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Beyond the Horizon: The Great Race to Finish the First Human-Powered Circumnavigation of the Planet
In June, 2004, Colin Angus left Vancouver on his bicycle. Nearly two years later, he rolled back in, looking like a castaway, and having completed the first human-powered circumnavigation of the globe.
Angus cycled, skiied, and rowed a route that took him to Alaska, across the Bering Sea and the Siberian winter, across Europe from Moscow to Portugal, then across the Atlantic to Costa Rica–a 156-day rowing odyssey. From there it was a short 8,300 kilometre ride back to Vancouver. Along the way he burned through 4,000 chocolate bars, 72 inner tubes, 250 kgs of freeze-dried foods, 31 dorado fish (caught from the sea), 2 offshore rowboats, 4 bicycles, 80 kgs of clothing. And he showed the world that if he can travel 43,000 kilometres without polluting the planet, then the rest of us can get off our butts, and clean up our own acts.
“We lay in the rowboat cabin as the seas swelled and the sky boiled like a devil’s cauldron. Slanting yellow sun beams cut between black squalls, and corrugated cirrus clouds interlaced the remaining areas of blue. Huge anvil heads roiled and billowed, like slow-moving atomic explosions. Flashes of lightning illuminated the IMAX screen of the horizon. Such energy and volatility would have been breathtakingly beautiful, if we had been watching from nearly anywhere else, and if it weren’t for the fact that it was all just a prelude to a killer storm.
It was hard to believe that yet another tropical cyclone was heading our way. We had chosen the worst hurricane season in recorded history to make our five-month, 10,000 km unsupported rowboat crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Now, two months into our voyage, it looked very likely our expedition might come to an abrupt end.
Our voyage across the Atlantic was only a part of a much larger an attempt to complete the first human-powered circumnavigation of the planet. So far we had trekked, skied, cycled, canoed, and rowed non-stop across three continents and were half-way across our second ocean. Now, as I huddled in the dog-house sized cabin with my fiancée waiting for the Hurricane Epsilon to reach us, I cursed myself for ever believing I could achieve such an impossible quest.”
—From Beyond the Horizon
Angus cycled, skiied, and rowed a route that took him to Alaska, across the Bering Sea and the Siberian winter, across Europe from Moscow to Portugal, then across the Atlantic to Costa Rica–a 156-day rowing odyssey. From there it was a short 8,300 kilometre ride back to Vancouver. Along the way he burned through 4,000 chocolate bars, 72 inner tubes, 250 kgs of freeze-dried foods, 31 dorado fish (caught from the sea), 2 offshore rowboats, 4 bicycles, 80 kgs of clothing. And he showed the world that if he can travel 43,000 kilometres without polluting the planet, then the rest of us can get off our butts, and clean up our own acts.
“We lay in the rowboat cabin as the seas swelled and the sky boiled like a devil’s cauldron. Slanting yellow sun beams cut between black squalls, and corrugated cirrus clouds interlaced the remaining areas of blue. Huge anvil heads roiled and billowed, like slow-moving atomic explosions. Flashes of lightning illuminated the IMAX screen of the horizon. Such energy and volatility would have been breathtakingly beautiful, if we had been watching from nearly anywhere else, and if it weren’t for the fact that it was all just a prelude to a killer storm.
It was hard to believe that yet another tropical cyclone was heading our way. We had chosen the worst hurricane season in recorded history to make our five-month, 10,000 km unsupported rowboat crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Now, two months into our voyage, it looked very likely our expedition might come to an abrupt end.
Our voyage across the Atlantic was only a part of a much larger an attempt to complete the first human-powered circumnavigation of the planet. So far we had trekked, skied, cycled, canoed, and rowed non-stop across three continents and were half-way across our second ocean. Now, as I huddled in the dog-house sized cabin with my fiancée waiting for the Hurricane Epsilon to reach us, I cursed myself for ever believing I could achieve such an impossible quest.”
—From Beyond the Horizon
374 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2007
2 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 30, 2008
This was a great book. I cannot believe what Collin went through to complete his journey. He had some crazy experiences and it made me thankful that I do not have that drive to go put myself in horrible situations. The part that made me cringe the most was the months in Siberia. That sounded horrific. I just find it so amazing that he was able to put himself through really extreme situations and come out of it alive. I read it quite quickly which means that it really grabbed me. Colin was very harsh against his friend (?Tim), I think I would be really choked if I had been planning something for two years and then was told I was kicked off the team. That is the only thing I did not like about the book, I thought that was a very one sided look at what happened between the two of them. Very exciting book overall.
February 22, 2008
Colin Angus amazes me. Not only can this guy accomplish an amazing feat like circumnavigating the globe, but he can write about it in a way that keeps me enthralled. The types of adventures and situations he experiences are straight out of a movie.
Beyond the Horizon is an adventure book that anyone can enjoy. If you are an adventuresome soul this book will make you want to achieve something spectacular.
Beyond the Horizon is an adventure book that anyone can enjoy. If you are an adventuresome soul this book will make you want to achieve something spectacular.
June 7, 2009
Fun read, though not well written. I would change the title to 338 Reasons Not to Circumnavigate the Globe.
April 21, 2025
This book took me on a fascinating journey where I met many interesting and generous people. As always the materially poorest are often the richest.
And the contrast between the 'western' attitudes and the rest, is brought into sharp focus by the two main participants as opposed to those who helped, fed and facilitated their journey.
I'm left unhappy about the unfortunate Siberian so much the poorer and lonely since these people leant on his generosity. Why Colin blames Yulia for not returning that man's dogs where he could have just as easily done so. Says a lot about the mentality of people who undertake crazy and largely pointless tasks like this.
Was anyone left better from their interaction with these adventurers.
So, despite my antipathy to the participants it's a well written book and brings alive a world and people who normally pass under the radar.
And the contrast between the 'western' attitudes and the rest, is brought into sharp focus by the two main participants as opposed to those who helped, fed and facilitated their journey.
I'm left unhappy about the unfortunate Siberian so much the poorer and lonely since these people leant on his generosity. Why Colin blames Yulia for not returning that man's dogs where he could have just as easily done so. Says a lot about the mentality of people who undertake crazy and largely pointless tasks like this.
Was anyone left better from their interaction with these adventurers.
So, despite my antipathy to the participants it's a well written book and brings alive a world and people who normally pass under the radar.
January 7, 2019
An amazing adventure story of guts, determination and being human. Well written and most entertaining. This is one story I don’t mind observing from the comfort of my living room armchair. Colin and his wife, Julie, are of one spirit and are genuine problem solvers. Inspiring! A great read.
January 26, 2021
I had to remind myself multiple times throughout the book that this was a true story. Humans are so amazing and the dedication and commitment Colin had to this journey was nothing short of incredible. I was entertained and on the edge of my seat for the whole read!
February 18, 2021
Mind boggling true life story of Colin Angus. First man to circumnavigate Planet Earth using only Human Power. (Biked and rowboat). His writing style is also highly engaging, at times I felt like I was travelling with him. This feat is simply amazing. Highly recommend.
July 19, 2022
Loved how adventurous this book was. A super interesting read of adventure and overcoming obstacles while on the move. I did not like the part of drama with the team mate he had a falling out with. I found it took away from the over all good feel of the book and made the focus more negative.
June 10, 2021
Like a good Netflix series this book by Colin Angus captures my attention with his engaging storytelling, wild adventures, and near death encounters. I just couldn't put this book down!
August 15, 2022
A fun page-turning adventure story.
January 2, 2025
Really exciting and unique adventure around the world by Colin Angus and company. I enjoyed following along the stories from start to finish!
March 10, 2021
Constantly trying to find another book to match the feeling this one gave me. Incredible story, awesome people and so well written.
December 15, 2014
In Beyond the Horizon: The First Human-Powered Expedition to Circle the Globe, Colin Angus details his attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The book is up and down as it goes around. Some sections are compelling. Others are just bickering with a lost partner and his critics.
Colin starts in Vancouver on a bike with his teammate, Tim. The team breaks up as Tim begins a romance with their Russian guide (required by the government.) Separated from Tim, Colin bikes the rest of the way across Siberia and Europe alone. Colin ends up crossing the Atlantic Ocean and biking North through Central America with his fiance. She penned her own story Rowboat in a Hurricane. Perhaps you can guess what they encountered during their journey across the Atlantic?
