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Unchained: One Woman, One Bike, One Dream... One World
Sometimes the shortest way across the street involves going around the world. Ruby has never cycled to another town or camped alone. She is daunted by busy dangerous roads, wild animals and the possibility of getting lost. And yet in 2013, completely unprepared and unsure if she can make it to London 60 miles away, she sets off around-the-world with her bicycle, Percy, and her mother’s ashes. Unchained is a deeply personal travelogue about an around-the-world bicycle tour and the journey within. The story gradually unfolds as she crosses beautiful but unfamiliar lands with a fully-loaded bicycle while struggling with the recent loss of her mother and her feelings of love. Ruby's journey, that takes her cycling across five continents, is a story about the ups and downs of the road, the highs and lows of life, trusts and betrayals, the kindness of nameless strangers, and a slow realisation of our deep connection with nature and the oneness of humanity. But above all, it is a tale of love.
174 pages, ebook
Published November 22, 2019
95 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 31, 2021
A decent read.
An honest travelogue, and despite her trepidations and doubts about such a grand adventure (they don’t come much bigger than cycling around the world), Soorty learns the value of perseverance.
Keeping her sense of humour (and she needed it), it shows that even the most daunting of plans aren’t beyond our reach. We are capable of more then we think.
An honest travelogue, and despite her trepidations and doubts about such a grand adventure (they don’t come much bigger than cycling around the world), Soorty learns the value of perseverance.
Keeping her sense of humour (and she needed it), it shows that even the most daunting of plans aren’t beyond our reach. We are capable of more then we think.
August 25, 2021
Captivating
It’s a gritty account of the ups and downs of solo cycle touring. Honest, detailed, and real. I’ve read several such books and found this one unique owing to the personality of the writer.
It’s a gritty account of the ups and downs of solo cycle touring. Honest, detailed, and real. I’ve read several such books and found this one unique owing to the personality of the writer.
March 28, 2024
There are a number of books that recount cycling adventures, cycling vast distances for years, circumnavigating the world.
Each is a personal reflection on a journey that is in essence the same. A physical, mental (and mechanical and logistical) challenge of immense proportion.
What makes Unchained stand out is the honesty in the writing. A journey that took place in the shadow of grief, wildly unprepared and venturing into the unknown. Intrepid, adventurous, exhilarating and full of the incredible generosity, kindness and compassion of strangers. It seems wherever you travel in the world, kindness is ever present. Yet danger, risk is a constant also. Ruby's experiences shine a light on the good in humanity, but do not flinch when recalling the bad and malevolent.
A book not only of the challenge of cycling over 30,000km in many countries. A book of human spirit, to come to terms with loss, and pedal turn by pedal turn, heal and find meaning in life.
Chapeau Ruby!
Each is a personal reflection on a journey that is in essence the same. A physical, mental (and mechanical and logistical) challenge of immense proportion.
What makes Unchained stand out is the honesty in the writing. A journey that took place in the shadow of grief, wildly unprepared and venturing into the unknown. Intrepid, adventurous, exhilarating and full of the incredible generosity, kindness and compassion of strangers. It seems wherever you travel in the world, kindness is ever present. Yet danger, risk is a constant also. Ruby's experiences shine a light on the good in humanity, but do not flinch when recalling the bad and malevolent.
A book not only of the challenge of cycling over 30,000km in many countries. A book of human spirit, to come to terms with loss, and pedal turn by pedal turn, heal and find meaning in life.
Chapeau Ruby!
November 1, 2023
The story is so bare-bones and so dryly written it made me chuckle multiple times.
January 27, 2022
Brilliant book. Rubina’s style of writing left me wanting more detail but I could also see that if she were to give every detail of every day the book might be 10 times the volume.
It was a bit repetitive in as morning pack up, ride, push bike up hill, reach destination camp for night repeat!
Loved her poetry though.
I found the link to her blog at the end of the book & enjoyed seeing the photographs.
I am a bit of an adventurous person myself & like bike touring so this seriously appealed to me.
It was a bit repetitive in as morning pack up, ride, push bike up hill, reach destination camp for night repeat!
Loved her poetry though.
