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North To Alaska: The True Story of An epic, 16,000-mile cycle journey the length of the Americas
“An engaging and beautifully written book” “Highly recommended and rewarding reading and so much more than a travel journal” “Trevor, not only did you entertain me with your adventure, you also shared your misery, happiness, frustrations and honesty with me. Honesty I have not found in other cycle logs” Ever since I cycled down the West Coast of Canada and the United States as a means of saving the bus fare on a round-the-world trip, I dreamed of cycling the whole length of that landmass, from the southern tip of South America all the way up to the Arctic Ocean. Returning home to a job I didn’t enjoy, that dream burned at my mind until, as a mature student in 1999, I was given the opportunity to take a year out and decided now was my time. This was at a time of huge advances in communication technology but I chose to journey without a mobile phone or any other means of communicating with the outside world – something we might struggle to comprehend these days. If I got into trouble, if I got injured, if I became lost, it was up to me to sort myself out. No close friends were willing to leave the comforts of home, so the fledgling internet did at least prove useful in finding a travel companion. But within nine days of the start of my journey I found myself alone, close to the bottom of the world and with many thousands of miles of the unknown still ahead. This book tells how the desire to fulfil a burning ten-year dream helped me overcome illness, injury, exhaustion, loneliness and so much more; how I, a normal guy from a working-class family in Leeds – among many other adventures – found myself singing to bears to keep them at bay, ran out of water crossing the driest desert in the world, had a volcano rain ash down on me and found myself hiding out from bandits most nights while pedalling through Mexico.
- GenresTravelNonfictionCycling
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2019
113 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Trevor Lund
1 book9 followersThe son of a miller and a secretary, Trevor grew up in the village of Calverley, near Leeds in West Yorkshire. When not enjoying the countryside, Trevor enjoyed sport but, whilst full of energy, was never particularly good. He developed a passion for adventure, for camping and for cycling at a relatively young age, and began organising camping trips with friends around the age of 14. His first 'big' journey came at the age of 21 when he chose to take a year away from home, travelling to the USA, Canada, Hawaii, Australia, Thailand and Malaysia. The highlight of that year away was an 1800 mile cycle journey down the west coast of Canada and the USA on a second-hand bike he had bought for around £20. For the first time in his life, Trevor felt free. At the time, it was the best 7 weeks of his life. It changed him - for good - and travelling by bike became a passion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 9, 2025
An incredible adventure and a super enjoyable read!
January 20, 2021
Quite the feat, some 16,276 miles of cycling along a bucket route list for many, from the bottom of south America to Alaska.
Captures long-distance cycling well – days in the saddle in all conditions, surviving on a meagre budget and days spent under canvas with no luxuries. The kindness of strangers, you appreciate the simple things.
A minor observation that the editing and formatting could be better, but it shouldn’t detract from the story.
Captures long-distance cycling well – days in the saddle in all conditions, surviving on a meagre budget and days spent under canvas with no luxuries. The kindness of strangers, you appreciate the simple things.
A minor observation that the editing and formatting could be better, but it shouldn’t detract from the story.
April 30, 2020
I have had the pleasure of seeing Trevor twice at Bloomfield Square (run and owned by Terrorvision frontman Tony Wright) in Otley. His recanting of his epic jouney over the course of the evening along with slides makes for a wonderful night. Even after twenty years of completing his mammoth undertaking he talks with a passion that enraptures the whole room.
On the second occasion of seeing him, I purchased a copy of his book which he gladly signed. Even knowing his story, I still found the book exciting and revelled in his adventure. Enjoying the extra details that he obviously has to miss out on a talk. What he acheived is staggering and meeting him was a privelidge.
Whether you read this book as a touring cyclist or like me who just finds a story like this amazing, I can guarantee you'll love it.
On the second occasion of seeing him, I purchased a copy of his book which he gladly signed. Even knowing his story, I still found the book exciting and revelled in his adventure. Enjoying the extra details that he obviously has to miss out on a talk. What he acheived is staggering and meeting him was a privelidge.
Whether you read this book as a touring cyclist or like me who just finds a story like this amazing, I can guarantee you'll love it.
July 24, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable read, Trevor Lund writes as though he is describing his adventure to you over a pint, he describes his incredible journey in a way that makes you feel as though you were alongside him. It is a very honest account of the ups and downs (literally) that he faced, from the bitter cold in Patagonia to the extreme heat in Death Valley, the joys of meeting new people and catching up with friends plus the long periods of loneliness. He tells of the joys of the odd night in the relative luxury of cheap hotels and the kindness of total strangers who put him up for the night, he tells of the long nights spent alone by busy roads on ground totally unsuitable for camping and the risks of being attacked by bandits, especially in Mexico, of the shear beauty of the scenery he saw to the terrible pollution in some South and Central American cities, from the annoyance of mosquitos and the fear of facing bears in Canada.
I finished this lengthy book wishing it was twice as long.
I finished this lengthy book wishing it was twice as long.
June 17, 2020
You definitely don't need to be a cyclist to appreciate Trevor's superb account of personal endeavour.
Not your average 'adventure' book. Trevor describes his extraordinary and inspiring epic achievement with humility and his own brand of dry humour and turn of phrase. Plenty of ups and downs - it all comes across. And it serves as a highly readable, living example that ambition can overcome hardship and uncertainty. I really didn't want to put this book down; always looking forward to my next installment, and was sorry to get to the end. I only really read autobiographies, and this rates with the best as an account of part of someone's life.
Not your average 'adventure' book. Trevor describes his extraordinary and inspiring epic achievement with humility and his own brand of dry humour and turn of phrase. Plenty of ups and downs - it all comes across. And it serves as a highly readable, living example that ambition can overcome hardship and uncertainty. I really didn't want to put this book down; always looking forward to my next installment, and was sorry to get to the end. I only really read autobiographies, and this rates with the best as an account of part of someone's life.
April 28, 2020
I enjoy a good adventure, especially one undertaken on a bicycle, and this tale of a journey across the Americas from south to north certainly met the requirement of a good yarn by pulling me into the narrative and travelling along with Trevor as he pedalled his bike across deserts, over mountains and through tropical forest. Honest about the difficulties he faced in undertaking such an epic journey, and gleeful in describing the joys found in successes small and large along the way, I found this story thoroughly engaging and enjoyable.
April 25, 2020
A compelling tale of adventure
I chose this book as I was looking for a true take of adventure, and travelling by bicycle across the length of the Americas certainly peaked my interest. Trevor's journey is told in a hugely engaging style, and I felt like I lived through every success and setback, and experienced the highs and lows of travelling through unknown territory as if I was there. An honest and enlightening journey that I'll enjoy rereading when the wish for adventure takes me.
I chose this book as I was looking for a true take of adventure, and travelling by bicycle across the length of the Americas certainly peaked my interest. Trevor's journey is told in a hugely engaging style, and I felt like I lived through every success and setback, and experienced the highs and lows of travelling through unknown territory as if I was there. An honest and enlightening journey that I'll enjoy rereading when the wish for adventure takes me.
July 15, 2020
Honest and relatable story of an average lad from Yorkshire taking on the world by bike! Inspirational adventure and funny stories in equal measures! Definately worth a read.. And maybe a movie one day!
February 13, 2021
Fantastic Read, Of a Man on a Journey for a Great Cause. Met some great characters along the way and witness some marvellous scenery, landscapes and wildlife. I won't give too much away as I highly recommend people to read this. An Inspiration for my future Bikepacking Trips. Thank You Trevor for the read, the adventure but also raising money for such a good cause.
May 16, 2020
Inspirational read
What makes someone want to travel thousands of miles, on their own, through dangerous countries ? Insanity I think, however it makes great reading..One man and his bike, testing himself to the limits. The guy shows an abundance of courage and bravery to get up every morning and cycle through wind, snow, hail, sleet, freezing temperatures as well as ferocious heat...An awesome achievement, written well, a story that keeps you turning the pages. Highly recommend...
