West of Wheeling: How I Quit My Job, Broke the Law & Biked to a Better Life

by Jeffrey Tanenhaus

If your office building were on fire, would you lock the door and keep working? If you were unhappy with your career, would you pedal a rental commuter bike cross-country to see what else was out there? What if a bloodthirsty axe murderer punched you in the face? Is that the city where you'd start a new business?

Jeffrey Tanenhaus makes a lot of questionable decisions in pursuit of a fresh start, but they add up to one wild ride in this true story of the all-American adventure that has everyone talking—People, Newsweek, New York Post, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, NPR, and even The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Without any tools or experience, Tanenhaus sets out unprepared yet determined to find his American dream as he battles hostile elements, treacherous roads, and his own self-doubt, mile after mile.

Ultimately, it's not the trek itself but the inspiring people he meets along the way who turn this funny, heartwarming exploration of small town life into one man's journey home.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2021

Reviews

[Matthew Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books about self discovery. There are books about adventure. There even books about cycling. What Jeffrey Tanenhaus has managed to accomplish in his first publication exceeds the expectations set by any one of those genres. Often such writings operate on the extreme ends of the spectrum, ranging from living off the land in a remote wilderness to pollyannaish cliches and platitudes. Jeffrey’s journey and subsequent reflection avoids either pitfall. It is delightfully entertaining, educational, and inspiring. As a former tour guide in the city of New York, Jeffrey understands how to carefully weave fascinating details regarding the places and people he is encountering with a delightful sense of charm and amusement.

In the age of the pandemic, perhaps all of us have reevaluated how we have been living our lives. From what we spend our money on, to the careers we choose to work, to where we will live. Jeffrey beat us all to the punch. As you read you will gain a sense of the urgency he feels to break the habit of the progress at all cost cooperate American life that has been set before us. This book is for anyone who wishes to discover all of the in between places of American life and history rarely talked about in the world of mass media, coupled with a small twinge to get outside of the walls you have built for yourself and live your life more intentionally.

[Maggie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun to read. It is an interesting - almost unbelievable story - as all the best true stories are. The writing is very witty, with the perfect amount of detail to create a picture without getting too bogged down in descriptions and derailing the story. It has short chapters (which I love!) making it an easy read. I feel like it captures the thoughts and inner monologue so many of us have when we’re out of our element, which makes it very relatable even though this trip is anything but ordinary. Overall, the author does a great job taking us on this journey across the country with him while sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of the experience. All with a sense of humor.

[Jad Atoui · Rating 5 out of 5]

It kind of helps that I know Jeffrey personally from taking a walking tour with him while visiting Tulsa but never realized he was such an adventurer. The story is inspiring as I can relate to constantly wondering if the grass is greener and wishing to explore vast swaths of the country. Reading the book will give you a roadmap how to navigate the vast stretch between NYC and Santa Monica as well as the many challenges along the way like weather, bad roads and what amenities are like in faraway places.

[Rinah Arzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and interesting read

I enjoyed this book tremendously - I did not want it to end! I love reading about real life stories and this story was quite unique, fun, and inspiring. I would love to see this story as a tv show next - Hello Netflix!!!!

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met the author and took his Art Deco tour of Tulsa. I enjoyed both the tour and the book. Jeffrey is a good storyteller endowed with curiosity, humor, and an interest in history.

[Ashley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an opportunity to meet Jeffrey in a coffee shop in Tulsa while reading his book. This book shared his incredible adventure in a very entertaining way. Loved it!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I followed Jeff’s Countri Bike journey on his blog and was even part of it (I’m the Jeanette in chapter 7) so I was looking forward to reading this book. I think most of us can relate to a demanding but unfulfilling job triggering a quarter life crisis and wanting to escape to a better place, especially after the pandemic lockdowns. However, most of us don’t have the courage to actually leave our jobs and homes to search for that better place. Jeff did. The book explores Jeff’s journey, both the logistical challenges of riding a Citi Bike from New York to California and the search for that better place. The story of Jeff’s search for a better place is in many ways similar to Cheryl Strayed’s soul-searching in Wild but also incorporates interesting and largely unknown historical details about the places he visits on his cross-country route.