Just two weeks until TRANSAM launches!
Welcome to my very first newsletter! Well it's almost here — 'TRANSAM — Cycling Coast to Coast on the Trail the US loved first' is all set to be published on Amazon on Monday 20th April!
Mike Evans, who we met on the TransAmerica Trail, once told me publishing a book was harder than building a multi-million pound company. It's certainly the toughest challenge I've ever tackled — each time you think you are finished, you discover there is more to do — hence the lateness of this newsletter. Sorry!
I've been blessed with incredible support, not only from those who helped me in the initial stages, but also from an amazing launch team who've been reading the book over the past month. If you are one of them, then thank you so much — your enthusiastic feedback has been just the motivation I needed to keep going!
Steve Jordan at work in his Southend home
One of the biggest challenges has been getting the book cover completed. I'm very fortunate to be friends with Steve Jordan, a finalist in Sky TV's Landscape of the Year awards and winner of Best Oil/Acrylic in last year's Essex Open Art Exhibition.
Steve's creativity saw my rudimentary idea transformed into a cover I'm really proud of and it's been brilliant working with him. You can see more of Steve's work on Instagram: @stevenjordanart
That's been one of the best things about producing the book — everyone from authors and journalists, to cyclists from across the world, have been so generous with their time. We don't do anything in this world on our own and I hope to return that support one day.
The book will initially be available on Kindle and as a paperback. An audiobook may follow, depending on demand!
I'll be sending out another newsletter on launch day, but in the meantime if there's anyone you know who might enjoy receiving this newsletter then please feel free to send them the sign up link on this website.
Out on the bike in Essex. It struck me that New York is closer to me at 3,495 miles than the total distance of the TransAmerica Trail at 4,264 miles!
Feeling like a Fraud...
Finishing the book has taken so much time I'm rather embarrassed to admit I've done very little cycling so far this year. It has left me feeling something of a fraud, dishing out tips and advice from behind my desk, while hardly turning a wheel.
I've also been feeling increasingly anxious. For some reason I can't comprehend, Terry and I have signed up for this year's Chase the Sun North — a challenge which will see us attempting to ride 200 miles in a day, coast to coast, from Whitley Bay in England to Ayr in Scotland. The idea is you start the ride as the sun rises at dawn and finish before it falls at dusk.
A rare Suffolk hill! Terry looking calm and relaxed. My event number is already on a wonk, as are my knees!
I really should have known better. We took part in Chase the Sun South in 2023 and cycled 205 miles from Kent to Somerset. It's the longest I've ever ridden in a day and no, we didn't make the finish line before the sun came down — although I suspect if Terry had gone at his pace, rather than mine, he'd have been celebrating in the light, rather than in the dark.
But at least it has got us out on the bikes and last weekend we took part in the Waveney Hill Seeker in Suffolk. Those of you who know Suffolk will chuckle at the name of the ride. There are very few hills in Suffolk and even covering 50 miles we only managed to climb 1,670ft. On Chase the Sun North it will be 10,784ft. Gulp! I can always attach a bungee to Terry's rear rack!
Recommendation: The Cycling Europe Podcast
There are lots of cycling podcasts out there, but very few dedicated to cycle touring — so The Cycling Europe Podcast, produced and presented by Andrew Sykes, is a rare find. Fast-approaching its 100th episode, I still get excited whenever an episode lands in my pod-catcher — and it doesn't disappoint!
Andrew interviews cyclists with fascinating stories as diverse as riding the Santiago De Compostela to crossing Russia in 1993. In his most recent episode he speaks with Gerald Huber about cycling the North Cape 4000. Andrew, who has written numerous cycling books himself, is a passionate cyclist with a dry wit and endless enthusiasm. The Cycling Europe Podcast really is a must-listen.
Talking of podcasts, I'm being interviewed about 'TransAm' by Diane Jenks of The OutSpoken Cyclist podcast next week. I'll let you know how I get on in the next newsletter....
If you've enjoyed this one then please feel free to share the link below. I promise I won't bombard you with new editions (I'm really hoping to spend more time on the bike!) and you can unsubscribe at any time.
In the meantime, happy cycling and may the wind be on your back!