The Wind In My Wheels: Travel Tales from the Saddle

If you enjoy reading about travel adventures, Josie Dew will tell you fascinating tales of Europe, Asia, and Africa--on a bicycle! It was fascinating to learn about the people and countries she visited, where she stayed (often by herself in remote places), and what it's like to travel on a bike. Josie shows how her simple way of traveling can bring immense joy. She is a young person full of fun and curiosity. Can't wait to read her other books.

This book is a collection of travel tales from a young brit bike traveller who has logged an impressive bunch of kilometers on this planet, will maintaining a business as a bike caterer in the off season. In this book she covers her trails in [no particular order] Bulgaria, Morocco, Nepal, Africa, France, Spain, England, Ireland, Romania, India, Iceland, Italy, Gibraltar, Russia [briefly], Belgium, The Netherlands, Scotland, Newfoundland & Nova Scotia, among others I'm sure I forgot. It's dizzying actually, and hard to recall at points which country she is in. So in terms of coverage this is the most complete globetrotting bike travel book I've read, having covered all this land, she goes a little soft in points on the details of certain places for example Newfoundland was not even mentioned in her text other than a picture of Dildo--I guess she skimped on details there. Having looked at but not yet read her other books, they seem to have more focus and less land travelled so I'm sure they'd be better on those details, leaving this as not much of a criticism. It is a fun and light read, Dew is obviously a biker by choice and rather than taking time to search into herself outin the world on a bike, she travels partially for a job and the sake of riding in these places. So if you're looking for a fun read about riding through places, not some grander perspective, this is your deal. In her own words "I think it is called 'introspection'. I prefer to reamin 'lost within' and throw any self analysis to the wind" In this regard she shows her age and interests, when most of these books are the opposite this caters to a niche. She is funny at times and not at all averse to honest discussion of travel with all it's frozen fingers and poop stains. This is a book about bike touring for the sake of bike touring, and in that it is wonderful and fun. From what I've seen in this book, this is a good series complete with little school scribbler type drawings, and funny maps. [better than the snotty Anne Mustoe].

...and I have read a lot. Since I've pretty much cycled around this planet I reckon that this is a qualified recommendation. Her text is sprinkled with some evocative poetic descriptions. One that has stuck in my mind was about watching clouds recede down a valley (somewhere in Iceland/Scandinavia) like a ghost shimmering down a hallway. There are lots of these sort of things, this makes the book Very Good. However what made this book Excellent was the thrilling drama in the last few chapters. Not only is the book well written but it is full of interesting stories.My only complaint is that she did not mention meeting a know-all pedestrian on the Post Office steps in Prague, where I seem to remember offering the little mite some advice!Summary: A damn good read between cycle trips.

I hope Josie keeps pedaling and keeps writing. Her narratives were fun and interesting. The author has strong opinions and a lively sense of humor. It makes you want to jump on your bike and go! The miles this woman has put on her bike are amazing. There is enough material in this book to have written two or three books, at least.

I chanced upon this book , many years ago while wondering whether it was safe to embark on a 60km ride outside the city. Josie's lively description of her adventures, in the saddle, in many countries,proved the turning point and I ventured out with a friend.That 60km ride has unfortunately, not been following by many more. However, the book still enchants. I read it every once in a while, to loose myself in the freedom of 'the wind in my wheels'.Recommended highly - if you like cycling, or travel or just have a sense of humour :)