Round Ireland in Low Gear

When Eric Newby decided that the depths of winter would be the very best time to explore Ireland by mountain bike, even his long-suffering wife Wanda knew this was one of his craziest ideas yet. But she agreed to accompany him anyway – mainly, she admitted, to 'keep him out of trouble'. What followed was a journey of continuous rain, snow, and gales so fierce they knocked Grandmother Wanda from her bike. Twice.

Lashed by winter storms, fuelled by Guinness and warmed by thermal underwear, their panniers laden with antique books on Ireland, the elderly adventurers cycle the highways and byways, encountering hospitable locals, swaying saints and ferocious dogs. From the shores of Donegal to the holy mountains, they discover an Ireland far removed from the usual tourist trail.

Newby guides the reader on a tale of mishap and magic, all in his own peculiar style of humour and charm, relishing his never-ending curiosity of the world and his insatiable quest for adventure.