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Two Years on a Bike: From Vancouver to Patagonia
A bike is all you need to join this epic adventure, spanning continents and years, that will awaken your thirst for exploration. Imagine going from Canada to the southern tip of Argentina, powered by nothing but your own two legs. Pedaling through wind, rain and blistering sun until you reach the mythical Tierra del Fuego. It’s the epic adventure many dream of doing, and that photographer and travel writer Martijn Doolaard did in Two Years on a Bike. Here, his stunning photography takes us to the Californian coast, to the impenetrable jungles of Mexico, and to the ever-higher passes of the Andes. Chronicling the life of a bicycle nomad, Doolard packs his necessities into a couple of panniers and explores what it means to be at home in the world while embracing a life of minimalism. With tips along the way, Two Years on a Bike is for those who are inspired by impressive feats, and for those preparing their own bikepacking adventures.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published January 18, 2022
26 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 2, 2022
After finding Martijn on YouTube I had to get his book. It’s honestly a gem. His photography is stunning and his trek is inspirational. Read enough books like this and you’ll probably be out exploring the world somewhere.
The book itself is high quality (though the title on the spine is printed upside down?) and thumbing through it feels more like you are diving into Martijn’s journey than flipping through a book. The book itself could be used as a bookend with his weight and sturdiness.
The text is full of honest experiences and authentic feelings as Martijn describes his highs, lows, friends, emotions, lovers, and heroes. A wonderful balance of visual beauty and experiential storytelling.
The book itself is high quality (though the title on the spine is printed upside down?) and thumbing through it feels more like you are diving into Martijn’s journey than flipping through a book. The book itself could be used as a bookend with his weight and sturdiness.
The text is full of honest experiences and authentic feelings as Martijn describes his highs, lows, friends, emotions, lovers, and heroes. A wonderful balance of visual beauty and experiential storytelling.
July 21, 2022
You’d hope a travelogue book created by a graphic designer about an epic journey - cycling from Vancouver to Patagonia, with many diversions - would look good. And it does; I’d go further and say it looks gorgeous. Martijn’s accompanying text is also a delight: honest, reflective, self-aware and practical about the realities of a vast solo trip like this.
For instance, he reflects on seeing children in Guatemala like the one his family used to sponsor, and admits he only now understands the riches of community and environmental connections underpinning what previously looked like simple poverty.
It’s a book to treasure. But at slightly more than A4 size and weighing 3kg, the only problem is where to keep it. Permanently on the coffee table, I suspect!
Thank you, Martijn, for sharing your memorable images, your reflections and 2 years of your life with those of us who will most likely never explore the world and ourselves anything like the way you have.
For instance, he reflects on seeing children in Guatemala like the one his family used to sponsor, and admits he only now understands the riches of community and environmental connections underpinning what previously looked like simple poverty.
It’s a book to treasure. But at slightly more than A4 size and weighing 3kg, the only problem is where to keep it. Permanently on the coffee table, I suspect!
Thank you, Martijn, for sharing your memorable images, your reflections and 2 years of your life with those of us who will most likely never explore the world and ourselves anything like the way you have.
April 7, 2025
Inspiring. Stunning.
Makes me wanna grab my bike and leave.
"Small courageous choices get the wheels spinning. Make enough of them and you'll see the world is yours to explore, and that your best life is a bigger, better monster than you ever imagined."
Makes me wanna grab my bike and leave.
"Small courageous choices get the wheels spinning. Make enough of them and you'll see the world is yours to explore, and that your best life is a bigger, better monster than you ever imagined."
March 25, 2024
// Learned about Martijn from his YouTube about rebuilding the huts in the Italian Alps. So when I saw his book, I wanted to check and see how his life was before the move to Italy
I really really like the book - a combo of stories, geography details, and amazing photos. I was though disappointed with how some areas got so much attention - like the cities in which he stayed and met different people, versus some counties being just mentioned ( Costa Rica, Nicaragua etc) i understand they were also experienced differently but I would have wanted at least one or two things from there. I've been to Costa Rica and I know it is not perfect, but it does have amazing nature. The places I see mentioned in the log made a route but an impersonal one.
