In 1996, Tom Fremantle began an epic journey, cycling from Swanbourne, England to Swanbourne, Australia, following in the footsteps of his ancestor, Captain Charles, founder of Fremantle port. His route led him through 20 countries, including Syria, Iran, Tibet, Vietnam and Cambodia, and "Johnny Ginger's Last Ride" is Tom's account of his extensive travels. From a mood of despair in Calais to euphoria in the Middle East and from desperate illness in Afghanistan to Christmas festivties in China, Tom's memories of a man named Jonny Ginger helped sustain him through a journey that was at times demanding and dangerous. Johnny was an inspirational character from Tom's childhood - an elderly man with an air of mystery who made a strong impression on the young boy that would eventually compel him to understake this cycle ride. "Johnny Ginger's Last Ride" is the lively travelogue of this two-wheeled Odyssey.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I started to read Johnny Ginger's Last Ride by Tom Fremantle following a cycling accident which prevented me from cycling on the open road myself- this book took me out there! Tom Fremantle's writing drew my imagination to the hardships and the beauty of cycling by oneself in a foreign country. Fremantle's description of the toils and struggles of long distance cycle touring, especially by a novice tourer was first class- I felt I was there with him, feeling the sweat, the blisters and the chafing with him.His colourful descriptions of the cultures and the peoples he encountered were breathtaking, showing a humility that was a joy to read. Overall, this book was an enchanting read, a book that I could not put down and one that I could not wait to pick up again. It is a book that I will never tire of reading!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Being both a keen cyclist and a fan of travel writing, I bought this book as soon as I saw it. It's a great book and I read it in a couple of days; it really doesn't let you put it down. The cycling may be my interest, but Tom Fremantle weaves all sorts of information into the account of his ride; whether it's the description of how tourism is penetrating Tibet or the stiff colonialism of his forebears, it's all highly readable. As an occasional touring cyclist I can empaphise with some of the hardships of his ride (and with his typical cyclist's passion for food at every stop!). However, some of the things he faced on his trek would have defeated many other riders. He comes across as a novice cyclist, but making the most of the freedom his bike gives him. I worry for Mr Fremantle, what next for this happy wanderer? Having fulfilled his promise to Johnny Ginger what other adventures will he seek? I'm hopeful that he will again be driven to explore, because his description of his toils entertained me more than any other travel book I've read this year.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This tale is not your usual boastful account of personal triumphs frequently discovered in travel writing. Instead it is a thought-provoking and self-effacing story told with great humour and sensitivity. Historical, political and religious backgrounds are subtley interwoven into a compelling journey of an ordinary English man determined to succeed in an extraordinary task of cycling from his sleepy home village of Swanbourne across half the world to Swanbourne in Western Australia. Tom Fremantle not only innervates the portrayal of the many characters he meets along the way with lively and insightful prose, he also vitalises his long-gone but inspirational sea-faring ancestors. The reader cannot fail but to become involved with Tom Fremantle's inevitable highs and lows, be that in sharing the glorious views from a shepherd's bothy in Nuristan, or the adrenalin-inducing encounter with dubious Iranian police. Although I was rooting for the author to reach his destination I was reluctant to part company with a man who had become such an affable travelling companion. A highly recommended read for either those who are happy never to venture further than their local pub, or those who have an adventurous travel agenda of their own.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
outstanding piece of writing
I can only wholeheartedly agree with ALL the reviews of this beautifully written book.As well as being a non-stop interesting story,Tom's use of words is so good it is like a... Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2007 by gerard carton
5.0 out of 5 stars
No pretence, tells it like it is, sparing us the hyperbole.
We live in an era of rapid globalisation in a shrinking world in which transportation has made the exotic accessible and few of the earth's corners unexplored. Read more
Published on 7 July 2000
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