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The Big Loop
In August 2015, Dunc Wilson became the first person to circumnavigate New Zealand on a bike. This 10,921km journey followed one rule: cycle the closest available route to the coastline.
216 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 20, 2019
This was an excellent read about Dunc's epic adventure being the first person to circumnavigate New Zealand by bike riding as close to the coastline as possible. I found it to be a very engaging read that takes you on the journey, provides some great stories of the people met throughout the country (some scary encounters!), and articulates well how challenging the whole journey was. Great achievement Dunc in the cycle and writing an excellent book.
Disclaimer: I have known Dunc for many years and joined him at points on his trip.
Disclaimer: I have known Dunc for many years and joined him at points on his trip.
February 13, 2022
Loved this book.
I m a meat-eater whose best friend turned vegan 2 years ago .good to see how far you got with no meat. (Well you did meet a number of people)
St John's a worthy cause neat to hear all your tales as you traveled round.
Thanks heaps.
I m a meat-eater whose best friend turned vegan 2 years ago .good to see how far you got with no meat. (Well you did meet a number of people)
St John's a worthy cause neat to hear all your tales as you traveled round.
Thanks heaps.
February 16, 2021
An engrossing tale of one man's quest to draw the outline of NZ's shoreline by bike. Whilst sitting firmly within the travel and adventure genres, 'The Big Loop' is also a reflection on the human drive to push our own physical and psychological boundaries, the need to connect with people and place and the subtle elements of our experience that can tilt us towards success or failure.
Saturated with humorous anecdotes, Dunc Wilson's candid account evidences what many would say is at the heart of NZ culture: kindness, generosity and a tendency to always assume the best of people. With beautiful scenic descriptions and accompanying photos, this book rides the route to escapism. So, sit in the saddle of your sofa, pedal those pages and feel the fresh sea air in your face.
Saturated with humorous anecdotes, Dunc Wilson's candid account evidences what many would say is at the heart of NZ culture: kindness, generosity and a tendency to always assume the best of people. With beautiful scenic descriptions and accompanying photos, this book rides the route to escapism. So, sit in the saddle of your sofa, pedal those pages and feel the fresh sea air in your face.
April 26, 2021
A brilliant read. I thoroughly enjoyed Duncan's epic adventures of Aotearoa. I still find it difficult to comprehend his magnificent achievement - a circumnavigation of New Zealand on a flipping bike!
The Big Loop is quite an easy read, and at the same time, engaging and has some hilarious moments. Moreover, I appreciated all the random and genuine encounters he's had on his journey - it makes me want to travel all over the country again.
Highly recommended to anyone who wants a taste of what it means to persevere and accomplish something incredible. Suitable for everyone, even if you've never touched a bike before. You will love it!
The Big Loop is quite an easy read, and at the same time, engaging and has some hilarious moments. Moreover, I appreciated all the random and genuine encounters he's had on his journey - it makes me want to travel all over the country again.
Highly recommended to anyone who wants a taste of what it means to persevere and accomplish something incredible. Suitable for everyone, even if you've never touched a bike before. You will love it!
May 9, 2020
Exceptional challenge but story a bit monotonous
January 4, 2021
Not merely a book about cycling the New Zealand coastline but a real insight into the small towns and incredible people encountered along the way. Quintessentially Kiwi.
January 25, 2022
Funny book about an epic achievement. Well worth a read. I enjoyed reading about Duncan passing through places I have been myself.
January 5, 2023
This is the true story of a man who gave up his ‘normal’ life to go on an epic, cycling adventure around the coastline of New Zealand.
Beginning with an amusing list of commonly asked questions from friends and family- including my main one ‘Why are you doing this?’- reading this book felt like having a secret window into an exciting, ever changing journey and all from the comfort of my indoor sofa!
I enjoyed being introduced to rarely visited areas of New Zealand in Dunc’s friendly voice and the most touching and funny stories came from his chance encounters with the could-not-be-made-up characters he met en route. One man in particular, who he had to run away from, I hope was a harmless weapon and children’s toy collector!
If you are looking for a heart-wrenching, soul-bearing memoir then this book is definitely not for you. If you are looking for a heartfelt, amusing narrator who will guide you through the entire country of NZ in under 250 pages then this book will be right up your street!
Beginning with an amusing list of commonly asked questions from friends and family- including my main one ‘Why are you doing this?’- reading this book felt like having a secret window into an exciting, ever changing journey and all from the comfort of my indoor sofa!
I enjoyed being introduced to rarely visited areas of New Zealand in Dunc’s friendly voice and the most touching and funny stories came from his chance encounters with the could-not-be-made-up characters he met en route. One man in particular, who he had to run away from, I hope was a harmless weapon and children’s toy collector!
If you are looking for a heart-wrenching, soul-bearing memoir then this book is definitely not for you. If you are looking for a heartfelt, amusing narrator who will guide you through the entire country of NZ in under 250 pages then this book will be right up your street!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews