Customer Reviews:
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 Opens your eyes, but be ready with a tissue, October 4, 2000
By Matt OneLANE (Conn., United States)
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With all the reviews posted here, it's hard not to sound like a "me-too" reviewer... But there are some aspects of this book that can still be called out. [FIRST] Prospective bike tourists tend to think of equipment, conditioning, and education as the tasks they need to do in preparation. But if you're taking on something as significant as a world tour, you'd better be prepared to trust your touring partner, because the stress will be on your relationship. Barbara brings this out beautifully, both in describing the changes she went through with her husband Larry, and the contrast between their growing partnership and some of the more parasitic folks they picked up along the way. [SECOND] Something Americans don't often "get," even when we take conventional tours, is how very different this country is from other parts of the world. Barbara's graphic descriptions of cycling through Egypt (frightening) and India (just very crowded and no privacy) bring this home in a unique manner. And, were the Savages brave or stupid to travel through bandit-terrorized areas of Thailand? She leaves just enough ambiguity to our imagination so that we have to think it through ourselves. [FINALLY] An activity that was for 10-mile, casual spins became a daily routine, and I hate to see Barbara and Larry boarding that plane for California at the end of their journey. I want to know that they'll continue their ride, seeking further adventures -- and it hits me hard to learn that Barbara was killed in a cycling accident while the book was at press. This book grew on me, as good stories do, and I wanted to believe at the end that I could pick up the phone and somehow invite Barbara and Larry out for a ride. I have to "settle" for doing it myself some day.
40 of 40 people found the above review helpful.
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 Sorry to be a grouch, but..., August 16, 2004
By UCLA Ex-Prof (Long Beach, CA USA)
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I found this book both enjoyable and annoying. Certainly, bicycling around the world in the 1970s was a daring thing to do. It took a great deal of courage and an adventuresome spirit. It was indeed sad to learn of the author's death at the end, and to wonder if that would have occurred if today's effective helmets were available. At the same time, the book has an annoying undercurrent of "oh look at what we had to endure. Aren't we noble?" when, in fact the author's and her husband's problems were largely the result of poor planning and cultural obtuseness. For example, they took very little care to avoid illness in places where sanitation was not good, and paid for it severely. They also complain about the wife being perpetually propositioned in Moslem countries, but she was warned about, and obviously ignored, rules of dress. I don't find these things admirable.
As with other such books, the story is completely self focussed. It would have been nice to learn something about the people that the author met, and the cultures of the places visited, beyond the two-dimensional treatment in the book. This could have been a book about personal growth through meeting challenges and developing cultural understanding. But, it isn't.
23 of 44 people found the above review helpful.
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A wake-up call from your daily routine..., October 20, 1999
By Renee Sproles (sproles@email.com) (Murfreesboro, TN)
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Having failed to read of Barbara's tragic death until finished with the book, I felt as though I'd lost a friend at the story's end. The spirit with which Barbara and Larry embraced life on their journey makes me look at my world much more thankfully for its simple pleasures. Enduring physical and mental hardships as well as relishing the pleasures of creation and human kindness, Barbara Savage sparked in me a yearning to break free of my daily routine and reach out to others however I can. Perhaps one day our family will create a cycling adventure of our own!
12 of 13 people found the above review helpful.
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 Around the world in ten speeds, May 3, 2002
By Mark Correal (Franklin, New Jersey United States)
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This is a true story of a husband / wife worldwide adventure from 25 years ago. Barbara Savage chronicles a two year long world tour she and her husband, Larry made beginning and ending in their home state of California, on bicycles! This is not your ususal granola eating, wimpy envoirnmentalist travelogue, but a gritty, realistic and at times humerous tale of the people and places they encounter along the way. From friendly ranchers in South Dakota to motorcycle riding bandits in the middle east, this story has it all. It details the efforts of the author and her husband to overcome and survive hard places and unusual cultures. As they go, they strike friendships with other travelers and local residents, and also get in fights with mauraders in cars and on foot. It neither condemns nor sugar coats the locations visited, but paints a true picture of the world from the bicyclists' perspective.
As entertaining and enlightening today as it was when written years ago. Sadly, the author died in a bicycle accident shortly after writing the book. But as readers, we are fortunate that she was able to produce a work recording this adventure. I'll never brag about my 25 mile bike tours again.
