Good Vibrations Gets A Bite Of The Apple!
Click the picture to access the Apple iStore and download your copy of Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie.
Football Or A Good Book?
Having just read Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie Simon Barnes in Washington DC has added a review at Amazon.com; “The author tells a very funny story of his adventure, with Reggie his bike, as they ride from southern England to the south of Italy. […]
Out Of The Orchard & Along The Eurovelo 5
Ian Street has just written an extended review of Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie on his website Into The Orchard. Here is a snippet; “The book is simply broken down into daily chunks… and each day is littered with little vignettes and observations and […]
L’Enfer Du Nord / The Hell Of The North
On his excellent website, IntoTheOrchard.com, Ian Street has just written about the Paris-Roubaix cycle race which takes place this coming weekend. He’s linked to a documentary that I’ll try to watch at some point over the next couple of days. It reminds me that I wrote about the Paris-Roubaix […]
“A Wonderful, Witty Account Of A Cycle Tour…”
Facebook Gets A New Look
Well, the Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie page on Facebook does. What do you think? Aiming for 100 ‘likes’ before Easter. Can you help out? If you want to read the book before ‘liking’ (recommended!), click here for the paperback or here for the eBook. Thanks […]
Good Vibrations: “Inspiring!” / “An Entertaining Read”
A couple more top-rated reviews on Amazon this afternoon for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie; This entertaining, informative book inspired me to get out on my bike and ride, ride, ride!!! Read this if you love cycling, you will not be disappointed! Paul Lewis, […]
Good Vibrations: The Reviews So Far
Here are a few, well, quite a few, quotes from the reviews that have been so far made about Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie. Click on the picture to make it a bit bigger (or strain your eyes and read the banner at the […]
Good Reads: Cycling Books
I am about to enter the high-brow world of literary criticism! Not only is Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike called Reggie the book of choice at next Thursday’s London Cycling Book Club – I’ll be there in person of course (see banner below for full details) – […]
“Five Stars, A Must Read For Any Cyclists”
Another top-rated review on Amazon for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie; “This is a must read for anyone who [rides] a bike. I found it to be very inspiring, it makes you want to get out and ride your bike (no matter what the weather […]
Cycling Around The World… With Anne Mustoe
Matthias Pleyer, organiser of the London Cycling Book Club which will be discussing Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie in under two weeks’ time (more info on club’s website), has just asked me to answer some questions for the website. His final question was as […]
“Best Cycling Book I’ve Read To Date” *****
I do hope C. J. Boarland has read more than just the one cycling book; “Best cycling book I’ve read to date. Having decided to embark on my own mid-life cycling adventure this year I was looking for a book written for the ordinary guy who aspires to […]
Good Vibrations: “Very Enjoyable Read” 5*
“First time I have downloaded an eBook. Very enjoyable read. eBook does not have photos, but they can be found through the book’s website [and Facebook page]. Invaluable route planner for anyone wanting to cycle this route…” ‘benmac’, Amazon review
“Compelling, Interesting, Amusing… Hard To Put Down”
I received the following very nice email earlier this week about Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie: “I’ve just finished the vibrations and ‘good’ they were. I really enjoyed reading about your travels and thoughts on the way (and before). Apart from the obvious success […]
Good Vibrations On Kobo & Lulu
Another two ways to get hold of your copy of Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie – Kobo & Lulu (and coming very soon to Apple’s iStore!).
“A Great Read Which Will Inspire Any Cyclist!” *****
Another 5* rating for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie: “This book would tempt any cyclist (and non cyclist!) who has not been away on a tour to pack up the bike and pedal off. Andrew Sykes sums up the beauty and freedom of having two wheels […]
Adventures In & Out Of The Saddle
I’m so glad that it is now March. It seems that someone has told the people who control the weather to turn off the fridge and as a result we are slowly shuddering into what feels like the very first days of Spring. Saying such a thing does […]
“In A Word ‘Inspirational’. Gave It 5 Stars.”
“Just finished reading [Good Vibrations] at 4am… I found the whole context of the book to be in the real world, from the planning, or lack of [it], the meeting people and the comments on the places he visited and people he met. As someone who is too old to […]
In Praise Of… Blue Door Cycles
I am at risk of being contacted by The Guardian newspaper if I keep using this ‘In praise of…‘ title, but this post and the next are going to do so anyway! Blue Door Cycles was the cycle shop I visited on Wednesday evening to talk about my trip across Europe as […]
In Praise Of…The Bike Show
That was fun. It’s a good job that time in the real world, outside the studios of radio stations, doesn’t go by as quickly as it does inside those little sound-proofed rooms. We’d all be in our graves before we were out of the maternity ward. Fifteen minutes […]
Thirty Minutes Of Worldwide Fame
Well, The Bike Show is available online so compared to Reggie’s five seconds of fame last Friday on BBC South Today, my thirty minutes on Monday evening surely compares quite well, no? Three ways to listen; if you live in central London the show is broadcast on 104.4FM, […]
GVCEBCR: 5* “A Great Read”
“I read this book as I want to ride Lands End to John O’Groats so I’m reading anything I can on long distance cycle rides. This is a great book…one of those that make you tired because you end up reading late into the night! I was also delighted to […]
GVCEBCR: 5* “I Thoroughly Enjoyed The Book Cover To Cover”
“I sat down one winter evening and bought this book after hearing good things and reading other reviews about this cycling trip. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the book cover to cover (or as best as you can with a Kindle). As much as I applaud the […]
Excitement Builds @Waterstones_Edi
Look at all these people in the Princes Street branch of Waterstones in Edinburgh. They are mingling excitedly for the arrival of something… What could it be? The new Harry Potter? A famous celeb? No? What? Are you sure? It can’t be… can it? Yes it can… Good […]
GVCEBCR: 5* “Great Entertaining Read”
“I enjoyed Good Vibrations, a nice easy read, well written and witty account of an epic journey. An unassuming account written as seen. Observations I could associate with, and shows what a great experience can be had travelling through the different cultures of Europe. The book gave me […]
GVCEBCR: 5* “A Most Enjoyable Read”
“I have just finished reading ‘Good Vibrations – Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie’ by Andrew P. Sykes (@CyclingEurope on Twitter) and what a thoroughly enjoyable read it was too I must say. It tells story of Andrew and Reggie’s six-week journey along Eurovelo route 5 from their […]
Read Now, Discuss Later (At Blue Door Cycles)
A reminder that in two-weeks’ time, I will be at Blue Door Cycles in Upper Norwood, South East London (SE19) to chat about Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie. If you get reading now, you should have made it to Brindisi by Wednesday 15th February […]
A Specialized Review For Good Vibrations
‘Specialized Guy’ describes himself as follows on Twitter; ‘Qualified Cytech mechanic. In 2011, I cycled 12,000km. From 1st April, 2012, I will be embarking on a European WWOOFing & EuroVelo cycle touring adventure.‘ So clearly he is into his bikes & touring. He goes by the Twitter name of @Specialized_Guy and […]
Matera To Cisternino, Puglia, Part III
The third and final instalement of my cycle from Matera to Cisternino is now available to read on The Puglia.com. It recounts how I meet my friends Basil & Liz after nearly a month of cycling from southern England to Brinidisi. Enjoy the extract and then read more […]
“Impressed & Envious! A Riveting Read!” 5*
Another 5* review for the collection on Amazon.co.uk; I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I decided to embark on this cycling trip from my armchair, but found almost immediately that I was absorbed in tales of highs, lows, comedy and adventure that kept me engrossed for […]
Via Francigena A La Good Vibrations, Part 3
I take my hat off to Thunderthighs who has taken his, err… my route one step further along the road to Brindisi with part 3 of his route map from Strasbourg to Bellinzona. Here is the link. Amazing!
Good Vibrations: Only £8.99 (& Free P&P) From Waterstones!
Click on the picture to go directly to the Waterstones Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie page 🙂 Or on the last link. (Shut up Andrew.)
New Amazon Review: 5* “Excellent Book, Very Inspiring”
A new review for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie; “I loved this book, you felt like you were travelling along with him, funny in parts and very inspiring to just decide to ride to Italy from the UK, I hope some day I am […]
“A Thoroughly Enjoyable Read”
Another positive review on Amazon.co.uk for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie; I read this book on a recommendation and was not disappointed. The diary type narrative fully illustrated the vagaries of such an extraordinary challenge but with sufficient information on the adventure for me to […]
London Calling… Four Times!
