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Gears for Queers
Keen to see some of Europe, queer couple Lilith and Abigail get on their old bikes and start pedalling. Along flat fens and up Swiss Alps, they will meet new friends and exorcise old demons as they push their bodies - and their relationship - to the limit.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2020
13 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 4, 2020
What a great and relatable book about REAL people and REAL cyclists.
Even though I am not British, but I am also queer, I have a vegan girlfriend, I have mental illness and I have had to deal with mansplaning more times than I care to count.
These are some of the reasons this book spoke to me on so many levels. It hit close to home to have someone so authentic tell their story.
This book has made me feel a whole spectrum of emotions and I don’t think it can leave any sympathetic person indifferent.
This story is a wonderful account of interpersonal issues and challenges and a captivating description of bold and unusual travels.
A must read to anyone but especially to those who feel unrepresented in the media, for instance, those who want to live sustainably and vegan, those who have periods, those who suffer with mental illness, those who are queer and those who do not seem to fit into the expectations that the world likes to put onto us.
This book is for those seeking their own way and leading their own path to understanding of the inner self and the rawness of the nature around us.
And on a different note - due to my girlfriend being British I had someone there to ask about the numerous words and some abbreviations in the book that made little to no sense to me.
But, not everyone is that lucky. And it’s no fun having to google stuff too often. I believe the book may unjustly lose its appeal to many readers who have no idea what NHS or GCSE mean, or that the word ‘stones’ could be used regarding someone’s weight.
This is why I believe it would be very considerate to many readers to have some of the terms in the book, that perhaps are not that easy to guess from the context, be explained for those not too closely familiar with the British systems and culture. Perhaps an ‘index’ section at the end of the book or short clarifications at the bottom of the pages would have been something I really would have preferred.
Even though I am not British, but I am also queer, I have a vegan girlfriend, I have mental illness and I have had to deal with mansplaning more times than I care to count.
These are some of the reasons this book spoke to me on so many levels. It hit close to home to have someone so authentic tell their story.
This book has made me feel a whole spectrum of emotions and I don’t think it can leave any sympathetic person indifferent.
This story is a wonderful account of interpersonal issues and challenges and a captivating description of bold and unusual travels.
A must read to anyone but especially to those who feel unrepresented in the media, for instance, those who want to live sustainably and vegan, those who have periods, those who suffer with mental illness, those who are queer and those who do not seem to fit into the expectations that the world likes to put onto us.
This book is for those seeking their own way and leading their own path to understanding of the inner self and the rawness of the nature around us.
And on a different note - due to my girlfriend being British I had someone there to ask about the numerous words and some abbreviations in the book that made little to no sense to me.
But, not everyone is that lucky. And it’s no fun having to google stuff too often. I believe the book may unjustly lose its appeal to many readers who have no idea what NHS or GCSE mean, or that the word ‘stones’ could be used regarding someone’s weight.
This is why I believe it would be very considerate to many readers to have some of the terms in the book, that perhaps are not that easy to guess from the context, be explained for those not too closely familiar with the British systems and culture. Perhaps an ‘index’ section at the end of the book or short clarifications at the bottom of the pages would have been something I really would have preferred.
May 8, 2020
What a fun read!
This is a true story following Abi and Lili, a pair of amateur cyclists as they cycle from Amsterdam to Spain. This follows their triumphs and all the hurdles along the way.
By chapter two, I already loved the funny narrative of this and how they both felt extremely relatable. I also enjoyed how you did actually learn some of the history of every country along the way.
Throughout the book, important topics were also discussed such as, body image, mental health and LGBTQ rights.
This really makes you feel like you're on the journey with them and I found it really inspiring how they continued to persevere through even when they felt like giving up. And as an added bonus, there's some easy recipes to follow too!
Thank you to Netgalley and Sandstone Press for providing me a copy to read.
This is a true story following Abi and Lili, a pair of amateur cyclists as they cycle from Amsterdam to Spain. This follows their triumphs and all the hurdles along the way.
By chapter two, I already loved the funny narrative of this and how they both felt extremely relatable. I also enjoyed how you did actually learn some of the history of every country along the way.
Throughout the book, important topics were also discussed such as, body image, mental health and LGBTQ rights.
This really makes you feel like you're on the journey with them and I found it really inspiring how they continued to persevere through even when they felt like giving up. And as an added bonus, there's some easy recipes to follow too!
Thank you to Netgalley and Sandstone Press for providing me a copy to read.
May 11, 2020
I should admit to not being the target audience for this book, but I asked to read it because I enjoy travelling, bike and have many LGBT friends. I also travelled extensively in Holland, Germany , France and Spain so hoped that I would recognise the places described.