10 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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Barbara and Larry got me started!, October 22, 2000
By A Customer
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Picking up this book on a whim, I had no idea what impact Barbara and Larry would have on me! Even though the story is 25 years old, it is fresh as can be. Read this book and then read "Hey Mom,Can I ride my bike across America?" and see how Barbara and Larry inspired a middle school teacher, his wife and 5 students to ride their bikes from DC to California. It's amazing how well these books go together.
6 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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A Two-Wheeled Delight !, September 25, 2000
By "richbike46" (Tucson, AZ United States)
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I have never laughed as hard as I did as when I read sections of Barbara Savage's "Miles Form Nowhere". I also shed some tears at other sections. This well-written adventure story, with a woman's touch, is a wonderfully entertaining and emotion-tugging delight. Men and women alike (who bicycle, or care about someone who does) will especially enjoy this book. The tempo varies, but never drags. The language and the syntax are easy to read, yet not simplistic. This book is definitely one to own, and to re-visit periodically.
6 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Quintessential cyclist travel book, July 19, 2000
By zona (Portland, OR)
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I read this book 8 years ago. I was about to embark on a journey through Africa on my bicycle and found motivation through Barbara's tale. What struck me the most was that she and her husband were riding 10 speeds! 10 speeds! Imagine. And they did it (imagine "granny gear" on a 10 speed)! Their journey, her words, her life are inspirational. I have my bicylce tales in foreign lands as well, but rather than writing about them, I found myself laughing and relating and thanking her for her anecdotal comraderie. Rest in Peace, Barbara Savage. Your life shines.
6 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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felt like i was there, June 22, 2000
By http://www.jimcarson.com (Bellevue, WA)
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Undertaking a trip like this requires a great amount of temerity. What I especially like about this book is her attention to details that could easily have omitted or trivialized. If you've done any sort of tour like this, you can appreciate her annoyance at Chris "The Sponge" interrupting a romantic anniversary date or having a heated argument with her spouse during an especially excruciating ride across the midwest (howling headwinds all the way). She writes about her experiences of arriving in Egypt or cowering in a road side "potty," sheltered from the rain, well enough to make you feel like you've been there. Even if you aren't able to take a trip like this, you can still experience it from the book.
6 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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fantastic story, tragic end, April 16, 2000
By jeff denis (shippensburg pa.)
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i myself am not a bicyclist, however barb and larry transported me around the world with them, and i didn't want it to end.the part that brings a tear to my eye is that this woman took life by the horns. i was so sad by her tragic death even though she has been gone awhile. i felt i knew this couple personally.goes to show life is a gift, don't squander it.i wish i could get more info on her, i don't want to say goodbye. can anyone tell me what larry has been up to since?
5 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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An easy, captivating read -, February 16, 2006
By J. J. Kane (Champaign, IL United States)
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I've never done one of these online reviews before, but this book should get more attention. I wish I always had a book on hand like this, that I was so actively interested in. I would give family a running update on what Larry and Barb were doing at a given point in the book.
As for a previous review citing lack of proper planning and cultural insensitivity, there is something to be said for underplanned or spontaneous adventures. And sometimes those who make the most mistakes can become the best of teachers. I for one don't require that the authors have something profound, illuminating, and highly sensitive to say about each culture they encounter. I'm quite happy that Larry and Barb were normal people who had some great adventures, persevered where many might not, and happened to write well enough to let me share some of it.
I definitely recommend this book.
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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I'm one of the "characters" in the book . . ., May 9, 1998
By gregg_ferry@hp.com
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It was tough for me to read Barb's book. She was a good friend of mine and I learned a lot from Larry and Barb. But, reading her book was like reading out of my own journal. The experience of riding around the world is overwhelming; Barb let's you know some of what to expect. By the way, Larry is doing just fine, living life to the fullest. (Is there any other way?)
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Wonderful Book about the Savages Amazing Adventure, June 11, 2003
By A Customer
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A person where I used to work in San Francisco told me about this book over 13 years ago. Was not really interested at the time about reading about a cycling trip since I don't cycle myself. However, he finally wore me down and I went out and bought this book. What a welcome surprise this book was. This book is really about the decisions we make in life. As Larry and Barb talked about their lives, they pondered the thought of cycling around the world instead of buying a home. Although some of their friends thought they were crazy to leave two careers and not buy a house now when they had worked so hard for the down payment, they made the decision to do something adventures that most people would never do - travel around the world. The book tells of their amazing adventures through the US and through all the countries they visited over two years. Their adventures leave you laughing, feeling terrified, etc. When I found out that Barb Savage was killed while cycling, I cried. However, it made me happy that she embarked on this incredible once in a lifetime journey. Houses come and go but adventures in our lives last a lifetime. Have bought this book for friends and my dad. Everyone who read this book really enjoyed their adventure.
