I am reviewing two books by the
same author for BookWorm Wednesday today: baguettes and bicycles: a cycling adventure across France (Eurovelo Series: Book 1)
and bordeaux and bicycles (Eurovelo Series: Book Two)
by Steven Herrick.
and bordeaux and bicycles (Eurovelo Series: Book Two)
by Steven Herrick. |
| baguettes and bicycles |
Steven lives in Australia where
he spends his days writing children’s books and cycling to keep fit, but for
pleasure he packs his bike (called Craig) into his suitcase, well almost, and
hops on a plane to La Belle France. In his first book, baguettes and bicycles: a cycling adventure across France (Eurovelo Series: Book 1), his solo journey starts
in St Nazaire in the west and follows the Loire Valley and Saone River to the
east. He then spends a few days indulging his passion for gently climbing some
of the French mountains climbs that have been made famous in The Tour de
France, including Mont Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez.
, his solo journey starts
in St Nazaire in the west and follows the Loire Valley and Saone River to the
east. He then spends a few days indulging his passion for gently climbing some
of the French mountains climbs that have been made famous in The Tour de
France, including Mont Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez.
Being a closest adventure cyclist
this book really appealed to me especially as Steven spends almost as much time
describing the food and patisseries he fuels himself with on his journey as he
does the wonderful scenery he sees. His delight and excitement at a good three
course formula lunch or dinner was contagious. I think I would get on well
with Steven.
I found his writing style gave an
easy, entertaining read that made me feel I could do something like this too. I
especially loved his little finalé to each chapter - ‘What I should have said’
– there were some great little laugh-out-loud funnies to end each day on his
bike.
 |
| bordeaux and bicycles |
sees Steven and his bike Craig back in France but this time with his
wife Cathie and her bike named Jenny. Their journey starts in Arcachon on the
Atlantic coast and they cycle to the Mediterranean following the canals and
waterways, eating and staying in out of the way villages. You can tell from
his writing that having Cathie with him made a great trip even better and he
certainly got lost far fewer times with her in charge of the directions to the
B&B’s. Talking of B&B’s, of all of the B&B’s in Carcassonne to
choose I was delighted to read they stayed at the
same one we have stayed in twice on our road trips in the Mini Cooper – great
minds obviously do think alike! Once they completed their journey they took a
car to the Pyrenees where Cathie sensibly let Steven do a spot of col climbing
on a hired bike. He is keen to reinforce his belief that cycling up mountains
isn’t about testosterone and thigh muscles it’s about taking the time to see
the scenery, a very sensible attitude. There is plenty of good food chatter,
humour (did I mention he talks to his bike?) and practical information included
too. I spent a few happy days in these reasonably priced books and I hope Steven and Cathie come
back to cycle in France again soon.
I am delighted to say that Steven
will be joining me on Friday for a chat in my France et Moi feature and what
can I say but that there is lots of food talk.
Both of Steven’s cycling books
are available in ebook and paperback format. You can find links to Amazon
below.
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