Desert Snow - One Girl's Take on Africa by Bike

by Helen Lloyd

Desert Snow is the story of one girl, one bike and 1,000 beers in Africa. By daring to follow a dream and not letting fear prevail, Helen cycled across the Sahara, Sahel and tropics of West Africa, paddled down the Niger River in a pirogue, hitch-hiked to Timbuktu and spent three months traversing the Congo, which she thought she may never leave... A lot can change in 2 years, cycling 25,000km from England to Cape Town. So can nothing. Helen takes you with her on the journey through every high and low of her memories and misadventures. She describes a continent brimming with diversity that is both a world away from what she knows and yet not so different at all.

Genres: Travel, Cycling, Adventure, Nonfiction, Africa

340 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2013

About the author

It all started when I quit my job in 2009 with the plan to cycle from home to Cape Town. Two years and 25,000km later, I made it. After that, I cycled through Canada, US and Central America.

Then I wrote Desert Snow, my first book, about the ride through Africa. That of course did not earn me money, so I worked a real job too.

Now I'm travelling through Asia - still with the bike. Maybe I will ride a horse somewhere too.

Reviews

[David Canford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful account of a young woman's cycle from Morocco to South Africa. You can't help but admire her tenacity in undertaking such a daunting journey. Her philosophy of living "in the moment" is inspiring. You get an insight into places that, like me, you probably know so little about, such as Mauritania, Guinea and the Congo. Unfortunately some parts are covered rather briefly or missed, including a trip into Dogon country in Mali which would have been fascinating to read about. I am now looking forward to reading her account of cycling across Siberia.

[Chris]

Two years riding a bike across a mostly hostile continent. Two years. Starting from St Malo in France, Helen cycles all the way to Cape Town. Yes, okay, there are a couple of ferries and trains involved, but mostly she is on her own; camping in the desert, near wild animals.... I don't know if she's brave or foolhardy, but I know I would never be able to do it. From the tiniest bugs (sandflies) attacking her, to encounters with elephants, across deserts with no water, to riding through the wet season, completely soaked: eating local food, staying with local people: Helen really experiences everything Africa has to offer. I loved the way she writes. I felt horror at some of the situations she found herself in, and joy at others. My heart was in my mouth a lot of the time. But this is a fascinating book, and encapsulates a lot of what makes Africa irresistible to many people, and explains why so many would love to return. Definitely recommended, I hope to read more from this author.

[Tiger Coward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desert Snow by Helen Lloyd is the newest addition to my Adventure Bike Library. Helen Lloyd

Now, don't panic, but this book is about Helen's travels on a bicycle, not on a motorcycle. Forgive me, but this is a great book, and I have ordered her book where she rides a motorcycle in Africa. 😅

This is a great book that chronicles 2 years of a bicycle tour through Africa.

The author explores the less traveled roads and villages, and her experiences are compelling and more interesting than any fiction novel.

The writing is fantastic, both tender and raw at the same time. The writing is so good!

There is no romantic candy coating of this adventure. She skillfully writes about the great scenery and wonderful people and places that she visits. Similarly, she describes her dark days and miserable experiences with equal expertise.

I loved the honesty of this story and enraptured her fear of spiders and love of beer.

This is simply a great book!

Buy it.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how unbiased the author was in her perspective on Africa and all the people she met. I felt like I was exploring western Africa myself. It amazed me how safe she was out there in the wild and in cities by herself - made me believe in the honesty and goodness of people a little more, at least the people in west and South Africa. I also wondered if she would have been less safe if she were not white; she mentioned a few times that she was granted privileges because of her white skin. Lloyd is tough and uncomplaining; her journey was incredible. I'm glad she shared.

[Florence · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! (literally)

A nice narration of an incredible adventure! I loved reading about Helen’s different encounters in her journey across Africa, be it the people or the animals!

Helen is a very brave and determined woman, and definitely inspiring!

I really appreciated the historical facts of the places she rode through as well.

I recommend reading this, whether or it you’re planning on cycling :)

[j savell-stewart and Hannah Savell-Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving Account

This account is a story of Africa and of a persons personal quest.
Helens courage at various points is amazing.I was truely moved by this book. Read wether or not you are a cyclist !

[Sunny Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterfully written

This book permeates the joy of cycling and the adventure of a woman alone cycling through Africa. You live the adventure as ndctbe transformation with her. Very profound, phylisophucal view of the continentet

[Claire Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome story to inspire adventures, a little more courage and a lot more faith in people.

[Graham Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gutsy girl

This a well written book. I loved the author's sense of humour and admired her courage. It was just enjoyable apart her diet which was fringe worthy.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her novel had so much potential. Her adventure is original and daring, making it a compelling journey. However, he tone lacks emotion, she is vague about herself / narrator, and it makes it a bit of an empty novel.

[Joelle Tiessen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting book but the writing was a bit scattered and the editing was weak at points.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspirational book. If you are thinking of going on an adventure, then you must read this book. Helen Lloyd has guts and determination. This book will inspire the desire for adventure!

[Gary Pettersson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

An enjoyable story of an amazing journey, very well written. Not really much more to say, but apparently I have to use 10 more words :)

I really enjoyed this book.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. If you thought of Africa as a land of dangers and corruption, Helen explodes these ideas with her anecdotes of generous people she meets and the kindness of the general populations. One can only applaud her physical strength in completing this journey and her remarkable mental fortitude to press on through unknown dangers.