Moods of Future Joys: Around the World by Bike (Part 1)

Alastair Humphreys recounts an extraordinary adventure of lifetime in a very sympathetic and honest way that makes you immediately 1. like the guy and 2. want to join in the ride! I've read this book 3 times, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey each time. If you've ever dreamt of taking a journey that challenges your ingenuity, pushes you to your limits, and re-defines you as a person you must read this book! I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the next volume in the series.

When I picked up this book I was a bit skeptical because I have read a lot of round-the-world travel books, I thought this book would be just like the rest of them. That is until I started reading it. Humphreys brilliantly portrays each country he is riding through, using humor and sharp observation. This book is award worthy, it should be up there with other great travel books and in every great book shelf. Looking foward to part two.

This book is a fantastic read, especially for those of us who dream of adventure while sitting at our desks, making dinner, or changing a diaper. Though the vicarious thrill was perhaps not the reason Humphreys wrote the book, I did appreciate experiencing it. Especially as one whose "adventures" are limited to one night camping trips, and the occasional suburban bike ride. Humphreys' writing is direct and personal, which makes the reader feel as if 'Al' had stayed at his house for a few days along his route. The reflections on the cultures and nations he encounters are challenging and thought-provoking, all with a wry humor, that at times results in out-loud laughter. The bits about The Questions were particularly appreciated. Most of all, the book is a challenge to achievement. Though not all of us can take 4 years to cycle around the world, we can all set high personal goals, and bit by bit, achieve them.

I read this book while stationed in Iraq, and it allowed me to completely escape my confined surroundings and explore the world on a bike. I admire Alastair's journey, sympathy, and observations on the size of the world. Alastair strikes a great tone between the physical strain of his long days of lonely cycling and the joys of human contact. This truly epic journey gave Alastair insights into the real lives of the many nations he visits. It's been said before, but a bicycle moves at the perfect speed to really be immersed in the world as you travel. Excellent travel book--please recommend it to everyone!

Alastair Humphreys has done a great job telling his tale of the beginning of his trip around the world the long way, from England to Cape Town, then the length of the Americas and across Asia from eastern Siberia. This first volume tells of his journey to Cape Town, a largely solo shot often under very trying conditions, but the joy of his meeting many wonderful people along the way, from expats to local villagers, shows through.