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Back on My Bike: How Cycling Transformed My Life after Sixty
As hotel manager Tom Eastham’s retirement approaches, his best friend tries to persuade him to get back into the sport which he gave up over thirty years earlier. Initially unwilling to brave the roads after so long off the bike, he gradually comes around to the idea of having another bash at cycling and takes to the Lancashire lanes once more. This light-hearted but incisive account traces his first six months back in the saddle, during which time the life-enhancing possibilities of cycling gradually dawn on him as he samples various facets of the sport, complemented by some rather unexpected developments.***Part Two is now also available***
- GenresCyclingNonfiction
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 9, 2022
I am a later-in-life cyclist who discovered the joy of cycling. The title “Back on My Bike: How Cycling Transformed My Life after Sixty” drew me to the book. I am an avid reader of bicycle touring books. Tom Eastham tells the story of a man entering retirement and rediscovering cycling after an absence of time on the bike during his working life. His journey led him to discover his world as a bicycle tourist.
I enjoyed the story as it moved forward. Tom Eastham spends a little too much time lamenting about his current situation versus his prior cycling life as a seasoned road cyclist who lived a life of searching for faster speeds and longer distances. The story often ventured into great details of English villages and city names on on-road routes that added little to a non-British reader. I would have rather seen a more descriptive abstract story of his rides and how they broadened his view of the world around him and the impact they had on his current stage of life.
Life changes as a person enters retirement. The book did a decent job of conveying the author's change in bike attitude to a story of how a bike can take a person to places and experiences without the constraints of structured work life. The author did that in the later chapters. All in all, it was a worthwhile read.
I enjoyed the story as it moved forward. Tom Eastham spends a little too much time lamenting about his current situation versus his prior cycling life as a seasoned road cyclist who lived a life of searching for faster speeds and longer distances. The story often ventured into great details of English villages and city names on on-road routes that added little to a non-British reader. I would have rather seen a more descriptive abstract story of his rides and how they broadened his view of the world around him and the impact they had on his current stage of life.
Life changes as a person enters retirement. The book did a decent job of conveying the author's change in bike attitude to a story of how a bike can take a person to places and experiences without the constraints of structured work life. The author did that in the later chapters. All in all, it was a worthwhile read.
January 28, 2023
This is ok. Very predictable and user friendly. Written in the self aggrandising disguised as self deprecating style that such user friendly books like this are written in. So every obstacle is smugly ( I was surprised/ it just seemed to happen) overcome within the same or the following chapter. Then rinse repeat.
The author seems to be massively hen and friend pecked, with the course of his post retirement life determined by his wife and their friends the dentist and his wife. The latter two with bike advice and charity work and the former controls the finances.
Just so you don’t think ill of their comfortable middle/upper class lives the last few chapters detail their efforts to help those less fortunate than themselves. This is in the form of them taking out a motley crew of former drug addicts and convicts for a bike ride once a week leading to sponsorship for a 32 mile ride later down the line.
And the (private practicing) dentist friend gives one of the motley crew free dentures, as he feels guilty for going private so early on in his career and making loadsa money (which lets be honest a lot do, and why wouldn’t you, having spent 6 years training?)Pretty sickly.
The sequel is the author and the dentist go on a (probably sponsored) bike packing trip in Norway.
The author seems to be massively hen and friend pecked, with the course of his post retirement life determined by his wife and their friends the dentist and his wife. The latter two with bike advice and charity work and the former controls the finances.
Just so you don’t think ill of their comfortable middle/upper class lives the last few chapters detail their efforts to help those less fortunate than themselves. This is in the form of them taking out a motley crew of former drug addicts and convicts for a bike ride once a week leading to sponsorship for a 32 mile ride later down the line.
And the (private practicing) dentist friend gives one of the motley crew free dentures, as he feels guilty for going private so early on in his career and making loadsa money (which lets be honest a lot do, and why wouldn’t you, having spent 6 years training?)Pretty sickly.
The sequel is the author and the dentist go on a (probably sponsored) bike packing trip in Norway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2022
Over 70 cycling enthusiast
I started cycling at 52, after many years abstinence, along with losing my spouse after 30+ years marriage. I needed to fill my time with activities that I enjoyed. I'm not a sociable individual, enjoying small groups, the outdoors, & solitude. I'm not a hunger, fisherman, or a gun toting outdoorsman. Cycling provided not only an opportunity to enjoy my needs, it gave me a fantastic way to get physicality fit. I began mountain biking, switched to roads with initial modifications to my mountain bike. Then afterwards moving to a real road bike, rode till about 70. I had to have two back surgeries due to genealogical adult scoliosis. It's been approximately 5 years, if doctors allow it I would like to get back riding. It's good to read about someone else's experiences in their return to cycling in their senior years. Thank you for sharing your transformation of enjoyment of riding just because.