I did not expect such good stories, the narration around places, and the quotes he takes out. I really really liked the book and recommend it - even though it weighs more than a brick. He might use it one day to build with it.
"The wilderness makes me more alert. My senses sharpen and I feel alive."
"This trip is about simplifying life and minimizing luxury."
"Your dreams are bigger when you look at the stars before falling asleep."
I really really like the book - a combo of stories, geography details, and amazing photos. I was though disappointed with how some areas got so much attention - like the cities in which he stayed and met different people, versus some counties being just mentioned ( Costa Rica, Nicaragua etc) i understand they were also experienced differently but I would have wanted at least one or two things from there. I've been to Costa Rica and I know it is not perfect, but it does have amazing nature. The places I see mentioned in the log made a route but an impersonal one.
I did not expect such good stories, the narration around places, and the quotes he takes out. I really really liked the book and recommend it - even though it weighs more than a brick. He might use it one day to build with it.
"The wilderness makes me more alert. My senses sharpen and I feel alive."
"This trip is about simplifying life and minimizing luxury."
"Your dreams are bigger when you look at the stars before falling asleep."
January 9, 2024
Incredibly inspiring. I've watched the movie as well, and have followed along with the cabin restoration videos in Italy - this man makes me want to do more (and less!) with my life. I loved the experience of reading this book so much!
October 6, 2023
My wife gifted me Two Years on a Bike for my birthday this year. I’ve been an avid follower of Martijn’s cabin videos since they began, and see him as a great source of inspiration across many areas of life. I thought this would serve as a beautiful coffee table book with great photography - and while it certainly is that, I got so much out of reading the story. I’m so grateful that this exists.
March 20, 2024
respect for what he did
sometimes i felt he is more on tinder than on the road tho haha
sometimes i felt he is more on tinder than on the road tho haha
October 13, 2022
A warning: this book has all the earmarks of a "coffee table book". Large format, printed on heavy stock glossy paper, loaded with full page photos. You're not going to throw it in your carry-on bag, or try to read it in bed. That said, the narrative and commentary interspersed between the photos provide remarkable insight into the author's journey. He takes extended breaks in several major cities, where he always seems to hook up with an actress or a model. On the flip side, his descriptions of the cold, wet misery and isolation he feels during the last stretch of his trip will make you question his sanity.
The photos are wonderful. This guy even carried a small drone to get spectacular aerial shots.
The photos are wonderful. This guy even carried a small drone to get spectacular aerial shots.
December 10, 2025
J'ai eu la version française du livre, je suis l'auteur sur les réseaux depuis des années donc je m'attendais à voir des belles photos de voyage par contre j'ai acheté le livre pour lire ce qui peut accompagné ces photos comme texte et malheureusement j'ai été déçu d'où les 2 étoiles.
Le dernier texte du livre et le plus profond, j'aurai aimé lire plus sur l'expérience émotionnelle , les interactions avec les indigènes et les voyageurs plus que les textes descriptives des étapes et des passages et surtout moins des remarques génériques d'un voyageur européen en dehors de l'Europe.
Le format de livre est difficile à gérer : grand et lourd ce qui limite l'interaction avec le livre.
Le dernier texte du livre et le plus profond, j'aurai aimé lire plus sur l'expérience émotionnelle , les interactions avec les indigènes et les voyageurs plus que les textes descriptives des étapes et des passages et surtout moins des remarques génériques d'un voyageur européen en dehors de l'Europe.
Le format de livre est difficile à gérer : grand et lourd ce qui limite l'interaction avec le livre.
October 3, 2024
After reading One year on a bike, I was eager to read the sequel. I was not disappointed. Martijn is a talented photographer and accomplished writer. Poring over his photos is like going on a journey yourself. I particularly like the fact that the author doesn't tell us about every single day of his journey (that would make for an even bigger book!), but instead chose to focus on the most significant moments. The only downside to both books is that their size and weight meant that I wasn't able to read them lying on my back in bed, my favourite reading position!
August 4, 2025
I spent weekend reading this section by section, and I really loved it. I checked it from the library and it's already a pretty well traveled book in Bellingham by the looks of this public library copy. Photos are lovely, and since I am no longer on social media, his work was new to me. Delightful human.