4 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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What life is led in too little time..., January 7, 2002
By A Customer
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I had no idea when I picked up the book that Barbara was no longer alive, but I mourn her and am grateful for the stories she shared. Even though I am not in a place in my life where I can replicate their trip, it has inspired me to take shorter tours so that I, too, can glipse a part of what she experienced. Read the book and be amazed, amused and entertained - but expect that you'll also find yourself challenged to make your own journey outside the comfort zone.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent reading for bikers and adventurers, August 14, 1999
By A Customer
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I gather this book has become a classic for touring bicyclists. The book was very exciting to read, and I felt as if I was there with Barbara and Larry experiencing their highs and lows. These were real people living a real adventure. In this day of Hollywood personalities, TV lala-land, phony celebrities, flaky sporting events -- Barbara and Larry showed what common, unknown, down-to-earth REAL people can accomplish with average physical strengths, but a determination that celebrates the human spirit. I only wish there were a few more pictures in the book of their travels.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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A Lot of Ground to Cover, September 4, 2007
By Seachranaiche (USA)
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I give "Miles From Nowhere" four stars rather than five only because during the course of such a long and trying bicycle adventure, Barbara Savage and her husband, Larry, must have experienced depths of emotion that Savage simply did not explore in the book. She covered some high points and some low points, but I never came to feel that I knew them or fully understood their motivations. Also absent, for a book more than twenty years old (and now considered a classic of adventure travel), was any updated or epilogue information about their lives after their ride. We know that Barbara Savage was tragically (astoundingly, ironically) killed on her bicycle within the few years of their return, but adventures of this magnitude do not end just with a return airplane ticket. The adventure, you see, is not about bicycling around the world, but rather, about Barbara and Larry Savage themselves.
That said, the two covered so much ground during their two-year ride that going into great detail would probably have swollen the book beyond any reasonable marketability. So my criticisms must be taken only as what more could have been learned, not what Savage actually included in the travelogue. I cannot agree with the reviewer who felt that the Savages were self centered and did not include an appropriate amount of cultural interpretation in the text. It seems to me that their cultural descriptions were quite vivid--some of the extremes of what they experienced actually made me cringe. As a solo adventure traveler myself, I am now rethinking some of my travel destinations, and although I consider myself to be pretty tough on the road, I do not believe that I could endure much of what Barbara and Larry Savage endured. These were two rugged people who handled themselves very well, and their story was a pleasure to read.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Interesting story, average writing, December 31, 1997
By "jqudeen"
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Let's be honest, this is not the most well written book in the world. But that's part of the charm. This is a real story about real people who experienced what many of us dream about--the great adventure. If you like independent adventure traveling, order a copy. It will keep you entertained and spark that thought that you could do something like this too.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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very average, August 5, 1997
By A Customer
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Cycling 23,000 miles is a notable accomplishment, but that doesn't mean that one can write about it in an interesting way. Reading this book will tell you more than you want to know about the minor travails of the author and her husband; it will tell you very little about the world they cycled around
3 of 21 people found the above review helpful.
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I read it again for the 3rd time, January 9, 2007
By Joseph Bouwman
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I have just completed my 3rd reading, spread over 7 years, of Miles from Nowhere. I laughed as loudly as I did the first time and still found it hard to put it down. The book is my special reminder of how to live your life and chase your dreams. I feel ashamed that I have not yet started on my world bike tour but this summer (2007) looks like it will be the year. I often feel indebted to Barbara and Larry for their book and for their willingness to share such a wonderful experience. The book is a must read for anyone with a sense of adventure and a sense of humor.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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FASCINATING AND REMARKABLE - A MUST READ!, February 11, 2004
By hcates123 (Austin, Texas)
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This is a book that I will never forget. Barbara and her husband take on the feat of riding their bikes all over the world. Some of their stories were eye-openers and a quick lesson in what places to NOT visit. I shudder when I think of their visits through India or Egypt. Some of their tales were absolutely shocking. But over all, their journeys evoke a desire to travel and to dream of faraway lands. Their example of bravery and spunk, encourages the desire to leave the armchair and to do something EXCITING. This book is fabulous as a refresher course in geography. Little towns that you had never heard about, spring to life. I dare anyone to read this book without running to a map! Sadly, Barbara dies at the end of her trip. She is truly a gifted writer and someone to always be remembered. May she continue to live on through this book and to fill our hearts with joy and adventure. Thank you, Barbara! * * * * * FIVE STARS!
