To find out what a person can endure and how far they can ride, There and Back certainly lays out what it takes: most of us would have given up after the first day! In this candid account, Ben Rockett describes his record-breaking attempt at cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats and then back again!

Rockett is a natural story-teller and his will power and determination, through appalling weather, injury and hallucinations, in order to keep pedalling and break the former record by almost 23 hours, is formidable. Information about facts we all want to know (but never quite dare to ask!) is included. What was his diet? Where did he sleep? What preparation did he do? How sore was his butt?! The details of the utterly unglamorous physicality of such a long ride are described with humour and clarity such as treating a broken foot with talc and exhaustion-induced hallucinations of buying sandwiches from a hedge! Along with information about the bike and the technicalities which would appeal to any cycling enthusiast.

The account of this extraordinary ride is an inspiration to other cyclists to keep going that extra distance. Rockett’s determination and drive are infectious and his book is a powerful motivator for each of us to push ourselves to succeed, however small the task. There and Back is an unputdownable read. This is one cyclist who does not need a ghost writer and has the magic of keeping the reader gripped. Let’s hope that Rockett embarks on another adventure soon so that we can continue reading of his exploits and successes.

Dominic Cathan

Really impressive stuff, especially on a first outing as you said!

Keep it up!