Headwinds

by Landall Proctor

For a month and a half, in the summer of 2006, Landall Proctor would brazenly declare he was going to ride his bike, solo and self supported, 10,000 miles in 100 days around the perimeter of the United States. He said it so frequently, he even started to believe it was possible. But as he pedaled out of a generic strip mall parking lot on the northside of Richmond, it didn’t take long for the bravado to vanish and the reality of such an adventure to show its face. This trip taught him that some headwinds are worth pedaling through and quite frankly, some are not. But you can’t tell by looking out the window. You have to throw a leg over your saddle and start riding. These are his stories of trying to figure that out. He thinks you’ll enjoy them.

334 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2020

Reviews

[Judy A Aspinall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing adventure and accomplishment! Landall’s talented writing skills detail landscapes so vivid, I can imagine being there. This book is not just about a bike ride across the United States, which is incredible by itself, but of relationships, family, love, caring strangers, achievements, defeats and raw emotions. I laughed and I cried while enjoying a trip across our amazing country. Thanks Landall for the hours of reading pleasure!

[Thobias Björk · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner. Sure, I am interested in cycling and bike rides but this is something different. This is not just a very long ride but rather an all out adventure.

This is a first person story where we get to be part of the incredible journey that Landall, the author, set out on some years ago. It has its ups and downs as he takes us through it all with an honesty that is filled with emotion. We get to participate in the joyful moments and difficulties as the journey goes on. Details about the ride, the country, roads, cities and the people he see and meet are described in earnest and with humor. I find myself smiling and sometimes I realize there is a smirk on my face as I feel the irony seeping through at some, let's say, challenging times. Other times tears form in my eyes as Landall experiences pain and hardship.

Chapeau on the accomplishment and an entertaining book. A must read!

[Tina King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landall is my nephew, but truthfully, I feel like I know him better now than ever before. His ability to make me feel like I was on those roads, feeling those feelings, actually blew me away. I laughed & I cried... I actually felt the fear, the frustration, the joy, & the loneliness. I could see the beauty of the mountains or the Pacific Ocean in my minds eye with the paint brush of his vivid descriptions.

Sharing this adventure again from Landall's viewpoint has inspired & entertained me in ways I never expected. I was enthralled from cover to cover!!! Highly recommend. This is a story anyone can get lost and then found again in. Bravo!

[Donald Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read, I laughed, cried, get sick to my stomach from the “Bonk”. I felt the wind in my face and the thrill of fast descents. I met the people of our country and enjoyed the scenery from the flat endless lands of the plains to the majestic mountains and lush forest. And I knew a lot of the story before I picked up Headwinds. Grab the book, find a place to settle in because it is hard to put down.

[Chad Mahakian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Bike Story!

Really enjoyed the way the author lead you through the entire trip. Great book for bike nerds and non-bike nerds alike.

[Jeff Aspinall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to go on an adventure but that's not in the cards right now so living vicariously through Headwinds was the next best thing. The book detailed personal struggles, interactions with strangers, and what one can experience biking from coast to coast. Reminded me of my solo cross country trip in the summer of 2020. Would recommend.

[Katherine G · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest portrayal of bravery, loneliness and introspection. Landall brings his audience along his journey of self discovery as young man exploring America. Using his moral compass along the road, Landall guides the reader through his encounters racism and uncomfortable prostheletizeing. Moments of levity interspersed with slips into depression, you will feel yourself rooting for Landall as he rides along California highways fueled by Snickers and Little Debbie cakes, tearing up each time he says farewell to his parents. Landall is unafraid to set his physical and emotional finish line, albeit not where intended at the outset.
Having met Landall 15 years after he set off from Richmond, I recognized his default to kindness, stubbornness, mental fortitude, familial bonds and, well, that he wasn't wearing sunscreen. Looking forward to the next page, chapter and edition.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminded me a lot of the book A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson. Lots of good humor and interesting stories about meeting people of all different types. We all know the saying that it's about the journey and not the destination and this book does a good job capturing why that saying is so valuable to remember.

[Debbie Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you get Headwinds be prepared to get comfortable because your not going to want to put it down. Landall, the author, has you feeling like you are on this journey with him. His detailed description of everything makes you feel like you’re with him seeing everything he sees. I felt all the emotions he felt. I was excited, I cried, I was scared, and I laughed throughout the entire book. You won’t regret this purchase, I highly recommend it.

[Corey DeFever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Headwinds was like listening to travel stories from a good friend: equal parts entertaining, inspirational and realistic. The writer's vulnerability and honesty about the harder parts of an adventure like this, both physically and mentally, were particularly refreshing! 10/10 would recommend!