OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Pedalling for Perspective" by Kim Parker.]

Pedalling for Perspective by Kim Parker tells the account of the author joining the Old Leg Tour bicycle trip from Harare to Zanzibar. The purpose of the trip is to raise funds for the Old Legs Trust that supports Zimbabwean pensioners with medical needs, and participants are a small group of older adults, including both amateur and seasoned cyclists.

This is undoubtedly a ride of a lifetime. A woman with physical limitations and little cycling experience pedalled 2,600 km across some of Africa's poorest countries for a good cause. Although at the end of it, many life questions remained unanswered, it is certain that the mission was accomplished, and the wildest dream of overcoming her own physical and mental obstacles was achieved.

Every day for 30 days seemed to bring a new challenge. Getting lost, getting sick, or getting held up by a broken bike. Mishaps and misery were told in an amusing manner, with rich and vivid descriptions. Photos were a requisite asset to the storytelling, beautifully capturing the nature, wildlife, and difficult livelihood of African countries as well as graceful moments of camaraderie between cyclists.

Abundant cycling or life lessons can be found throughout the adventure. Sometimes, a team is needed to reach a destination; other times, it is okay to cycle alone. Pushing one's body limit when climbing a hill is often encouraged as a testament to perseverance, but sometimes, it is okay to get off the bike and walk over it. The journey can be summarised in the author’s words, "It was hard and it was painful, but it was worth it."

It is not easy to find any weak points in this book, except for a few typos. The journey is inspirational, and tales of the daily grind are written in good humour. All things considered, I have no reason to rate it less than 5 out of 5 stars. The book would be greatly enjoyed by cycling enthusiasts and adventurous explorers.

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Pedalling for Perspective
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Wow! I like this statement a lot: "It was hard and it was painful, but it was worth it." I would be interested in seeing the bicycling adventure unfold, but the most important is the lesson the book appears to impact, including determination and perseverance. Many thanks for the review, @Do Thi Huong.

I just finished Pedalling for Perspective by Kim Parker, and wow — what a ride, literally and emotionally.

This book follows Kim as she joins the Old Legs Tour, a charity cycling trip from Harare to Zanzibar. It's no small feat — 2,600 kilometres over 30 days — and even more impressive because she’s not exactly a pro cyclist. In fact, she started the journey with physical limitations and very little experience. But somehow, through heat, illness, broken bikes, and the roughest terrain, she made it.

What I loved most is how real and down-to-earth her storytelling is. Every day brought a new disaster, and yet she tells it all with such humour and heart that you end up laughing along with her misadventures. The photos throughout the book really helped paint the picture — from the tough, beautiful African landscapes to the bonds formed between her fellow cyclists.

There are so many life lessons tucked into the journey too. Like how sometimes you need your team to get you through, and other times you just need to push through on your own. Or that it’s okay to get off the bike and walk when the climb gets too tough — such a great metaphor for life.

Honestly, there’s not much to complain about. A few typos here and there, but they didn’t take away from the experience at all. It’s funny, inspiring, and just genuinely human. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves cycling, travel, or just a good story about pushing limits. Five stars, no question.