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The best book Ihave ever read, August 20, 2000
By Douglas S Hubbard (Fort Gibson, Ok United States)
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Like all of the other reviews on this book I did not want the book to end, I was depressed when I finished this book, because it was over. But I will always remember it as the best book I have ever read.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Great prep for your own bike trip, January 5, 2000
By Naomi J. Price (Denver, Colorado)
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A friend gave me the book when he learned I was planning a bike tour of New Zealand. I made a lot of mental notes as a result of their lessons learned, and wish I had the courage to go where they have gone, now 20 years later. I too mourned the tragedy her death and Larry's incredible loss after the tour... but I have to think she went to her grave with no regrets.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Travelogues rarely get as good as this....., August 23, 1998
By EarthKora.com Traveler (Everywhere)
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Admittedly the writers were not pros at literature composition but so what? What I wanted to read was a down to earth honest story and I got it. Barbara was very good at putting you right there with herself and Larry. I have bought several copies of this book and have given them to everyone that ponders a long trip. Always keep a copy because reading it once is NEVER enough.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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This book touched me., March 22, 1998
By Rich Testardi (rtestard@m1.interserv.com) (Colorado, USA)
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I read this book just before leaving on a 4500 mile bicycle trip across the United States. Nothing could have prepared me better or opened my mind more for the fantastic adventure that was ahead of me. The book made me laugh out loud 100 times for the author's undeniable love of life. And it made me cry nearly as often for her tragic death.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The center of being, April 13, 2005
By Blair / James (Traverse City, MI)
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It has been over 20 years since we read this book. _I_ read it in preparation for a 4 month trip through and across western Europe. _She_ read it because I recommended it.
This story is so inspiring, it can change your outlook on life -- forever. The Savage's trials and tribulations, their open-mindedness in dealing with situations far beyond our immediate experiences -- ... this trip opened our minds and hearts to the planet Earth, and all her wonders.
After all these years, this wonderful travelogue still pops up up in our conversations about our lives --- to the extent that we decided to write this review: If you *want* to have an open mind, if you want to *experience* life on this Earth, to understand how *your* understanding differs from that of your brother/sister - read this book. Get a bike. Go for a tour. You will never be the same, again.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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I'm glad this is still in print!, May 9, 2002
By J. C. M. Bannerman (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA)
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A wonderful book about long distance bike trips. I first heard about this book after making a ten day bikepacking trip in Canada 17 years ago. WUOM, my local public radio station, had this as their book on radio and I heard an excerpt from this book that peaked my interest. This story about a couple who travel the world on their bikes is very inspiring even though they were not the most prepared (e.g., they have regular tires as spares as opposed to special "touring" spares). This book isn't a how to, but more a travelogue for where to travel. It's an inspiration for those who like to bike or travel. They may not be similar to your experiences, but they are a wonderful story. In fact, some of their disasters are usually avoided by being prepared. It's too bad that Mrs. Savage died as this book went to press. I am really glad that the Savages wrote this book to share their experiences. It's a wonderful tribute to the Savages and well worth reading.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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This book touched me., March 21, 1998
By Rich Testardi (Colorado, USA)
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I read this book just before leaving on a 4500 mile bicycle trip across the United States. Nothing could have prepared me better or opened my mind more for the fantastic adventure that was ahead of me. The book made me laugh out loud 100 times for the author's undeniable love of life. And it made me cry nearly as often for her tragic death.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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incredible cycling experience, November 22, 2010
By Ferdinand L. Manlio
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The Savages had tremendous mental and physicial strength to endure all the trials and tribulations that they put themselves through. Excellent story well told, my only regret was that there were not enough photos.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Very nice book!!, October 4, 2010
By Andre Costa
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Very Nice Book! Has some pages of pitures and its a real good book for couples that want to travel by bike!
Thank you very much!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Moving, March 14, 2009
By Steno Student!
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I my early 20s found this book in the Lexington Public library in the late 1980s while on my lunch half-hours. I was hooked from the first chapter, and every lunch hour, I went back (didn't have a library card & couldn't get one for that library) and finished it. I was shocked to read that Barbara had died soon after finishing the book, and *cried*, while sitting in the library.
