I Could Have Been a Dreamer: Cycling China in the Wrong Gear and Bound for Thailand

by Graham Field, Amanda Zito (illustrator)

Cycling China in the wrong gear and bound for ThailandIn this, Book 2 of the Rambling On trilogy, the load gets lighter and the speed slower, but Graham Field’s objective remains the he is fully focused on making the route to his demise as pleasurable as possible.And so the quest to his Chinese destiny begins. Now relieved of the whiskey, the road nevertheless continues to be an uphill struggle, not helped by the sub-zero winter temperatures. But being towed behind trucks and loaded on to buses evens out the ratio of endurance and pleasure.Along the way, Graham proves that, with a little manipulation, a dream can become a reality. Above the suffocating city pollution, he finds a clearer view of China upon a 2,000-year-old trading route through Shangri-La to Tibet. This revered road tempts with a Chinese an alluring ascent that calls to be ridden in a solitary trance of wonderment.As the author pushes on, he promises himself, should he reach that pinnacle of personal achievement, the run-off reward will be relaxation. With the descent into Thailand there is a change of gear. The gulf widens as he searches for the perfect beach retreat, refusing to be palmed off as a sex tourist.One day at a time, that’s how a journey progresses, that’s how a diary is written and a tale is told. It’s far less daunting that way.

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2023

About the author

Free audio book for instant download from my website.


Graham is a compulsive traveller, with a compelling manner of brutal honesty of integrity. His books are authentic experiences from his 37 years of diaries, kept as he's meandered around the planet from foot to bicycle, to motorbike to four wheels.


Travel on his mind, bikes in his blood and little in his wallet, Graham's low budget journeys of humour and honesty have inspired many to hit the road in search of their dreams. A solo traveller at heart, his observations take his readers with him to Mongolia, Iraq, the Arctic Circle and many other distant destinations.

With a life time of travel anecdotes and hard earned wisdom, Graham's view of the planet is unique and contagious.


Graham is the author of eight books, which are all available as audiobooks. Twice nominated as 'most inspiring adventurer' by Adventure Bike TV. He was a resident co-host on Adventure Rider Radio RAW for five years with Sam Manicom and Grant Johnson of Horizons Unlimited. He has written articles for various publications worldwide.