I found the book hard-going most of the time. Why is a LGBT person different to anyone else ? Why set off on such an epic journey without very much preparation ? There is little description of the areas travelled and lots about supermarkets, meals (very similar throughout the journey) and bike troubles. What would have been interesting is which books they were reading, more reflection on what they were doing and their relationship ups and downs.I felt the drugery of the journey because it was described step by step (or pedal by pedal) . Problems with people along the way were not terribly obvious to me (not the target audience ) though I do see and appreciate that people are not always fully accepted in all societies , that can result from reasons other than one's sexuality or gender issues (I have lived outside my birth country for periods of time)
Great that the couple finished their journey to their satisfaction and that there was an update in the epilogue, but here too I missed the reasoning behind their decisions ... I wish them luck
Thankyou to Net Galley for the read in exchange for an honest review
I found the book hard-going most of the time. Why is a LGBT person different to anyone else ? Why set off on such an epic journey without very much preparation ? There is little description of the areas travelled and lots about supermarkets, meals (very similar throughout the journey) and bike troubles. What would have been interesting is which books they were reading, more reflection on what they were doing and their relationship ups and downs.I felt the drugery of the journey because it was described step by step (or pedal by pedal) . Problems with people along the way were not terribly obvious to me (not the target audience ) though I do see and appreciate that people are not always fully accepted in all societies , that can result from reasons other than one's sexuality or gender issues (I have lived outside my birth country for periods of time)
Great that the couple finished their journey to their satisfaction and that there was an update in the epilogue, but here too I missed the reasoning behind their decisions ... I wish them luck
Thankyou to Net Galley for the read in exchange for an honest review
May 24, 2020
In a pretty miserable time, this was a really joyful read. 4.5
February 17, 2020
Gears for Queers is a truly raw and honest account of bike touring by a couple of real people. Abi and Lili lay bare the trials and tribulations of travelling under your own steam in unfamiliar territory, both geographical and emotional! These are not a couple of lycra-clad MAMIL's who constantly reference their Koomoot route finders, or upload every turn of the pedal on Strava (yes, that one's me!), but a couple of sometimes happy, sometimes sad, sometimes lucky, sometimes unfortunate, and, through all of it, consistently persistent and brave individuals doing something different for themselves.
I found their honesty both heartbreaking and hilarious in turns and genuinely believe this is a book that will inspire many people out there to just try something that will take them out of their comfort zone and push them to find their own new boundaries.
Thank you to the publisher for my advance reading copy.
I found their honesty both heartbreaking and hilarious in turns and genuinely believe this is a book that will inspire many people out there to just try something that will take them out of their comfort zone and push them to find their own new boundaries.
Thank you to the publisher for my advance reading copy.
April 4, 2021
As I'm not LGBTQ+ I'm admittedly probably not the target audience of the book, but I read this for my interest in cycling and travel. It's an interesting book, especially when pointing out the sad irony of Brexit versus being able to pass freely through Europe, and the gutsy approach Lili and Abi had for tackling such a big trip is admirable . Unfortunately the book doesn't go into any detail about the places they travel through, so there's never any "I'll add that to the to-go-list" moments, and the running theme is that the whole experience seemed to be an ordeal rather than an adventure - maybe I'm missing the point but rather than inspiring anyone to do a similar trip, it could easily put someone off the whole idea.
June 22, 2020
This is a delightful and raw adventure of a queer couple taking cycle tour of Europe. I adore the narrative non-fiction style of writing, and switching back and forth between perspectives. While Abi was open and honest about her frustration regarding how people on the trail treated her because of her weight, Lil gave us insight into the gender discrimination they face daily. Both authors are frank about their mental health needs and disabilities, and it was refreshing to see people arguing through the stressful times and coming back to each other through understanding and apologies. Most importantly, this made me want to go on an adventure again, which is something I hope to do post-pandemic.
August 9, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! It was everything I wanted to read and it was refreshing to read people I understand and relate to kick ass at cycling and prove that it's open to everyone.
Also appreciated the honesty of the tough times and even though I'm now itching to get out and do a similar journey at least I'm looking at it with clear rather than rose tinted glasses.
Keen to read more from these two!
Also appreciated the honesty of the tough times and even though I'm now itching to get out and do a similar journey at least I'm looking at it with clear rather than rose tinted glasses.
Keen to read more from these two!
January 10, 2025
2.5/5
This book gave me such an ick, which is such an awful thing to say when it’s like a memos or like someone discussing their own experiences. But it felt like the authors were trying to constantly be politically correct and then the statements that they were saying came off as entitled and rich.
I just could not stand it.
