren’t comfortable recognizing in ourselves, and reminds us that we aren’t alone. I was also challenged to remember that how we perceive others is never the full story, and our actions, positive or negative, can profoundly impact someone’s journey. Peace!

[SR]

4.5 stars I really liked this honest book on mental health awareness by a man who rides his bike across Canada and his inner reflection on himself and close others. It would have been a 5 if there was visual content eg a map, pictures and a follow up on his settling in Halifax. I really enjoyed this book.

[Haley MacKenzie]

If I could rate it higher than a 5, I would have. Incredible journey, extreme vulnerability, and just a fantastic read from start to finish. My usual review concludes with “would/would not recommend” today’s review concludes with you must read, a can’t miss.

[Jen Dawson]

I read this for my bookclub. It was fantastic - loved hearing about the mental health aspect of Martin's ride. I also loved that he pulled in a bunch of voices from the Global majority. Highly recommend this book

[Derrick Good]

Interesting read, not my usual, but enjoy cross Canada journey reading. Big ambition and perseverance to accomplish this task!

[Mya]

3.6

[epiong]

Makes me dream of riding across Canada. Good book about a personal journey of contemplation, growth, acceptance and understanding.