Where There’s a Will

Where There’s a Will cover
Good Books rating 4.17
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Technical
  • ID: 6239
  • Added: 2025-11-07
  • Updated: 2025-11-07
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
inrng.com · Unknown · 2025-11-16
engaging 4.00

Where There’s a Will by Emily Chappell is an engaging adventure story that recounts the author's experiences in the Transcontinental race, offering a personal perspective on ultra-endurance cycling. The book is well-written and avoids the typical pitfalls of endurance cycling narratives, focusing instead on memorable moments and the simplicity of the sport.

Where There’s a Will by Emily Chappell is a captivating tale that delves into the world of ultra-endurance cycling, specifically the Transcontinental race. The book is not a manual or a guide but a personal account of the author's experiences, making it an enjoyable read for those interested in the sport. Chappell's writing is vivid and engaging, capturing the essence of the race and the personal struggles involved. The book also touches on the life and death of Mike Hall, the founder of the Transcontinental, adding a poignant element to the narrative. The simplicity and openness of the Transcontinental race are highlighted, contrasting with the increasingly closed and performance-oriented nature of professional cycling. Overall, the book is a refreshing take on endurance cycling, focusing on the adventure and personal growth rather than just the physical challenge.


Quick quotes

    It grabs you, especially if you’ve half an interest on the Transcontinental, the ultra endurance race across Europe.

    Riders are alone but aware they’re being watched.

    This blog’s vocation is pro cycling but reading this helps reflect on sport.

blogendorff.com · Unknown · 2022-01-08
engaging 4.50

Where There’s a Will by Emily Chappell is a gripping and honest account of her journey as a cycle courier in London. The book offers a raw and unfiltered look at the challenges and triumphs of life on two wheels, providing a unique perspective on the city and the people who inhabit it. Chappell's writing is engaging and evocative, drawing the reader in and making them feel as though they are right there alongside her on the chaotic streets of the capital.

Where There’s a Will by Emily Chappell is a compelling and candid memoir that chronicles her experiences as a cycle courier in London. The book delves deep into the gritty realities of life on the road, from the physical demands of the job to the emotional highs and lows that come with it. Chappell's writing is both poetic and visceral, painting a vivid picture of the city and the people who call it home. She doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of her journey, including the dangers and discrimination she faced, but she also captures the beauty and freedom that cycling can bring. The book is a testament to her resilience and determination, and it offers a unique and insightful perspective on urban life. It's a must-read for anyone who loves cycling, or who wants to understand the city from a different angle. The book is also a great reminder of the power of storytelling, and how it can help us make sense of our own experiences and the world around us.


Quick quotes

    The book is a gripping and honest account of her journey as a cycle courier in London.

    Chappell's writing is engaging and evocative, drawing the reader in and making them feel as though they are right there alongside her on the chaotic streets of the capital.

    The book is a testament to her resilience and determination, and it offers a unique and insightful perspective on urban life.

road.cc · Unknown · 2019-12-16
great 4.00

The book is a compelling account of Emily Chappell's journey in the Transcontinental race, blending adventure, personal growth, and emotional depth. While the narrative shifts between different phases of her life and the impact of Mike Hall's death, it offers a unique perspective on endurance cycling and the human spirit.

Where There’s a Will is a captivating read that takes us through Emily Chappell's experiences in the Transcontinental race, a grueling self-supported bike race across Europe. The book is divided into three distinct parts, each offering a different lens through which to view her journey. The first part focuses on her 2015 attempt, introducing key figures like Julianna Buhring and Mike Hall, the organizer of the race. This section is filled with vivid descriptions of the challenges and triumphs of long-distance cycling, making it a thrilling read. The second part details her successful 2016 race, where she becomes the first woman to finish, showcasing her resilience and determination. The final third of the book shifts gear, delving into her friendship with Mike Hall and the profound impact of his untimely death. This section, while poignant, feels somewhat disconnected from the earlier parts, leaving the reader to ponder its purpose. Despite this, the book is a beautiful exploration of endurance, grief, and the human spirit, making it a must-read for cycling enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a well-told story of personal growth.


Quick quotes

    The bulk of the book is that Transcontinental race in 2016, which sees Emily be the first woman to finish.

    Both sections are wonderful, I loved reading about the different mountains to climbs, exhaustion to overcome and the joy of those wonderful rides where you feel invincible.

    It did make me excited for Ride London again, the closest I will get to an ultra endurance ride.