I bought my own copy. I reread her book to keep me inspired, and I ended up bringing it with me when I finally made it South Korea in the early 1990s. When I left 18 months later, I left it with a friend of mine but never replaced it.
Thanks to Barbara and her narrative about her adventures, I ended up in Korea, traveling to Japan, India, Nepal, Thailand--all solo, but not on a bicycle.
I still feel like Barbara was a friend I never had a chance to meet (like an internet friend) and I can still feel the tears breaking out, so many years after finding out about her death.
I hope Larry is doing well (I heard he'd remarried and life went on) and that hopefully (sometime!) someone will do a retracing of Barbara's and Larry's adventure.
Thank you Barbara.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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I Love this Book., January 13, 2008
By carolyn (marietta, ga, United States)
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I Love this book. Even though it was published years ago I still track down copies to give to friends. It is my all time favorite book. Pillars of the earth is a close 2nd. Enjoy.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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My favorite book of 2003, December 3, 2003
By jackiefab (Bainbridge Island, WA United States)
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When I picked this book up off of the sale table, I thought it might be a bit outdated, (having been written in the late 70's.) What a gem! The chapters on riding in the Middle East are riveting. The chapter on riding in Florida is maddening. The people Barbara and Larry meet throughout their travels are amazing. And as you finish the book, you'll feel genuine sadness that Barbara is no longer with us. I felt as though I lost a friend. With only a few weeks left in the year...I think this one will stay in the top spot for 2003.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Total inspiration!, February 14, 1999
By A Customer
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If you ever dreamed about doing something really adventurous at least once in your life, you must read this book! There's no sugarcoating here - Barbara writes about the worst as well as the best of times, and it left me feeling that I will have never really lived until I do something like this myself. I wonder what they were thinking as they first rode out of Los Angeles, having never attempted anything remotely similar to this, and without even having really trained for it! I loved the part where they excitedly tried to strike up a conversation with the american tourists from the tour bus. Hysterical! And what a contrast of experiences between Barbara and Larry, and the typical "ugly americans" on the typical vacation.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Laugh out loud and feel their struggles, August 23, 1998
By shapiro_alan@yahoo.com (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
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I have given away two copies of this book and have recommended it many times. For every bicyclist planning a tour, this is a must read. But more than about a bicycle tour, it is a heart warming and deliciously funny journal.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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This is a *real* inspirational book., January 15, 1998
By A Customer
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I read this a little before my own first long bike trip over ten years ago. I still recommend it to friends and strangers. It is a great book about going for a dream, persevering, coping, having a great time, and working with what you get. I agree the writing is not prizeworthy, but so what? It's sort of like getting a really long letter from a good friend.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Throws the reader sweating onto the seat of a touring bike!, June 7, 1997
By A Customer
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Miles From Nowhere puts the reader onto a touring bike for better or for worse.Barbara Savage tells it how it is.This is a book about how the love of cycling and the love for ones' partner can transcend any obstacle.It put me sweating beside them in Egypt and and into blissful rest in a fishing village in Portugal.For a no holds barred account of what cycle touring is all about,read this book
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Great book for anybody interested in cycling or travel, January 8, 1997
By A Customer
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Very well written book. Not your usual travelogue. This is a real story. Unfortunately the author was killed in a cycling accident shortly after the book went to press. She was a great writer who really covered the "earthy" parts of the trip
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Delightful travel tale of adventure and discomfort, November 18, 1996
By A Customer
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I bought the paperback in a thrift store for 50 cents and had a great time traveling with Barbara and Larry on their around the world bike adventure. The trip was a 23,000 mile globel bike ride. A great read !! Rob Question - Where is Larry today ? Still biking
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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My favorite book of 2003, December 3, 2003
By brizzolata (Bainbridge Island, WA United States)
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When I picked this book up off of the sale table, I thought it might be a bit outdated, (having been written in the late 70's.) What a gem! The chapters on riding in the Middle East are riveting. The chapter on riding in Florida is maddening. The people Barbara and Larry meet throughout their travels are amazing. And as you finish the book, you'll feel genuine sadness that Barbara is no longer with us. I felt as though I lost a friend. With only a few weeks left in the year...I think this one will stay in the top spot for 2003.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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My favorite book of 2003, December 3, 2003
By J. Fabbri (Bainbridge Island, WA United States)
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When I picked this book up off of the sale table, I thought it might be a bit outdated, (having been written in the late 70's.) What a gem! The chapters on riding in the Middle East are riveting. The chapter on riding in Florida is maddening. The people Barbara and Larry meet throughout their travels are amazing. And as you finish the book, you'll feel genuine sadness that Barbara is no longer with us. I felt as though I lost a friend. With only a few weeks left in the year...I think this one will stay in the top spot for 2003.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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One of the best travel narratives ever!, September 16, 2011
By Kat (Sandston, Virginia United States)
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This travel narrative about Barbara and Larry Savage's around the world cycling adventure has long been a classic in the cycling world. It should also be read by those who love a good travel narrative. The writing is fantastic and it is always interesting. It is amazing they were able to do this in the late 1970's. It doesn't matter that this book is 30 years old, heck, it even enhances it, with a bit of '70's history. I loved reading this book and when I was away from it all I could think about was picking it back up to read. If you're wondering which cycling books to read (there are so many good ones!) this one should be high on your list. A super book that should be required reading of all cyclists and those who have the wanderlust.