Favorite quotes among many.
"You are welcome to my refuge for cyclist." (on a sign)
"If the road is plain bread, these places are Nutella."
"I had to constantly be mindful of my possessions since it was up to me to carry them."
Favorite quotes among many.
"You are welcome to my refuge for cyclist." (on a sign)
"If the road is plain bread, these places are Nutella."
"I had to constantly be mindful of my possessions since it was up to me to carry them."
October 8, 2025
Fantastic photos, hand drawn maps, and painstakingly crafted passages about life on the road. Martijn captures a wide array of landscapes and novel anecdotes that made this book hard to put down at times. I first came across his expedition a couple years back on YouTube, and was amazed by his video series documenting it. He was a big inspiration for me to take off on a bike tour of my own, and in the process I discovered our paths crossed in Mitchell, Oregon. That was a cool moment. His story is full of them.
4.3/5
4.3/5
February 10, 2025
The way Martijn lives his life is the way his books are: adventurous, brave, unimposing, Stoicism, beautiful, respectful of your mind, and welcoming.
Few books motivate like ``One Year on a Bike`` and ``Two Years on a Bike``.
His YouTube channel - @MartijnDoolaard - is an extension of his great books, albeit on his homestead in the Italian alps.
Few books motivate like ``One Year on a Bike`` and ``Two Years on a Bike``.
His YouTube channel - @MartijnDoolaard - is an extension of his great books, albeit on his homestead in the Italian alps.
February 19, 2022
A truly inspiring record of his journey. The combination of beautiful photographs and the well written story give an insight into his physical travels through the Americas and the inner journey Martijn made.
March 6, 2023
I really enjoy following Martin on YouTube as he rebuilds a ruin in the Italian Alps. This book was his bike travels from Vancouver to Ushuaia. He is a very interesting guy. Need to see if the library has his first book (1 Year on a Bike when he bikes from Amsterdam to Singapore.
November 8, 2023
"Small courageous choices get the wheels spinning. Make enough of them, and you'll see that the world is yours to explore, and that your best life is a bigger, better monster than you ever imagined." (p. 413)
February 6, 2022
Total brutal 🤩
July 26, 2022
Beautiful
September 1, 2022
Absolutely amazing.
May 14, 2023
Klasický Gestalten: esteticky majstrovsky spracované. Naviac, aj veľmi pútavo rozdelené a napísané.
July 5, 2023
This story, those illustrations and photos! Stunning! I’m Martijn’s fan since I found his channel on YouTube. Looking forward of seeing a book about his project in Italian Alps 😍
August 19, 2024
Beautiful stories, beautiful photographs, amazing adventure.
September 26, 2024
Awesome adventure, awesome book, awesome photography.. and awesome 4part youtube documentary. Really worth your time.
July 12, 2025
This is a very well written travelogue book with magnificent pictures. Actually the nr.1 coffee table book I've ever had. A real gem in my collection. It can also be used as a weapon by it's sheer size and weight. Absolutely worth the price. What a journey it must have been...
January 2, 2025
Cycling 19,788km from Vancouver to Patagonia, through thick powdered snow fields, treacherous rains, relentless sun and endless arid desserts, Martijn has a sense of adventure I am in awe of.
The perseverance and strength required for a journey of this magnitude is unmatched. 816 days on the saddle and living from canvas bags in a cramped two square metre tent. In addition to his physical strength, the mental resilience to combat thoughts loneliness and survival is remarkable. Martijn has given comfort and solitude a completely new meaning. An amazing read!
“Small courageous choices get the wheels spinning. Make enough of them, and you’ll see that the world is yours to explore, and that your best life is a bigger, better monster than you ever imagined.”
The perseverance and strength required for a journey of this magnitude is unmatched. 816 days on the saddle and living from canvas bags in a cramped two square metre tent. In addition to his physical strength, the mental resilience to combat thoughts loneliness and survival is remarkable. Martijn has given comfort and solitude a completely new meaning. An amazing read!
“Small courageous choices get the wheels spinning. Make enough of them, and you’ll see that the world is yours to explore, and that your best life is a bigger, better monster than you ever imagined.”
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews