Ten Lessons from the Road

by Alastair Humphreys

Alastair Humphreys spent four years traveling around the world on his bicycle, a journey that covered 46,000 miles and five continents. During his trip he gave motivational talks and received thousands of emails to his website in which people asked what kept him going through the low-points on his journey. Collected here are the sources of Alastair’s inspiration, including affirming quotes, insights, and unique photographs. As this inspirational resource shows, the lessons he learned while on the road can be applied to any goal in life.

Genres: Travel, Cycling, Nonfiction, Adventure

125 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over the course of four years, Alastair Humphreys cycled around the world. He has pedalled across five continents and ended up covering over 46,000 miles. There was no charity link, he did this because he wanted to and because he could. The account of his journey is covered in two books, Moods of Future Joys and Thunder and Sunshine. Not only did he propel himself around the world, but along the way he spent time talking to people about what inspired him to make this epic journey as well as trying to answer the thousands of questions that were sent into his website.

The prose in this book is fairly sparse, there are excerpts from his world adventure and a series of inspirational statements all overlaid over some truly stunning photos and it is littered with Alastair on his travels too. It is short and to the point and has some important lessons for those contemplating where to go next in their lives.

[Tom Bilcze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short inspirational book by Alastair Humphreys. These ten lessons told through his eyes as an adventurist and world traveler ring true in our everyday lives. My takeaway is that we often place obstacles and constraints on attaining some goal or place in life that keeps us from moving forward or attaining that goal.

Our minds and preconceived notions are the things that we must learn to quiet. Almost everything can be attained with a positive forward-thinking attitude. The physical stuff we deem unattainable is attainable one small step at a time. We may not reach the final goal, but we will enjoy great benefit and joy in how far we move toward the unattainable.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read this short little inspiration book, surprisingly uplifting and good for getting you fired up to try do something new or challenging. It's not got a lot of prose, instead half the book is filled with beautiful photos some with inspirational quotes added(from an interesting range of people).
I found it nice to read a bit in a spare 5-10mins between other things, gives a little motivational something to think about

[Mr J Templeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring,enabling and uplifting from someone who walked the talk and cycled it too.

From the man who cycled around the world for four years. I read this after reading his two books on that journey. This is short and to the point. A literary kick to get you out of your arm chair and live better.

[Pieter Morten · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's alright... probably over priced by £2-3 and lacking in depth. I like the author and his work so a little disappointed.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one isba beautiful book stunning photos, and lovely quotes

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

The page count is misleading in this book, as it's filled with photographs from the author's travels. Several two page spreads, for instance. I read this book in under an hour, while eating a lunch and simultaneously chatting on WhatsApp.

Basically, this book is a list of ten "lessons" or rules for living an adventurous life. Although I wouldn't say they're all that original, Humphreys uses his own experiences to make his point, which drives the interest way up for me after reading the two part series dealing with his trip around the world by bicycle. It's all good advice, and though I might quibble with an idea or two, it was a very pleasant read and the advice is helpful. A nice addition to your Alastair Humphreys library. Very worthy picking up and giving to a teenager or young adult you may know who is trying to figure out what their life will be about.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sort of book that makes you want to rip out the pages and stick them on the walls. So many inspirational quotes. I love this guy. A friend pointed me in his direction and I'd like to emulate his approach to life, at least in terms of micro-adventures, as much as possible.