What makes someone want to travel thousands of miles, on their own, through dangerous countries ? Insanity I think, however it makes great reading..One man and his bike, testing himself to the limits. The guy shows an abundance of courage and bravery to get up every morning and cycle through wind, snow, hail, sleet, freezing temperatures as well as ferocious heat...An awesome achievement, written well, a story that keeps you turning the pages. Highly recommend...
November 10, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable read ! A truly amazing story of a truly amazing journey - Trevor takes the reader with him on this epic adventure, sharing the ups and downs he experienced along the way. Inspirational stuff which will make you want to go on an adventure!
April 14, 2020
Truthful, Exiting, Well Written Adventure Very Few Will Ever Do!
Trevor, not only did you entertain me with your adventure you also shared your misery, happiness, frustrations and honesty with me. Honesty I have not found in other cycle logs.
You shared your truimps and inabilities; your encounter with other people were amazingly honest. Sometimes I saw my own frutrastion with interpersonal conflicts. It's such a relief to read. You did not hide anything.
Even having that tummy issue going uphill with no where to do what you had to do. Funny.
And on top of it all you can write. I saw the colour, the dryness, felt the hunger, experienced the fatigue. And smelled the fresh air going fast downhill. But sometimes things went wrong. I could feel how you break but it's too late.
Let me conclude with a quote from the book. True. I'll never do what you did. Luckily I could "cycle* with you.
"I had felt fear and loneliness and exhaustion and pain. I had been elated and humbled and grateful. I had lived. Unless these people had undertaken similar journeys, they would find it difficult to understand. And I would find it difficult to put them in my shoes."
Inspirational.
Trevor, not only did you entertain me with your adventure you also shared your misery, happiness, frustrations and honesty with me. Honesty I have not found in other cycle logs.
You shared your truimps and inabilities; your encounter with other people were amazingly honest. Sometimes I saw my own frutrastion with interpersonal conflicts. It's such a relief to read. You did not hide anything.
Even having that tummy issue going uphill with no where to do what you had to do. Funny.
And on top of it all you can write. I saw the colour, the dryness, felt the hunger, experienced the fatigue. And smelled the fresh air going fast downhill. But sometimes things went wrong. I could feel how you break but it's too late.
Let me conclude with a quote from the book. True. I'll never do what you did. Luckily I could "cycle* with you.
"I had felt fear and loneliness and exhaustion and pain. I had been elated and humbled and grateful. I had lived. Unless these people had undertaken similar journeys, they would find it difficult to understand. And I would find it difficult to put them in my shoes."
Inspirational.
June 14, 2020
Good read
I loved this story . I felt I was with trevor during his journey . I visualised everywhere he traveled, people he met on the way, the beautiful scenery. I felt his pain during the tough times. Brave man.
I loved this story . I felt I was with trevor during his journey . I visualised everywhere he traveled, people he met on the way, the beautiful scenery. I felt his pain during the tough times. Brave man.
May 21, 2021
Excellent read
One of the best cycle touring books I’ve read and believe me I’ve read a lot. If your a cyclist this is a must read
One of the best cycle touring books I’ve read and believe me I’ve read a lot. If your a cyclist this is a must read
April 22, 2021
A ride in the park. You must be kidding.
I loved this book. A display of courage grit determination and humour. Also well written.What an effort to get half way and then realise it has to be done again.
I loved this book. A display of courage grit determination and humour. Also well written.What an effort to get half way and then realise it has to be done again.
April 10, 2020
Fantastic read
I couldn’t put the book down. An incredible story of strength , bravery & willpower. Well written , to the point you feel you were his companion through this epic journey. Thank you for sharing your story.
I couldn’t put the book down. An incredible story of strength , bravery & willpower. Well written , to the point you feel you were his companion through this epic journey. Thank you for sharing your story.
April 10, 2020
A great read
I thoroughly enjoyed Trevors account of his cycle from Terra Del Fuego to Alaska. It is a very well written, honest and inspiring account of his epic adventure. Recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed Trevors account of his cycle from Terra Del Fuego to Alaska. It is a very well written, honest and inspiring account of his epic adventure. Recommend!
