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FACING SUNSET: 3800 SOLO MILES; A WOMAN'S JOURNEY BACK AND FORWARD
Facing Sunset tells a coming-of-a-certain-age memoir framed within sixty-year-old patti brehler’s 2016 bicycle tour between her home in northeastern Michigan and Missoula, Montana.Forty years earlier, patti was one of more than 4000 bicyclists participating in Bikecentennial ’76, a transcontinental ride honoring our nation’s 200th birthday. How cool to cycle to Missoula for the ride’s anniversary party—while she still could?More than a bicycle travelogue, Facing Sunset reflects on a rebellious, pioneering life; affirms what a woman can accomplish against physical and metaphorical headwinds; and witnesses the people populating our vast and wondrous country. The author traces how a lifelong dream brought her to the right place in her life, “facing sunset,” even as the reality of riding her “own ride” wasn’t quite what she expected.Interested in a first-hand experience pedaling across the country without actually sweating? Sit with patti on her comfortable recumbent bicycle. Meet headwinds, heat, arduous climbs, thrilling downhills, otherworldly landscapes, and synchronistic encounters. Interactions with strangers show hope for humanity. Struggle with her as she comes to terms with her place in the universe.“I hover among stars at the brink of earth and water, existing in human form this brief moment of time, occupying a nano-space of no consequence, at once all and nothing,” she writes her first night out. Her way of being in the moment and trusting herself is an inspiration to anyone trying to find their own, particular way through life.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2021
6 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
patti brehler
2 books3 followersFacing Sunset, 3800 solo miles, a woman’s journey back and forward, is patti brehler’s first book. She retired as a freelance writer, photographer, and editor of a small-town newspaper to write her memoir. One of thirty-three contributors to What She Wrote, An Anthology of Women's Voices (published in 2020), she has essays published in the Massage Therapy Journal and the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners.
A lifelong love affair with the bicycle led patti to pedal across the United States three times, with many shorter, self-supported tours. During the 1980s, she competed in ultra-marathon bicycling events, setting a twenty-four-hour tandem road record with another woman. They were the first woman’s tandem team to complete Paris-Brest-Paris, the oldest, long-distance ride in the world.
For years, patti lived without a car. She commuted by bicycle year-round to her job as a journeyman machinist. Her other careers include training coordinator in an aerospace manufacturing company, massage therapist, adventure coach, dog trainer, service technician, and a short stint as a freight railroad conductor.
After her marriage at age thirty-eight, patti and her husband bought a bicycle store. The first woman to graduate from the Barnette Bicycle Institute’s Elite Technician’s program, patti provided technical support on bicycle tours throughout Michigan.
The middle child of seven, patti fulfilled her self-imposed destiny to serve as death doula for her parents. (Her father died before her bicycle trip, her mother as she wrote Facing Sunset.) She steps into adventure with calculated risks and finds synchronicity when in line with her universe. Her approach to life connects her with an amazing array of talented, inspirational, funny, and unique people, and because she is open to possibilities, they touch her in ways she never expects. Her stories are an example of how life is, indeed, stranger than fiction.
patti lives with her husband, Andy Andersen, and their two career-changed Leader Dog black Labradors, Gus and Aero, in their beloved "patch" in northeastern Michigan—the "sunrise side." During the Covid-lockdown of 2020, patti found a new adventure when she bought an Overo paint mare, aptly named Crazy Horse.
A lifelong love affair with the bicycle led patti to pedal across the United States three times, with many shorter, self-supported tours. During the 1980s, she competed in ultra-marathon bicycling events, setting a twenty-four-hour tandem road record with another woman. They were the first woman’s tandem team to complete Paris-Brest-Paris, the oldest, long-distance ride in the world.
For years, patti lived without a car. She commuted by bicycle year-round to her job as a journeyman machinist. Her other careers include training coordinator in an aerospace manufacturing company, massage therapist, adventure coach, dog trainer, service technician, and a short stint as a freight railroad conductor.
After her marriage at age thirty-eight, patti and her husband bought a bicycle store. The first woman to graduate from the Barnette Bicycle Institute’s Elite Technician’s program, patti provided technical support on bicycle tours throughout Michigan.
The middle child of seven, patti fulfilled her self-imposed destiny to serve as death doula for her parents. (Her father died before her bicycle trip, her mother as she wrote Facing Sunset.) She steps into adventure with calculated risks and finds synchronicity when in line with her universe. Her approach to life connects her with an amazing array of talented, inspirational, funny, and unique people, and because she is open to possibilities, they touch her in ways she never expects. Her stories are an example of how life is, indeed, stranger than fiction.
