hubbike
Senior Member
- Location
- Edinburgh, Scotland
Interesting stuff. I suppose it is a matter of balance. These books are often a very personal story but it is often useful to have some cultural/historical insight. In fact, from my perspective, the personal aspect is often overplayed. some books are a bit heavy on intraspection and navel gazing (being lonely, being unsure if they'll manage it, talking about their emotions...)
If you are alone, on a bike, for mile after mile, there is a danger that all you will talk about in your book is yourself...which is probably only interesting to you.
The trick is, I think, for the writer to talk about what they see and experience, and the people they meet. The writer must be knowledgable about the culture and history, but only include what is necessary for their story (respecting the reader's ability to read on the subject further if they wish).
Josie Dew has a good style, I agree. Wind in my Wheels was a great book with a good balance of cultural insight, talk of the adventure itself...
I think The Hungry Cyclist by Tom Kevil-Davies is excellent. the theme of food gives a great focus to the book (away from too much personal musing) and a good excuse to get him talking about the people who teach him the recipes and their culture/history. he is also very funny.
My pet hate: bad maps. Most cycle touring books include rubbish maps. Why? if they didn't include one at all the reader can use an atlas. If they are going to include one, why not make them legible and include the locations of the places mentioned in the text?
