Long Cloud Ride

by Josie Dew

After two months on board a Russian container ship sailing 15,000 miles across the world, Josie finally arrives in New Zealand with her bike. Over the next nine months she cycles 10,000 kilometers all over North and South Islands while experiencing the wettest, windiest, and stormiest year on record. During this time Josie was spat at, shouted at, honked at, and both run off and blown off the road. She got soaked, sunburned, hailed on, and snowed on; and was alternately starved and overfed, overcharged and under-charged. Then there was the wildlife—the possums (both dead and alive); exotic birds such as moreporks (with their eerie call) and fantails (who decided to follow); the ostriches, who liked to chase English cyclists and the harriers, who liked to dive bomb them; and the more familiar but no less frustrating farm animals, who provided sheep-jams and cow-blocks to slow Josie down. Josie brings New Zealand brilliantly to life. Warm, witty, and acutely observed as ever, her latest adventure is sure to delight old and new fans alike.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Biography, Cycling

369 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Crawford · Rating 2 out of 5]

This read is okay, yet this is being too harsh on the author; her riding exploits identify her as a hero but her writing skills leave something to be desired. I became irritated with her never-ending “joke” about literal translation of Maori place names. I was hooked into reading it by the author arriving in Auckland, and staying in Bayswater, one block away from where I spent the first 19+years of my life, and on p-9 listing the names of boats she saw at Bayswater marina (never existed way back then) which included Ladybird; the mere name transports me back to my youth. Lists punctuate the book and I am sure there are some who would derive pleasure from identifying something familiar to them as I did with the boat names, but . . . the technique tires. It was good to read of things that gave the author displeasure, this is not a journey seen through rose-tinted glasses, far from it; there is a touch of reality that is refreshing. I think the author’s mum drew the sketches that were a nice touch but she also drew the map, which was too small to follow the route of the journey. But, at the author’s recommendation I am now on the trail of Pedallers’ Paradise by Nigel Rushton.
CJHD
15-Jul-12

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised many others found this dull and whiney. What did you expect? She can't exaggerate, lie or go off trail just for some interesting reading! I was glad she wrote honestly about her travels, and with the added historical facts I learnt a lot about New Zealand. Josie always inspires me to cycle and explore, even when her experiences are negative!

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair account. Sorry about our shit drivers and random weather!

[Maribeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storyline could've been clearer. But, pretty enjoyable nonetheless. I treated myself to this one because I didn't make it to NZ, even though I made it to OZ in 2017.

[John Kirk · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main thing I got out of this book is that I never want to cycle in New Zealand: it sounds far too dangerous! Aside from that, it didn't particularly interest me. The cover compared her to Bill Bryson, but I've never read any of his books. If you like travelogues then this may well appeal to you. As a cyclist, I respect her ability but I'm less keen on her writing.

[Cress · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read whilst cycling in said country. For once I was a bit critical of my favourite cycling author. I'll keep reading her books tho'!
Found this a tad too dry.

[Sarah Mackey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just felt this book was one long whinge. I read it as I'm going to New Zealand but this would put you off!!!