Tattered Saddle

During July of 2012, at the age of fifty-six, the author rode his bike sixteen hundred miles from eastern Wisconsin to West Virginia and back. Unlike many bike touring books describing majestic and life-changing ventures, this reflective, doen-to earth and relatable travel memoir is often spiked with cynicism, shrouded in melencholy, and occasionally veers into absurdity. On the other hand, it is also story of gratitude and perseverence. In other wors, it is much like everyday life.

Although closely based on actual events, there are various embellishments and obvious fabrications, all for entertainment purposes. Historical and popular culture references are included for good measure.

As a tour cycling book, meaningful attention is also given to the physical and mental apects of biking, including battles with extreme heat, demanding hills and unrelenting wind. In addition, the bike, its accessories, and the camping gear used on the trip are examined..