Single, stressed, and living amid the hustle and hurry of modern Hong Kong, Polly Evans had a vision: of mountains and orange groves, matadors and promenades–and of a glorious, hassle-free journey across Spain by bicycle. But like any decent dream, Polly’s came with its own reality: of thighs screaming with pain and goats trying to derail her, of strange local delicacies and overzealous suitors. In fact, like any great traveler, Polly had bitten off more than she could chew–and would delight in every last taste of it.

Exploring the country that gave the world flamenco, chocolate, sherry, Franco, and Picasso, Polly takes us from the towering Pyrenees to the vineyards of Jerez de la Frontera, spinning tales of conquistadors and kings, vibrant history and mouthwatering cuisine. In the end, this hilarious, irreverent, always engaging memoir of a journey on two wheels unveils a lot about one modern woman, even more about an utterly fascinating nation, and countless reasons why it’s better when you do it on a bike.

"Fast-paced but reflective."—People Magazine

"Cheeky.… I'd never let Evans plan a trip for me, but I found myself more than willing to go along for the ride. … Evans' derisive wit … is in the best British tradition of xenophobic sarcasm, parliamentary put-downs and Monty Python moments."—The Literate Traveler in San Francisco Chronicle

After leaving Cambridge University and a job at a London publisher, Polly Evans moved to Hong Kong, where she spent many happy hours as editor of the city's biggest entertainment weekly. But fighting deadlines from an office chair seemed just too easy. So Polly set off on a voyage of discovery around Spain--on a bicycle. From the thigh-burning ascents of the Pyrenees to the relentless olive groves of Andalusia, she found more adventure than she bargained for, including nail-biting encounters with a sprightly pig, over-zealous suitors, and locals who questioned her morality, all while indulging her love of regional cooking. While she pedaled, Polly pondered some of the more lurid details of Spanish history: the king who collected pickled heads, the queen who toured the country with her husband's moldering corpse, and the unfortunate duchess who lost her feet. And wherever she cycled, she ate and ate. A funny and irreverent account from an engaging new travel writer.

In this funny and irreverent account, Evans describes her voyage of discovery around Spain--on a bicycle. From the thigh-burning ascents of the Pyrenees to the relentless olive groves of Andalusia, she found more adventure than she bargained for.

Single, stressed, and living amid the hustle and hurry of modern Hong Kong, Polly Evans had a vision: of mountains and orange groves, matadors and promenades-and of a glorious, hassle-free journey across Spain by bicycle. But like any decent dream, Polly's came with its own reality: of thighs screaming with pain and goats trying to derail her, of strange local delicacies and overzealous suitors. In fact, like any great traveler, Polly had bitten off more than she could chew-and would delight in every last taste of it.

Exploring the country that gave the world flamenco, chocolate, sherry, Franco, and Picasso, Polly takes us from the towering Pyrenees to the vineyards of Jerez de la Frontera, spinning tales of conquistadors and kings, vibrant history and mouthwatering cuisine. In the end, this hilarious, irreverent, always engaging memoir of a journey on two wheels unveils a lot about one modern woman, even more about an utterly fascinating nation, and countless reasons why it's better when you do it on a bike.