Larry Walsh's Blog: Adventure Travel Memoirs, page 2

(4.4/5.0) New Forty to Finish Review from IndieReader

I'm excited to share a wonderful review of Forty to Finish by IndieReader!

An American cyclist’s memoir of participating in the 4,192-mile, cross-country TransAm Bike Race.
Larry Walsh’s FORTY TO FINISH begins with a low moment in the author’s life. At 57, he’s been laid off and is battling depression. During this unanticipated break from the rat race, he completes the near-3,000-mile Southern Tier cross-country bike route and decides to take on the Trans America Bike Race―nearly 4,200 miles between Astoria, Oregon and Yorktown, Virginia. The Trans Am is grueling; even the race’s founder warns potential riders of the trek’s dangers. This memoir recounts Walsh’s experiences on his bike, Tank, cycling over five mountain ranges and stopping in dozens of small towns across North America in his effort to finish in less than 40 days. Walsh’s straightforward, contemplative story is also a love letter to America that could only be told by someone crossing the continent’s surface slowly enough to feel the contours. Walsh diligently logs town names, populations and brief conversations with strangers he meets along the way. He writes thoughtfully about small resonant places touched by history. Even his sense of urgency to complete the race does not stop him from pausing at a breathtaking vista or taking a detour to visit Sacajawea’s grave.

Walsh’s simple presentation of his tremendous effort―his hero’s journey―is compelling. Most arduous, life-altering personal quests are unsung and un-famous. But stories of this sort remain worth sharing. They serve as reminders of what we can do with planning, observation and determination―and how much it is possible to win without coming in first. Walsh writes about one stretch, “The ride … was merciless … I tried to think about my family. That didn’t help. Hearing my Garmin ping at each 10-mile mark was no longer motivating. I put my head down and counted pedal rotations in my mind (and aloud), grinding at the monotonous sameness of it all.” For all Walsh’s appreciation of the small joys of a good meal and a warm bed, he leaves no doubt that this ride takes all he can bring to it, mentally, emotionally and physically. His story is a thoughtful, forthright re-telling of accomplishment and also a reminder of the power of steady determination, the delight in simple things, the grace lurking in small towns, and the grandeur of the North American continent.

Larry Walsh’s FORTY TO FINISH is a straightforward, quietly dramatic memoir of a 4,192-mile bike race from Oregon to Virginia, a love letter to America, and a story of hard-won victory.

~Ellen Graham for IndieReader

https://indiereader.com/book_review/f...

Manhattan Book Review - 5 Stars

Very excited to receive this wonderful review!

Forty to Finish takes readers on an exhilarating cycling tour with Army veteran author Larry Walsh, who went on a new cycle expedition after detailing his initial biking excursion in Suit to Saddle. Larry cycled 4,200 miles through ten states, from Oregon to Virginia, as part of his participation in the Trans Am Bike Race. He struggled for most of the race between racing to prove something to himself and racing to enjoy himself. Fortunately for him, he finished the race and made some lovely memories while meeting interesting people, seeing gorgeous scenery, and seeing majestic wild creatures such as a grizzly bear and a bald eagle. Follow Larry Walsh’s daring and very inspirational trip as he cycles through thirst, tension, anxiety, dog attacks, near misses, extreme weather, and other challenging obstacles.

Although the plot seems simple, it actually involves much more than just a man’s desire to finish a cross-country bike ride competition. Larry reveals himself as a creative, dedicated, brave, driven, interesting, and warm person whom anyone would be glad to have a conversation with in person as he reflects on his love of basketball, his two daughters, his military experience, his work experience in the world of sales, and so much more. Fortunately, you can get a sense of what a conversation with him would be like through the fascinating talks he has with other racers and other people he meets along the road. I’ll never forget the helpful advice a former NFL referee from a little town in the middle of Virginia provided him on how he was able to have a great career in the NFL despite coming from a small area.

Aside from specifics on the author’s thoughts and physical state throughout the race, the book also includes historical and current information about the huge landscapes, towns, and native territories that the author passed through. The poetic and creative language of the book provides a good depiction of the stunning scenery that Larry encounters, such as “the music of water falling from the cliffs and onto the pavement—the result of thawing snow flowing from the Cascades.”

Readers who desire to go on similar cross-country bike trips or just want to go bicycling, marathoning, or trekking for long distances will find the author’s recommendations on maintaining one’s inner drive and physical conditions valuable. Forty to Finish is a must-read for all adventure seekers and cycling aficionados out there! It is a remarkably profound and healthy book that redirects one’s focus from materialistic concerns and social media content to the wonderful natural environment around us.

New Release - Forty to Finish coming soon!

I'm very excited to receive my first review of Forty to Finish: Cycling to Victory on the TransAmerica Bike Trail.