The actual concept is cool, and some of their interactions were interesting to read about. But overall the book felt like it didn’t really say much at all. Also as someone who is in a lot of similar categories as these people (queer, dietary restrictions, fat, chronically ill) I just did not feel seen or identified with them within the book despite the fact that it seemed like the intention was that I would.
Definitely not my favorite read personally
This book gave me such an ick, which is such an awful thing to say when it’s like a memos or like someone discussing their own experiences. But it felt like the authors were trying to constantly be politically correct and then the statements that they were saying came off as entitled and rich.
I just could not stand it.
The actual concept is cool, and some of their interactions were interesting to read about. But overall the book felt like it didn’t really say much at all. Also as someone who is in a lot of similar categories as these people (queer, dietary restrictions, fat, chronically ill) I just did not feel seen or identified with them within the book despite the fact that it seemed like the intention was that I would.
Definitely not my favorite read personally
March 31, 2020
Thank you so much to Abi and Lili for sending me an ARC!
I have a lot of love for this book. I already think it's going to be one of my favourite reads of the year. It's just so candid, self-aware, and free of pretence. Also, I can't not mention that during this time of confinement, I loved reminiscing what it's like to be in the outdoors.
There were so many strong running themes and bits that were familiar to my experiences:
- Fizzy water as a default in Germany (I will never get used to this)
- Travelling on your period (specifically with a menstrual cup)
- Hard-won body positivity ('This body had cycled me across four countries, and it was still fat. I was still fat. I was strong and fit and resilient and fat. It just didn't matter anymore.')
- Travelling while queer (intuiting whether it's okay to let on to others that you are, in fact, more than friends)
- Experiencing mental health issues while queer ('I didn't want this private part of me pathologised or problematised')
- Other cyclists making you feel like an inadequate cyclist, inadvertently or not (e.g. being snooty about "easy" paths)
- Acknowledging the privilege of travelling by choice on a Western/EU passport, while many others move across borders because they have nowhere else to go
- The social media rival (JustTofuOfUs!!!)
- Growing up in Norfolk / The Fens
- ...having a freezing, miserable time camping in Switzerland.
However, the great thing about this book wasn't just that it was relatable to me personally. It's the fact that just by dint of doing the tour and adding their voices to the cycling narrative, Abi and Lili are breaking stereotypes — and maybe even more importantly, finding new ways to listen to themselves and each other. In other words, this book is very much needed. I even felt teary at the end :')
I have a lot of love for this book. I already think it's going to be one of my favourite reads of the year. It's just so candid, self-aware, and free of pretence. Also, I can't not mention that during this time of confinement, I loved reminiscing what it's like to be in the outdoors.
There were so many strong running themes and bits that were familiar to my experiences:
- Fizzy water as a default in Germany (I will never get used to this)
- Travelling on your period (specifically with a menstrual cup)
- Hard-won body positivity ('This body had cycled me across four countries, and it was still fat. I was still fat. I was strong and fit and resilient and fat. It just didn't matter anymore.')
- Travelling while queer (intuiting whether it's okay to let on to others that you are, in fact, more than friends)
- Experiencing mental health issues while queer ('I didn't want this private part of me pathologised or problematised')
- Other cyclists making you feel like an inadequate cyclist, inadvertently or not (e.g. being snooty about "easy" paths)
- Acknowledging the privilege of travelling by choice on a Western/EU passport, while many others move across borders because they have nowhere else to go
- The social media rival (JustTofuOfUs!!!)
- Growing up in Norfolk / The Fens
- ...having a freezing, miserable time camping in Switzerland.
However, the great thing about this book wasn't just that it was relatable to me personally. It's the fact that just by dint of doing the tour and adding their voices to the cycling narrative, Abi and Lili are breaking stereotypes — and maybe even more importantly, finding new ways to listen to themselves and each other. In other words, this book is very much needed. I even felt teary at the end :')
July 1, 2020
Ever since I first learnt about this book some months ago, I've desperately wanted to read it. And yet when a few books I'd ordered a couple of weeks ago turned up, I couldn't bring myself to open the pages first for some reason. Daft. I cheated myself out of a week of not having read it.
I thought it was just brilliant. A few other reviews have mentioned repetitive elements including a focus on food. Well, despite having not ridden a bike for about ten years, I personally felt that those things took me right there on the cycle tour with Abi and Lili. The sheer mental and physical determination it must have taken to keep going and cover distance on some days would 100% have me drowning out anything I deemed unnecessary and focussing solely on pedalling my feet, and eating food. I thought it was a sheer testament to the honesty and rawness of two ordinary people embarking on such a journey that they didn't totally ignore these things, in favour of only talking romantically about the places they visited which is so often the case in the narrative non-fiction about travel that I've read in the past.