Since there is a big label on the book “The First Human-Powered expedition to Circle the Globe” I am not spoiling anything by telling you that he makes it. It was not an easy journey. He had to contend with forest fires in Alaska, storms in the Bering Sea, biking through the Siberian winter, hurricanes in the Atlantic, government bureaucracy and poor planning. There are some great sections in the book. You will enjoy those parts if you are an armchair adventurer like me.
You, the reader, also have to suffer through some inconsistent writing. The book is best when he focusing on the adventure, the challenges and his reactions to them. Unfortunately, he spends a big chunk of the book answering his critics and pleading his case. His critics include Tim, Tim’s family, the Guinness Book of World Records, others trying to also be the first and various other experts. Those parts of the book are not at all interesting and take away from the adventure and the accomplishment.
There are also a lot of mixed messages in the book. He starts off the journey using it to show how humans can reduce their impact on the environment and reduce their carbon-emissions. If he can get around the world without gasoline maybe we can do so in our own, more hospitable community. But then he focuses on the importance of being the first and the race aspect of the journey. Really, he just talks about the environmental impacts at the beginning and the end of the book. The discussion about the environment end up sticking out like a sore thumb. He could have weaved that it into the narrative if it was that important to him.
The expedition comes across as poorly planned and underfunded. I had the same feeling about the book.
Colin starts in Vancouver on a bike with his teammate, Tim. The team breaks up as Tim begins a romance with their Russian guide (required by the government.) Separated from Tim, Colin bikes the rest of the way across Siberia and Europe alone. Colin ends up crossing the Atlantic Ocean and biking North through Central America with his fiance. She penned her own story Rowboat in a Hurricane. Perhaps you can guess what they encountered during their journey across the Atlantic?
Since there is a big label on the book “The First Human-Powered expedition to Circle the Globe” I am not spoiling anything by telling you that he makes it. It was not an easy journey. He had to contend with forest fires in Alaska, storms in the Bering Sea, biking through the Siberian winter, hurricanes in the Atlantic, government bureaucracy and poor planning. There are some great sections in the book. You will enjoy those parts if you are an armchair adventurer like me.
You, the reader, also have to suffer through some inconsistent writing. The book is best when he focusing on the adventure, the challenges and his reactions to them. Unfortunately, he spends a big chunk of the book answering his critics and pleading his case. His critics include Tim, Tim’s family, the Guinness Book of World Records, others trying to also be the first and various other experts. Those parts of the book are not at all interesting and take away from the adventure and the accomplishment.
There are also a lot of mixed messages in the book. He starts off the journey using it to show how humans can reduce their impact on the environment and reduce their carbon-emissions. If he can get around the world without gasoline maybe we can do so in our own, more hospitable community. But then he focuses on the importance of being the first and the race aspect of the journey. Really, he just talks about the environmental impacts at the beginning and the end of the book. The discussion about the environment end up sticking out like a sore thumb. He could have weaved that it into the narrative if it was that important to him.
The expedition comes across as poorly planned and underfunded. I had the same feeling about the book.
March 1, 2011
Angus writes a compelling tale of traveling the globe using only human power. Traveling through remote and harsh places, Angus escapes one harrowing obstacle after another.
The narrative is strongest when it sticks to telling the story of circling the globe. However, a couple of times, when Angus really wants to make a point about something, the main story feels interrupted and disjointed as he makes his point.
One of Angus' objectives in writing this novel is to promote zero-emissions travel. Sometimes Angus was able to seamlessly convey this message as part of the story, other times I felt I was being beaten over the head with it.
It seemed very important for Angus to set the record straight about the wrongs that occurred on him on his journey. I can understand why. For almost two years his name was slandered in very public venues and he was not in a position to refute the things that were being said. Sometimes reading about the disagreements Angus was having added an interesting flare of drama to the story. At other times it seemed to drag on and felt more like he was presenting evidence than telling a story.