I found the link to her blog at the end of the book & enjoyed seeing the photographs.
I am a bit of an adventurous person myself & like bike touring so this seriously appealed to me.
June 9, 2021
One Could Wish . . . .
One , like myself , could wish she had known someone like the author when she was growing up, and one could also wish this book would have been available to hand to daughters and granddaughters as they reached college age. Masterfully interposed throughout her narrative, the author has captured the essence of a journey exemplifying life's journey , not unlike Pilgrim's Progress. The headings above each paragraph are signposts raising the reader's awareness to be on guard to discover a greater truth with each step , each span of the daily journey. This book is for those of us who wish we had launched on a similar adventure, and for those who are trying to gather the courage to do so now.
One , like myself , could wish she had known someone like the author when she was growing up, and one could also wish this book would have been available to hand to daughters and granddaughters as they reached college age. Masterfully interposed throughout her narrative, the author has captured the essence of a journey exemplifying life's journey , not unlike Pilgrim's Progress. The headings above each paragraph are signposts raising the reader's awareness to be on guard to discover a greater truth with each step , each span of the daily journey. This book is for those of us who wish we had launched on a similar adventure, and for those who are trying to gather the courage to do so now.
February 14, 2020
Cancer leaves us speechless. But that doesn't mean too stunned to act. Its indiscriminatory selection process provides an invitation for every last one of us to live for today.
When the message arrived from Ruby, who would be passing through Vacaville after visiting her father for a week in San Francisco, I performed due diligence, as anybody would, before inviting a person into the house unseen. Linked to her online profile, her recent blog entries detail shaving her head in India, a grueling ride across the Australian outback and a serendipitous Vipassana course in the Blue Mountains, as well as a personal statement linking her mother's passing from cancer to her trip's embarkation from Northampton, near London, more than 2 years previously.
I couldn't read too much because I had already fallen in love and I would have to keep it together while she stayed over for that day.
October 9th is the day of the year that will forever mean the loss of her mother to Ruby. To me, this day has always been my mom's birthday.
I had been living at my parent's house in Vacaville. They approved our first WarmShowers guest without hesitation at my introduction.
Ruby arrived early on the arranged afternoon. From the moment I saw her, my intuition could not shake the idea that she was going to have a major impact on my life.
I had no clue that, in a month, I would put my occupation on hold in order to ride in her direction, even before asking if she would want me to tag along.
We met at the US-Mexico border, a week after my own grandmother had passed, with me, ostensibly, as her bodyguard against all the negative stories spread about our neighbors to the south.
This first leg would last 3 weeks down the Baja peninsula, until our closeness required taking a step back for perspective. There would be a day flirting in Guadalajara a month later, followed, still later, by 2 difficult, but also magic, weeks in Chiapas and into Guatemala. I had no choice, I didn't consciously decide to go, it was just what I had to do. Letting her pass by would be a regret of a lifetime.
It was the minute I crossed back into California, after returning from our split in the Guatemalan jungle, that my phone could access the internet and load emails. Ruby had been attacked. Her bodyguard was missing.
My bus journey was taking me back to Thanksgiving with my family but I could only cry. In the middle of the first night at my Dad's house, completely unsatisfied with my response, I realized that I must offer Ruby anything I could. If I was in those circumstances, I would only wish for someone to do the same for me.
I would fly to meet her in Central America in a week. This rendezvous would be unlike the previous though.
4 months after those 2.5 months cycling to Bogota, Ruby, over the phone, would tell me that she had recognized the love of her life, Ananda.
If as she describes in Unchained, her long-time friend, Ananda, upon learning about Ruby's love for him, felt "like being punched in the chest, in a good way," it would be like unplugging my life-support systems.
As if it was written just for me, Paint Your Wagon, immortalized in the 1969 movie with Clint Eastwood, describes the story of Elizabeth, a woman who comes to love two men. At the end though, it's Ben, who has to leave on his own path, three sheets to the wind.
Unchained, like Paint Your Wagon, tells a story of casting off convention in order to follow the attraction of the best things in this world, even if it's not always smooth sailing.
Rubina Mariam Soorty goes to all of the places the rest of us fear, proving that the most amazing stories start just outside the front door. It's the wind that carries us to the beautiful world just a decision away. Please read her book so that you too can cast off on the amazing journey that awaits you.
When the message arrived from Ruby, who would be passing through Vacaville after visiting her father for a week in San Francisco, I performed due diligence, as anybody would, before inviting a person into the house unseen. Linked to her online profile, her recent blog entries detail shaving her head in India, a grueling ride across the Australian outback and a serendipitous Vipassana course in the Blue Mountains, as well as a personal statement linking her mother's passing from cancer to her trip's embarkation from Northampton, near London, more than 2 years previously.
I couldn't read too much because I had already fallen in love and I would have to keep it together while she stayed over for that day.
October 9th is the day of the year that will forever mean the loss of her mother to Ruby. To me, this day has always been my mom's birthday.
I had been living at my parent's house in Vacaville. They approved our first WarmShowers guest without hesitation at my introduction.
Ruby arrived early on the arranged afternoon. From the moment I saw her, my intuition could not shake the idea that she was going to have a major impact on my life.
I had no clue that, in a month, I would put my occupation on hold in order to ride in her direction, even before asking if she would want me to tag along.
We met at the US-Mexico border, a week after my own grandmother had passed, with me, ostensibly, as her bodyguard against all the negative stories spread about our neighbors to the south.
This first leg would last 3 weeks down the Baja peninsula, until our closeness required taking a step back for perspective. There would be a day flirting in Guadalajara a month later, followed, still later, by 2 difficult, but also magic, weeks in Chiapas and into Guatemala. I had no choice, I didn't consciously decide to go, it was just what I had to do. Letting her pass by would be a regret of a lifetime.
It was the minute I crossed back into California, after returning from our split in the Guatemalan jungle, that my phone could access the internet and load emails. Ruby had been attacked. Her bodyguard was missing.
My bus journey was taking me back to Thanksgiving with my family but I could only cry. In the middle of the first night at my Dad's house, completely unsatisfied with my response, I realized that I must offer Ruby anything I could. If I was in those circumstances, I would only wish for someone to do the same for me.
I would fly to meet her in Central America in a week. This rendezvous would be unlike the previous though.
4 months after those 2.5 months cycling to Bogota, Ruby, over the phone, would tell me that she had recognized the love of her life, Ananda.
If as she describes in Unchained, her long-time friend, Ananda, upon learning about Ruby's love for him, felt "like being punched in the chest, in a good way," it would be like unplugging my life-support systems.
As if it was written just for me, Paint Your Wagon, immortalized in the 1969 movie with Clint Eastwood, describes the story of Elizabeth, a woman who comes to love two men. At the end though, it's Ben, who has to leave on his own path, three sheets to the wind.
Unchained, like Paint Your Wagon, tells a story of casting off convention in order to follow the attraction of the best things in this world, even if it's not always smooth sailing.
Rubina Mariam Soorty goes to all of the places the rest of us fear, proving that the most amazing stories start just outside the front door. It's the wind that carries us to the beautiful world just a decision away. Please read her book so that you too can cast off on the amazing journey that awaits you.
March 9, 2021
Endure. This is the word I chose to define Rubina Soorty’s 2 ½ year bicycle tour around the world. The author began this journey with the fears that keep any sane person from getting on a bike with their worldly possessions and setting out into the unknown. She tells an amazing story through that endurance.
The author exposes her inner emotions and physical and mental limitations. Endurance kept her moving forward in unbearable conditions, dangerous situations, and when her fuel level ran low. The result is a vivid painting of amazing places, cultures, people, encounters, and challenges.
This is a good read for many reasons. The author is brutally honest in her writing. She did not take the easy path, cycling through areas deemed “too dangerous” for a woman. She encountered physical violence but endured. She discovered the outstanding beauty of this world, only possible at the speed of a bike. She found much more kindness and good in people in this world than evil and bad.
Unchained is a statement of self-discovery and of removing the chains from her life. She did find herself from behind her handlebars.
