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At the Whim of the Open Road: Part One of an Around the World Cycle - Limerick to Sydney
At the Whim of the Open Road is the story of William Bennett’s journey across Europe, Asia and Australia, from Limerick to Sydney, the first stage of his attempt to cycle around the world.
After five long years of planning and saving, he takes the leap, venturing out into the world with nothing but a tent and some personal belongings strapped to his bicycle. With one pedal stroke he sets in motion his dream of cycling around the world, leaving his comfortable life behind for one of uncertainty and danger on the open road. His goal: to pedal every inch of the way across the inhospitable deserts, towering mountain ranges and dense jungles of our planet.
Along the way, he faces incredible adversity, including wild animal attacks, debilitating tropical diseases, corrupt officials, robbery attempts and near-death experiences. Yet, more importantly, he witnesses the raw beauty of this special planet and its people, breathing in all the wonder that the world has to offer; all of it heightened as he traverses the open roads of the world alone on a humble bicycle.
After five long years of planning and saving, he takes the leap, venturing out into the world with nothing but a tent and some personal belongings strapped to his bicycle. With one pedal stroke he sets in motion his dream of cycling around the world, leaving his comfortable life behind for one of uncertainty and danger on the open road. His goal: to pedal every inch of the way across the inhospitable deserts, towering mountain ranges and dense jungles of our planet.
Along the way, he faces incredible adversity, including wild animal attacks, debilitating tropical diseases, corrupt officials, robbery attempts and near-death experiences. Yet, more importantly, he witnesses the raw beauty of this special planet and its people, breathing in all the wonder that the world has to offer; all of it heightened as he traverses the open roads of the world alone on a humble bicycle.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 13, 2023
This has to be one of my favourite cycling books, a really enjoyable account of one man’s bicycle journey around the world. It is very well written and the author comes across as honest and very likeable, which makes it easy to read and to feel a part of the adventure. And there is plenty of adventure, with a series of misfortunes adding to the challenge that have you wondering what happened to the luck of the Irish! It all makes for an even more dramatic story though. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
July 16, 2023
great read and looking forward to next instalment
I loved reading Williams tales of endeavour and determination, challenging himself to overcome many difficulties. He writes in a way which kept me engaged throughout and I only wish I had the same skills when writing my own travels. I loved hearing about different places that it is unlikely that I will ever get there but in a small way I experienced it through his travels. Can’t wait for part II.
I loved reading Williams tales of endeavour and determination, challenging himself to overcome many difficulties. He writes in a way which kept me engaged throughout and I only wish I had the same skills when writing my own travels. I loved hearing about different places that it is unlikely that I will ever get there but in a small way I experienced it through his travels. Can’t wait for part II.
March 5, 2023
One of the best books I've read to date. William's adventure is truly a once in a lifetime experience, and it's inspirational that he pressed on despite severe hardship and difficulties. A beautifully written book, with just the right balance of breathtaking experiences, real struggles and friendships. Very much looking forward to the second part!
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August 14, 2023Incredible!
Even though it was several years in the making, William's book was well worth the wait. His exceptional writing expertly conveys the difficulties he faced, and it feels as if I, the reader, could be cycling alongside him. It has well earned him a place beside other great cycle touring authors like Alistair Humphries and Jacob Ashton
Even though it was several years in the making, William's book was well worth the wait. His exceptional writing expertly conveys the difficulties he faced, and it feels as if I, the reader, could be cycling alongside him. It has well earned him a place beside other great cycle touring authors like Alistair Humphries and Jacob Ashton
January 3, 2024
Great read, chapters are short enough to read in nice bite sized pieces. I really enjoyed that it was such a relatable story of a regular guy setting off on a mega adventure. He takes you through both the ups and downs of the arventure. Very different from what seem like super hero's in most of the other books out there.
September 17, 2024
A thrilling adventure, fantastically written! Will conveys the hope, the joy, the fear, the despair, and the triumph that he experiences while encountering people of all types and stripes. People can be wonderful, and people can be horrible -- it's all here in this book. I never knew the term "wild camping" until reading this book.
January 28, 2024
Very interesting book that shows the ups and downs of travelling in lesser known areas of the world and left me wanting to know more.
January 24, 2023
Cracking read. A really impressive adventure story, and I enjoyed the friendly and down-to-earth authorial tone.
May 29, 2025
Good bedtime read
A very interesting read, well written and descriptive. Some of the experiences were quite disturbing however, I think after the first horrific encounter, I’d have refused any offer of accommodation from a man.
A very interesting read, well written and descriptive. Some of the experiences were quite disturbing however, I think after the first horrific encounter, I’d have refused any offer of accommodation from a man.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews