View from the bike
I finished reading Miles from Nowhere by Barbara Savage today! 
The story is inspiring, humorous and delightful.
It’s the tale of an around-the-world bike trip taken by Barbara and Larry Savage. The journey took the couple through 25 counties, in a period of 2 years.
…Along the way, these neophyte cyclists encountered warm-hearted strangers, bicycle-hating drivers, rock-throwing Egyptians, over-protective Thai policemen, and great personal joys.
They returned to a new life in Santa Barbara, one Barbara never lived to savor. She was killed in a street accident, Barbara and her bicycle vs. a truck. We are lucky to have this memoir, throughout which her vitality, warmth and compassion glow.
Touring the U.S. by bike is on my life list and we plan on taking such a trip in 2011. Reading Miles from Nowhere made me consider pursuing this adventure sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I’m hoping to do more weekend bike tours.
If you’re looking for an amazing travel book and a reason to pursue your dreams, then buy this book.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
That is a wonderful book. A must-read for armchair adventurers, as well as for anyone who has ever had others attempt to discourage them from pursuing their dreams. Savage talks about all the people who said she shouldn’t go- it was just too dangerous! But clearly she was so glad she did. It’s tragic that she died young and unexpectedly, but not as tragic as if she’d died that way thinking, “Damn it, I wish I’d have taken that trip when I could have.”
Two other bike-touring adventure books I love- Catfish and Mandala by Andrew X. Pham, and Odysseus’ Last Stand by Dave Stamboulis. Well, and of course anything by The Metal Cowboy.
@Ryan – I agree. It’s so sad that Savage passed away. And in such a tragic accident. ): The book inspired us to bike more and go on a number of bike camping adventures.
Thanks for the other book recommendations. I’ll be sure to check them out.
I have both books if you would like to borrow them- keep you from having to add to your 100 items!