The Great Bicycle Expedition: Freewheeling Through Europe with a Cockamamie Family, a Potted Plant, and Bicycleseatus

by William C. Anderson

Copyright 1973, hardcover, ex-library, 208 pages, with b/w drawing on title page. "The family embarks on a bicycling experience, with mishaps and hardships coming all too frequently as these four cyclepaths try to master their new ten-speed racers. After a wobbly beginning in Denmark, the group continues through Sweden, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium (where Dortha's bicycle and pocketbook vanish), and France. Sandwiched within the adventure are tips about bicycling, anecdotes, lessons, observation and low-cost travel in Europe." Library cardholder/stamps/notations inside with sticker taped to lower spine. Binding is secure.

Genres: Travel, Humor

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

William C. Anderson served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II up through the Vietnam War, retiring as a colonel. He began writing in the 1950s, with a series of columns for MATS Flyer, the magazine of the Air Force's Military Air Transport Service (later MAC Flyer, after MATS became the Military Airlift Command).

Several of his books were autobiographical accounts of the adventures of Anderson, his wife, Dortha, and their children, Ann, Scott and Holly.

Reviews

[Megalion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the 70s by a truly adventurous soul and his family. It's really charming to read because its written with a colorful vernacular that has faded away somewhat with time from modern day vocabulary. The author has great affection for his wife and kids as well as a profound ability to relish all that life has to offer: meeting people, experiences even the not so positive ones, nature... everything.

It will definitely appear as very quaint to people but I relish this tale of times when people were inclined to see the best in others rather than the worst.

[Squeaky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving it five stars because I've read it at least three times and enjoyed it every time. I have read most of his other books, too, and enjoyed them also. Mr. Anderson was kind enough to reply to a letter I sent him many years ago, I was very charmed that he took the time.

[Denise Gossow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book. Will definitely look for more from this author.

[Rachel Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anderson takes something as mundane and ordinary as a bicycle trip, and makes it humorous and interesting. You can't tell what crazy adventures the family is going to get into next as they face down a line of tanks and "cause" disaster all across Europe. Among other things, the restaurant a visit burns (down?) and a boat crashes into the lounge where they wait for the next ferry.

The entire story is crazy, zany, wacky and it's so funny that it can be hard to believe that any of it's real.

I was given a free copy of this book for review purposes, but I didn't promise a positive review. The book earned it anyway.

[Alison]

kindle

[Dori Firman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book, it was an entertaining read.