I recently reviewed another cycle touring book by Steve Silk, and that reminded me I never got round to doing a review for The Great North Road, despite having purchased my copy quite a while ago.
Harper
Silk is a great fan of the writings of Charles G Harper, who in 1903 published a book about cycling the Great North Road. A great deal changed in the more than a century since then, and Silk regularly refers back to Harper’s writings.
Far from being a boring history lesson, almost akin to how the National Library Of Scotland’s side-by-side maps allow you to see how maps of a place used to look a century (or more!) ago, versus how they look today, Silk’s method makes for a far better story.
The Great North Road
The Great North Road was an old coaching road, linking London with Edinburgh, and it dates from a time when highwaymen were a common thing, in the age before the railway changed everything again.
A journey along what remains of the road today underscores the changes since Harper cycled it. It highlights the reason why some buildings, and even some villages and towns became successful, while others faded away. Cycling the Great North Road offers tantalising glimpses into the landscape, and the people, throughout the ages.
Your guide
However, so decipher the clues along the way – some very subtle, while others are extremely clear – it helps to have an expert guide along. And what a guide Silk is!
Silk is a very gifted writer. The story he tells is not simply about cycling. In fact, there’s zero talk of gear ratios, nor any other cycling lingo, with the exception of chamois cream. I winced when I read about his bottom-end issues, as would anyone who has never had that, erm, pleasure.
Silk is fast becoming one of my favourite writers. You and I can go on a bike ride. Silk goes on a bike ride, and returns with a wealth of stories, then proceeds to retell them in his unassuming, wonderful way.
Verdict
This is an excellent book, and I sincerely suggest you read this, as well as his other cycle touring book, Go West. I have no doubts that you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.
Get your copy here, or at any good bookstore.
PS: Steve, wonderful as paper maps are (I remain a big fan of them) digital maps simply have SO much more to offer. Please do go look at the superb RideWithGPS site, and also install the app, before planning your next adventure!