I started cycling at 52, after many years abstinence, along with losing my spouse after 30+ years marriage. I needed to fill my time with activities that I enjoyed. I'm not a sociable individual, enjoying small groups, the outdoors, & solitude. I'm not a hunger, fisherman, or a gun toting outdoorsman. Cycling provided not only an opportunity to enjoy my needs, it gave me a fantastic way to get physicality fit. I began mountain biking, switched to roads with initial modifications to my mountain bike. Then afterwards moving to a real road bike, rode till about 70. I had to have two back surgeries due to genealogical adult scoliosis. It's been approximately 5 years, if doctors allow it I would like to get back riding. It's good to read about someone else's experiences in their return to cycling in their senior years. Thank you for sharing your transformation of enjoyment of riding just because.
October 26, 2021
Inspiring words and deeds on two wheels.
A pleasure to read and a genuine gentleman who manages with his easy,numerous and sincere numerous remarks to bring the pages to life.Probably one of the best books of its type that I have read. More from this author and the size and thoughtful observations of his wife. The hotel industry,a loss is the cycling world,a gain. Excellent. More please.
A pleasure to read and a genuine gentleman who manages with his easy,numerous and sincere numerous remarks to bring the pages to life.Probably one of the best books of its type that I have read. More from this author and the size and thoughtful observations of his wife. The hotel industry,a loss is the cycling world,a gain. Excellent. More please.
March 17, 2023
I'm inspired by Tom Eastham, because not only did he get back in the saddle, but he also sat down and wrote about it! I mean this in the best way possible -- Tom reminded me that you don't have to be lyrical or a Pulitzer Prize winning writer to share your story. I really enjoyed the simplicity of his writing and his straight forward style. There is no pretense here, no sense of striving to become an artist or to express the indelible. Just a guy sharing his experience of getting back on the bike. I found the story engaging and at times entertaining. I smiled many times and may have even laughed a few times. On another note, and in response to another review, I quite liked Tom's specifying the names of villages, hills, and lanes he is riding through. I want to Google map his locations, and I'm probably going to. I think it's cool to be able visualize exactly where he is on the map. Well done, Tom. I hope to follow in your footsteps, both by pen and by bike.
September 20, 2022
Retired, now what?
Very good story about how life changes after 60 and one retires without a plan. Enjoyable read for those who plan to recapture achievements once pursued when younger, but finds oneself saddled with another 30-40 years of age. The story has developed characters who play well against each other about cycling, life and priorities. Particularly enjoyed the personal "obsession" narrative as the character worked to restrain his desires to buy the latest and greatest, while tempered by his means, spouse, and good friend. Laughed loudly at some of the main character's antics, particularly his optimism i.e., " I can do this" when confronted with 60+ year old body and the reality of what is actually possible. This really strikes home to anyone who has been down that path with a hobby/interest that requires athleticism. Look forward to the second book.
Very good story about how life changes after 60 and one retires without a plan. Enjoyable read for those who plan to recapture achievements once pursued when younger, but finds oneself saddled with another 30-40 years of age. The story has developed characters who play well against each other about cycling, life and priorities. Particularly enjoyed the personal "obsession" narrative as the character worked to restrain his desires to buy the latest and greatest, while tempered by his means, spouse, and good friend. Laughed loudly at some of the main character's antics, particularly his optimism i.e., " I can do this" when confronted with 60+ year old body and the reality of what is actually possible. This really strikes home to anyone who has been down that path with a hobby/interest that requires athleticism. Look forward to the second book.
January 1, 2022
Like other reviewers, this book resonated with me.....having taken up riding at 58, 8 years back.
The book made me chuckle at my own journey, lots of parallels and similar thoughts/experiences.
This is an easy and fun read discovering the challenges of retirement, of finding a new purpose and eventually creating a new balance in life for the author.
Really helpful if you have some cycling insight.......the Strava element alone is better understood if one knows it’s capability.
The author ask if he should write a second book. My view is if there is a second, the thread through the chapters should be similar, reflecting the various elements of retirement/purpose and cycling adventures.
The book made me chuckle at my own journey, lots of parallels and similar thoughts/experiences.
This is an easy and fun read discovering the challenges of retirement, of finding a new purpose and eventually creating a new balance in life for the author.
Really helpful if you have some cycling insight.......the Strava element alone is better understood if one knows it’s capability.
The author ask if he should write a second book. My view is if there is a second, the thread through the chapters should be similar, reflecting the various elements of retirement/purpose and cycling adventures.