I really liked that the chapters were split into Abi and Lili talking about their experience of the trip. Whilst it's clear that it was an intensely shared experience, they both had their own personal challenges and struggles to overcome and it was great to hear their thoughts in their own voices, neither shying away from exploring their emotions, thoughts and actions.
There are some very funny moments, as well as times when I felt myself tearing up - I don't know either of the authors from Adam, but it made me feel like we were sat sharing a portion of chips whilst they took it in turns to tell me about their trip. I would highly recommended it, and I really hope they do more tours and write more books!
I thought it was just brilliant. A few other reviews have mentioned repetitive elements including a focus on food. Well, despite having not ridden a bike for about ten years, I personally felt that those things took me right there on the cycle tour with Abi and Lili. The sheer mental and physical determination it must have taken to keep going and cover distance on some days would 100% have me drowning out anything I deemed unnecessary and focussing solely on pedalling my feet, and eating food. I thought it was a sheer testament to the honesty and rawness of two ordinary people embarking on such a journey that they didn't totally ignore these things, in favour of only talking romantically about the places they visited which is so often the case in the narrative non-fiction about travel that I've read in the past.
I really liked that the chapters were split into Abi and Lili talking about their experience of the trip. Whilst it's clear that it was an intensely shared experience, they both had their own personal challenges and struggles to overcome and it was great to hear their thoughts in their own voices, neither shying away from exploring their emotions, thoughts and actions.
There are some very funny moments, as well as times when I felt myself tearing up - I don't know either of the authors from Adam, but it made me feel like we were sat sharing a portion of chips whilst they took it in turns to tell me about their trip. I would highly recommended it, and I really hope they do more tours and write more books!
July 16, 2020
Bikes Across Europe
Review of the Sandstone Press paperback edition (2020)
Gears for Queers documents a 3 month / 2,000 km. journey by authors/partners Abi and Lily as they biked across Europe from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Portbou, Spain in 2016. This is not so much a travelogue as a challenge adventure for the two who are honest about their various mental health and well-being issues along the way. Certainly there are tourist sites that are encountered, but the draw of this book is to read how they challenge and comfort each other along the route, especially when one or the other is ready to quit or abandon the entire trip. The honesty endears you to both of them.
The story is told in often alternating chapters between the two, sometimes with both of them giving their view of the same events especially on days when they hit a crisis point. The issue of their sexuality didn't enter into it too much although it is evident that they practice safety in revealing their relationship when dealing with strangers until acceptance became clear.
Highly recommended for fans of atypical road trip and relationship journeys.
Trivia and Links
Gears for Queers is available through most UK book outlets, but also from the writers themselves at Gears for Queers Big Cartel along with various vegan recipe zines.
Gears for Queers includes several vegan recipes and a map of the journey. It is missing photos though, but you can see many of those on the Gears for Queers Instagram where the 2016 journey begins here with a bikes and gear photo.
Review of the Sandstone Press paperback edition (2020)
Gears for Queers documents a 3 month / 2,000 km. journey by authors/partners Abi and Lily as they biked across Europe from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Portbou, Spain in 2016. This is not so much a travelogue as a challenge adventure for the two who are honest about their various mental health and well-being issues along the way. Certainly there are tourist sites that are encountered, but the draw of this book is to read how they challenge and comfort each other along the route, especially when one or the other is ready to quit or abandon the entire trip. The honesty endears you to both of them.
The story is told in often alternating chapters between the two, sometimes with both of them giving their view of the same events especially on days when they hit a crisis point. The issue of their sexuality didn't enter into it too much although it is evident that they practice safety in revealing their relationship when dealing with strangers until acceptance became clear.
Highly recommended for fans of atypical road trip and relationship journeys.
Trivia and Links
Gears for Queers is available through most UK book outlets, but also from the writers themselves at Gears for Queers Big Cartel along with various vegan recipe zines.
Gears for Queers includes several vegan recipes and a map of the journey. It is missing photos though, but you can see many of those on the Gears for Queers Instagram where the 2016 journey begins here with a bikes and gear photo.
June 22, 2020
This left me with the overwhelming need to hug both Abi and Lil.
A beautiful and insight adventure of a queer couple taking cycle tour of Europe.
It switching from Abi to Lil, telling both their points of view as the tour unfolds.
My cope is now littered with highlighted passeges and tab notes, as it made me feel all the feelings.
Abi and Lil talk about the predjudice and difficulties of gender freedom. Disscussing periods on tour, saftey vs their male counterparts and weight.
They both have a frank way of writing about mental health and how the world can easily overwhelm them. This felt very personal and made sense to me. They have a great way of vocalising the feeling of panic and the need for time to breath.
(plus that sometimes, only watching Bake-off will solve a loud head)
It was an education inseeing people arguing, and understanding that sometimes you just need to lose your temper, it doesn't mean you don;t care and love the person you're with.
It made me want to take off on a road trip soooo bad and experience the freedom.
A beautiful and insight adventure of a queer couple taking cycle tour of Europe.
It switching from Abi to Lil, telling both their points of view as the tour unfolds.
My cope is now littered with highlighted passeges and tab notes, as it made me feel all the feelings.
Abi and Lil talk about the predjudice and difficulties of gender freedom. Disscussing periods on tour, saftey vs their male counterparts and weight.
They both have a frank way of writing about mental health and how the world can easily overwhelm them. This felt very personal and made sense to me. They have a great way of vocalising the feeling of panic and the need for time to breath.
(plus that sometimes, only watching Bake-off will solve a loud head)
It was an education inseeing people arguing, and understanding that sometimes you just need to lose your temper, it doesn't mean you don;t care and love the person you're with.
It made me want to take off on a road trip soooo bad and experience the freedom.
September 7, 2021
Aw this was so sweet. Abi and Lili are a sweet, anxious, vegan queer couple who decide, with no prior experience, to go on a year long cycle tour through Europe. It is a tough journey: they accurately recount themselves crying a lot, arguing over directions, getting sick, being too scared to chat to strangers, crying even more. At first I thought they were wusses (lol), now I want to chat with them about zines and go on a cycle tour myself.
July 13, 2021
Absolutely loved this, so grateful to the authors for their raw honesty. Also just a beautiful object - each section ends with a vegan recipe.
May 9, 2020
I requested this book on netgalley mostly because it said “queer” in the title. So when I was accepted and read that it was actually mostly about cycling; my thought was “why did I request this!?!?”.... I was pleasantly surprised by how much i enjoyed it!
This account of Lili and Abi’s journey cycling through Europe is so so charming, funny and more importantly HONEST! This is not your usual “cycling is amazing and I am an amazing athlete” type book- this is just two normal every day people going and doing something they really wanted to do! Full of great highs and lows, they tell every detail of their story (revealing even the most personal thoughts) in such a manner that you can’t help but want to read on!
There are so many relatable points for me; suffering from terrible migraines, worrying about safety (especially as being queer), anxiety in new situations and places, not being super fit, lack of public toilets.. and of course the big ones- periods! Their honesty has made me think that maybe I would give it a go in spite of these things that I would usually let hold me back!
I really enjoyed the different chapters for each person as it’s seen from different points of view. Also the fact that they are small chapters make it so much easier to read and understand. The use of the chapter headings for the days and what part travelling also helps readers when putting it down and picking it back up! Also the recipe parts were a lovely surprise (even for a non vegan) and I’ll definitely be trying a few out 😁.
There were a few minor things that I wasn’t so keen on. There were times when they were quoting a different language and it maybe wasn’t as obvious what that translated to in English... so I found myself guessing a bit there. Also as much as I LOVE their personal opinions on such things as brexit, global chains etc, the style of writing seemed to switch from a nice easy style to that of someone writing a dissertation at uni. So maybe the point could be lost to the reader as these were more complex and skimmed over.
All in all a great read and I thank them for the chance to review.
This account of Lili and Abi’s journey cycling through Europe is so so charming, funny and more importantly HONEST! This is not your usual “cycling is amazing and I am an amazing athlete” type book- this is just two normal every day people going and doing something they really wanted to do! Full of great highs and lows, they tell every detail of their story (revealing even the most personal thoughts) in such a manner that you can’t help but want to read on!
There are so many relatable points for me; suffering from terrible migraines, worrying about safety (especially as being queer), anxiety in new situations and places, not being super fit, lack of public toilets.. and of course the big ones- periods! Their honesty has made me think that maybe I would give it a go in spite of these things that I would usually let hold me back!
I really enjoyed the different chapters for each person as it’s seen from different points of view. Also the fact that they are small chapters make it so much easier to read and understand. The use of the chapter headings for the days and what part travelling also helps readers when putting it down and picking it back up! Also the recipe parts were a lovely surprise (even for a non vegan) and I’ll definitely be trying a few out 😁.
There were a few minor things that I wasn’t so keen on. There were times when they were quoting a different language and it maybe wasn’t as obvious what that translated to in English... so I found myself guessing a bit there. Also as much as I LOVE their personal opinions on such things as brexit, global chains etc, the style of writing seemed to switch from a nice easy style to that of someone writing a dissertation at uni. So maybe the point could be lost to the reader as these were more complex and skimmed over.
All in all a great read and I thank them for the chance to review.
May 25, 2020
Thank you to publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read this book!