Overall Angus tale was interesting and inspiring, particularly his accounts of crossing the Atlantic Ocean. I enjoyed reading his account.
The narrative is strongest when it sticks to telling the story of circling the globe. However, a couple of times, when Angus really wants to make a point about something, the main story feels interrupted and disjointed as he makes his point.
One of Angus' objectives in writing this novel is to promote zero-emissions travel. Sometimes Angus was able to seamlessly convey this message as part of the story, other times I felt I was being beaten over the head with it.
It seemed very important for Angus to set the record straight about the wrongs that occurred on him on his journey. I can understand why. For almost two years his name was slandered in very public venues and he was not in a position to refute the things that were being said. Sometimes reading about the disagreements Angus was having added an interesting flare of drama to the story. At other times it seemed to drag on and felt more like he was presenting evidence than telling a story.
Overall Angus tale was interesting and inspiring, particularly his accounts of crossing the Atlantic Ocean. I enjoyed reading his account.
April 15, 2011
Colin's story is a testatment of determination and daring (maybe a little crazy too) in his human powered travel around the world. As I read this I couldn't imagine bicycling across Siberia, after rowing across the Bearing Sea, musch less continuing on the way he did around the globe to yet again row another ocean amid hurricanes to cross South America & U.S to end again in Vancouver.
I found myself wanting to follow him on my globe & atlas wishing he had more maps & pictures to help put myself in his geographic locations as well as seeing his path. An amazing trip and well written story. I was put off by the conflicting stories of his competitors and realised that each person has their own twist on what happens
I found myself wanting to follow him on my globe & atlas wishing he had more maps & pictures to help put myself in his geographic locations as well as seeing his path. An amazing trip and well written story. I was put off by the conflicting stories of his competitors and realised that each person has their own twist on what happens
April 16, 2011
Colin's story is a testatment of determination and daring (maybe a little crazy too) in his human powered travel around the world. As I read this I couldn't imagine bicycling across Siberia, after rowing across the Bearing Sea, musch less continuing on the way he did around the globe to yet again row another ocean amid hurricanes to cross South America & U.S to end again in Vancouver.
I found myself wanting to follow him on my globe & atlas wishing he had more maps & pictures to help put myself in his geographic locations as well as seeing his path. An amazing trip and well written story. I was put off by the conflicting stories of his competitors and realised that each person has their own twist on what happens
I found myself wanting to follow him on my globe & atlas wishing he had more maps & pictures to help put myself in his geographic locations as well as seeing his path. An amazing trip and well written story. I was put off by the conflicting stories of his competitors and realised that each person has their own twist on what happens
August 8, 2012
I gave this three stars because I there parts I liked and parts that I didn't like.
I liked the adventure part of the story. These guys went through a lot of struggle and ultimately succeeded. For some reason, I also liked how they had to sneak their equipment into Canada.
I didn't like that it wasn't all human powered. Last I checked, sailing was not human powered. I didn't like that I thought that the two friends were selfish, I wish they could have finished together. I did not like that the bicycle trip through the Americas was almost treated as an afterthought; why not more about this?
Proceed with caution - there are points to enjoy and parts to not enjoy.
I liked the adventure part of the story. These guys went through a lot of struggle and ultimately succeeded. For some reason, I also liked how they had to sneak their equipment into Canada.
I didn't like that it wasn't all human powered. Last I checked, sailing was not human powered. I didn't like that I thought that the two friends were selfish, I wish they could have finished together. I did not like that the bicycle trip through the Americas was almost treated as an afterthought; why not more about this?
Proceed with caution - there are points to enjoy and parts to not enjoy.
January 28, 2014
This is an amazing book. The author took almost two years to travel around the world, using only his own power (cycling, rowing, skiing, walking). The hardships he had to endure were mind-boggling: Arctic temperatures, lack of food in one Siberian stretch, no room for cyclists on some roads, visa problems, being helpless in a rowboat in the Atlantic during hurricanes and storms...Why would someone do this?!! Just doing the research and working out the logistics are formidable tasks. The writing style is engrossing, as he describes adventures along the way, including encounters with people he met, and problems with his first travelling partner.
