The Wind in My Wheels: Travel Tales from the Saddle

by Josie Dew

On This Page

Description

As a young girl, Josie Dew developed an overpowering urge to travel. She also fell out of a fast-moving vehicle and, rather inconveniently, developed a lifelong aversion to cars. Along came her first bicycle, and she has never looked back. Four continents, thirty-six countries and eighty thousand miles worth of astounding adventures, eccentric characters, varied cultures and ever-enduring optimism are the result of her travels. From Saharan locust invasions to tree-climbing goats, and a show more customs official who wouldn't let her leave India because 'You are making me a very fine wife', her encounters are described with honesty, wit and perception. Strange incidents and bizarre circumstances punctuate her journeys: in Nepal she met a team of Frenchmen running from Paris to China, and a cyclist on his way from one Olympic Games to the next. In Udaipur she was greeted by everyone with the refrain 'Hello Mr. Jamie Bond Octopussy filmed here', whilst her view of post-Ceausescu Romania, a nation suffering and starving, affected her both physically and mentally. THE WIND IN MY WHEELS is informative, illuminating, and ceaselessly amusing. show less

Tags

Recommendations

Member Reviews

3 reviews
This is an entertaining account of several of the author's long distance cycle rides. The focus is in the ride and her experiences - there is little background information about the places she travels through. It is impossible not to admire Josie Dew. She is adventurous and enthusiastic, but this can lead her on occasions to be a little judgmental about people who take a 'softer' travel option. Having undertaken several similar rides myself I think it is useful to remember that cycling is not going to suit everyone.
I read this book many years ago. It inspired me to take a two year cycle trip through europe which was fantastic. A very enjoyable and inspirational collection of stories.
Eigenlijk zijn alle boeken van haar leuk om te lezen, ze schrijft met veel humor en het is leuk om te zien wat ze allemaal beleeft. Ze voorziet haar boeken ook nog eens van leuke tekeningetjes.

Members

Recently Added By

Author Information

Picture of author.
11 Works 475 Members

Common Knowledge

Original title
The Wind in My Wheels
Original publication date
1992

Classifications

Genres
Travel, Nonfiction, Sports and Leisure, General Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir
DDC/MDS
910History & geographyGeography & travelmodified standard subdivisions of Geography and travel
LCC
GV1051 .D49Geography, Anthropology and RecreationRecreation. LeisureRecreation. LeisureSportsCycling. Bicycling. Motorcycling
BISAC

Statistics

Members
107
Popularity
302,945
Reviews
3
Rating
½ (3.72)
Languages
Dutch, English
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
7
ASINs
1