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A Must Read! For any aspiring Bike Tourers!, August 26, 2011
By Michael Sieler
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I went backpacking for my first time for 5 days in Yosemite and each day I would read this book before I went to sleep. I finished this book on my last night of backpacking. I've been thinking about doing a bike tour with my best friend down to South America and this book has been tremendously inspiring! It has opened my eyes to the challenges and the rewards of bike touring. Barbara Savage is a hilarious author! The way she describes things is very well done and humorous! I love her little near death fantasies, usually about the most bizarre things: Rooftop apes, Indian Plane companies and other things.
This book is simply a must read. Worth every penny!
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Holds up well after all these years, July 17, 2011
By JLyles
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I read this years ago and it certainly inspired a sense of adventure and wanderlust in me that continues to this day. Isn't that what good books should do?
Recently picked it up again and found that it still holds much of its charm. Especially great reading when you're contemplating escaping from the everyday and doing something that will matter in your life. If you're in need of what the aborigines would call "a walkabout", this is a breath-of-life journey about overcoming obstacles and persevering your way to great adventure. Yes, it's about a long bike trip, but at its heart, this is what it awakens in me.
The reason I say it holds up well after all these years is that I notice a difference between this and much of the more recent true adventure stories. Modern tales go more in depth into the internal world of the wayfarers. To me, such tales can sometimes feel a little too narcissistic. Certainly Barbara reveals inner struggles, but the story spends more time talking about the observable journey. This makes it move rapidly and lets me imprint my own thoughts on the story, rather than just knowing about her experience. It was refreshing to discover this difference by going back to this book, and I think I rather like it.
If you're looking for some great escapist entertainment that just might inspire you to a great escape of your own, this book is highly recommended.
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Inspiring in its simple humane account, April 14, 2011
By D. Lawson
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This is one of my favorite books. I plan on re-reading it many times in the future. Its inspiring in their simple, uneducated plan to see the world. They don't set unrealistic goals and aren't afraid to change the plan. Its not so much about the accomplishment as the experience. While I'm definitely going to be avoiding some places on account of their own experiences, I do plan on doing something similar, with a few of my own ideas for places to visit.
Thank you both for living the life so many are afraid to even attempt, or unwilling to consider.
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Must reading for any cyclist, February 24, 2011
By Cheri (Mexico)
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I've read other touring books and most of them put me to sleep. This one somehow became personal. I rooted and cheered for them each step of the way and really cared about them. Barbara Savage was a talented writer who brought the reader into her world and her loss is a tragedy to both the cycling and writing world.
If you read only one book about cycling, make it this one.
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Great reading, December 29, 2010
By talltaletalker (Yspilanti, MI USA)
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You need not be a cyclist to (greatly) enjoy this lighthearted book about the triumph of the human spirit. If you are a cyclist, lend/give it to a noncycling friend--they will understand both you and the life-as-adventure outlook better because of it.
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Miles From Nowhere, May 19, 2010
By Fiddlin Gram (High Desert-Colorado)
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I read this book years ago when it first came out. I enjoyed it so much then, that I reordered it and read it again just recently. It is still good the second time around.It breaks my heart that Barbara lost her life shortly after returning to Santa Barbara. How ironic-for all the things they went thru that this should happen here at home in the U.S.This is a cant put down book till it is finished.
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One of the top best cycling books ever, February 22, 2010
By Darlita Dawn Carlo
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I read about a hundred books a year, on the average, and this is my favorite cycling travelogue ever. It really stands out in a mass of many.