November 1, 2008
I love Colin Angus!!!! His adventures are so crazy and half the time I think he is an idiot for the situations he puts himself in, but they definitely amount to a good story! The one thing I didn`t love about this book was the conflict between tim and Colin.At times the book almost seemed a bit `whinny.` It created a kind of stress not seen in his other books. However, being a real-life story, there is not much that could have been done to fix that, and overall the adventure is amazing and a must read for anyone who loves to travel or loves adventure!
February 8, 2015
A great tale. An amazing journey. And an easy read. Angus glossed over a lot of the geography, history and politics of the countries he visited and had a large focus on the falling out with Tim Harvey. But his story is told honestly with obvious passion. He is not afraid to write that he was terrified, overwhelmed, exhausted and in debt for much of the journey. I'd recommend the book and am looking forward to seeing the DVD and reading his girlfriend's (now wife) account of the Atlantic crossing.
August 26, 2011
A fascinating journey and epic undertaking told in bland prose. Too much of the book is devoted to trashing his former teammate and professing his undying love for his bride to be. Additionally, the manic pace of his self-made "race" prevent any real insight into the areas traveled and we are left with a straight forward story of obsession and drive. There is enough there in the remarkable journey of 40,000+ km across the globe to hold your interest, but the reader is left wanting more than the book delivers.
February 27, 2010
This book was amazing. Colin Agnus overcame many obstacles to complete a human powered circumnavigation of the planet. When I started to read the book I though "wow thats an awesome idea". Then after thinking about it and reading on my thoughts changed to "He's crazy like a fox". 2 years of planning and 2 years of traveling must have certainly made coming home feel like a utopia. I admired his courage and perseverance and found the book an enjoyable and easy read.
September 5, 2009
I really loved this book. It's been a long time since I've read a book that urged me to finish it. I found it inspiring, aggravating, and I had my fingers crossed the whole time for the author to sucessfully complete the first human powered circumnavigation of the earth. I loved the writing style, I loved the author and how he handled every situation he faced. It was just a great read.
And now I really want to cycle across Canada.
And now I really want to cycle across Canada.
June 27, 2013
This is a fascinating read for outdoor adventures. Angus's writing style is detailed, humorous and gripping. THe obstacles facing Angus and his team included government bureaucracies, weather, health problems and friction within the team. Towards the end of his tale, Angus narrates a series of events that were page-turners for me. My only criticism of the book is the anecdotes of soap opera like encounters between Angus and his partner. Overall, I found the book inspiring and a fun read.
March 8, 2009
This book is so crazy cool. It makes me want to bike across Canada. Reading the two different perspectives on the rowboat ride across the Atlantic was neat (I read the book about it by Julie Angus too). The book had a lot more infighting and competition than Julie's did but I liked it just as well. I especially liked the parts about Siberia. I have now have to go to Siberia.
December 29, 2010
I really liked this book. It had adventure, drama, humour, and even a little romance. Some of it was very intense, like the crossing of Siberia, and some of it was really tiring like the crossing of the Atlantic. I like how Angus convened how it felt to do this trip around world. And I really liked how he never gave up and didn't let obstacles get in his way.
August 10, 2011
This was an account of a voyage I would personally never undertake. After rowing through the frigid Bering Sea, the guy crosses Siberia by bike! The drama with his travel partner added an extra level of intrigue. Once he reached Portugal I was fascinated by his dramatic crossing of the Atlantic in a rowboat.
February 13, 2013
There’s a reason that Outside magazine has named Colin Angus as one of the 25 People Changing the World. With his quest to prove to the world that humans are still capable of ‘doing’ without machines, Colin’s real-life journey around the globe encounters danger, betrayal, and triumph. This is a gripping adventure story perfect for the adventurer in you! -Review by Kara Pelicano
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November 19, 2012For a combination of memoir and adventure story, try this true account of a man’s attempt to cross the globe using only his own efforts (no motors, animals, or even wind power). The author describes not only the danger he faced, but also his failing friendship with his partner.
April 24, 2015
Amazing story and great to hear his side of it. Wouldn't have expected all the crazy stuff that happened to happen initially but once you realize the places he had to go it makes sense. Hope he stays safe in whatever he does next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews