(Just As Well) It's Not About The Bike: A Journey Across Southern Spain

by Chris Atkin

Discovering the untold stories of one of the world’s most popular coastlines.

Part sporting travelogue, part political history, (Just As Well) It's Not About The Bike follows journalist Chris Atkin's 1,300km cycle from Valencia to Gibraltar. En route, he travels through Spain’s most picturesque towns. And Benidorm.

Along the way he learns about the region’s history, from the time four hydrogen bombs fell over Spain, to the politician who shot General Franco’s daughter in the bottom yet rose to become one of the country’s most powerful men. While riding across Spain, Chris also meets an array of eccentric characters such as the man who lives in a cave and the Airbnb host who admitted strangling her previous guest.

People told him he was crazy to leave his job and his girlfriend behind to jump on the cheapest bike he could find. After a series of mishaps including one that almost sparked a mountain rescue mission, it would appear they were right.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Spain, Memoir

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

Chris Atkin is an author and freelance journalist.

Since working for five years in the television studios at Sky News and BT Sport in London, Chris has written for a number of publications including The Times, The Huffington Post and Metro.

He reads books from a range of genres, but he particularly enjoys coming-of-age tales and sporting narratives.

Reviews

[Sindy Castellanos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of a wonderful and very human adventure, through the eyes of a brave young man who wants to explore, learn and share his experiences and learnings.
_______
Relato de una aventura maravillosa y muy humana, a través de los ojos de un valiente joven con deseos de explorar, aprender y compartir sus experiencias y aprendizajes.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to travel and the last year has been a challenge staying at home. So to counteract that I have sought out a few travelogues. Ones, like this one, that mixes in historical information and personal experiences allow me to totally escape. Right up front I have to say you will never see me biking through a country. But, that being said, the idea of traveling at a slower pace and being able to enjoy the environment does have a lot of appeal.

Taking the reader on a step by step tour of the coast of Spain was a delightful way to travel/read. The side comments about the author's various encounters with hostels and Airbnb hosts added to the humor as well as atmosphere. The author also shows the reader, warts and all, the positive and negative parts of bike travel. For instance, apparently, some physical preparation might be a consideration!

With Spain being on my list of ‘want to visit’ countries and after reading this book, I am more determined to practice my Spanish and start planning – but there will be no bike involved.

[Lee Prescott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of cycling, ice cream and orange eating, a smattering of Spanish and a dash of mild peril interspersed with some interesting facts thrown in about the locales visited along the way. For anyone thinking of doing something similar to Chris' journey worth the read.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was very well told, where I felt I could see much of the action. However... author narration a definite drawback for me - he should've either hired a professional, or skipped the audio format. Much of the time it was obvious he was reading text more than sharing the details as though to a friend. Read a print edition, if possible.

(Review copy provided for my honest opinion)

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book feels like you’re talking with an old friend. This is such an intriguing story and it’s crazy to think it actually happened! Biking across Spain wasn’t something I ever wanted to do before reading this book, but the adventures and stories the author had along the way awakened something adventurous in me. I highly recommend this book for people who love learning about other cultures.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Atkin wrote a funny and insightful account of his bike tour, through the picturesque Mediterranean coast of Spain that started in Valencia, and then through the straight of Gibraltar, where adventure abound and the characters he met were as colorful as the seaside towns he experienced. This was the perfect escape read, and an adventure I was so glad to be a part of.

[Natasha Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris leaves his job in the U.k to cycle 1,300 km along the Spanish coastline from Valencia to Gibraltar on a £150 bike. On his long journey through the many beautiful Spanish towns (and Benidorm) he meets all sort of interesting characters.

Fascinating tales of some of the sightseeing adventures including Santa Bárbara castle and the story of how James II managed to defeat Nicolas Peris to get hold of the keys to the castle. Or the action filled tale of Jaime the bearded.The blunt descriptions of the salt lagoon that resembles a nuclear fallout zone instead of a tourist destination makes you chuckle.

His stories especially about his air B and B hosts are interesting to say the least! Especially Benito who he found himself up a hill with in the dark hoping he wasn’t about to turn into a police statistic.

I admit at times certain historical tales, particularly the political aspects in the book did remind me of distant school homework that required a certain number of pages to be read from old hand me down textbooks. These parts did feel like a chore but this was only in small parts and were more than outnumbered by the parts that made you chuckle loudly to yourself. Especially the conversation with the seagull in Dénia or the unintentional wow as Beatrisa breast fed 😂

He has an incredible ability of describing the places he travelled through that makes you feel like you are right there along with him. From the beautiful sceneries and surroundings described in a way that if you close your eyes don’t seem quite so far away as geography would suggest to the freshly baked pizzas and pastries with a side order of sand grains as a consequence of a beachside lunch.

This book instills a home sickness like need for travel that’s only exaggerated by the ongoing pandemic that has us longing for faraway lands.

[the_empty_bookself · Rating 4 out of 5]

'No one, I reasoned, dies listening to Enrique Iglesias'

I must admit when Chris asked me to read his book i really didn't know what to expect. I would not have picked this up off the book shelf.

This has taught me to leave my comfort zone now and again. I have just cycled southern Spain without leaving the comfort of my own home.

An easy read with well written humour making the journey with Chris and his bike much more enjoyable for the reader. The snippets of history throughout add depth and purpose to the book. Though learning about the different air b'n'b owners at each stop is very entertaining, definitely a highlight, being introduced to all the different characters Chris met along the way.

I was with Chris throughout his whole journey and felt his disappointment, elation and frustration at the challenges that faced him along the way!

[Kelly Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was approached by the author and gifted a free copy of this book in return for an honest review so here it is...

Having finished this book, I not only feel as though I have a better sense of the Spanish coast but I also feel as though I’ve gained a friend: you learn little snippets about Chris as he recounts his cycle tour from Valencia to Gibraltar, like his favourite ice cream (Pooh Bear?!), lack of upper body strength, desire to practice Spanish, love of carbs, and his preference to scale an 8 foot ledge rather than call mountain rescue 😂

This book is a really easy and fun read, the pace is good and there are snippets of historical facts about each of the places he came to - I think the balance between cycle talk, historical facts, food & Air BnB hosts was just right.

Don’t think this book is for die hard cyclists or regular Costa Del Sol visitors - I am neither and thoroughly enjoyed the book and Chris’ writing style.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Chris' retelling of his journey through southeastern and southern Spain is wonderful! I appreciated the mixture of sharing historical context for the different places, the physical and geographical settings, and his evident love for the language and culture. Chris infuses joy, humor, and patience into each segment of the ride. I cannot wait for more books by Chris and have already signed up for his newsletter. Well written and enjoyable.

[Patrick Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A global literary classic !!

What an incredible true to life story examining the drive to see through to the end of a cycling journey while enduring both tragedy and life changing accomplishment. Chris is not only a wonderful story teller, he is also beautiful soul sharing a great saga while cycling through Spain. A true must read for our time!

[Jason Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your host Chris Atkin takes you on an adventure where he cycles from Valencia to Gibraltar, covering 1,300km. This is quite a mission as Atkin fights the heat, or the strong winds as he goes on his journey through lemon trees, orange trees and olive groves.

Atkin is clearly a history fan as the book is saturated in fascinating history of all the places that he visits like Cartagena and Almeria. This wouldn't be a proper cycling expedition without his share of trouble, needing to repair his bike, his fitness being tested to the limit with all the uphill rides and the breathtaking, literally, landscape of the Sierra Nevada and the difficulty in finding a shop open on Sundays. He also meets some amazing people, as you should on a voyage, including friendly Troglodytes living in caves.

This book has certainly given me food for thought in my next trip but I don't think I would make it that far by the time I had to return to work and although I speak a little Spanish, I would have to improve as Atkin's knowledge of Spanish got him out of a pickle or two. Definitely a very enjoyable and educational read.

[MyDogAteMyBookReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

When in the midst of a pandemic and you can’t travel, what do you do? You read about adventurous travel from the view behind bicycle handlebars.

Am I an avid cyclist? No, but I do love my e-bike! You don’t have to be a bicycle enthusiast to enjoy this book.

This story made me want to visit Spain, Chris paints a vivid travel picture.

If you ever thought, should I just throw caution to the wind and travel to that place I’ve always wanted to? Yes, you should. When the pandemic is over and it’s safe to do it lol

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book. Reading the reviews, I understand that I was perhaps not the target audience. Many of the reviews I read said things like "I am not a cyclist, but I enjoyed this book" or "Surprised that I enjoyed a travel memoir this much."

As someone who is a cyclist and is planning to bike a very similar route in Spain, I was hoping this book could serve as a sort of guide, similar to how Bill Bryson's Appalacian Trail journey provides both fun facts and a personal thru-hiking experience with tips and advice. This book didn't have enough of the latter for me.

[Miss K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute joy to read. Not being a cyclist myself, I was sceptical about how much I would identify with the subject matter… but boy was I wrong!

Following Atkin on his journey which is filled with humour, anecdotes and priceless interactions. At times I spat out my tea with hilarity, and thought to myself, “you just couldn’t write that happening…” and yet, the author has. Atkin has a great skill to make you feel you are right there with him, living it.

Something I didn’t expect when I started reading is the level of information and history Atkin has packed throughout the book, in funny yet informative references. I now feel as though if I went to these places I would have a great understanding of their context, and it has made me yearn to visit them.

I simply love the Adrian Mole style calamity moments, but also Atkin’s clear love for adventure and openness to what might be round the corner at every turn. His optimism is also complemented with a reality check here and there at the physical exhaustion and disappointments that can come with travel. Even if you haven’t travelled on a bike, I certainly identified and empathised with the unexpected perils and frustrations we have all encountered while on a “dream trip”. In this social media driven world where we only see the peak moments of someone’s holiday, it was good to see the grittier more disappointing sides of travel which we have all experienced at one time or another. Even when the going gets tough however, Atkin manages to bring the reader back to some humour or reference which keeps us smiling.

My only complaint is that it has made me rather itchy to have an adventure abroad, which after a year of lockdown in the UK, reading this has truly ignited a fire in myself and my partner to get travelling as soon as we can. Damn this book for being a tease!

I would certainly recommend to friends and family, what a charming read

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format :Audiobook )
"Bananas for lunch."

Chris Atkin decided to ride across Spain on a bicycle : one reliant on pedal power, not an engine. One made for regular street trips, not overland, uphill journeys. And, he says, he wasn't even much of a cyclist. He must have been mad.
But he went, filling two paniers with essentials for the journey, and biked his way along tarmac roads, through farm land and wilderness, and up and down mountains, for about a thousand miles. He'd booked his airb&b accommodation in advance so had to make his destinations on time and took very little money too pay for those extra frivolities like food. Plus, he barely spoke Spanish. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, one thing was choosing to read his own book. His voice is clear, quite well modulated but he is just reading, not involving himself, and consequently the reader, in what he has written. A professional narrator could have done a much better job, carrying the listener with him through the (literal) ups and downs of the journey. There are some interesting snippets of history mixed in with the personal incidents of the journey, the aching thighs, the exhaustion of her another uphill stretch and, my personal favourite, completely losing the road on a mountainside and getting trapped there, with almost no food or water and definitely no one likely to come by to pull him out of the frightening situation. He gets lost a lot. And, although some places are described, they don't quite excite as much as the joy of finding a supermarket.
There are some interesting, quirky people encountered and Chris is rightly proud of the improvement in his mastery of Spanish - but why did he have to inflict so much of his stumbling conversations in that language, repeated after in English, on the reader?

This is a book which is I interesting but could have been so much better. To me, it seemed that Chris Atkin was as glad to reach the end of his journey as was I to come to the epilogue in his book. I'd enjoyed the journey but the struggle had been rather exhausting. Perhaps it would be better to travel on the printed version, rather than the Audible, just as a gentler vehicle than a bicycle might have allowed for a less bruising heads down, journey.

My thanks to the rights holder of, It's Not About the Bike, who, at my.request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobooks Unleashed

[Kelly Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much to Chris Atkins for giving me the opportunity to read and review his new book (Just As Well) It's Not About the Bike.

I'll be the first to admit I'm not a fan of non-fiction. I've read the occasional biography in my time but that's about it. However Chris's description of his book definitely got me intrigued.

'Part sporting travelogue, part political history, the book - (Just As Well) It's Not About The Bike - follows my 1,300km bicycle journey from Valencia in Spain to Gibraltar. En route, I discover the untold stories of one of the world’s most popular coastlines. The book is most similar in style to those written by Bill Bryson'.

Despite not being a non-fiction reader I actually really enjoyed Chris's book. My husband and I do a bit of cycling and I've always been fascinated by people who do these extraordinary journeys in different countries. Our lives seem so boring in comparison!

I really enjoyed Chris's descriptions of the places he travelled to in Spain and the scenery he cycled past. I loved the way he talked about the people he met along the way especially his air bnb hosts - a very interesting set of characters! I did laugh out loud at some parts which caused my husband to look at me incredulously as if a book couldn't be that funny but some situations really were.

I suppose the only bits that I wasn't over enthralled by were the Spanish history sections but thats just because history isn't really my thing and I'm sure others would find it really interesting. They did fit it with the book though and the story flowed really well.

If you're fan of cycling and travelling (or just one or the other) then I would definitely recommend this.

Thanks again Chris. Good luck with the release on 19th April.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.

[Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to love this book nearly half as much as I did. I'm not a cyclist and I have only a very limited experience of visiting Spain, so I assumed that I just wouldn't "get" it. But Atkin's passion made up for any lack of relevance I felt this book would have to me. I found myself believing that I was right there with him exploring the gorgeous villages that he travelled through. His descriptions of the variety of AirBnB personalities he experienced made me chuckle and his historical commentary gave me a welcome reminder of my own days studying Spanish history but also taught me loads that I didn't already know (and more that I had forgotten since)!

I totally devoured the book in just a few days, which is unusual for me in any case but especially being in the reading slump that I was before picking this up. I'm so glad that I read this. It became my impromptu trip away this Spring holiday. It's the perfect blend between travelogue and political history, like nothing I'd read before (Although I hear it's much in the style of Bill Bryson's writing so if this is your jam, give Chris Atkin a go!)

The author's personality shines through as we learn snippets varying from his undying love for ice cream (I feel ya) to his inspiring commitment and determination in learning Spanish and to that heck of a long bike ride. Atkin comes across as incredibly humble, though clearly with a whole lot to be proud of.

Thank you loads to Chris Atkin for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review ☺️ this is a book which I'd have been unlikely to choose for myself but which has now opened up a whole new genre for me to enjoy.

(Just As Well) It's Not About The Bike is due to be published on the 19th April and I can't wait for it to be enjoyed by more people in need of an escape, a laugh and a bit of education along the way!

[Lost_in_her_bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 (𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥) 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞 ⁣
⁣
⭐⭐⭐.5⁣
⁣
There's something about the way Chris writes that gives emotion to a bike, metal, rusted, damaged, broken, but full of memories, scars and battle wounds that has taken him through the biggest journey of his life.⁣
⁣
Such a fascinating read, following the authors journey on bike from Valencia to Gibraltar, through Spain's greatest treasures, It got me thinking if I could up and go, leave the world behind me where would I go? A desolate retreat, somewhere hot and isolated, leaving technology and people behind. ⁣
⁣
I loved hearing the stories that had me laughing, cringing, yet emotional too. 𝐀 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. How our biggest dreams when put into practice can prove to be disorganised and unachievable but Chris powered through all the same. And what an experience he had! A book out of my reading comfort zone but a book I enjoyed all the same. ⁣
⁣
Thank you for my #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.⁣
⁣
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblogger #reviewtime #bookreviewersofinstagram #memoir #nonfiction #itsnotaboutthebike #justaswellitsnotaboutthebike #prproduct #gifted #cycling #cyclespain #bookshelf #bookish #bookcollection #bookphotography

[Julia Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not athletic. I would probably never ride a bike across the town in which I live, much less across the bottom half of a country, however I totally enjoyed Atkins book. He is totally correct: It is not about the bike. It is about the journey, the variety of people, learning the language, seeing the country and learning about the historical information of each place he visits. Sure, if you wanted to you could copy his trip and use the book as a travelogue but it is really much more than that.

I did get a kick out of all the pastry and ice cream he ate, hope he never stops biking! He obviously loves beaches as he bikes the outer edges of Spain and he has no issues being alone. Where his writing shines is in the descriptions of the hosts and the AirBNBs and the pieces of history he shares. He obviously paid attention to what he was seeing as he is accurate in all of his historical data. Being a big believer in following your dream I have to say that this book is a perfect example of what that looks like. Enjoy!

[Jilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually enjoy a travelogue but unfortunately I found this quite boring.

Part sporting travelogue, part political history, (Just As Well) It's Not About The Bike follows journalist Chris Atkin's 1,300km cycle from Valencia to Gibraltar. En route, he travels through Spain’s most picturesque towns. And Benidorm.

Along the way he learns about the region’s history, from the time four hydrogen bombs fell over Spain, to the politician who shot General Franco’s daughter in the bottom yet rose to become one of the country’s most powerful men. While riding across Spain, Chris also meets an array of eccentric characters such as the man who lives in a cave and the Airbnb host who admitted strangling her previous guest.

People told him he was crazy to leave his job and his girlfriend behind to jump on the cheapest bike he could find. After a series of mishaps including one that almost sparked a mountain rescue mission, it would appear they were right.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not read many travelogues but if this is the usual standard I must start. an excellent, fun and informative account of the writer and narrators journey through Southern Spain on a bike. From choosing the less of two evils bike at the outset, through the mountains and faded tourist spots on the coast to the Rock of Gibraltar, this is an entertaining ride, one I would never consider doing myself but this almost had be buying a bike. Lots of sweat, lots of oranges, getting lost, with wonderful scenery that is vividly described, and a few interesting nuggets of its history with every stop on the journey. The narration by the author is perfect, you live the journey with him. Highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy from the author and am leaving a honest voluntary review.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice book! It takes you to the sunny pre-Covid uplands of holidays and adventure with language that at moments is almost Quixotic. Time with Chris Atkin is well spent - I laughed, I gasped, I wept and I discovered all sorts of interesting facts about Southern Spain, while also picking up the odd Spanish phrase. It was also a reminder of how much I want to return to Spain, to eat and visit some of the hidden gems revealed in the book - but I might give the cycling part a miss....

The writing makes you want to learn more about Chris (and Sarah) and what their possible future life together holds. More please Mr Atkin!

[Alex S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book 100%. It certainly made me want to go on a cycling adventure and this book allowed me to embark on one from the comfort of my own home. You really feel like you're there with Chris throughout the whole journey, experiencing the beautiful Spanish countryside as well as the challenges he faced. The book was really funny, clever, and well written. I did not expect to find the little history anecdotes nearly as interesting as I did (I have already repeated many to my friends). I would recommend this book to anyone even if you are not a keen cyclist or an avid history fan.

[Lance Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent travelogue describing a solo bicycle tour of the southern coast of Spain.

I found this book thoroughly enjoyable and well written. I enjoy endurance cycling and have toured in the United States and Europe. There are many good books like this but this one stands out for it's sense of humor, thorough descriptions of the countryside, towns and cities visited, and the author's commentary on his experiences and the many interesting people he encounters. Great read.

[Claire Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this and really enjoyed it. It has a great balance of humour together with where to visit all with some interesting background history to some of the places and ideas of where to stop off or visit. Very enjoyable read. I am hoping to get to Spain later in the year and it has given me a lots of places to visit on my travels

[April Prosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Ride

I love travel books, but this is better than most—just a guy on a bike traversing southern Spain, and having plenty of adventures. And plenty of the sort of non-adventure one is apt to have in a strange land—“He’s acting weird—is he going to kill me?” We view the Mediterranean coast and adjacent mountains from inside his head. It is so real. Recommended.

[Norman Starks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was cycling in southern Spain so it seemed like a good idea to read this. I empathised with the brutal hill climbs, the joy when finding a supermarket and the despair when bumping into hopelessly drunken Brits. The book gets the tone of the place. I like his potted history of the places he visited and his struggles with the language. A pleasant read for a cycling holiday.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventurous read

This book is an enjoyable escape as each chapter moves the reader along on his adventurous journey. Great description of the landmarks with a bit of history interspersed. Thanks for sharing!

[Judi Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Chris' bike ride along the coast or Spain. I would love to do this trip, but I would choose to make the trip on a golf cart! I want to see everything Chris' has seen. Good-bye covid, it is time to travek again!