A Bicycle Journey to the Bottom of the Americas: Being a True Account of a Bike Adventure from Alaska (Paperback)

~ George Hawkins (Author)
Key Phrases: machete brothers, bike tourer, bien viaje, Machu Picchu, South America, Tierra del Fuego (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Remember when you were a kid and you got your first bicycle? After a few weeks of mastering the dynamics of balancing, steering, and pedaling, all at the same time hopefully, your father released his protective, steadying grip on the seat and you went wobbling off on your own. It was probably your very first taste of independence and freedom and you knew you liked that feeling very much. Few things in life have ever compared to that first solo ride.

Almost 40 years after my first solo bike ride, I was able to recapture the excitement and passion of that momentous occasion when I pedaled out of Anchorage, Alaska bound for Tierra del Fuego—the very tip of South America. No matter that it was 17,500 miles distant and would take 3 ? years to get there; I vowed I would achieve that goal if it took the rest of my life.

About the Author

Between globe trotting bicycle adventures George lives not so quietly in Santa Cruz, California, a beach community, where he is desperately learning to surf on a 9'6" O'Neill surfboard. When not flailing away in the Pacific Ocean, Hawkins can be seen, occasionally, riding his Miyata road bike through the nearby redwood forested mountains or under his classic 1974 Plymouth Duster changing the oil or greasing the lubrication fittings. More often than not when the sun is rising or setting, George will be perched on a scenic ocean cliff or hiking a beach with his Nikon camera capturing images of crashing waves or unforgettable sunsets.In addition to bicycle touring, surfing, and photography, Hawkins is locally famous for his handcrafted beers, particularly the incomparable MadHawk Ale.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (October 24, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595132383
• ISBN-13: 978-0595132386
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #401,790 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Courageous Adventure, Inspiring!, August 31, 2005

By	Edward I. Mendenhall - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Being a true account, this book is an "I can't put it down" exciting adventure! A bicycle tour from Anchorage, Alaska to the tip of South America. The people Mr. Hawkins meets, has dinner with, stays with, all portray the human experience in each country. Greatly varyied are the geography and weather. Mr. Hawkins includes photos and descriptions of the personal challenges of surviving through mountains, rain, freezing cold, theft, and more. His writing made it easy to picture and feel the struggles and the joys. A great read!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bicycle Journey to the Bottom of the Americas, April 17, 2001

By	Gin Easterday (Los Gatos, CA) - See all my reviews

This book is delightful. I looked forward to getting in bed each night to read it. I almost felt like I went along with him on his amazing adventure, and what a time he had! I laughed out loud a number of times. Other times it provoked deep thinking. The chronicle of this odyssey is fun and inspirational as well. Very satisfying.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Adventure at it's best!, April 17, 2003

By	Shoey Coplan (Santa Cruz, Ca. USA) - See all my reviews

Adventure at its best-on the seat of a bicycle! I loved reading this book! I especially enjoyed reading the day to day challenges George was faced with on his trip.- The diary form in which the book is written made me feel like I was there experienceing everything- which made it difficult to put the book down. So, if you are looking to experience adventure but don't have the time right now to actually leave your house, read George Hawkin's book.