Going the Distance: The George Thomas Story [Hardcover]

George Thomas (Author), Jeff Welsch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 26, 2002

Going the Distance is the compelling saga of George Thomas' quest to prove himself physically and emotionally after a car accident left him with life-threatening epileptic seizures. The story is told vividly through Thomas' eyes as he pedals 2,911 miles in the bicycle Race Across America. As he battles stifling temperatures, grueling climbs, relentless headwinds, heavy rains, tedium and hallucinations from sleep deprivation, Thomas is repeatedly reminded of the even greater obstacles he once had to overcome simply to ride a bicycle again. Ultimately, Thomas discovers his journey is more than an individual accomplishment; it's a platform to inspire others. Going the Distance examines his extraordinary evolution from an ordinary man with an ordinary name to an accomplished ultra-athlete. George Thomas' story is both intriguing and inspiring -- a shining example of courage in the face of enormous odds.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 225 pages
• Publisher: Sports Publishing LLC (December 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582616299
• ISBN-13: 978-1582616292
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,284,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jeff Welsch and Sherry L. Moore have written three guide books together, including the soon-to-be-released "Backroads & Byways of Montana." Included in their Countryman Press collection are "Oregon Wine Country" and "Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and Jackson Hole." Jeff and Sherry regularly try to put their day jobs behind them and explore the wild and wonderful world around them. Their favorite pastime is to savor a bottle of Oregon wine while watching wolves and bison in the Lamar Valley of YNP. Since 2008, Jeff has been the communications director for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. Before that, he was a sports writer for 29 years -- including 16 years as a sport editor at newspapers in Bozeman and Corvallis, Ore. Among Jeff's writing awards are a first place in the 2006 national Associated Press Sports Editors contest for his coverage of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. His stories currently appear in Montana Quarterly magazine and a variety of other publications. Sherry is a school teacher and has had a variety of jobs in the wine industry. Jeff and Sherry have three grown children and live on the Gallatin River west of Bozeman with their cat, Hobbs, two goats and a fluctuating population of laying hens.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review - Going the Distance, February 21, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Going the Distance: The George Thomas Story (Hardcover)

I recently finished reading "The George Thomas Story: Going the Distance" by G. Thomas and J. Welsch. I feel, unequivocally, that this book merits a 5-star rating! The story entails the many moments of personal agony and anguish of a determined and courageous bicyclist by the name of George Thomas. The drama of this story, so eloquently and vividly expressed by the authors (Welsch and Thomas), took place during a 9 to 11 day, 2911 mile long bicycle race named the Race Across America (RAAM). This bicyle race, which started in Irvine CA and terminated in Savannah GA, is recognized by exercise physiologists as the most grueling athletic event in the world, far more strenuous then, e.g., the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon and requiring considerably more exertion then, e.g., the Tour de France. To add substantially to this incredible story is the recognition that George Thomas suffers from a relatively common but seriously debilitating disease known as epilepsy! The Forward of this book is written by renown Harvard Medical School neurologist and epilepsy expert Steven Schachter, M.D. who states...."At least once in a lifetime, you may be fortunate enough to meet someone truly inspirational, someone whose influence becomes a change in your life. I know this to be true, because I have met and been inspired by George Thomas." I would be remiss to share with you, in advance of your reading this book, the ultimate success/failures of George Thomas in this incredibly arduous solist bicycle race. I will say, however, that this is a book that I could not "set down", a book whose drama will remain in my memory forever. In essence, I enthusiastically and whole-heartedly recommend this superb and riveting book to you.

A Bicyclist in Michigan

5.0 out of 5 stars Try your hardest and you'll do your best., March 2, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Going the Distance: The George Thomas Story (Hardcover)

In writing, "Going the Distance," George Thomas and Jeff Welsch made a significant contribution to both the cycling community and the interested public.

I gained an understanding of ultra marathon cycling and the Race Across America when I was invited to crew for a solo rider in 2000. Ever since then, I have told the story countless times, trying to express to people outside of the Ultra Cycling Community exactly what the race is about. But my descriptions are usually insufficient.

So far, this is the only writing I have found able to clearly express the aspects of the sport and race that confound most people with disbelief.

For those not interested in cycling, it is still a great book to read. The "plot" is cycling, but the story is much, much more.

Through his struggles, George Thomas has proven that the only thing more limiting to man than the laws of nature is his own psychology. George has made the impossible possible, he has transformed himself from limited to limitless, and the authors tell his story in such a way to make readers realize that accomplishment, no matter what kind, is always within reach, as long as you're willing to stretch and believe.

5.0 out of 5 stars Long distance, short read, February 23, 2003

By 

greenlegume (Reader in Corvallis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going the Distance: The George Thomas Story (Hardcover)

A great fast read! I couldn't put it down. The story draws you in immediately. George Thomas is a source of inspiration. Not only does his story impact those afflicted with epilepsy, it gives us regular folks reason to get off our couches.

This is a book that anyone can get into, athletic or not. It's about setting goals, gaining strength from within, and going for guts over glory. You'll want to get off your duff and not only cheer but participate.

Makes a great gift.