Cover Image: Where There's A Will

Where There's A Will

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Member Reviews

TWO-CENT TUESDAY

Below are a few (somewhat) brief, $.02 opinions about several books I've read or listened to recently but don't have time to review in full. Their appearance in this recurring piece generally has little to nothing to do with merit. Many of these books I enjoyed as much or more than those that got the full court press. I hope you'll consider one or two for your own TBR stack if they strike your fancy whether they struck mine or not.

Where There's a Will, by Emily Chappell

I have to take a good part of the hit on this one. I was really looking forward to this memoir by Emily Chappell, relaying the epic story of her efforts to win the Transcontinental bike race, a 4,000km trek across Europe, unassisted. During her first attempt, she failed, regaining consciousness lying on her back in a field. I love stories of people fighting against the elements and the limits of the human mind and body. For some reason, the start of this one (with Chappell coming to in the field) was really confusing and I had an immediate disconnect. Again, I think this was me and I picked this up at the wrong time, but the entry was not a smooth one. I'll give it another go one of these days.

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I have not ridden a bicycle for many years but nevertheless I became totally immersed in adventure seeker Emily Chappell's account of the challenges she faced while undertaking her passion for cycling very long distances. The main narrative centres on her participation in The Transcontinental which is a single stage 4,000 mile race across Europe with four mandatory control points which guide the route and where each rider plan, research and navigate their own course and choose when and where to rest.

Emily graphically describes the sheer determination, will power and resolution that is needed to complete this arduous journey .Having little sleep and eating and drinking when you can Emily will be pushed to the limit both physically and mentally. But just as important is knowing when to give up and on her first attempt due to illness this is what she must do.

This is a book that is a lot more then just endurance long distance bike races for Emily provides a honest account of her life and the full range of emotions that she experiences both on and off the saddle. The most poignant section concerns the sad and tragic death while riding in Australia of the founder of The Transcontinental Mike Hall and the effect it had on Emily. If you are looking for a book where the author looks into her very soul while pushing herself to the very limits of her being then this is for you. Well worth a read.

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IEmily Chappell strength of mind and body her level of endurance to participate in the Transcontinental bike races race where you ride &ride. Sleep mostly outdoors wherever you find a place a torturous race then the author thrived in.We meet others-racers some
Who become close friends from the racing world one friend Mike who sadly passes away during the ride.
A fascinating read a world I knew nothing about and really was fascinated, awed by Emily and the other participants. Highly recommend elven for arm chair sports enthusiasts like me,

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