This is a nice post with which to bring 2012 to a close. Alex Pavitt has written a review for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie for his website (which is well worth a visit!):

“Feeling inspired from the amazing feats of the Great Britain team at the Beijing Olympics, Andrew Sykes felt it was time he challenged himself and go on a more unconventional summer holiday. Being a secondary school teacher in Henley-upon-Thames he was blessed with long summer breaks. After two years of planning he finally set off on an adventurous cycle tour taking him from his home near London to Brindisi in the south of Italy.

A truly epic adventure and read. Sykes captures wonderfully the highs and lows of a long distance cycle tour. I found I could to relate to a lot of what he said. Although a book about cycling I do believe that it would appeal to anyone adventurous wanting a light-hearted travel book. A quick and enjoyable read as it is not all about the bike but more about his story of cycling or at least trying to cycle the Eurovelo 5 route. With many tales each day, it is a vibrant travel book, with culture and history alongside cheerful banter.

Although not as impressive as some cycle tours, Sykes shows how you do not need lots of money or be going around the world to have a good, fun and memorable trip. If you read this book I can guarantee that you will want to go off cycling around Europe. I think that is a good thing the more people inspired the better, and if you are looking for some inspiration look no further. If you are thinking of organising your own trip I would also recommend it. Or check out his website. Go. Read this book then get on your bike!

I purchased this book on kindle and I must recommend purchasing it on there as it is only £2.99 so an absolute bargain!“