Cycling back to happiness by Bernie Friend has received many excellent reviews. It tells one man’s story of how a bitter life was drastically improved by taking a long cycle tour. I skipped through some of the early passages as I didn’t particularly want to read all his rants and depressing observations. But, when the book gets really into the cycling it becomes a great read. It is a good mixture of humour, observation and a celebration of the joys of cycling. I don’t usually read travel books, but it is far from a typical going from A to B. Yes, it’s hard in places but ultimately shows as an example of how cycling can help turn around our inner demons. Perhaps one too many cliches for comfort, suggesting he really can’t can’t cut the mustard as the next Bill Bryson. But, you know what they say it’s a start.
A complete novice to long distance cycling, Bernie confronted many demons on his epic journey – a coastal cycle route which circles 6,000 kilometres of the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Scotland and England. Arm wrestling drunken trawlermen, a geriatric half marathon, Viking bring-and-buy sales, decapitated pirates, burning witches, Shakin’ Stevens mega mixes, sea crossing motorways, walking sand giants and remote islands most people can’t even be bothered to mark on a map are just some of the secrets coughed up by this adventure. Michael Palin and Bill Bryson watch out! Bernie’s very personal story told in an easy-going travelogue style will have you hooked from start to finish.
The other surprising thing is when you think of a cycle tour the North Sea is not the first thing you would think of. But, places like Denmark sound a great place to cycle in.
Cycling back to happiness by Bernie Friend at Amazon.co.uk
Yes, it’s always a good feeling to get back on bike
Hello Tejvan It was the title of the feed that caught my eye more than anything.
My next comment has nothing to do with the book.
I have been off for a week where normally I would have used it to go out cycling to clock a few miles but I have been decorating.
Into my second day of commuting to work im glad ive got the bug of cycling into my blood again. Im like you where I love to find hills and climb up them.
Saturday night after I finished work at a hotel my commute home is via a predesignated route but I decided to take a different route up a couple of hills and really enjoyed it.
No cars and no ice and I felt like the book title. Just thought id share that with you.
Bye for now