Pedalling to Panama

Book excerpt: Clive quit his job as an accountant to fulfil a dream of cycling through Mexico and Central America. Pedalling through impressive scenery he ran out of water, suffered eye injury and had to get the bike fixed after a breakdown. In the heat of Mexico he frequently needed to stop for refreshment. This created ideal opportunities to chat to local people. He found the charm of Mexicans arresting, and their tales add spice to a colourful portrait of life in Mexico today. He chronicles the build up to a festival in San Cristóbal, where he spent nearly three weeks. At times Clive had doubts about his ability to carry on. A strand of optimism runs through the narrative, which helps him see problems not as obstacles but as something waiting for a solution. From Mexico he continued cycling through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Civil wars made Central America a no-go area for tourists for twenty years. There is eye-arresting poverty seldom seen in Europe. Now it is changing. Clive’s story tells of warm and hospitable people who are happy to talk about their experiences and views of the world. Even the police buck the popular image, as he finally arrived on the banks of the Panama Canal with a police escort, concluding in style a 7,000 kilometre journey through a little known but fascinating part of the world.” See clive's website www.cliveparker.co.uk "It is a wonderful read, giving a vivid picture of life in Central American countries. The writing style is crisp and punchy.......the effect is one of great immediacy. Recommended reading for anyone visiting Central America." Anne Mustoe, best selling author of A Bike Ride and other books.