Grit Gravel and Gear

I like this book because it comes from an ordinary man’s lived experience and not the borrowed philosophy of experts.The true riches of this cyclist’s journey of 400 days from Artic to the Andes comes not from being in awe of the beauty and the dangers that it has its readers on through the 15000 km of changing landscape, but it is in making the reader feel able and capable of this kind of experience for themselves.The book makes you stop and think about how little we truly need to live, mull and agonise over the ancient civilisations we could have saved, and ruminate over what education should truly teach us and what happiness truly means. It makes you want to make changes in your life. The rawness of the wild, the lurking danger at the next bend in the road, the biases humans carry, the kindness they have in their hearts all make the reader feel fear and beauty alike.Whether it is every day on the road or mesmerised by the unknown undocumented animal, the offloading weight to fellow travellers to good karma rescuing you with water in the desert, the narration is so rich that it is a visual treat and an emotional roller coaster for the reader.

15000 km, 10 countries, 400 days and a solo ride. In 2016, Dhruv Bogra decides to embark on this unconventional voyage on his touring bicycle named quest from the Arctic to the Andes.Facing extreme weather conditions, Dhruv describes his hardships and struggles which are accompanied with a sense of joy and freedom. He narrates about his his tryst with nature in its purest form while camping outdoors and coming face to face with bears, wolves, raccoons and elks. Simultaneously he also encounters fellow cyclists, tourists, homeless and experiences some kind heartwarming gestures from people enroute.It is often said that a book has the ability to take the readers to exotic locales just by sitting in one place. 'Grit Gravel and gear' is one such read. The author is vivid in his descriptions as he goes on to describe the history and culture of every place that he lands in. Be it Alaska, California, Mexico or Peru. He also takes us through his feelings during his journey. Whether its showcasing phases of inevitable loneliness, handling the challenges of long distance relationships and bouts of ill health during this voyage.Grit, Gravel and Gear emphasizes on aspects like the importance of getting out of the comfort zone and to experience the world without materialistic pleasures. This book is bound to resonate with adventurous souls who are looking to live life beyond the conventional realm. Cyclists and nature lovers especially will love this one.

What better way to recommend this book than sharing with you that on reaching the 17th page of the book, I called my partner in crime and cyclist friend Anupam, to “tell him” that we are doing a 12 day bike tour and it was immediately written in stone (though that trip got cancelled after 3 months of planning, a day before we were to leave but that’s a story for another day).What I loved about the book is how it’s like watching a movie. The author Dhruv Bogra, takes you from the never ending climbs and several day of riding in solitude, to his life, for a quick peak into the “why” and then brings you back to the journey and he continues to do so throughout the book, making the reader want to know more about him and understand his “why”.

Made me hear Ripples by Grateful Dead again and again. Through his journey, through Dhruvs evocative brush strokes about his pain, through the gentle interactions of travellers on the road, the grain by grain narrative was unique for me. I identified with him.There is a road, no simple highwayBetween the dawn and the dark of nightAnd if you go no one may followThat path is for your steps aloneYes it's a journey of your mind.

Grit, Gravel and Gear is a beautiful travelogue of Dhruv Bogra’s cycling experience from Prudhoe bay in Alaska to Peru braving the extremities of both weather and terrain. The book is really inspiring and equally helpful for all kind of travelers especially for adventurous long-haul cyclists.I met Dhruv on Alaska Highway near Kluane river viewpoint where he was camping overnight. Since then I was following him though social media for updates on his progress towards Andes. I am thankful to Dhruv for sending me a signed copy of the book through one of his friends travelling to Toronto. I have been to most of the places he mentioned in Alaska and Canada and reading was like a revisit for me.Recommended for reading, Thank you!

Have just read till the Yukon part, a few chapters. Very well written, highly enjoyable. I love that the author is not just sharing stats, but sharing his experiences in detail, right from Alaska. He is alive and truly living in the moment and it comes trough, yet the pace is easy, that of a cyclist, not continuously exhilarating. Loving the book. A fab book, after many something I am enjoying similar to Dervla Murphy's Full Tilt. Adventures remain the same whether done ages ago or today. The book is also very inspiring. Caution: It may make you set off on a big expedition! - Malvika (cyclop)

The entire experience co-opts you as a partner. Shares the experiences, trumps and travails of a person seeking adventure. Easy pace, talks of geography, birds, flora and hamburgers! His friendship on the way and exchange of gifts, fellow travellers helping with delivery of food packets and face to face with grizzlies! One never realises how important water is, and the authors concern for animal hit and environment is touching. A not to be missed book!

It takes a lot to travel both the Americas. And Dhruv has shared all that and more not just through experiences but also through history and geography. I am not a cyclist but this book makes me wonder why I am not!