The author exposes her inner emotions and physical and mental limitations. Endurance kept her moving forward in unbearable conditions, dangerous situations, and when her fuel level ran low. The result is a vivid painting of amazing places, cultures, people, encounters, and challenges.
This is a good read for many reasons. The author is brutally honest in her writing. She did not take the easy path, cycling through areas deemed “too dangerous” for a woman. She encountered physical violence but endured. She discovered the outstanding beauty of this world, only possible at the speed of a bike. She found much more kindness and good in people in this world than evil and bad.
Unchained is a statement of self-discovery and of removing the chains from her life. She did find herself from behind her handlebars.
September 8, 2020
Great read - might inspire you to adventure!
I really enjoyed this book (received for free via a link the author posted in a hiking group). The style is clear, engaging, and readable. I really enjoyed the little anecdotes that pepper each chapter.
I haven't given 5 stars because I found some of the book a bit blase in environments that need to be taken seriously (eg Sierra mountains and Death Valley). Others may read this and think they can set off on long or complex journeys without sufficient planning. I felt a little bit of anxiety for some of the things that could have gone wrong at various points!
However the author is very up front about mistakes she makes and gives a really rounded picture of the trip. Overall a great and quite quick read that is worth your time.
I really enjoyed this book (received for free via a link the author posted in a hiking group). The style is clear, engaging, and readable. I really enjoyed the little anecdotes that pepper each chapter.
I haven't given 5 stars because I found some of the book a bit blase in environments that need to be taken seriously (eg Sierra mountains and Death Valley). Others may read this and think they can set off on long or complex journeys without sufficient planning. I felt a little bit of anxiety for some of the things that could have gone wrong at various points!
However the author is very up front about mistakes she makes and gives a really rounded picture of the trip. Overall a great and quite quick read that is worth your time.
July 13, 2021
A journey of the heart
Rubina has a gift of total transparency Her ability to open herself up and expose her thoughts and feelings brings you alongside her for an epic journey. Not the physical journey of 36,000 plus kilometers but rather the journey of the 18 inches which separate the head from the heart. As a solo hiker, I was taken back to those feelings of questioning your abilities and the feelings of accomplishment. As a capt in the merchant marine and serving 4 years in Mexico, I also admire her ability to immerse the reader in the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land. Very well done.
I suggest you inhale, turn the page and ride alongside Rubina on an epic ride.
Enjoy the journey.
Rubina has a gift of total transparency Her ability to open herself up and expose her thoughts and feelings brings you alongside her for an epic journey. Not the physical journey of 36,000 plus kilometers but rather the journey of the 18 inches which separate the head from the heart. As a solo hiker, I was taken back to those feelings of questioning your abilities and the feelings of accomplishment. As a capt in the merchant marine and serving 4 years in Mexico, I also admire her ability to immerse the reader in the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land. Very well done.
I suggest you inhale, turn the page and ride alongside Rubina on an epic ride.
Enjoy the journey.
September 9, 2021
I superbly told story of epic bike journey
It too me a little while to get into and enjoy this book but when I did it was very addictive. As the story of her journey continues so the excitement of the various situations that she finds herself in becomes more interesting. It’s hard to bring home how difficult the undertaking of such a long bike journey is, how mentally demanding and physically tough you need to be, but Ruby manages to give some insight into what’s involved particularly in the latter parts of the book when she travels in South America. If you like reading about the inner thoughts, and the mind set of solo travellers you will definitely enjoy this book. There are some good poems too!
It too me a little while to get into and enjoy this book but when I did it was very addictive. As the story of her journey continues so the excitement of the various situations that she finds herself in becomes more interesting. It’s hard to bring home how difficult the undertaking of such a long bike journey is, how mentally demanding and physically tough you need to be, but Ruby manages to give some insight into what’s involved particularly in the latter parts of the book when she travels in South America. If you like reading about the inner thoughts, and the mind set of solo travellers you will definitely enjoy this book. There are some good poems too!
January 19, 2020
Themes: Exploration, journalistic-style, travel the world. A tale of endurance, sprinkled with hope and love
A really inspiring and heartfelt journalistic style debut book. A must-read for anyone keen on traveling, romance, or wanting to hear of other cultures. Read this book to restore your faith in humanity. It’s a very engaging and easy book to read full of vivid descriptions, and I can’t wait for R.M. Soorty’s next book. I especially enjoyed the quotes and wisdom learnt that starts each chapter, and would be great discussions points over a meal or a deep and meaningful conversation with your best friends.
A really inspiring and heartfelt journalistic style debut book. A must-read for anyone keen on traveling, romance, or wanting to hear of other cultures. Read this book to restore your faith in humanity. It’s a very engaging and easy book to read full of vivid descriptions, and I can’t wait for R.M. Soorty’s next book. I especially enjoyed the quotes and wisdom learnt that starts each chapter, and would be great discussions points over a meal or a deep and meaningful conversation with your best friends.
October 27, 2021
Great storyteller and Great story
Ruby has had some amazing adventures, and she shares them in a mix of poetry and prose, quotes and photos. A lot of memoirists write like they’re summarizing their journals, but she tells it as a story, with characters, themes, and suspense. And her persistence in trusting the kindness of strangers and being so often rewarded is a beautiful thing. I loved that she measured her trip not just in kilometers covered or ascended but in acts of kindness received. We should all be so lucky to measure our days in that way.
Ruby has had some amazing adventures, and she shares them in a mix of poetry and prose, quotes and photos. A lot of memoirists write like they’re summarizing their journals, but she tells it as a story, with characters, themes, and suspense. And her persistence in trusting the kindness of strangers and being so often rewarded is a beautiful thing. I loved that she measured her trip not just in kilometers covered or ascended but in acts of kindness received. We should all be so lucky to measure our days in that way.
May 21, 2024
I loved this book. I previously read Wild and loved the idea of someone taking off on their own to battle nature but this book took it to a whole new level. It was outstanding to read a true story of a woman biking across the world and the adventures and people she encountered and the challenges she faced. If I could offer any suggestions for improvement it’s that I want MORE stories! Sometimes I wanted to hear more about a stay or a country she visited. This book should be a movie. I am impressed.
September 16, 2020
If you have never read a bike touring book pick up this one. Its a nice story but found it repetative at times. Cycling, camping wild, host family new country repeat. Loved the poetry. Would have appeciated some back story of how ruby got into cycling and overcoming the learning curve of basic bike skills. How did she know what to pack? What was useful what wasnt? More cycling tips for newbie start ups.
September 21, 2020
Dear Ms Soorty. I had been enjoying your book but then I got the chapter titled Concentration Camp. Do you think it was witty? It's not. My entire family on my mother's side died in a Concentration Camp. The term is not yours to use because you think it's cute. The atrocities and death that occurred is beyond comprehension. For you to take the term and use it a pun is quite frankly borders on anti-Semitic. I suggest you amend the title and rethink word choices.
March 5, 2022
An inspiring read, an incredible journey!
Having just finished Unchained, I feel that I'm a way I traveled with her. Ruby tells the story in a way that I feel her relations and triumphs. I selected this book as I have a dream to cycle across the US.
Reading her story, I now feel it's not only possible, but something not to be missed. Thank you Ruby for sharing your wonderful experiences!
Having just finished Unchained, I feel that I'm a way I traveled with her. Ruby tells the story in a way that I feel her relations and triumphs. I selected this book as I have a dream to cycle across the US.
Reading her story, I now feel it's not only possible, but something not to be missed. Thank you Ruby for sharing your wonderful experiences!
May 3, 2021
Great tale of an awesome ride
I read this sat in our camper on Islay while the wind and hail lashed all day long. Ruby had me entranced with her brief paragraphs and word pictures. She has already packed a load of travelling into her life and this adds layers to it. Good on her for just getting on Percy and pedalling. Thanks for a great read Ruby.
I read this sat in our camper on Islay while the wind and hail lashed all day long. Ruby had me entranced with her brief paragraphs and word pictures. She has already packed a load of travelling into her life and this adds layers to it. Good on her for just getting on Percy and pedalling. Thanks for a great read Ruby.
August 3, 2021
Inspiring read
The book moves quick through a 2.5 year journey, yet, it is chock full of anecdotes with people met on the trip. She goes through the simple challenges of learning to tour but bicycle to getting through border crossings. Most importantly, it's the loving and helping people she meets on her trek that she falls in love with.