My home town of Reading is only thirty minutes or so from central London on the train and over the next couple of months, I will be very grateful for that small quirk of geography as I will be up in the capital quite a bit. First off […]
Good Vibrations: “Captures Vibe Of Adventure Cycling”
Good Vibrations: 5* “An Entertaining Read”
“This book is an entertaining read not just for serious cyclists or occasional cyclists (I am in the latter category) but also those who travel – using the word in its old-fashioned sense – and will recognise many of the difficulties but also joys that the author came […]
The Last Post…
…of 2011. There will be much more in 2012 no doubt. We shall see. In the meantime, an end of year portrait of the bike that I call Reggie and a few moments to think about the year ahead. I’ve been on Twitter tonight and lots of people […]
Top 10s At CyclingEurope.org in 2011
I always find these lists fascinating. It’s the mathematician in me I think. Others may find them less riveting so if that’s you, you may like to move on… They cover what is now, most of 2011 (only around 40 hours to go). The top page is fairly […]
***** Enjoyable, Endearing, Eloquent
Another 5* review for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie on Amazon.co.uk; “I really enjoyed the relaxed affable style of this author, making his points eloquently without ever being stuffy or superior. Sykes has an endearing almost vulnerable quality which makes his observations very witty; on […]
Hobbit Village Or Berceto, Italy?
The new film will be called The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey and the first trailer has just been released. These two shots from that trailer remind me of my cycle to Berceto, high in the Italian Apennine mountains where I stayed at an idyllic camp-site near the […]
The Cycling Author Shelf Of Fame?
Dear Mr Sykes – I’m too full of respect to refer to you as Andrew – I’ve just completed reading your “Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie” and thoroughly enjoyed it, well done, not just for completing the journey, but also the book. You are […]
“9781849142137 Synopsis”
The ‘site stats’ section of the administrative pages of this website can be a fascinating place to spend a few moments. Alas, only for me… I noticed yesterday that someone had arrived here after having searched the term ‘9781849142137 synopsis’. That number is the ISBN for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe […]
Books, Baths & Bryant
It’s been a funny old day. I wandered into Reading just before lunch with a simple plan; check whether Good Vibrations has yet arrived on the shelves of Waterstones in Reading (answer: not yet, but I did leave it displayed on the customer in-store computer for all to see) […]
The Guardian Bookshop Good Vibrations Offer
The Guardian have Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie on offer; only £7.99 with free postage & packaging to anywhere in the UK!
Good Vibrations: Going Green
In these days of email, Facebook, Twitter, online bank statements, it is a rare event that anything arrives in your physical letterbox that is remotely exciting. But today, I got something that was! Amongst the erroneous bank statements (addressed to a former lodger), union rants & home insurance […]
European Matters
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago about how the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) had revamped its websites – http://www.ecf.com, the Eurovelo ‘planning’ website http://www.eurovelo.org & http://www.eurovelo.com, aimed at punters like you and me. Now this latter website has yet to get off the ground (I remain hopeful), […]
“A Truly Inspirational Read”
Just noticed that there is another great review on Amazon for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie, this time from a cycle shop in Launceton, Cornwall; “A truly inspirational read. I spend all day, everyday working on bikes similar to Reggie, and yearn to go […]
A Happy Customer
“I bought Good Vibrations for myself for Xmas but alas have started to read it already and it is now responsible for too many late nights reading when I should be going to sleep. It’s hilarious and a great read.” Sue
Vive La France!
Most of the Kindle sales of Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie have so far been within the UK – 90% of them. The remaining 10% is made up mainly from sales via the Amazon.com site. These could be in North America or, quite frankly, […]
Being Followed By The Police
A few weeks ago, I noticed that a certain @Chris_Boarland had started following me on Twitter. It’s often intriguing looking at who follows who on Twitter. As I type I have 417 followers (that’s probably enough for a decent sect!)… but a fair number of those are just ‘people’ trying […]
Plugging In Reading / Reading In Puglia
Another busy day on the shameless marketing treadmill of life. Waterstones in Broad Street Reading now have a copy of Good Vibrations in the shop. Great! Well, perhaps. It’s there because I delivered it this afternoon for them to look at. If you remember, I’ve already submitted a copy […]
Gasting My Flabber
This little picture makes me so happy… Good Vibrations is in stock at Amazon! No longer a message that says that any prospective reader needs to wait ‘4 – 6 weeks’. There is only one thing that would make me happier and that is if Good Vibrations: Crossing […]
Good Vibrations: No Longer Spineless
This is the second attempt at writing this post today. The first time, on hitting the ‘publish’ button, it disappeared into the ether of cyberspace never to be seen again. Fingers crossed. Good Vibrations has an exciting new spine! When I originally ‘built’ the cover of the book […]
Good Vibrations: Shelving Plans
Fear not; my marketing campaign for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie continues a pace. It is my current mission to get the book onto the shelves of a bookshop. So far I have proof that Good Vibrations has made it as far as Iain Harper’s […]
Good Vibrations: The First Arrival
Iain Harper wins the prize for being the first person to send me a picture of their new copy of Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie. Here it is in good company alongside Iain’s collection of cycling-related literature. Do you think he has placed Mountain High […]
Breaking News!
