I HAD HEARD THE NAME FRED BIRCHMORE FROM MY FATHER AND AUNTS IN ATHENS, GA WHEN I WAS A CHILD. I RECENTLY FOUND A FIRST RUN SIGNED COPY IN OUR OLD FAMILY HOME. WHAT A WONDERFUL ADVENTURE WITH MANY REFERENCES TO HIS HOMETOWN, ATHENS,GA AND HIS BELOVED UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA. IT WAS VERY INTERRESTING TO RELIVE THE WORLD POLITICS AT THAT TIME. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR EVERY CYCLIST. THERE WAS A RECENT FRED BIRCHMORE SIGHTING AT THE WOLF CAMERA STORE AND THE YMCA IN ATHENS.HE AND HIS WIFE CONTINUE TO WALK AND SWIM ALMOST EVERY DAY.

This book first caught my attention in a public library some 40+ years ago, and I have never forgotten it. Birchmore's accounts of exhaustion, danger, exhilaration, and discovery are themselves thrilling, a testament to physical and emotional stamina. For armchair traveler and potential world explorer alike, this is an account to treasure.

I am ordering the book today. I just wanted you to know that Fred is 89, still bicycling, and living in Athens, Georgia. Look him up on the net.