The book moves quick through a 2.5 year journey, yet, it is chock full of anecdotes with people met on the trip. She goes through the simple challenges of learning to tour but bicycle to getting through border crossings. Most importantly, it's the loving and helping people she meets on her trek that she falls in love with.
April 2, 2022
great read
If you enjoy travel writing you will enjoy this book. I had a great time reading it over vacation and dreamed of all the places I would one day go. I love cycling but have never thought much more than a few days of touring, this gave me a new perspective on the possibilities of seeing so much from my own bike.
If you enjoy travel writing you will enjoy this book. I had a great time reading it over vacation and dreamed of all the places I would one day go. I love cycling but have never thought much more than a few days of touring, this gave me a new perspective on the possibilities of seeing so much from my own bike.
September 15, 2020
I enjoyed the book as each chapter cut to the chase, and wasn't too geeky about bike stuff. Other around the world bike books I have given up part way through as they can get rather monotonous so this came as a refreshing surprise.
December 12, 2020
Adventurous cycling journey,
Seeing the world by biking through it. Interesting and quite the accomplishment. Good description of the people met, and the countries ridden through.
Seeing the world by biking through it. Interesting and quite the accomplishment. Good description of the people met, and the countries ridden through.
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February 14, 2021Wonderful Story!
A very well-written account of a world tour. Ruby has enough courage for all of us, yet delivers in such a modest and humble tone. I love stories of travel,this one certainly delivered.
A very well-written account of a world tour. Ruby has enough courage for all of us, yet delivers in such a modest and humble tone. I love stories of travel,this one certainly delivered.
March 19, 2021
Follow your dream
Thatk you Rubina for sharing over 2 years of your life with us, thanks for not making it glamerouus but saying it as it was. So glad that you faught back at the river and glad you realised your dream on 2 wheels and in your heart
Thatk you Rubina for sharing over 2 years of your life with us, thanks for not making it glamerouus but saying it as it was. So glad that you faught back at the river and glad you realised your dream on 2 wheels and in your heart
June 20, 2021
Surprisingly good book!
The authors dry sense of humor and pragmatic view is wonderful. The stories of the trip , the endurance , the lessons on the journey are amazing. Worth a read. Best wishes to this self published author. The book is well written.
The authors dry sense of humor and pragmatic view is wonderful. The stories of the trip , the endurance , the lessons on the journey are amazing. Worth a read. Best wishes to this self published author. The book is well written.
July 29, 2021
Honest and moving account of an immense journey.
Rubina combines a moving personal mission, with astute cultural observations and an engaging style. This is an enjoyable and inspiring read.
Rubina combines a moving personal mission, with astute cultural observations and an engaging style. This is an enjoyable and inspiring read.
January 27, 2022
As a fellow cycle tourist and one who has read many books on cycle touring, “Unchained” is a magnificent book written by an extraordinary person. Ruby’s passion, determination, courage, strength and gift for story telling make this an incredible read. This book was an absolute pleasure to read.
March 15, 2022
Wow
What an adventure…!!! I love to travel, and I like to challenge myself, but this is way beyond my imagination. Luckily Ruby took me along while I comfortably sat in my recliner.
What an adventure…!!! I love to travel, and I like to challenge myself, but this is way beyond my imagination. Luckily Ruby took me along while I comfortably sat in my recliner.
May 30, 2022
Is it fair to say, surprisingly good
Very descriptive, I felt as if I was with you along the way, I felt your pain, concerns, worries. Your actions inspire me, and reiterate that there is more good in the world than bad
Very descriptive, I felt as if I was with you along the way, I felt your pain, concerns, worries. Your actions inspire me, and reiterate that there is more good in the world than bad
July 17, 2022
wonderful ad. entire and finally realized goal
Well written, honest examination of life and love, incredible adventure with bravery and naivety. The amazing value of true friendship and goodness of humankind
Well written, honest examination of life and love, incredible adventure with bravery and naivety. The amazing value of true friendship and goodness of humankind
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews