by Les Roberts
First published 2009
Les Roberts faces his greatest physical challenge sixteen years after his Parkinson's diagnosis. The former Masters 5,000 metres World Champion from 1985 had made himself a promise: if this disease wanted to live with him, it would be on his terms. Now 64, he puts that vow to the ultimate test by attempting to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats in just twelve days. The journey becomes far more than a physical ordeal. Roberts discovers unexpected moments of joy alongside the inevitable struggles, encounters memorable people and places across Britain, and finds himself changed by the experience. This account weaves together travel writing, cycling adventure, and personal memoir as Roberts confronts what his body can and cannot do. The road reveals both his limitations and his resilience, while small pleasures like exceptional puddings provide bright spots along the way. Roberts writes with honesty about the daily battle between determination and doubt, creating a story that celebrates human courage without sentimentality.
Genres: adventure, autobiography, sports, memoir, non-fiction, biography-memoir, disability
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: overcoming-adversity, personal-journey
Setting: Britain, John O'Groats, Land's End
Period: 1985, 2000s
116 pages · Paperback · AuthorHouse