Those of you who are members of Cycling UK will soon be receiving your copy of the bi-monthly magazine Cycle. It’s a cracking read and it comes as no surprise to discover that it is Britain’s most widely read cycling magazine. (If you don’t receive a copy, sign up to Cycling UK – it will cost you just £4 a month – and six times a year you’ll get your own copy delivered for free!) Back to the new edition of the magazine – August / September 2024 – that I have just been browsing online. It contains the usual eclectic mix of cycling-themed news, rides… and reviews.
Last year I wrote an article for the magazine about 2022’s ‘Grand Tour’. That article has now been published on Cycling UK’s website and you can read it here. Fast forward 12 months and the full story of that epic ride around Europe has now been immortalised in print. Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda was published on May 1st. It is thus a great delight to read a review for the new book in the new edition of Cycle magazine:
Here are the thoughts of Duncan Jagger, a project officer at Cycling UK, after reading Le Grand Tour…
“This is a very enjoyable record of Andrew Sykes’s latest adventure, and it presented me with opportunity to meet his new bike, Wanda – the successor to Reggie. I found Andrew’s everyday accounts of interactions with people the most compelling elements of the book, as I do with any good piece of travel writing.
His razor-sharp wit and ability to set the scene of his anecdotes are some of the strengths that have made me gravitate towards his works in the past. His ride through some of the more familiar parts of Europe certainly delivered on this front. While reading, I found myself smiling, laughing and mentally loading up my panniers, ready to book a month off work to embark on a similar journey.
Part of the beauty of this particular book, and the style of writing, is that it made this adventure seem accessible to all would-be cycle tourers. Much of the focus was on the joy of the journey and the simple things that this brought to him rather than it being a technical guide to riding in Europe. I felt uplifted after reading it, and I will certainly look to read it again in the future when I feel as if I need a boost, or when I require something aspirational to get me through those moments when I’m not in the saddle as often as I would like to be.“
Duncan Jagger, Cycle Magazine August / September 2024
Thank-you Duncan!
Elsewhere, the book continues to collect fans:
“This latest book puts Andrew P. Sykes in the argument for one of the top cycle touring authors of all time. It’s funny, interesting, completely engaging: an all round fantastic read.” (Rikki Higgins)
“A great bike trip needs a great book and [Andrew Sykes] has delivered.” (Andrew Brown)
“Such an enjoyable read.” (Paul Curtley)
“A book I will pick up and read again and again. Chapeau!”
“I was keen to read the book [and] it didn’t disappoint.” (Christine Gow)
More information about all four books (descriptions, reviews…) here.
LATEST CYCLING EUROPE POSTS:
- New Developments in Turkey: Advantages and Risks
- The Ultimate Guide To The Best Cycling Routes In Europe
- Reviewing The Reviews: 100 Episodes Of The Cycling Europe Podcast
- 100 Episodes (Nearly…) Of The Cycling Europe Podcast: A Journey Across A Continent (And Beyond)
- The Cycling Europe Podcast: Episode 099 – Gerald Huber – The North Cape 4000
Subscribe to the Cycling Europe YouTube Channel
Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda, was published in May 2024 and recounts Andrew P. Sykes’ journey around France, into the Alps and down the Rhine in the summer of 2022. It is available as a paperback and as and eBook from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com (and other international Amazon sites). The paperback is also available from Waterstones or Foyles and the eBook from Apple iBooks.
Since 2009, CyclingEurope.org has established itself as a valued, FREE cycle touring resource. There’s now even a podcast, The Cycling Europe Podcast. If you enjoy the website and the podcast, please consider supporting the work of CyclingEurope.org with a donation. More information here.
Catch up with The Cycling Europe Podcast:
Discover more from CyclingEurope.org
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: Adventure, Cycling, Le Grand Tour, Travel
Yes I read Le Grand Tour book during a 4 week Hol. In France absolutely excellent, Andrew can be so funny at times. Good luck for your Ork & Shet trip. Regards Margaret Armstrong
Thanks for the positive comments Margaret – much appreciated. Looking forward to Shetland / Orkney from the 14th… 🙂