The Road Spoke: Trepidation and Tranquility on a Bicycle Odyssey

by K. R. Reinke

K. R. Reinke’s The Road Spoke offers readers an opportunity for reflection on how to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, using his own cross-country bicycle trip as a template. Reinke not only sets out to ride 3,700 miles, but does so as a polio survivor and insulin dependent diabetic. Repeatedly overcoming his own limits, Reinke faces encounters and obstacles on his journey that he uses to give readers access to a joy that’s available at every moment, outside of reactions and unconscious patterns of behavior.

Reinke deftly weaves spiritual topics and the minutiae of traversing the country until the two are inseparable. And, uniquely, he uses his triumphs and travails as a wellspring for broad, far-reaching reflection that is more than personal. Readers will take away a vision of a different way of living, one that can bring peace in the face of adversity.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2024

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the most part I really liked the first half of the book. Biking from Florida to the northwest coast, for thousands of miles, was a courageous undertaking by the author. Reinke, who would not be considered the best candidate for any bike ride, let alone cross country, accomplished an incredible feat. Handicapped by polio, a diabetic and up in years, would be enough to discourage most people. but not Reinke. Since I find travelogues fascinating I really enjoyed reading about his stealth camping, overcoming GPS glitches and finding good coffee on back roads. But it did get a bit long and somewhat redundant. Not sure how to overcome this as it is about an extensive road trip. I didn't stop reading it for that, though. The author expresses his philosophy of life sparingly in the first half but ramps it up as the book progresses. I didn't resonate with those parts. The first half of the book gave me a good dose of the author's daring and fortitude and that was enough.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned about this book when listening to the author being interviewed on the Cycling Over Sixty podcast. The Road Spoke is author K.R. Reinke's tale of his cross-country bicycle trip from Florida to Washington. As a polio surviver with diabetes he has more challenges than most cyclists, but has developed a positive outlook on life. He talks about his philosophy occasionally, but mostly discusses his trip. The book reads like a diary and is probably most interesting to those who are planning a similar journey (he reviews various places he stops for meals, for example.) I enjoy reading about cycling challenges and long-distance treks, but this one became a bit monotonous for me. Still, it was easy to pick up and read anytime.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the ride!

What an adventure! This easy to read book spans an adventure across country on two wheels - not for the faint of heart! Encouraging to read of those who helped out along the way. Enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery. An interesting adventure story to read.