Gironimo!: Riding the Very Terrible 1914 Tour of Italy

Gironimo!: Riding the Very Terrible 1914 Tour of Italy cover
Good Books rating 4.3
Buy online
Technical
  • ID: 6210
  • Added: 2025-11-06
  • Updated: 2025-11-06
  • ISBN: 9780224092074
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2014-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Tim Moore, inspired by the centenary of the Giro d'Italia, embarks on an ambitious and absurd adventure: cycling the entire 3,162 km route of the 1914 race on a wooden bike he assembled from rusty parts. Armed with the winner's diary and dressed in vintage cycling gear, Moore navigates treacherous roads, relentless storms, and the sheer physical challenge of his endeavor, all while providing a humorous and insightful account of the historic race and his own personal journey./n/nMoore's journey is not just about the physical challenge but also about the history and culture of Italy. He delves into the stories of the original competitors, the evolution of the Giro, and the landscapes that have witnessed a century of cycling history. With wit and charm, Moore shares his experiences, from the camaraderie with locals to the sheer determination required to complete such a monumental task, making 'Gironimo!' a captivating blend of adventure, history, and humor.

Reviews
Barnes & Noble · A Barnes & Noble Customer · 2025-11-06
jaunty 4.30

The book is an entertaining and jauntily written travelogue that made the reviewer laugh out loud.

The reviewer from Barnes & Noble praises Tim Moore's book as an entertaining and jauntily written travelogue. They appreciate the humor and adventurous spirit of the book, which made them laugh out loud at times. The reviewer finds Moore's writing style engaging and enjoyable, making the book a delightful read. The blend of history, adventure, and humor is highlighted as a key strength, making it a must-read for those interested in cycling and travel.


Quick quotes

    An entertaining and jauntily written travelogue that at times made me laugh out loud.

    With Moore as your guide, you may want to hurry over to Italy on the next ...

    The 1914 Giro d'Italia was the most difficult bike race in history.

Road.cc · A Road.cc Contributor · 2021-05-15
informative 4.50

The book is both extremely entertaining and very informative, offering a unique perspective on the 1914 Giro d'Italia.

The reviewer from Road.cc finds Tim Moore's book to be a delightful blend of entertainment and information. They appreciate the author's ability to make the historic event both engaging and educational. The reviewer particularly enjoys the unique perspective Moore brings to the 1914 Giro d'Italia, making it a must-read for cycling enthusiasts. The book's humor and adventurous spirit are highlighted as key strengths.


Quick quotes

    Another vote for Tim Moore from me - extremely entertaining and very informative at the same time.

    I especially found Gironimo interesting as I ...

    The 1914 Giro d'Italia was the most difficult bike race in history.

Goodreads · A Goodreads User · 2014-05-01
entertaining 4.10

The 1914 Giro d'Italia is portrayed as an incredibly challenging and historic event. The author's attempt to recreate the journey is both adventurous and humorous.

The reviewer highlights the 1914 Giro d'Italia as one of the most grueling bike races in history, with only eight out of eighty-one riders finishing due to extreme conditions. They appreciate the author's humorous and adventurous approach to retracing this historic route, making the book both informative and entertaining. The reviewer finds the blend of history, adventure, and humor engaging, making it a standout read for cycling enthusiasts and history buffs alike.


Quick quotes

    The 1914 Giro d'Italia: The hardest bike race in history.

    Eighty-one riders started and only eight finished after enduring cataclysmic storms.

    History's most appalling bike race was an ordeal of 400-kilometer stages.

Appears in Lists