Europe over the Handlebars

Steve and Jenny’s enthusiasm and determination outweighed their cycling, map reading and foreign language skills, and led them on an adventure across five countries in 90 days. 

It was 1984, well before the internet and Brexit, when cycling had yet to become a passion for ‘middle aged men in Lycra’. But … riding was the cheapest way to travel, so Steve (an Englishman) and Jenny (an Aussie) took to the road – pedalling up mountains, through medieval towns and along the byways of Europe. With humour and insight, Steve recalls a time when going ‘off grid’ wasn’t an option for which you were charged extra.

On their journey, they experienced very different ways of life from their own in London and Sydney. From the French and their love of food and life; the Italians, who seemed to hug everything and everyone in a passionate embrace; the Swiss with their well-ordered existence; the Germans, who closely resembled the British but with better beer; and finally, to the Dutch, whose capital Amsterdam had a laissez faire attitude other cities could only dream about.  

Europe Over the Handlebars is a nostalgic return to the days when physical maps, Walkmans and phone boxes were considered modern travel essentials. It will delight anyone who has a love for Europe, especially in its pre-Euro diversity.