Pilgrim Spokes

Cycling East Across America

By: Neil M Hanson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning and best-selling conclusion of an epic American journey. FIRST PLACE/GOLD MEDAL - 2016 Independent Publisher Living Now Book Awards WINNER - 2017 Book Excellence Awards "A blissful and captivating read" Faridah Nassozi "Neil shares...in an honest tone and, as great story teller's do, allows us to not only share the adventure, but also feel that adventure along with him." A cross-country bicycle adventure is the canvas for this tale of discovery along the winding backroads of America’s heartland. The second book in the “Cycling Reflections” series, Pilgrim Spokes tells the story of the eastern half of the trans-American trek, continuing the saga begun in Neil’s award-winning previous book—Pilgrim Wheels—which reconnoiters the western half of the journey. More than just a journal of a bike ride across the country, Hanson’s delightful and beautifully written story takes the reader on an engaging pilgrimage of observation and reflection. Often hilarious, sometimes poignant, and always inspiring, it’s a must-read adventure that will stir your soul. “Neil Hanson takes you on a journey that’s both on the road and in the mind. For him, travel sparks observations on a myriad of topics, which he shares in his sparkling prose.” ~ Stan Purdum, author of Roll Around Heaven All Day and Playing in Traffic “Pilgrim Spokes delivers a delightful blend of travelogue, cycling insights, and reflections. . . . [It’s] a vivid read filled with personal reflection, philosophical insights, physical challenges, and a dose of spirituality that immerses the reader in an exhilarating ride.” ~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review “Hanson is a thoughtful narrator… Readers will consequently feel fortunate to find themselves immersed in meditations…this isn’t just a book for bicycle enthusiasts; it’s also for any fan of the examined life. …A book that offers plenty of “shared sojourner’s camaraderie” in the company of a happy, philosophical companion.” ~ Kirkus Reviews "The beautiful style and visual descriptions bring forth the essence of his whole being as he savors the magic of it all. For me, it was especially inspiring when he mentioned that work interrupted the journey. Right there and then I realized that he did not wait to retire or use any of those excuses many of us usually give to put off things that we desire to do outside our everyday routines. This was a optimistic reminder that, as long as you are passionate enough about something, you can make time for it without necessarily putting the rest of your life on permanent hold. A blissful and captivating read." ~ Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite "From the very first page, you can tell the author is an excellent storyteller who knows how to pull the reader into the story. Hanson crafts moments with words that read like memories in a very stream-of-consciousness style. The writing style allows you to feel like a participant in the event rather than simply someone reading about a recollection of past events. “Pilgrim Spokes” though technically a memoir, reads more like a traditional story. There is a lot I like here; it's not just that Neil writes well. Instead of focusing on himself, he focuses on places, people, and relationships, and all of them are crafted into real, tactical things through his writing." ~ Ben Green for Reader Views From the author: Pilgrim Spokes is more reflection that recitation. My sojourn across America was more about the journey than the destination, and this book is a journey story in the truest sense of the word. You don’t need to be a cyclist to enjoy this story, as it’s written for anyone who wants to share in the adventure, the people and places I met along the way, and how those people and places traveled through my life.