I’m writing a book!
Wrapping up Chapter 2, saying thanks to the readers, and a glimpse of exciting things to come
Muchas gracias
The first thing to say is thank you for reading this newsletter.
No.1 thanks goes to Suyin Haynes (of Time, gal-dem & freelance fame) who got me on Substack and is the most accomplished writer I know. You can follow her forthcoming newsletter, Gingko Leaves here.
In this six week Substack jaunt, I’ve had a lot of fun. On June 20th, there was one subscriber: my ever supportive mum. On July 20th, there were 37. Today there are almost 100.
If you know anyone else who likes cycling, is a young person looking for inspiration or is just bored, send them the link. I'd be very grateful.
Quick question
The story so far
If you are new to this blog, which is basically everyone, you can access a PDF of Chapter 1 Baptism of Gravel below. It tries to give light to that irrepressible feeling of awe that wild Patagonia inspires.
I will soon add Chapter 2 Live forever in your dreams to the same document. For now, you can access each of these below if you missed them.
Each Día in Chapter 2 explained a new motivation for launching this journey; sustainability, literature, endurance feats, mates’ achievements, our useless government, a food manifesto, a love for history and the fact that I am part fool.
Full Komoot link.
Next up is Chapter 3. I’ll look at some of the gear you need to start a journey like this, start to wend in some history and recount some stories from my time as a teacher.
You may even receive the blog in a new format. More on that later.
Lessons learned
The lessons I've learned from this process so far are:
a) Substack is cool. It seems like a genuinely positive place. And a timely antidote to doom scrolling.
b) this writing is vaguely interesting for other people (not just me)
c) I am definitely, 100% certain, no backing out now, I'll tattoo this on my arm I promise…going to make 10,000km Arriba into a book.
Whether anyone reads it or not is besides the point. It'll be a PDF at the very least.
And that shall be a memory that lasts forever.
Determined to finish
The ultimate aim of this journey is to enjoy as many seconds as possible. Although it has been the greatest adventure of my life, it hasn't all been as incredible as it seems. Things outside of your control always have an impact and you can’t maintain a constant state of elation.
You have to be careful because…
“When you're not looking, somebody'll sneak up and write "Fuck you" right under your nose.”
J.D. Salinger (The Catcher in the Rye)
Traveling by bike goes some way to easing emotional trauma. I will most certainly be channeling the enormous healing power of a transcontinental ride. Whilst thinking of my family all the way.
To the far north, Colombia is calling loudly, and it sounds a lot like reggaeton on a Caribbean beach con lots of rum.
Donations welcome 🙏
Since I was a teenager, I've always loved the idea of making money from writing. Until now that had never come to pass. But your support makes that reality just a little bit closer.
It's free to subscribe, but if you would like to contribute the price of 3/5ths of a pint a month to support an independent writer, I shall not stop you.
Obviously if you become a yearly or founding member then you are getting a free copy of the book. And a rather large (consensual) hug.
Thanks to several people who have already pledged their financial support.
Recommendations (the Substack spirit)
If you'd like more bikey substacks then look to Glen's brilliant photos of setting out in 1982 with fully loaded touring bikes.
He's just started cycling with his partner again after a 40-year hiatus for 'life'. There really is no limit to when you can begin bikepacking.
We considered the “age question” and how such a trip might be shaped differently due to the passage of 40 years. Would this be a trip defined by our age, as something to be overcome? Would health issues intervene? Would we be looked upon, by young and old alike, as two misguided boomers with no business being on the road exploring the world?
If you'd like more faraway places, old maps, and stories of adventurous explorers then look no further than Cosmographia.
If you'd like a short story about falling in love with a policeman who asked for an insuting amount of onions in her sandwich, then Sherman Alexie has you covered.
Ciao for now
And finally, enjoy your walk, run or cycle this week and see you on Friday for the start of Chapter 3. Here’s a sneak preview video.