Things happen quickly in the publishing world! Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie is now available to buy in paperback from Waterstones and from Amazon (nearly!). Breaking Breaking News: And WHSmith!!
Good Vibrations: Updated Poster
A Pile Of Good Vibrations
If you get a mention in the acknowledgements section of Good Vibrations (Chris, Sally, Claus, Simone, Paul, Iain, Jim, Marcello, Basil & Liz, Alain and Mark), your complimentary copy of the book is about to start its journey to your letter box. Please let me know when it arrives. […]
Man Finds Poster In His Olive Grove In Puglia
It is, of course my old colleague Basil. How you must have chuckled at the thought of a random Italian finding the poster for Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie… He’ll soon be receiving his complimentary paperback copy of the book as it is now […]
Lots Of Good Vibrations!
Imagine how good they would look on the black shelves of Waterstones…
Tandem For The EV8?
‘bikes4two’ has written some nice comments about the book on the CTC forum called ‘Eurovelo 5 information‘; Hi Andrew, Just bought the e-book as I’m in the early stages of planning a trip for me and Mrs bikes4two on our tandem. I’m in trouble already in that I […]
The Bookshelf
How does it look next to Bill, William, Peter and the rest? My typeface is slightly smaller than most of the others and the pages thinner… UPDATE: I have modified the text size which makes it easier on the eye and also a slightly fatter book on the […]
The First Copy Of Good Vibrations!
Your Starter For Ten
Were you wondering what the UK’s top selling cycling eBook published in the last three months is? Click here to find out…
Good Vibrations: Now Available In Paperback!
It’s the news you have been waiting for; Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie is now available as a ‘traditional’ paperback book! Follow this link to order a copy online and enjoy the 5*-rated book that scores of people have been reading as an eBook […]
Good Vibrations: Now With Pictures!
Following on from yesterday’s post regarding Yvette’s comment on the Amazon.com site that she would have liked some pictures to look at in the book, they are now there! Talk about responding to the wishes of your readers 🙂 For those of you who have already purchased the book, fear […]
“A Great Read” But…
I may have ten very positive reviews on Amazon.co.uk, but my Amazon.com readers have so far been silent. Until now. My first .com review has come courtesy of Yvette Lian who lives in Brisbane, Australia. She’s given the book a 4* rating and starts off as follows; Last […]
Good Vibrations: “A Riveting Tale”
Another 5-star rating on Amazon; “A riveting tale for an armchair traveller: I’m not the cyclist of the family but nevertheless I could appreciate the ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ of Andrew’s journey from Reading to Brindisi. It was written in such a way that I couldn’t wait to read the […]
Good Vibrations: Not Just For Cyclists!
So says the latest five-star review on Amazon; “For someone who has never, I repeat never, ridden a bicycle, I thought this book was brilliant, it almost made me wish I had learnt to ride.”
Bonnes Vibrations!
Maintenant disponible sur Amazon.fr ! Soyez la premième personne à écrire un commentaire 🙂
Another 5* Review
…One can positively taste, smell, hear and touch [Andrew’s] journey in his book ‘Good Vibrations’… Well done Andrew. If this book doesn’t inspire the reader to jump on their bike and go….nothing will. It did me… ! (Mary Ann Coupland) Read the full review, and others at Amazon.co.uk.
In Good Company (Again)!
Good Vibrations’ highest ranking so far. Buy now while stocks last… Click here 🙂
Poring Over Straightforward Errors
This is perhaps a post I should not write. When my father had finished reading Good Vibrations, his first comment was that there were quite a few typos. I was a slightly put out by his comment. I had re-read the manuscript of my comical tale very carefully to […]
Amazon’s Andrew Sykes Page!
It exists! Here is a screen shot. The picture is very brooding sepia 1930s movie idol, no? What do you mean ‘no’!? Click it to explore…
Talking With Europe
Well, to the Spanish Costas where the listeners of Talk Radio Europe are to be found. The interview was quite short but I was able to give a short summary of my journey along the Eurovelo 5 and then plug the book at the end (I’m learning!). The video […]
Czech Out The Latest Review
Lee from the Czech Republic has read and reviewed Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie on Amazon. Here is what he has to say; All I can say this is a wonderful book to read and you really sense you are sharing the journey from Reading […]
A Quality List Of Travel Literature
An interesting list of recommended travel writing from the Guardian. Perhaps Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie will make an appearance next year…?
