One of the UK's funniest new breed of travel writers, Bernie Friend, releases his debut book, Cycling Back to Happiness, on April 28, 2008.
 
Bernie braved the torturous North Sea Cycle Route to raise money for Cancer Research UK, after tragically losing two parents at a young age to brain cancer within just 12 months of each other.
 
But this isn't a guide book for the razor-to-wrist brigade, quite the opposite in fact, a saddle splitting laughter packed tale of two wheeled adventure through northern Europe's obscure cycling backwaters.
 
'Don't let your biggest fears stand in the way of your dreams, even if your biggest dreams happen to be your biggest fears.'
 
That was exactly Bernie Friend's attitude when he ditched medication and group therapy to overcome a very unwanted companion - paranoia. A complete novice to long distance cycling, Bernie confronted many demons on his epic journey - a coastal cycle route which circles 6,000 kilometres of the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Scotland and England.
 
Arm wrestling drunken trawlermen, a geriatric half marathon, Viking bring-and-buy sales, decapitated pirates, burning witches, Shakin' Stevens mega mixes, sea crossing motorways, walking sand giants and remote islands most people can't even be bothered to mark on a map are just some of the secrets coughed up the North Sea Cycle Route.
 
Michael Palin and Bill Bryson watch out! Bernie's very personal story told in an easy-going travelogue style will have you hooked from start to finish. Hugely entertaining and downright inspirational!
 
The illustrated 290 page book also contains useful weblinks, including ferry, kit and tourist board information, as well as hostel, campsite and hotel details.
 
CYCLING BACK TO HAPPINESS (ISBN 9781906206710) is published by Pen Press. It is available to buy and order from all European book stores, or across the world from Amazon.co.uk
 
www.penpress.co.uk 


REVIEWS.......


The bravest book we've read this year - ADVENTURE TRAVEL MAGAZINE
(Star Book May/June 08)
 
With a well-tuned nose for nutters, Bernie sniffs out the strange characters who populate the coastal route and discovers the healing power of travel along the way - SOUTHEND ECHO
 
An uplifting tale of one man's battle with his inner demons - LANCASTER CITIZEN
 
Bernie's startlingly honest peeks into the darkest corners of his own fractured mind are contrasted with many painfully funny observations - YORK POST

A must for travel fans and those looking for inspiration in overcoming their fears - ROMFORD RECORDER

Funny, uplifting and a real eye-opener for those who have never enjoyed the delights of northern Europe and Scandinavia - BIRMINGHAM MAIL

An entertaining and interesting read about Bernie's determination to keep going despite the loneliness, erratically-signed route and often harsh conditions - ESSEX LIFE

Candid, heart-warming and often hilarious - LONDON CYCLIST

This book rivals the work of names which are far better known in this genre - CYCLING WORLD