Coffee First, Then the World: One Woman's Record-Breaking Pedal Around the Planet

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It'll change your view of 'suffering on a bike' while simultaneously fuelling a desire to challenge yourself. Without trying to sound too much like a teacher, I'd say, as with most presentations about books, try to read the book before you go to the talk (if you plan to); you'll get so much more out of it.

An entertaining and honest account of one very hard trip, unsurprising given that Jenny Graham always comes across as open to new experiences. With infectious wit and honesty, Jenny recounts her friendships with strangers and the myriad different cultures she comes across that gave her a new perspective on the world. As the book comes full circle and you gaze upon the pictures of the journey and read the humbling epilogue, you have to take a breath and marvel at what she was able to accomplish. The stunning story of Jenny Graham’s unaided solo round the world endurance bike ride which smashed the world record. For years, I have recommended Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air as the de facto adventure story, but this sits right alongside it.I found myself internally cheering the days she noted motel, hotel or a "warm showers" family for her time off the bike.

I have enjoyed Jenny's contributions to GCN for a long time and have wanted to know more about her record setting bike trip around the world. I was so incredibly nervous for her safety because she was sleeping outdoors alone most of the time and vulnerable to the elements and wildlife that stalked around at night. Alone and unsupported, Jenny left family and friends behind in Scotland to complete her mission: a solo lap of the planet by bike.

Jenny is an absolute badass, but she keeps it so real, honest and relatable, like I feel I just rode around the world too. But despite the trials, Jenny's wonderful character shines through, making this very honest but wonderfully entertaining account of her trip. It was such a personal story and one that held a lot of emotion, so I struggled to find a writing pattern that worked for more than a couple of weeks at a time. She rarely breaks away from the flow of the journal, and when she does, it's normally in recognition of something that has positively impacted her life and/or the challenge.

I ‘followed her dot’ at the time of the journey in 2018 and loved reliving that through the book, but with the benefit of understanding the whole story this time and all the insight into life and the world than Jenny shares with it. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice. She is a public speaker and a presenter for the Global Cycling Network documentary channel, and lives in the highlands of Scotland.

provide a real-life recount of her in-the-moment thoughts, from bears and snakes to pelvic floor problems.

Cycling across Russia and then on to the Great Wall China, before crossing Australia, onto New Zealand, Alaska, Canada and back to Europe and the Brandenburg Gate. As someone who loves exploring by bike and going away on bikepacking adventures and someone who has dipped a toe into ultra cycling racing against the clock some of the stories are highly relatable especially the power of a cup of coffee. I’d adapt the time of day I wrote or allotted for exercise – what percentage of time I’d sit down or move around. The wit and humour added into the book make for an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read and anyone who loves travel and adventure will enjoy this book. Along the 18,000 miles over 16 countries, we get a glimpse of what it’s like to sleep in desolate areas, fight through storms, mend gear, deal with unsavory locals, and narrowly make checkpoints as she strives to make it to the finish line on time.Unbelievably, she often camped roadside, sheltering in bus stops, roadway pipes, culverts, or (gross! Come down the travelators, exit Sainsbury's, turn right and follow the pedestrianised walkway to Crown Walk and turn right - and Coles will be right in front of you.