Product Description

"Mood of Future Joys" recounts an epic journey that succeeded through Alastair Humphrey's trust in the kindness of strangers, at a time where the interactions of our global community are more confused and troubled than ever. "Mood of Future Joys" follows Alastair of the first leg of his journey, across Africa, through Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya. The book conveys his journey in a style that is 'reminiscent of the great tradition of British explorers' ("The Guardian"), his experience is at times brutal, he faces loneliness, despair and harsh conditions, but it would seem that it is worth the effort.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17908 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 250 pages

Review
'The first great adventure of the new millenium' - Sir Ranulph Fiennes'This book is a literary match to his physical achievement' - Geographical'his manner is reminiscent of the great tradition of British explorers' The Guardian

From the Author
I thought riding round the world was tough.
But the riding was easy compared to the writing! It took me four years to
pedal, and a whole year of peddling, with rejections galore from
publishers.
To actually have this book up and running is an achievement I am proud of
and I hope this will be the first book of many adventures.

About the Author
1995-1996: Taught for a year in South Africa and travelled round
the region.

1997: Cycled from Pakistan to China (Karakoram Highway).
Cycled from Turkey to Italy.

1998: Cycled from Mexico to Panama.

1999: Ran a student charity project in the Philippines (3 months).

2000: Cycled across South America.

2001: Began cycling round the world. England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg,
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey,
Syria, Lebanon, Jordan.

2002: Cycled down Africa. Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi,
Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, South Africa.

2003: Sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on the `Cape 2 Rio' race
Cycled up South America. Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador,
Colombia.

2004: Sailed from Colombia, through the Panama Canal, and up to Mexico.
Cycled through Mexico, USA, Canada and up to northern Alaska. Canoed the
Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Crossed the Pacific Ocean by
freighter. Russia.

2005: Cycled across Asia. Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia,
Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland,
France.

2006: Tuscany, the Western Isles and a camper van tour of the World Cup in
Germany. Expediton to Wales to watch Leeds get thumped in the Play-off
Final. Failed several job interviews because the above is all conspicuously
lacking in 'work' experience. Published my first book.

Customer Reviews

A terrific book - can't wait for his account of the Americas
I bought this book after hearing Alastair Humphreys give a talk on his adventures, when I was awestruck by his courage, fortitude and zest for life. The book gives a real insight into what ordinary people he met on his journey were like. We all have images of war torn nations and terrorism thrown at us on a daily basis - but this book serves to remind that there are a great many more kind and hospitable people in the world. I can only imagine what reception an unwashed youth on a bike might get if he knocked on the average door in the UK seeking food and shelter - but he found many people happy to welcome him, which I found inspiring. I am going to share this book with all my nephews and nieces - in the hope they they will realise that there are adventures to be had, if you're willing to get off the couch and seize the moment. Well written, and enthusiastically read. I hope he's busy writing the next instalment, because I'm eager to read it.

Get it.
A mix of humour, sharp observation, philosophy and very English self deprecation. Humphreys' style is original, pithy and informative. I look forward to hearing much more from this unique voice.

A rollercoaster ride - totally absorbing and potentially life changing
I have only rated 5 stars because 10 stars is not an option. The indelible impression left after reading Alastair's amazing adventure predominantly across Africa is that it wasn't about the bike (Lance Armstrong) - although more than one Rita does evidence itself! This is raw adventure straight out of Indiana Jones and the escapades through Africa had me on the edge of my seat. No stranger to long distance bike rides myself, (cycling across Canada, Scandinavia and around New Zealand), the sheer audacity and tenacity in keeping going is breath taking. Lugging in excess of 100 pounds of bike and baggage across mountains in itself is bloody hard work, but factor in the heat and sand of the desert, the irregularity and unpredictability of food supplies and water and this is one heck of a feet. There are instances of very real and present danger that most people would buckle under and quit - not Alastair. The writing style is completely non-pretentious, easily accessible and engaging - Alastair comes across as one of the most authentic people I have read about. The complexity of the dynamics of the whole African situation in terms of poverty and the benefits of foreign aid is graphically illustrated and really got me thinking. This book ought to be standard text in the National Curriculum as a beacon of good character, great conduct and outstanding personal achievement.