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book review by John Price from Coastin' May 2004 ...
"One More Horizon: Ohio to Hong Kong the Long Way"
by Scott Zamek
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book review by John Price
Longing for a new adventure, the book’s author, Scott Zamek, sat down with a world map & a set of push pins, & plotted a course to take himself around the world.
Despite a lack of experience in cycling, Zamek decided to make his journey on a bicycle. With limited funding, he flew to Europe, then set out on his journey to visit dozens of countries on four continents with a $600 mountain bike, panniers stuffed with survival gear, & a $5 a day budget for expenses.
His trip would take him through extremes of terrain, from the mountains of France to the deserts of China. He suffered through freezing temperatures & blistering heat. In the deserts, his bike would become so clogged with sand that the pedals wouldn’t turn. In Italy, he was robbed of all his possessions, including the bike, & he was held prisoner in Pakistan by immigration. He traveled through exotic villages where the locals had never seen a Westerner, & literally sat him on a stage to gawk at his skin.
In an effort to survive, his limited funds forced him to learn bits of dozens of different languages. In so doing, Zamek also experienced firsthand the kindness and generosity of strangers in different cultures the world over.
For many of us cyclists, riding isn’t just about aerobic fitness, competition, & the finish line. Instead, each ride holds the promise of a new adventure, & Zamek’s book is the ultimate tale for the person both bound & set free by the bicycles limits & possibilities.
"One More Horizon" isn’t a book about traveling, it’s a book about adventure, & I would recommend it for inspiration, & the chance to vicariously experience an immersion in our world’s cultures.
"One More Horizon" can be purchased at www.castellatedpress.com . The book sells for $15.95, & is available to readers of this article for $11.95 with the following username & password: Click on "Bike Clubs" on the menu bar. Username: bikeclub. Password: bikeon. Contact Scott Zamek directly at scottzamek@castellatedpress.com .