My absolute favourite about this book was to read from two different points of view. It was nice to get to know both Lili and Abi, to get a glimpse about their thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams.
My second favourite were the depictions of scenery. Sometimes I could smell the rain, hear the traffic and see what they saw.
I wish I'd liked this book more just for those things. But sadly, it fell flat. The best moments were cut abruptly short, and some were gone throught with excruciating detail. I know I'm maybe not the most targeted audience, but I was left wanting something more. And sometimes something less.
All in all, an enjoyable read, and I'm happy I got a chance to read this. It made me start dreaming about a cycle tour of my own :)
My absolute favourite about this book was to read from two different points of view. It was nice to get to know both Lili and Abi, to get a glimpse about their thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams.
My second favourite were the depictions of scenery. Sometimes I could smell the rain, hear the traffic and see what they saw.
I wish I'd liked this book more just for those things. But sadly, it fell flat. The best moments were cut abruptly short, and some were gone throught with excruciating detail. I know I'm maybe not the most targeted audience, but I was left wanting something more. And sometimes something less.
All in all, an enjoyable read, and I'm happy I got a chance to read this. It made me start dreaming about a cycle tour of my own :)
December 14, 2021
A really cool, fun and thought-provoking read. A ton of crying bored me a bit - i alreasy cry often, im not sure i need to read about people crying as often as me. That being said I love how honest this account was.
June 8, 2020
This book gave me so much joy! As someone who doesn’t really cycle (I prefer my skates!) and who doesn’t travel very much, it was excellent to live vicariously through Abi & Lili’s travels. I ate this book up so quickly - it was really easy to fall into the rhythm, and the switches between Abi & Lili’s story showed a change in narrative voice but didn’t disrupt the story at all, and allows us to see a whole picture of how they both felt along the journey. It was, at times, hilariously funny, relatable and heartwarming to read about their journey.
As a queer person, I often worry about how I will be perceived and received in new spaces, and seeing this discussed and reflected in Gears for Queers was so validating. The book also examines a multitude of different privileges and how that can make cycling tours and travelling easier for some bodies. For example, looking at the ease of British travellers crossing borders but being starkly reminded of migrants whose travel and entry into some countries is criminalised is so important, and encourages reflection on the ways that we choose to travel.
Reading this book was a good reminder to myself to take care of myself, and to continue to re-evaluate my needs rather than pushing too hard to reach specific goals. I honestly feel so grateful that it exists, and very glad to have read it.
As a queer person, I often worry about how I will be perceived and received in new spaces, and seeing this discussed and reflected in Gears for Queers was so validating. The book also examines a multitude of different privileges and how that can make cycling tours and travelling easier for some bodies. For example, looking at the ease of British travellers crossing borders but being starkly reminded of migrants whose travel and entry into some countries is criminalised is so important, and encourages reflection on the ways that we choose to travel.
Reading this book was a good reminder to myself to take care of myself, and to continue to re-evaluate my needs rather than pushing too hard to reach specific goals. I honestly feel so grateful that it exists, and very glad to have read it.
June 17, 2020
Having undertaken cycle tours in France many years ago and recently returned to cycling I was drawn to this book as an escape from lockdown. It started as a tale of two fairly unfit young women (can I say that if one wishes to be referred to as 'they'?) who hadn't cycled much since childhood before deciding to cycle/camp from Amsterdam to Spain.
I must admit that just a few chapters in I was a bit fed up with the tears and tantrums of the pair. However - and they acknowledge this aspect themselves shortly afterwards - they put on their big girl knickers and got on with it. It is at this point that you start cheering them on and really want Lilli and Abi to succeed in their planned trip. Both have their issues which they are trying to overcome and which they are quite open about, and their honesty does make you think about these issues and warm to them even more. I have nothing but admiration for the pair who managed to cycle through Switzerland after only a couple of months on bikes.
Other than a laugh out loud moment which relates to the 'Queers' of the title, the title shouldn't mean that this book is consigned to the LGBTQ section where it will be overlooked by many. This is a travel book which anyone can enjoy. It's an honest account of trying and succeeding. Well done!
I must admit that just a few chapters in I was a bit fed up with the tears and tantrums of the pair. However - and they acknowledge this aspect themselves shortly afterwards - they put on their big girl knickers and got on with it. It is at this point that you start cheering them on and really want Lilli and Abi to succeed in their planned trip. Both have their issues which they are trying to overcome and which they are quite open about, and their honesty does make you think about these issues and warm to them even more. I have nothing but admiration for the pair who managed to cycle through Switzerland after only a couple of months on bikes.