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A very entertaining book, November 27, 2009
By Traveler (Spartanburg, SC United States)
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I did not want to put this book down. Great adventure book and made me laugh out loud. Read it; you'll like it.
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An Amazing Experience, August 23, 2009
By L. Mortensen
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This book was written so well that I felt like I was on the journey with them. What an amazing adventure!
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Miles from Nowhere: A Round World Bicycle Adventure, March 14, 2009
By Vollebak (San Diego, CA)
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I checked this book out of the library originally. I felt as if I was traveling with the author, Barbara, while I was reading this book. Since I liked it so much, I ordered a copy so I can read it again. Even though Barbara had moved on, her adventure remains with us.
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Miles From Nowhere, March 2, 2009
By Dick Janson (Laingsburg, MI USA)
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Miles from Nowhere: A Round the World Bicycle Adventure
One of the best accounts of travel by bicycle I have ever read. It shows both the benefits and problems a couple can encounter when traveling together. It is well written and hard to put down. Another book I enjoyed as much, and a bit more current, "The Lead Goat Veered Off" by Neil Anderson, is about the month he and Sharon spend on the island of Sardinia, because they got to Holland too soon to see the tulips. For stories by lone riders, it is hard to beat "Metal Cowboy", by Joe Kurmaskie, and Spokesongs, by Willie Weir. All have been an inspiration to this lesser traveled bike tourist, and past president of our 1000+ member bike club.
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Good Book, January 7, 2009
By Stephen Sorrell (Amarillo, TX USA)
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Many other reviews have written so much more. I just wanted to vote this up. An excellent bicycle travel book.
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Book Club Favorite, September 12, 2008
By Linda J. Piele
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Our book club has been reading a book a month for 35 years. This one book we read back in the 80's remains our favorite. Everyone loved it and shared it widely with friends. We all enjoyed biking ourselves and members of our group took week long bike trips together. So we had an appreciation for Babara and Larry's around the world adventure. She did not set out to write a book. She sent letters home which became the basis of the book long after the trip was over. That is the real charm of this book. You can think of it as a long series of letters home from your adventurous daughter or son. What a treat and I often see it on the shelf and take it down to re-read some of those charming letters.
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What not to do when undertaking a bicycle tour of the world, July 19, 2008
By Robert Gochicoa
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If the author's intent in undertaking an ambitious round-the-world tour of the world from the vantage point of a bicycle seat was her and her husband's pursuit of a world beyond, possibly even glimpses at a personal utopia, the title, "Miles from Nowhere" is a perfect fit. Utopia is Latin for nowhere (actually no place) and it seemed as though they were indeed miles from nowhere and paid a very heavy price for the travel pleasures they accrued. An appropriate subtitle would be Sisyphus and Cycling.
I gave the book five stars for two reasons:
1) Barbara Savage was an honest, talented writer (I was very saddened to read of her death), and
2) You must buy this book and read it if you wish to profit from the trying and disastrous experiences of a couple driven less by sense and more by pure guts and raw courage
Should I undertake something even remotely similar I would studiously avoid the many trials the Savages endured due to naivete and lack of preparation. Call me a wimp but what these folks went through was continuous mental and physical exhaustion. Again, I give them an A plus for guts and determination and a D minus for planning.
For anybody with lesser qualifications than the Navy Seals A-team - read this book and make your arrangements accordingly.
Robert Gochicoa
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Great adventure, April 6, 2008
By B. Willis (Canada)
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This is a touching book & a great story. Barbara is a funny person & someone I would have liked to meet. It is great to travel with Barbara around the world on her bike. You also really feel like you get to know her. After you read this book you will likely try to search on the net & find a little more about her. She had a sad tragic ending, I am glad she got to see & do all she did - and we got to share it with her.
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Miles from nowhere!, February 8, 2008
By David Wunische
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Great book about seeing the world the hard but personal way. Barbara doesn't leave anything out.
Too bad she is no longer with us.
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Miles From NoWhere by Barbara Savage, October 8, 2007
By Book Lover (Dallas, TX United States)
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This book is really interesting. I learned things that I never had any idea about on the different parts of the world. The stories are told in a humorous way and I laughed alot and have told other people about the book and I am sure there will be alot of them buying it. To me it is amazing what they did by taking that trip in the 70's when the bikes were alot heavier and they didn't have the equipment available to them that we have now... they were seriously very brave and really in great shape to do what they did. I really enjoyed the book and hated for it to end.Miles from Nowhere: A Round the World Bicycle Adventure
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An excellent, inspiring read, September 3, 2007
By Kate SG
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I loved this book. It's an easy read, and exceptionally inspirational as Barbara Savage recounts she and her husband's journey on bikes around the world in the late '70s. Barbara's writing style is great and at times even laugh-out-loud hilarious as you read about some of the outrageous and surprising circumstances she and Larry find themselves in. This book has also made the impossible seem possible...who knows maybe someday I'll bike around the world!...
