New cycle-touring book to read :-)

[eleanor from nz]

Thanks for sharing your story, it was a joy to read.

Anne

Hi Anne, apologies for the delay in replying, but thank you so much for your kind comments. It's more satisfying than I could ever have imagined to hear that people are enjoying the book. An added bonus that I really hadn't anticipated.
Good luck with your Chilean trip! I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time. Just don't forget a really good rainjacket and lots of spare brake pads :-)
Will you be keeping an online travel diary? I'd love to read it to offset the stagnation caused by sitting on my backside for long periods while writing the second book...
Happy cycling!
eleanor

[mimitabby]

just bought your book. For some reason USA Amazon doesn't carry it but Canadian Amazon does...

[eleanor from nz]

just bought your book. For some reason USA Amazon doesn't carry it but Canadian Amazon does...

Thankyou. Every sale helps an impoverished cyclist...

[onimity]

Hi Eleanor,

A second book, that's fabulous! Are you writing another cycling/travel book? I just submitted a review on Amazon, hope it helps. I plan to recommend your book to everyone that tells me I am crazy and will die traveling alone in SA. There is, of course, no shortage of such people.

Yes, I will be keeping a travel journal on my trip, posting what I can on my website (www.annedirkse.com). I'm not sure how often I'll be updating it on the road, sort of depends how frustratingly slow the connections are & how much time I want to spend dealing with them. I leave on Dec 1... I am counting the days!

I've unfortunately been able to test out my rain jacket a little too often lately but am glad to report that it seems to be a good one. We've had plenty of wind too, but I'm sure it doesn't compare.

Anne

[eleanor from nz]

A second book, that's fabulous! Are you writing another cycling/travel book?

I'm hoping to, yes, I recently returned from 5 months cycling through Mexico and I'm looking forward to finding the time to start organising my diaries.

I just submitted a review on Amazon, hope it helps.

Thank you! Much appreciated.

I plan to recommend your book to everyone that tells me I am crazy and will die traveling alone in SA. There is, of course, no shortage of such people.

I know. What is it with that? Have you noticed that all the people who tell you that you'll die are never the ones who have been to the country you're planning on visiting? And those who have been tell you what a great time you're going to have. I only ever take the advice of other cycle tourists now...they usually have some idea of what they're talking about.

Yes, I will be keeping a travel journal on my trip, posting what I can on my website (www.annedirkse.com).

Nice one. I'll check it out. Happy travels!
eleanor

[onimity]

Very cool about the Mexico trip/book, I can't wait to read about it!

I know. What is it with that? Have you noticed that all the people who tell you that you'll die are never the ones who have been to the country you're planning on visiting? And those who have been tell you what a great time you're going to have. I only ever take the advice of other cycle tourists now...they usually have some idea of what they're talking about.

Yea, exactly. Or if they have been no one gave them any hassle because they were (or were with) a big, strong man. Honestly, I've felt nothing but over-protected when traveling alone in SA. ¿Estás sola? ¡Pobrecita! Whereas with a guy in tow I've found that people are much more inclined to increase prices and much less inclined to chat.

When I started planning my trip I sent out an e-mail asking for advice/putting me in touch with anyone that had done such a trip. The responses basically amounted to:

1) I haven't ridden in SA, but you're going to have a blast. I've ridden from x to y and had a blast. My gear list always includes...but don't bring too much!

-or-

2) I haven't ever ridden a bicycle out of my neighborhood. But I know someone that has. But he was male, and he was in Canada/the US. I WOULD NOT GO ALONE. You're talking about South America, after all, which I've never visited because it is so dangerous.

I know who I'm going to believe...

Anne