The Henley Standard
The Henley Standard writes: A teacher has had a book of his tales of cycling across Europe published. Mr Sykes, who teaches French at Gillotts School in Henley, rode 2,000 miles from his home town of Reading to Brindisi in the south of Italy last summer. Now he […]
In At Number 4!
And number 23 in the ‘Travelogue’ list! Could I make number the number 1 spot? It’s up to you! Click here (or here in North America).
Strasbourg to Rome
Hi Andrew, I’m the artist that wrote to you about taking our 4 yr old on the EV5 next summer. First of all…I want to read your book, but Amazon says it’s not available to yankees! Good news: it is! You need to go to the Amazon site […]
Number One…
…in Germany, with a few caveats. My German isn’t great (as you will know if you have read the account of my cycle across German-speaking Switzerland), but it looks as though Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie is the top-selling English language cycling e-book in […]
Good Vibrations: The Story So Far
Listen to my BBC interview about the cycle and the book via Audio Boo. Read the article that appeared in the Reading Chronicle. Watch a 25 minute film that combines the BBC interview with pictures and videos from the cycle. Read about my forray into the media world. […]
Good Vibrations: The Interview Movie
Now go on and download the book itself by clicking here! Remember that you don’t have to have a Kindle to read a Kindle book downloaded from Amazon; you can read it on your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android or Windows 7 phone. More information on how to […]
Good Vibrations: Boo!
My interview with BBC Radio Berkshire which will, unfortunately, disappear from the BBC iPlayer at the end of August, can still be listened to via Audio Boo. I have split the interview into seven parts and here are the links; Good Vibrations – Part 1 Good Vibrations – […]
The Midday News From Aldermaston
I have spent too much time this summer sitting at my computer either writing the book or marketing it. It was time to get back on Reggie and explore so we have cycled the well-trodden path along the canal in the direction of Newbury. Very tempted to keep […]
It Gets Better!
Click here, now!
There Are 750,000 Books Available On Kindle…
Buy now while stocks last… Click here now!
Good Vibrations: The Reading Chronicle
Here it is. Not quite the double page splash I might have dreamt about but hey! it’s better than nothing 🙂 Clicking on the picture should make it much bigger and you will be able to read what has been written. You probably won’t need to do that […]
60 Minutes Of Fame…And Local Travel News
The strangest thing about being interviewed live on BBC Radio Berkshire yesterday was not actually the interview itself; it was sitting in my living room about three hours before the interview listening to me being named and discussed by the presenter of the programme, Suzanne Courtney (Pop Idol […]
Good Vibrations: Another Positive Review!
Alf Grant has posted the following on Amazon; I often wandered what on earth those Beach Boys were on about with those cheerful lyrics, but with this new book Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie by Andrew P. Sykes, I finally understand! Packed full of […]
Good Vibrations: New Entry At Number 15!
I love this! Mark Beaumont, cycling hero & inspiration to all is next to me in the Kindle ‘Cycling’ list; he is just one place above Good Vibrations: Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie with his book The Man Who Cycled The World. He has a few […]
Good Vibrations: The First Book Tour
Well, kind of. More of a poster tour really which consisted of me cycling around the bicycle shops of Reading asking them if they could possibly put up the poster in the window. But they all did, so a big thank-you to A.W. Cycles (Reggie’s spiritual home of […]
An Interesting Week
It started with me having a good moan about the estate agents signs outside the flats where I live and has ended with me booked onto a radio show to talk about the book I have written! And the very same book is now available for others to […]
Good Vibrations: The Poster!
Good Vibrations!
New title for the book; what do you think? The ‘vibrations’ makes reference to cycling, obviously but more specifically the numerous cobbles that Reggie and I encountered en route to Brindisi. It’s catchy, implies something not too serious which again matches what is between the covers. And better […]
Eurovelo 5, The Book; Update!
I know you are all out there checking the blog avidly every day to see if a publication date has yet been set for my book recounting my little adventure of summer 2010 along the Eurovelo 5 from Berkshire to Brindisi… No? Well, I can’t quite give you […]
Matters On My Mind
As mentioned yesterday I have started reading Mark Beaumont’s new book about how he cycled from Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina in 2009/10 while at the same time scaling the highest mountains in North & South America. Well, not quite at the same time but I’m […]
The Exclusively Cycling News
This blog has become a little more generalist of late with me discussing a varied range of topics from trips to France with groups of school children to how the re-decoration of my flat over the last couple of weeks has been progressing. I need to get things […]