April 4, 2021
There are many inspiring tales of adventure out there and this is one of the best. The author's raw courage and sheer determination stand out. I'll never do this trip but for a week in a covid lockdown I was there in spirit. Can you ask for more?
February 14, 2021
I'm a bit of an armchair traveller and I do like these true stories of people who take off on a bike to cycle through parts of the world. Maybe it's because you kid yourself on that you could do similar if you took the notion. As an occasional cyclist I felt this author really took his own fitness for granted on this trip. He must've been in some physical condition to cycle from Argentina to Alaska, but he doesn't focus too much on that side of the journey. Each day he just gets on his bike and rides another hundred miles or so.
This was an easy read and I enjoyed the author's company. He seems quite a well balanced chap and I must have been in the mood for his style and tone. Generally I prefer a more caustic or cynical observation of people and places than what is delivered here. Of course, everyone in the poorer countries are friendly and welcoming, but when the northern Mexican border is crossed, the "hail fellow well met" attitude disappears. Maybe this is true, but I tend to think that people are people and there will be as many arses in Peru as there are in Portland if you choose to notice.
Anyway, this is an enjoyable travelogue and I was glad I'd read it.
This was an easy read and I enjoyed the author's company. He seems quite a well balanced chap and I must have been in the mood for his style and tone. Generally I prefer a more caustic or cynical observation of people and places than what is delivered here. Of course, everyone in the poorer countries are friendly and welcoming, but when the northern Mexican border is crossed, the "hail fellow well met" attitude disappears. Maybe this is true, but I tend to think that people are people and there will be as many arses in Peru as there are in Portland if you choose to notice.
Anyway, this is an enjoyable travelogue and I was glad I'd read it.
March 21, 2021
A very enjoyable read
I really loved reading this book from start to finish. It’s a very detailed account of the authors journey from the southern tip of Argentina to the north of Alaska. The hardships and difficulties that Trevor encountered and overcame during this long and arduous journey are told with great feeling and emotion. I heartily recommend this book.
I really loved reading this book from start to finish. It’s a very detailed account of the authors journey from the southern tip of Argentina to the north of Alaska. The hardships and difficulties that Trevor encountered and overcame during this long and arduous journey are told with great feeling and emotion. I heartily recommend this book.
February 19, 2021
This story had me booked from start to finish.
A superb account of the highs and lows, and the tedium, of an awesome bike trip. This book is a very enjoyable and compelling account of an almost inconceivable adventure.
A superb account of the highs and lows, and the tedium, of an awesome bike trip. This book is a very enjoyable and compelling account of an almost inconceivable adventure.
January 24, 2020
Brilliant
Such an honest and amazing adventure, so enjoyable to read and also enough to encourage anyone to try to achieve their own ambitions!
Such an honest and amazing adventure, so enjoyable to read and also enough to encourage anyone to try to achieve their own ambitions!
June 13, 2020
Throughly enjoyed this book
What an incredible adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to others. Trevor describes the journey vividly. Highly recommended to all!
What an incredible adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to others. Trevor describes the journey vividly. Highly recommended to all!
July 7, 2020
awesome book... even as a non cyclist I found it a page turner...
February 9, 2021
Really enjoyable lockdown read! Nice bit of escapism to remember what's important after s tough day at work!
February 27, 2021
Excellent well written read. Felt like l was on the road with him through his highs & lows
November 4, 2020
Firstly, there is no doubt that what Trevor achieved is phenomenal. As a book illustrating what can be achieved through perseverance, determination and by taking advantage (in a good way - that is such a loaded phrase) of people, situations and opportunities, he achieved an incredible feat, and showed what we can achieve, and manage to cope with when pushed (very far) outside your comfort zones.
The nature of the book (unsurprisingly) did seem to end up very repetitive.. I cycled up I cycled down, into the wind, I camped which was understandable and when cycling 100 miles a day, it does exclude most other aspects but I think what I felt uncomfortable with was his expectation of others and judgementalness of others not praising and glorifying him, although he does frankly state how he loves attention.
