Bicycling: A 1958 Solo Northwest Adventure

Home alone in the summer during a 1958 recession, with no job, and wanting to do something exciting to show for the quarter break, a nineteen-year-old, in this true account, decides to explore the lush and inviting Northwest. Launching right away into a questionable pursuit, he decides to follow the lure to Canada, Washington and Oregon, usung his most economical choice of transportation--his brother’s bicycle—an old three-speed pedal bike--despite it having only front wheel brakes, no lights, and only first gear working,

Since none of his invited friends are permitted to accompany him on such a dubious jaunt, and ignoring several concerned warnings of certain danger along the way, he nevertheless straps some quickly put-together supplies for a month’s solo venture—not forgetting his mother’s antique 1907 Brownie Box Camera, and $75 for food and film, then starts heading out on a bright and early August morning.

Though faced with many trying, surprising, and some terrifying challenges during the following month, his only tools for the entire experience are a naieve sense of indestructible confidence, determination, and a trust that when the time came, he would be given whatever help was needed.

It was an adventure few had taken back then, and one that probably even fewer are likely to experience today, given the circumstances. Readers may find themselves riveted to the pages right to the very end. One reader said of the book, “You need to contact Steven Spielberg, and get this story made into a movie”!