March 20, 2023
Written for a narrow audience, the author (English) underplays his ego and overplays his obsession in a mid-life crisis tale of athleticism. His surrounding peer group gives him nowhere to draft and even plays tricks on him committing him and loosing him accordingly.
Except for asking permission from his wife, this story is relatable and even a bit of a travelogue until his greatest “stretch” becomes interpersonal. Given that he grew along with the hospitality industry, this grist of challenge brings a fresh turn to the story.
You’ll find nothing poetic about the narrative and sometimes a pithy way of dislodging with “non” bikers, but it’s well worth the read. Again, a narrow audience will enjoy the journey.
Except for asking permission from his wife, this story is relatable and even a bit of a travelogue until his greatest “stretch” becomes interpersonal. Given that he grew along with the hospitality industry, this grist of challenge brings a fresh turn to the story.
You’ll find nothing poetic about the narrative and sometimes a pithy way of dislodging with “non” bikers, but it’s well worth the read. Again, a narrow audience will enjoy the journey.
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October 8, 2021A Story that Resonates
I enjoyed Tom's story about rediscovering cycling very much. He related his feelings and experiences in a way that kept you engaged. He's also very honest about his Shortcomings as well as his successes In getting back into cycling. His description of the logistics involved in taking up cycling again and the people he related to made story even better. I find myself relating to the whole experience since I got back into cycling after retiring in my late 60s and faced similar challenges. I hope Tom finds the time to relate further adventures.
I enjoyed Tom's story about rediscovering cycling very much. He related his feelings and experiences in a way that kept you engaged. He's also very honest about his Shortcomings as well as his successes In getting back into cycling. His description of the logistics involved in taking up cycling again and the people he related to made story even better. I find myself relating to the whole experience since I got back into cycling after retiring in my late 60s and faced similar challenges. I hope Tom finds the time to relate further adventures.
October 12, 2021
Get a Life
An enjoyable yarn, not about an epic cycling journey but more of a fellow moving towards a place where he can comfortably leap into touring. Well written and useful for anyone loosely thinking of greater adventure in their senior years, or just bored with the drudgery of the 9 to 5 "dream" and unfamiliar with the multitude of benefits that regular cycling can provide.
An enjoyable yarn, not about an epic cycling journey but more of a fellow moving towards a place where he can comfortably leap into touring. Well written and useful for anyone loosely thinking of greater adventure in their senior years, or just bored with the drudgery of the 9 to 5 "dream" and unfamiliar with the multitude of benefits that regular cycling can provide.
November 5, 2021
Inspiration
At times I enjoyed this book, at others well it was predictable. The ending with the volunteering was inspirational for getting your legs back in.
Finally to end with a tasty indication of future rides was excellent
The completion of reading of the book made the overall more sense and worthy of the four star's. Could it have been bettered, maybe, but your personality would not have come out.😀
At times I enjoyed this book, at others well it was predictable. The ending with the volunteering was inspirational for getting your legs back in.
Finally to end with a tasty indication of future rides was excellent
The completion of reading of the book made the overall more sense and worthy of the four star's. Could it have been bettered, maybe, but your personality would not have come out.😀
January 3, 2022
An easy to read book. I thought the story was interesting. I felt annoyed at times with the author, in part, I think, because I have some similar personality flaws and the way his wife and her boss (his friend) took him for a chump (even if it was his best interests they had at heart). I would be interested in reading about his future adventures - I liked the balance of the cycling and personal side in this book.
January 28, 2024
I’ve enjoyed a bunch of books by pros and another bunch by incredible round-the-world cyclists. This one is enjoyable for being very relatable and well written. Certainly great for anyone of almost any age getting back into cycling (perhaps after having kids), and relatable for anyone who’s done this like Tom. For older as well as younger cyclists, it offers some very sensible ideas about how to approach sport and training in the “master’s” age group.
March 5, 2022
An enjoyable Ride
As I'm newly retired and a cyclist myself, I related to many of the author's emotions, progress and obsessions as his story unfolded. There were some bits of sound advice as well as illustrations of the joy to be found on two wheels. I enjoyed this book and will look for more cycling stories from this relatable author.
As I'm newly retired and a cyclist myself, I related to many of the author's emotions, progress and obsessions as his story unfolded. There were some bits of sound advice as well as illustrations of the joy to be found on two wheels. I enjoyed this book and will look for more cycling stories from this relatable author.
November 8, 2023
More than bicycling
Interesting change of life tale about a guy who retires and decides to pick up an old hobby of cycling. The passion rekindles almost to the point of obsessiveness. Then he's pressured into expanding the scope of riding and he grows something more than wheels. Really good. Plus I love England, with town names like Waddleworth, other mother 😊 etc. good read.
Interesting change of life tale about a guy who retires and decides to pick up an old hobby of cycling. The passion rekindles almost to the point of obsessiveness. Then he's pressured into expanding the scope of riding and he grows something more than wheels. Really good. Plus I love England, with town names like Waddleworth, other mother 😊 etc. good read.
August 7, 2022
Good first book and refreshingly different
Not the usual run of the mill cycling book that's churned out regularly on amazon
This one is a bit more than that without giving too much away it is well worth a read
Not the usual run of the mill cycling book that's churned out regularly on amazon
This one is a bit more than that without giving too much away it is well worth a read
February 3, 2023
Very interesting read!
I am a cyclist of a certain age so I waa intrigued by the title. Told in the first person, I found the book very relatable, with the dashes of humor thrown in. Really enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment!
I am a cyclist of a certain age so I waa intrigued by the title. Told in the first person, I found the book very relatable, with the dashes of humor thrown in. Really enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment!
July 4, 2023
A great cycling yarn
Tom grasped two things:- retirement can mean boredom but a hobby and a challenge can be salvation! Great tales, well told and very engaging without being patronising to either his characters or his audience. Couldn’t put it down!
Tom grasped two things:- retirement can mean boredom but a hobby and a challenge can be salvation! Great tales, well told and very engaging without being patronising to either his characters or his audience. Couldn’t put it down!
November 17, 2024
A lesson for all
Inspirational read. Cycling for me is a great escape and perfect to getting off your bum and experience the sites local and a far. Loved the calm and interesting natural style of writing. Now ready for book 2
Inspirational read. Cycling for me is a great escape and perfect to getting off your bum and experience the sites local and a far. Loved the calm and interesting natural style of writing. Now ready for book 2
February 5, 2022
Easy reading
Good mix of cycling me charitable work. Liked the fact that rides not too descriptive and left me looking forward to the next book.
Good mix of cycling me charitable work. Liked the fact that rides not too descriptive and left me looking forward to the next book.
June 12, 2022
Excellent read, and the combination of cycling and transformation of the group of cyclists from the charity works really well. I hope there's a sequel.
July 12, 2022
Excellent! Humorous and a nice mix of cycling and life stories. I would love to hear how the 2,500 mile ride went or goes! Looking forward to any sequels.
December 20, 2022
Bicycle book is a good pedal
This book had a nice balance between rides , equipment, friends, mentors and towns I've never heard of. Read it!thanks
This book had a nice balance between rides , equipment, friends, mentors and towns I've never heard of. Read it!thanks
January 30, 2023
Hits the nail on the head!
I could really relate to the author (I’m in a similar demographic) and really enjoyed his narrative style. He did a great job balancing the cycling/non-cycling sections of the book.
I could really relate to the author (I’m in a similar demographic) and really enjoyed his narrative style. He did a great job balancing the cycling/non-cycling sections of the book.
May 29, 2023
Great Read
This is an amazing read for those returning to the sport of cycling. So many parts are similar to my own experience.
This is an amazing read for those returning to the sport of cycling. So many parts are similar to my own experience.
December 26, 2024
Enjoyable yarn
Enjoyed this book… it bordered just enough on the side of a good story to remain enjoyable to the end.
Enjoyed this book… it bordered just enough on the side of a good story to remain enjoyable to the end.
February 1, 2025
Surprisingly delightful
I guess I judged this book by its cover, which is less than attractive. The book is well-written for someone who spent his professional career as a hotel manager. It is written with a bit of self-depreciating humor and also showed restraint by not overemphasizing biking details. It was well-balanced. The best part was finishing and discovering a part two. I’m on it!
I guess I judged this book by its cover, which is less than attractive. The book is well-written for someone who spent his professional career as a hotel manager. It is written with a bit of self-depreciating humor and also showed restraint by not overemphasizing biking details. It was well-balanced. The best part was finishing and discovering a part two. I’m on it!
April 10, 2024
Despite not liking any of the characters in this book, I enjoyed his journey.
And although I found myself rolling my eyes at their middle class woes, I think that the author redeemed himself a little towards the end.
I will read the 2nd instalment with interest.
And although I found myself rolling my eyes at their middle class woes, I think that the author redeemed himself a little towards the end.
I will read the 2nd instalment with interest.
January 9, 2022
Good read
Well written and really interesting book . Bit of an unexpected twist in the second half which enhances the read. Looking forward to the 2nd book
Well written and really interesting book . Bit of an unexpected twist in the second half which enhances the read. Looking forward to the 2nd book
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews