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The Cyclist Who Went Out In The Cold by Tim Moore. Book Review

4/1/2017

6 Comments

 
Picture
A 10,000 km cycling trip along the route of the Iron Curtain is brilliantly told by Tim Moore. This is a witty account of an incredible cycling journey that begins in Finnish Lapland and ends at the Black Sea in Bulgaria. Moore faces many challenges, including freezing cold weather and bicycle problems. I found this a highly readable and entertaining book.

The Iron Curtain cycle route is a newly created cycle route. Moore decides to follow using a bicycle that may seem inappropriate for the job. He chooses an East German shopping bike, a MIFA 900, that is not designed for cycle touring. The unsuitability of his bike gets commented upon by many of the people he meets along the way. However, Moore wanted to choose a bike that had a historical connection to the route and give or take a few modifications and repairs this machine made it to the end in one piece. It just goes to show that you do not need to spend a fortune on a bicycle to enjoy cycling.

Although enjoy might not be the word that springs to mind when you read this book. The section in Finland in freezing cold weather was an ordeal and must have required incredible endurance. I found this part of the book gripping and I was awed by the condtions that the author had to put up with. Despite the hardships it inspired me to dream of doing something similar.

As he travels south the weather improves, but it does not necessarily make things any easier and he tells of his trials and tribulations in a hilarious manner. There are several laugh out loud moments in this book.


Moore also writes of the fascinatiing history of the nations that he passes through, so you learn a lot of interesting things reading this book. I was particularly fascinated by the 1939 Winter War where Finland fought bravely, against the odds, to keep Russia at bay.

Moore clearly has little time to enjoy the culture and present day attractions of the various places that he passes through. The bulk of his time is spent on the bike, not visiting places, so you do not get a detailed account of what there is to see and do. Some of the places that he passes through do not sound very appealing, so I didn't find myself itching to copy his route. However, I was strangely drawn to the idea of cycling in Finland in the winter, despite the hardships.

I read this book in a few days. I could not put it down. It is very readable because of Moore's witty writing style. 
Buy on Amazon
6 Comments
Richard link
26/1/2017 12:23:31 pm

I like this sort of thing, so will put it on my list. I'd not heard of that author before but note he's written quite a few books now. Would you recommend any others of his, or is this a good starting point?

Reply
Colin
26/1/2017 10:48:44 pm

I have also read French Revolutions where he cycles the route of the Tour de France. It's really hilarious. But just start with this one I am sure you will love it

Reply
Brendan McCluskey
7/3/2017 01:29:31 pm

Thanks Colin for the loan of The Cyclist Who Went Out In The Cold, hilarious and really well written, interesting perspective from people affected by The Cold War on a day to day basis too in the more serious moments. A part of history that now seems like another world! Thanks again for the read, and it also made me want to get out on my bike more often ,cheers! Also film of Strath Brora is lovely,well done!

Reply
Colin
8/3/2017 12:25:11 pm

Thanks Brendan. It's a brilliant book.

Reply
Eilidh Willis link
16/3/2017 05:06:28 am

Hi, I just read your blog post on Simonseeks about cycling on Lismore - great. Can you update the cycle hire information? Both Mary MacDougall's bike hire and Port Appin bikehire are no longer running. Cycle hire is now located on Lismore at the the Port Appin - Lismore Ferry and we also deliver bikes to anywhere on the island. Our contact number is - 07376425996. Our fb page is https://www.facebook.com/lismorebikehire/
Thanks,
Eilidh Willis

Reply
Colin
22/3/2017 01:10:12 pm

Thanks Eilidh. Glad that you liked the blog about Lismore. The problem with Simonseeks is that it no longer functions. Although the site is still online I no longer have access to edit or add new content. It has been a few years since it stopped accepting new content, but if it gets up and running again I will be sure to update these details.

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