Pre-order now! Limited time .99 launch promotion.

https://larry-walsh.com/books/

"His narrative is endearing and casual, like an old friend sitting down for a drink with you to tell you of their exploits, and he gives each person, place, and element of nature that he encounters its due reverence and respect in his writing. You can feel such a deeply personal connection between the cyclist and his route, and it was so inspiring to see how the journey shapes and changes Walsh as he learns new lessons from it. Overall, I would recommend Forty to Finish to all readers whether you’re interested in cycling or not, because it is a well-penned and totally engaging read about nature, humanity, and America." - 5 Stars Readers' Favorite

Forty to Finish Launch Day is here!

“If you dig it, do it. If you dig it a lot, do it twice.” – Jim Croce.

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Forty to Finish: Cycling to Victory on the TransAmerica Bike Trail.

In the fall of 2018, I set out to answer a nagging question – Am I capable of riding my bike across the country? When I departed San Diego, I didn’t know if it was possible. When I arrived at the Atlantic Ocean on Nov 20, 2018, I had my answer. In Suit to Saddle: Cycling to Self-Discovery on the Southern Tier, I chronicle that incredible journey.

The nagging question now answered, I raised the bar and set my sights on tackling a new adventure. This time, I wanted to answer a different question; How fast can I cross the country on a bicycle?

In Forty to Finish: Cycling to Victory on the TransAmerica Bike Trail, I share stories from the heartland. Each person I met and mountain climbed, I drew closer to our country’s past while pushing myself beyond what I thought possible.

I always begin a presentation with a similar opening: “Thank you for joining me tonight. For two years I felt as though I had stepped into an alternate universe. I’ll do my best to carry you along with me on the saddle while I pedal across America…”

And like a dog with a bone, I was determined.

Not willing to settle and not concerned about a sore butt and numb extremities, having cycled 7,300 miles through 18 states and 528 towns, I feel very fortunate to have this experience of a lifetime to share with others.

Click below to Pre-Order now! Forty to Finish is available in ebook and paperback; ebook at a discounted price of .99 for a limited time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CJMHWGK

In September 2021, the #1 New Release Suit to Saddle: Cycling to Self-Discovery on the Southern Tier was launched. For a limited time the ebook, is also available for .99.

And for those who like to turn pages, enjoy the series in paperback..

Visit my website to signup for my monthly newsletter. While you’re at it, check out photos and videos from the road, and listen to engaging interviews with folks from New Jersey, the Midwest, and across the pond all the way to South Africa.

https://larry-walsh.com

“If you like it, share it. If you like it a lot, share it a lot!” – Larry Walsh.

And reviews on Amazon or your favorite platform are very much appreciated!!!

A Conversation about Cycling with Murph @ Murphology Podcast

“The podcast about bicycle adventure.”

I felt I had known Kathy for many years. So easy to talk to. A chat that could have gone on much longer. The same route we both explored on our cross-country ride along the Southern Tier. A few visuals to add richness to the heart-to-heart. Enjoy and share with others!

Tempe, ArizonaSilver City, New MexicoPrada storeMarfa, Texas, known as the “Capital of Quirkiness.”Marfa, Texas

A funny thing happened on the way to San Diego…

Tweet

abdullah zeinab, Adventurecycling, bike across America, Cycling, kraig pauli, lael wilcox, murphologypodcast, southern tier, tabr, whippany cycle

It’s now a race against time!

Kraig Pauli (KP) is leading all racers in the 2022 Trans Am Bike Race with less than 600 miles to the finish! He needs to push hard to finish in record time. If he averages a little over 17 mph, the last 550 miles, he has a shot. A tough task ahead. With Ben Davies on his heels, it might just be what Kraig needs to reach down and go for it. Fifty-three began the race in Astoria, Oregon on June 5. Twenty-one have scratched and thirty-two remain with their eye on reaching the Yorktown Victory Monument! Good luck and be safe.

2022 Trans Am Bike Race Heating Up Big Time!

Every individual who enters the Trans Am Bike Race (TABR) has one goal. Finish! To complete an unsupported 4,200-mile race crossing ten states over five mountain ranges is for many a dream of a lifetime, including me. To win would be nothing short of incredible. And to win in record time…I couldn’t imagine what that would feel like. But this year. Kraig Pauli is on pace to surpass the record setting time of 16 days, 9 hours, and 56 minutes held by Abdullah Zeinab in the 2019 race. As of today, June 13, 2022 Pauli has reached the half way point in Eads, Colorado about five hours ahead of Zeinab’s record setting pace three years ago.