Other than a laugh out loud moment which relates to the 'Queers' of the title, the title shouldn't mean that this book is consigned to the LGBTQ section where it will be overlooked by many. This is a travel book which anyone can enjoy. It's an honest account of trying and succeeding. Well done!
July 10, 2020
This was something really different from what I usually read, but I'm not sure if there is any other books about a queer couple cycling across Europe, which made it even more special. It was really inspiring to read about two people carving a space for themselves in the cycling world and also made me want to get a bike! The book is quite personal and also very tender as they learn to forgive themselves individually but also as a couple, which I just thought was so nice. It was great to read about people doing something for enjoyment rather than for gain or as an expert. All too often there is pressure to only do things if you are good at it or can make money, so it was refreshing to read about people making mistakes and not getting it right first time, then continuing anyway. The dislike of the instagram perfect cycle tourers was also so relatable. I liked the blend of cycle anecdotes and wider, more political thoughts which were touched on throughout.
January 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! When I first bought it, I didn’t realise it was a true story! Knowing that, made it 1000x more enjoyable for me! Sometimes it felt like I was listening to a couple of friends telling me their story, and sometimes it felt like I was on a bike joining them!!
I love how real they speak, and it’s just relatable. What emotions and actions they go through, was so humbling to me as I feel I’d be the same. I’d love to cycle through Europe, but I wouldn’t class myself as the fittest and the thought of saddle sore makes me wince. So it was nice to read a realistic representation of two “ordinary” people persevering with a challenge they set themselves! I was so invested. I could hardly put the book down! I Just wanted to know what happens next! Also love that it flits between Abi and Lili’s narrative.
I enjoyed this book so much, that I actually read it all in one day, on my day off! Was the perfect accompaniment to my forced “lazy day”! 5 stars!!
I love how real they speak, and it’s just relatable. What emotions and actions they go through, was so humbling to me as I feel I’d be the same. I’d love to cycle through Europe, but I wouldn’t class myself as the fittest and the thought of saddle sore makes me wince. So it was nice to read a realistic representation of two “ordinary” people persevering with a challenge they set themselves! I was so invested. I could hardly put the book down! I Just wanted to know what happens next! Also love that it flits between Abi and Lili’s narrative.
I enjoyed this book so much, that I actually read it all in one day, on my day off! Was the perfect accompaniment to my forced “lazy day”! 5 stars!!
June 4, 2025
I read this for my Madrid lesbian book club and I have a few thoughts. First, I acknowledge that Lili and Abi wanted to add a queer disability lens to the able-bodied, white voices that dominate the travel and cycle touring world both online and in print, so I give them credit for that. I don’t want to rag on something that is necessary like this.
I think the most prominent thing is that I can’t work out whether the audience for this book is fans of memoirs or fans of accounts of cycle tours, and I think they rode the line between the two in a way that made it not deep enough in either regard. I also felt like there were nuggets of great political or personal analysis but one paragraph later it was into the same account of the tour that’s on every other page. I’m not a cyclist so maybe it’s that I wasn’t super interested in that side of it, but I would’ve loved to have explored more of their political and personal sides of it as opposed to the detailed accounts of biking.
I think the most prominent thing is that I can’t work out whether the audience for this book is fans of memoirs or fans of accounts of cycle tours, and I think they rode the line between the two in a way that made it not deep enough in either regard. I also felt like there were nuggets of great political or personal analysis but one paragraph later it was into the same account of the tour that’s on every other page. I’m not a cyclist so maybe it’s that I wasn’t super interested in that side of it, but I would’ve loved to have explored more of their political and personal sides of it as opposed to the detailed accounts of biking.
June 28, 2020
I'm very biased, as Lili and Abi are my friends!
But I fully loved this book.
It was like reading a long extended letter from them both, and I'm so happy that other readers get to experience what it is like to get letters or chat to Lili and Abi.
I knew some of the tales of success and woe before the book came out, but it was really refreshing to hear both Lili and Abi reflect on the wider context of their experiences and to think back to how things were in 2015/1016 and how they are now.
I cycle only as a commuter and only in the flatlands of the fens (so no Switzerland for me), but this book got me excited about travel, camping and pushing some of my limits in search of an adventure; and right now in covid-19 lockdown thinking about going outside remains scary and daunting, so having a bit of excitement about that is very welcome to me.
But I fully loved this book.
It was like reading a long extended letter from them both, and I'm so happy that other readers get to experience what it is like to get letters or chat to Lili and Abi.
I knew some of the tales of success and woe before the book came out, but it was really refreshing to hear both Lili and Abi reflect on the wider context of their experiences and to think back to how things were in 2015/1016 and how they are now.
