Going the Distance: The George Thomas Story

In writing, "Going the Distance," George Thomas and Jeff Welsch made a significant contribution to both the cycling community and the interested public. I gained an understanding of ultra marathon cycling and the Race Across America when I was invited to crew for a solo rider in 2000. Ever since then, I have told the story countless times, trying to express to people outside of the Ultra Cycling Community exactly what the race is about. But my descriptions are usually insufficient. So far, this is the only writing I have found able to clearly express the aspects of the sport and race that confound most people with disbelief.For those not interested in cycling, it is still a great book to read. The "plot" is cycling, but the story is much, much more. Through his struggles, George Thomas has proven that the only thing more limiting to man than the laws of nature is his own psychology. George has made the impossible possible, he has transformed himself from limited to limitless, and the authors tell his story in such a way to make readers realize that accomplishment, no matter what kind, is always within reach, as long as you're willing to stretch and believe.

A great fast read! I couldn't put it down. The story draws you in immediately. George Thomas is a source of inspiration. Not only does his story impact those afflicted with epilepsy, it gives us regular folks reason to get off our couches.This is a book that anyone can get into, athletic or not. It's about setting goals, gaining strength from within, and going for guts over glory. You'll want to get off your duff and not only cheer but participate. Makes a great gift.

A sensitively told story of loss and growth. It definitely has a message. A superb story about the persistance of desire and the perils of commitment. I give it a 5 star rating.

I recently finished reading "The George Thomas Story: Going the Distance" by G. Thomas and J. Welsch. I feel, unequivocally, that this book merits a 5-star rating! The story entails the many moments of personal agony and anguish of a determined and courageous bicyclist by the name of George Thomas. The drama of this story, so eloquently and vividly expressed by the authors (Welsch and Thomas), took place during a 9 to 11 day, 2911 mile long bicycle race named the Race Across America (RAAM). This bicyle race, which started in Irvine CA and terminated in Savannah GA, is recognized by exercise physiologists as the most grueling athletic event in the world, far more strenuous then, e.g., the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon and requiring considerably more exertion then, e.g., the Tour de France. To add substantially to this incredible story is the recognition that George Thomas suffers from a relatively common but seriously debilitating disease known as epilepsy! The Forward of this book is written by renown Harvard Medical School neurologist and epilepsy expert Steven Schachter, M.D. who states...."At least once in a lifetime, you may be fortunate enough to meet someone truly inspirational, someone whose influence becomes a change in your life. I know this to be true, because I have met and been inspired by George Thomas." I would be remiss to share with you, in advance of your reading this book, the ultimate success/failures of George Thomas in this incredibly arduous solist bicycle race. I will say, however, that this is a book that I could not "set down", a book whose drama will remain in my memory forever. In essence, I enthusiastically and whole-heartedly recommend this superb and riveting book to you.A Bicyclist in Michigan