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Inspiring, May 29, 2007
By E. Tantum (North Carolina)
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This book was a treat to read. They were so courageous to do what they did and it was so fun to live vicariously through their experiences. I highly recommend reading it. I checked it out from the library, but I am going to buy a copy now to keep in my stash at home to read again in the future and to lend to friends.
Knowing about the tragic ending to Barbara's life gave parts of the book an ominous feeling, like when they mentioned the possiblity of biking through Latin America one day. And I can't help but wonder what Larry is up to now, like if he did any more lengthy bicycle tours. Just curious.
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I wanted to meet her; I considered Barbara my new best friend, January 31, 2006
By Mo (Davis, CA)
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Wow, even though this book was written some time ago, I felt a connection to Barbara Savage. She was open about life, and funny too. From the moment I started reading about her adventures I couldn't put the book down. I wish that I had never read the outside back cover of the book, however.
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My favorite book of all times!!!!, May 28, 2004
By Skeet (Perkasie, PA USA)
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This book is without a doubt my favorite book ever! I first read this book in the late 80's. It was the inspiration for my husband and I to do some traveling of our own. After saving for a few years, we decided to take 18 months off from our "normal lives" and travel the world. We spent 4 months cycling Europe,traveling 4000 miles. We backpacked the rest of the way through Asia,Australia, and America. We had a great time and am so glad we took the plunge and just did it. I don't think we ever would have, had we not read Babera Savage's book. I highly recomend it for anyone considering traveling, or anyone just wishing they could.
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Fantastic book., October 1, 1998
By A Customer
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I happened to come across this book the other day in a local shop. I found the book to be a fantastic account of an epic journey. Im sure I will be reading this book again as I plan my own trips by bicycle.
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Excellent, August 21, 1997
By A Customer
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You will be enthralled in the story as you trek across the globe with the author and her companions. Their experiences will amaze you and you will not be able to put this book down
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I still remember this book, November 9, 2011
By Scott Adams (Kirkland, WA USA)
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I read this book 15 years ago. I rarely remember a book I read 15 months ago, but this one stuck with me. As a bicyclist who ventured only 50 miles at a time, I was amazed at the journey that this family took. I was just describing this book to a friend today, and decided to order it for him. It is truely a memorable story that is real and entertaining. I also did not learn of the author's tragic death until I finished the story. It struck me hard then and still does; to travel around the world and then be killed on her bike close to home is a shame. This book is for anyone who yearns to learn about the world outside the United States, not just bicyclists.
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Bike Touring vicariously..., November 8, 2011
By tdhess (Calif)
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I read this book years ago, yet I feel compelled to jump in and confirm the excellent reviews this book has received. I was captivated by the story and by the end of the book, I felt like I was family. I felt like I could pick up the phone and give them a call. When I began reading the book, I hadn't noticed the print that shared about Barbara's tragic death shortly after they returned. I was crushed and cried as if a friend had died. After all, we had been through so much "together". Don't let this part keep you from reading the book. It is full of fun and adventure! Truly an awesome way to escape your own reality for awhile. Enjoy!!
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inspiring and fun read, April 21, 2012
By MaryEllen M. Kustin
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Everything good about a great travel blog + good editing and a clear narative ........ ........... ............. .......... ..... ..... ...... ...... ....... ....... ....... ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
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Two Brave People On Bikes, September 10, 2011
By Carioca56
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This book appealed to me because
a) Barbara Savage and her husband Larry wanted to see the world
b) So they chose to see it by bike, the slow way, and meet lots of people and see lots of beauty along the way
b) Barbara had never ridden a bicycle for long distances before
c) They were both willing to endure a lot of pain in order to achieve their objective
c) The end result, or our legacy of their travails, is this beautiful book.
Not fantastic writing but Five Stars for its fairness, journalistic objectivity, and purity, and descriptions of the wonderful world in which we live.
Check it out.
P.S. Barbara Savage died in a tragic cycling accident near her home in Santa Barbara, California, sometime in the early 1980's. May her memory live forever.
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