I cycle only as a commuter and only in the flatlands of the fens (so no Switzerland for me), but this book got me excited about travel, camping and pushing some of my limits in search of an adventure; and right now in covid-19 lockdown thinking about going outside remains scary and daunting, so having a bit of excitement about that is very welcome to me.
October 10, 2020
As a vegan queer who is in a relationship with another vegan queer, and is currently planning a long-haul wild-camping hiking/cycling journey, this book felt like it was made for me!
This was my first non-fiction book written by queer people, and the power of reading something that represents you was incredible. Even the moments where they had to hide parts of their identity and relationships, whilst saddening, was validating for someone who has had to do the same.
I loved how truthful they both were about the impact of the journey on their relationship, mental health and queer identities. It helped to paint a true, real picture of what it was like, which made me like them even more.
Thanks Abi and Lili for inspiring our journey - I'll keep this book in mind when we face similar bumps in the road 🥰
This was my first non-fiction book written by queer people, and the power of reading something that represents you was incredible. Even the moments where they had to hide parts of their identity and relationships, whilst saddening, was validating for someone who has had to do the same.
I loved how truthful they both were about the impact of the journey on their relationship, mental health and queer identities. It helped to paint a true, real picture of what it was like, which made me like them even more.
Thanks Abi and Lili for inspiring our journey - I'll keep this book in mind when we face similar bumps in the road 🥰
June 15, 2023
It felt like a fiction book, but it was a non-fiction one, the raw story of a queer couple that decided to take a cycle tour in Europe. It's not a standard travel book, but a more in-depth book about the difficulties the two cyclists faced, the inner struggles and the accomplishments. They both faced mental issues in the past, that they emerged during the tour, and they were put out very bravely. I related a lot to the mentions about the mansplaining, the fear of two females traveling by themselves, and I understood the insecurity they felt from time to time about their queerness and how important is to create a safe environment for all human beings.
Would I do a cycle tour after reading this book? Absolutely not. I would not have done it even before reading it. But it was a very interesting book to read, a quick one, written in a way that definitely captures your interest.
Would I do a cycle tour after reading this book? Absolutely not. I would not have done it even before reading it. But it was a very interesting book to read, a quick one, written in a way that definitely captures your interest.
July 20, 2020
A well-written, raw and honest account of the ups and downs of cycle touring. Great to read more underrepresented voices in the world of cycling.
Abi and Lili talk about many subjects that are often ignored in other cycling books - privilege, visibility, belonging, mental and physical health, disability, fear, lack of confidence, periods, fitness. This feels like one of the truest accounts I have read of touring.
Loved the recipes and illustrations. Lovely touches to the read.
My only criticism is that I would have liked to have learned more about the two authors; their voices were so interesting and unique. I would like to learn more of their personal stories and how cycling has aided or hindered their journeys.
Abi and Lili talk about many subjects that are often ignored in other cycling books - privilege, visibility, belonging, mental and physical health, disability, fear, lack of confidence, periods, fitness. This feels like one of the truest accounts I have read of touring.
Loved the recipes and illustrations. Lovely touches to the read.
My only criticism is that I would have liked to have learned more about the two authors; their voices were so interesting and unique. I would like to learn more of their personal stories and how cycling has aided or hindered their journeys.
June 30, 2020
I really, really liked this. It's honest, thoughtful, and will have you both fantasising about going on a cycle tour as well as pondering what exactly counts as an essential (cue nightmares about when I dragged swimsuits 120km through a mountain range. In December.)
It's a really fun, enjoyable, insightful read! You should read it, especially if you have feelings about cycling (or endurance sports in general). You should also read it if you have absolutely no feelings about cycling but would like to feel them. Basically you should read it.
It's a really fun, enjoyable, insightful read! You should read it, especially if you have feelings about cycling (or endurance sports in general). You should also read it if you have absolutely no feelings about cycling but would like to feel them. Basically you should read it.
July 17, 2020
A brilliant record of two young people on a daring adventure. It was difficult to stop reading as each day of their bicycle tour brought another memorable experience. Sometimes extremely funny. Sometimes quite scary! What trumped the retelling of the ins and outs of 80 odd days' cycling was the candid reflections and self-awareness of themselves in relation to others, their mental health struggles, and ultimately their remarkable resilience. The book reads effortlessly, but packs a terrific punch.
July 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It felt a very real, honest, warts-and-all glimpse into a cycling tour that obviously took both Melton & Cooper along the full spectrum of emotions and experiences. Hopping back and forth between the two voices works quite well.
As well as the places they visit and the people there's a lot of introspection, what it means to be a cyclist, an ethical traveller, and how one fits into that.
As well as the places they visit and the people there's a lot of introspection, what it means to be a cyclist, an ethical traveller, and how one fits into that.
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