Dot Watchers are tracking the racers as they make their way across America. While the racers (and dot watchers) are separated by hundreds, if not thousands of miles, technology has a way of making us all feel connected. Click to follow the race: http://trackleaders.com/transam22

Zeinab at the Yorktown Victory Monument in Yorktown, Virginia after winning the 2019 TABR in 16 days, 9 hours, and 56 minutes.Pauli at the Yorktown Victory Monument after winning the 2021 TABR in 17 days, 8 hours, and 30 minutes. 2022 TABR finish? Only time will reveal the answer!“I finished, therefore I won.” – excerpt from Forty to Finish-Cycling to Victory on the Trans America Bike Trail. That’s me at the Yorktown Victory Monument in 2019 finishing the race in 38 days, 7 hours, and ten minutes. Everyone who enters the race dreams of taking a similar picture at the monument.

I’m telling my story racing across the United States in my upcoming book, Forty to Finish-Cycling to Victory on the Trans America Bike Trail. I’ll recount what’s it’s like to cycle under the Big Blue Montana sky, over the Rockies, and through the heartland all the while challenging myself to achieve something I never thought possible.

Order my first book, Suit to Saddle-Cycling to Self-Discovery on the Southern Tier and sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.larry-walsh.com

Coming Soon!

One Step Closer to Publication!

For me, the writing process is all about discipline and routine.

The discipline to stay at it. Day in and day out. From morning to late evening-lots of breaks in between. Out for a jog. A trip to the store for groceries. Carve out time to watch my son’s basketball game and / or a track meet.

The routine. Pictures, maps, notes laid in front of me; computer screen and keyboard completing the ensemble. The story. Just write. And write some more. The beginning clear in my mind. The ending, not so much. Is there tension? If not, create it. Reflections about the past, and teasing what’s up ahead. The characters. Do they add dimension? Conflict? They should. Is there a transformation taking place that pulls the reader along. I hope so. Isn’t that the point? To delight the reader. Keep turning pages. The story arc. The plot unfolds, thickens, reaches a peak, conflict resolved and then the story ends.

And then the professional editor reviews the manuscript. I went through every comment with a fine tooth comb.

I donned my Trans Am Bike Race cycling shirt and 2019 race cap. Snapped a picture of my completed manuscript ready for round two edits. Nearing the end of my writing journey and completion of Forty to Finish! Can’t wait!

Fun in Michigan!

What do Ann Arbor, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, and Birmingham, Michigan all have in common?

First of all, the cities are a long, long way from New Jersey!

But since I arrived in the “Wolverine State” on April 3rd, I’ve had a wonderful experience presenting my cycling and publishing story to All Seasons Senior Living residents at four independent living community centers.

I loved all the questions. What was your favorite state? How did you find food? Did you get lost? Were you ever frightened by the heavy traffic? Did you see animals? Did dogs attack you? Did you lose weight? Would you do it again? And many, many, more.

Before I began each talk, I told the audience I had two goals. I hoped they found my story interesting. Second, that the hour with me was well worth their time.

A few pictures. A few funny and entertaining stories.

And the icing on the cake! A family reunion! My wife’s sister, Jackie (featured image) cousins, niece and husband attended the talks.

Next up…Central Jersey Bike Club on April 11th.

All Seasons Birmingham, Michigan[image error]Mike, Arif, Larry, Heather, Dan, and TimAll Seasons West Bloomfield, MichiganScreen-Atlantic Ocean – Ceremonial Dipping Tire in the Ocean.

Never too old to learn new tricks!

Why we do what we do.

Well, I like trying different things and riding my bike across the country and writing a book about the experience just seemed really cool.

Playing basketball was always number one. Hitting that winning shot, or grabbing that defensive board to help seal the victory. The crowd rises and goes wild. Knowing the hard work paid off fueled my mind and body to work harder.

A college graduate…what do I do now?

My seven years serving our great nation was next. The life experiences. The places I saw. The people I met. The memories. Serving alongside my fellow comrades helped shape the person I am today.

A thirty year corporate career followed. Fulfilling. Rewarding. Different. I worked along side friends for life.

What’s next?

Long-distance bike riding began as a way to find a new purpose, new adventure after corporate life had run its course.

So why the book?

I wanted to experience what 81 percent of people in a 2002 survey reported by Joseph Epstein, “…they wanted to write a book someday.”

So I did.

A sense of pride overwhelmed me on September 22, 2021 when my first book, Suit to Saddle was released.

Also, a bit anxious. Will people read it? If they do what will they think? I was exposing my writing skills and didn’t shy away from personal challenges.

And then, the feedback. From friends and family. Petro for the soul. And just two days ago, this Amazon Review”…this is just good storytelling that we can all get behind, especially those of us who have been around the block a few times…”

We all find our own path. Some sooner than others. A wise man once said, “If you dig it, do it. If you dig it alot, do it again.”-Jim Croce.

Two bike rides across America. Two books to share the unique experience.

To read what its like to ride a bike across America, check out my website, sign up for my monthly newsletter, and order Suit to Saddle from your favorite book store or online provider.

Forty to Finish (Coming soon)