I'd sum it up saying I'm glad I read it. It's a good book if you're planning on any endurance event outside as he details camping issues well, and it certainly will make you realise how very hard we can push ourselves, and whilst it certainly isn't a book I'd read twice, I'd recommend it to some people.
The nature of the book (unsurprisingly) did seem to end up very repetitive.. I cycled up I cycled down, into the wind, I camped which was understandable and when cycling 100 miles a day, it does exclude most other aspects but I think what I felt uncomfortable with was his expectation of others and judgementalness of others not praising and glorifying him, although he does frankly state how he loves attention.
I'd sum it up saying I'm glad I read it. It's a good book if you're planning on any endurance event outside as he details camping issues well, and it certainly will make you realise how very hard we can push ourselves, and whilst it certainly isn't a book I'd read twice, I'd recommend it to some people.
November 14, 2022
My lust for adventure multiplied exponentially after listening to Trevor Lund's story. His feat of endurance and ability to overcome challenges such as cycling with a dislocated shoulder and a broken rib and staring down bears in the wilderness make his tale incredibly entertaining and an educational masterpiece. How can one man endure so much and develop the inner fortitude to continue pedaling in the face of adversity? And he wasn't slacking off at all during his journey- cycling the length of Mexico faster than Lance Armstrong's Tour de France training pace. Grit and persistence are some of the most important skills one can develop, and we watch Trevor develop them through his vivid prose and skillful storytelling.
The narrative contains priceless bits of wisdom on the value of freedom, the beauty of friendship, and the vastness of nature. His story contains the right mix of reflection and action-packed adventure to keep the reader on the edge of their chair. I'm looking forward to Lund's next book and will be cheering him on during his next journey.
Read Trevor Lund's tale and be inspired to go for your dreams and never let fear defeat you again.
The narrative contains priceless bits of wisdom on the value of freedom, the beauty of friendship, and the vastness of nature. His story contains the right mix of reflection and action-packed adventure to keep the reader on the edge of their chair. I'm looking forward to Lund's next book and will be cheering him on during his next journey.
Read Trevor Lund's tale and be inspired to go for your dreams and never let fear defeat you again.
May 16, 2021
Well told tale, inspiring
I like Trevors style. A nice mix of self deprecation underlain by a sense of the will power needed to push yourself day after day. I kept thinking about ‘why?’ at first and then settled to read it as a it was set down without wondering at Trevors personality and what things had brought him to do such a thing. If you read these books you have probably done smaller similar things - ran ultra marathons, done solo expeditions etc yourself, and Trevor has that additional skill of being able to write about his experiences in a very page turning way. Eeee well done lad!
I like Trevors style. A nice mix of self deprecation underlain by a sense of the will power needed to push yourself day after day. I kept thinking about ‘why?’ at first and then settled to read it as a it was set down without wondering at Trevors personality and what things had brought him to do such a thing. If you read these books you have probably done smaller similar things - ran ultra marathons, done solo expeditions etc yourself, and Trevor has that additional skill of being able to write about his experiences in a very page turning way. Eeee well done lad!
July 21, 2022
Traveling at the Speed of Discovery
More than just miles and a destination, Trevor Lund writes of this unparalleled ride with a genuineness and vulnerability and an eye for detail that makes the reader appreciate every turn of the bicycle wheel. Lund’s storytelling is worth every minute spent inside and not outside on a bike (although Kindle allows one to read in the tent without adding a lot of weight to the ride). This is a must-read for any bicyclist who has wished for or spent time on a bike visiting far-off places while “traveling at the speed of discovery.“ *Quote credited to Jimmy Halliburton, Director, Boise Bicycle Project.
More than just miles and a destination, Trevor Lund writes of this unparalleled ride with a genuineness and vulnerability and an eye for detail that makes the reader appreciate every turn of the bicycle wheel. Lund’s storytelling is worth every minute spent inside and not outside on a bike (although Kindle allows one to read in the tent without adding a lot of weight to the ride). This is a must-read for any bicyclist who has wished for or spent time on a bike visiting far-off places while “traveling at the speed of discovery.“ *Quote credited to Jimmy Halliburton, Director, Boise Bicycle Project.
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