patti lives with her husband, Andy Andersen, and their two career-changed Leader Dog black Labradors, Gus and Aero, in their beloved "patch" in northeastern Michigan—the "sunrise side." During the Covid-lockdown of 2020, patti found a new adventure when she bought an Overo paint mare, aptly named Crazy Horse.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 25, 2021
Let me start by saying I know the author of this book, from puppy raising at Leader Dog, and that is why I bought it. That is NOT the reason I’m giving it five stars, though. In fact when I started it my thoughts were along the lines of, “I’m not interested in cross-country bicycle touring and this is probably going to be like one of those running or long-distance hiking books that I keep reading and keep not liking because I feel like all they really say is ‘I ran here and I was tired and I was hungry and then I forced myself to do it again.” I was worried because I anticipated a choice between inflating my review because I know the author and being truthful. I am so happy to report I did not have to make that choice because this was way more than a bike touring story; it was about reflecting on life and relationships (set to the rhythm of a long journey) and maximizing connections between people, and those are worthy subjects. In fact those may be the ONLY worthwhile subjects. After finishing this book, I feel both extremely satisfied, like after a perfect meal, and emotionally expanded. For those people who know that my tastes match theirs in books, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one!
July 2, 2021
First, what this book isn't. It isn't a book intended only for bicyclist enthusiasts. Patti's adventure of riding her bike, alone, across the country is almost just the backdrop of this story. This book is a testament that there are plenty of good people out there, including the author! This book is a story of family, from childhood to life partners. Most importantly, this book is a no-hold-bars account of Patti's life, one that I felt she was incredibly brave to share with her readers. This is a book to inspire people to follow their dreams and be true to themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one to savor. It often made me stop and think. Don't get me wrong though, there are plenty of lighthearted moments. I had to chuckle that the age old question of what to make for dinner never goes away, no matter how far away from home you are!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one to savor. It often made me stop and think. Don't get me wrong though, there are plenty of lighthearted moments. I had to chuckle that the age old question of what to make for dinner never goes away, no matter how far away from home you are!
September 14, 2021
This is an amazing book of a woman who puts her biking journey to words. But its so much more. Journal of her travels across the country. But its her relationships with her family. Why she needs to bike.
How she became the person she is. Its a reflection that we all should do once in awhile to help us move forward. This was recommended from a friend.
How she became the person she is. Its a reflection that we all should do once in awhile to help us move forward. This was recommended from a friend.
April 13, 2023
Checked all the boxes for a great bike adventure
A solo bike trip from Michigan to Missoula, Montana that was as much an inner journey of reflection as it was a bike adventure. This book has everything I want in the telling of a bike trip. Road conditions, weather conditions, mileage achieved, routes taken, the towns and people discovered on the way. If you are a lover of great bike rides across the US, this will be a great read for you. The chapters are short with tidbits from the author's childhood as well as other accomplishments she has made riding her bike. All of this helps to build the character that makes you feel like you know her better than you ever could have imagined. By the time she pedals into her home driveway, you feel more than just finishing a book, you feel like you have discovered a new friend.
A solo bike trip from Michigan to Missoula, Montana that was as much an inner journey of reflection as it was a bike adventure. This book has everything I want in the telling of a bike trip. Road conditions, weather conditions, mileage achieved, routes taken, the towns and people discovered on the way. If you are a lover of great bike rides across the US, this will be a great read for you. The chapters are short with tidbits from the author's childhood as well as other accomplishments she has made riding her bike. All of this helps to build the character that makes you feel like you know her better than you ever could have imagined. By the time she pedals into her home driveway, you feel more than just finishing a book, you feel like you have discovered a new friend.
February 6, 2022
A beautifully written reflection on choices, the risk of trust - of one's self and others - and on love, in all its manifestations. A journey to home.
February 21, 2022
I met the author at Rose Valley Winery in Rose City, MI. I was skimming through her book which caught my eye because I also love to cycle. She walked over and said “hi that’s my book”. I took a picture with this lovely person and then just had to buy the book. I admire her sense of adventure but it pained me to see how guilty she sometimes felt about doing it. It’s evident this comes from her mom which is unfortunate. I loved how her mom acknowledged it toward the end of her life by saying she regretted being so hard on her. Fortunately, patti has a supportive husband and lots of fantastic friends. This book was a great tale of her 2016 trip, her past life experiences, and a love letter to her parents.
March 21, 2024
This did what what books should do. It was entertaining, informative, educational, uplifting and also made you think about many aspects of our culture and the society.
This was about a 60 year old woman who rode her recumbent bike from Michigan to Montana and back. She has been a lifelong athlete and was extremely prepared for the trip knowing how to fix her own bike, stops to make and many other logistics. Could anybody do this? Absolutely not. I will wager that very few could and her accomplishment is massive. Great read.
This was about a 60 year old woman who rode her recumbent bike from Michigan to Montana and back. She has been a lifelong athlete and was extremely prepared for the trip knowing how to fix her own bike, stops to make and many other logistics. Could anybody do this? Absolutely not. I will wager that very few could and her accomplishment is massive. Great read.
April 25, 2022
Great book
Cycling and personal insights. Loved it. Patti made and wrote about connections with place and people.
I reccommend to all interested in cycling and the human condition
Cycling and personal insights. Loved it. Patti made and wrote about connections with place and people.
I reccommend to all interested in cycling and the human condition
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews