Giveaway - Changing Gears

I had the pleasure of meeting Greg Foyster and Sophie Chishkovsky last year when they cycled from Melbourne, via Tasmania, to North Queensland. It was a 6,500 km trip. Greg, is a writer by profession, and he has written a book about the trip called Changing Gears. I was asked to read it a couple of months ago and that is something I hesitate to do if I know the author. I get a bit anxious about telling the truth about a book that doesn't inform, inspire or impress me. I didn't have to worry in this case. I loved the book. In fact, I told Greg I'd take a couple of weeks to read it but when I started the book and put it down, I kept thinking about it and had to keep reading. I finished it in a few days. 

I love and admire Greg and Soph because they were crazy enough to think about doing a trip like this and for continuing to pedal kilometre after kilometre when they were starting to question why they were doing it. They're back in Melbourne now, we've kept in touch, and they're still on their simple living path. I won't tell you anything about Greg's story, except to say that I was surprised by how funny it is, and you can read my endorsement below. I don't think my sheets are as white as he says they are but if they are, it's all due to homemade laundry liquid. ; - )

Greg and his publisher, Affirm Press,  have given me a book to give away. Just comment on why you'd like to win the book and we'll draw the winner out next Tuesday morning, my time. Make sure you leave a link or email address so I can contact you if you win.

If you don't win the book, do yourself a favour and buy a copy. It will be published on 1 September and will be available at most good independent book shops, your local Dymocks and online at  booktopia.com.au

Endorsements for Changing Gears

“Greg Foyster raises questions many of us have asked ourselves about work, spending, values and commitment. Looking for a way to live well within an ethical framework, he and his girlfriend Sophie hit the road to cycle up the east coast of Australia. They were looking for others who had moved from a life of stress and overconsumption to a gentler and simpler way of living. What they found was self-belief, self-reliance and the beginnings of a better life. If your lifestyle clashes with your values, if you want to change how you live but need a push to get you there, this is a must-read book for you.” Rhonda Hetzel, author of Down to Earth

”Until humanity figures out what to do about climate change, we need heroes like Greg Foyster and Sophie Chishkovsky who put their lifestyles on the line to inspire us to change.” Colin Beavan, author of No Impact Man

”Greg is funny, insightful and sometimes painfully honest. But Sophie is hilarious!” Tanya Ha, author of Greeniology 2020

”This book is honest, edgy, raw and confrontational. Greg shares his truth in an uncut, heartfelt and mind-digested way. In the saddle of his pushbike we share a personal journey that’s uncovering community for what it is… A compelling ride to the future we are all creating.” Costa Georgiadis, host of Gardening Australia

“From advertising to dumpster diving. A fascinating account of one couple’s journey to live by their principles.” Craig Reucassel, The Chaser and The Checkout

Pedal-Powered Book Tour

Greg said they want to promote the book in a low-impact way, so from September 20 until November 20 they’re embarking on a Pedal-Powered Book Tour. It’ll be a 2000-kilometre journey from Melbourne to Sydney over 60 days, visiting bookstores along the way. Go along and meet them and take a nice piece of banana cake or some muffins to fuel the next leg of their journey. Here’s the current itinerary:

• 12.30pm Friday 20 September at The Sun Bookshop in Yarraville for a talk and signing
• 6pm Wednesday 25 September at The Bookshop at Queenscliff for pizza and wine and a talk  and signing
• 7pm Thursday 26 September at Bookgrove Ocean Grove for a talk and signing
• 9am Saturday 28 September at Torquay Books for a talk and signing
• 12pm Thursday 3 October at Collins Ballarat (Sturt St) for a talk and signing
• 11am Sunday 6 October at New Leaves Woodend for a talk and signing
• 12pm Monday 7 October at Aesop’s Attic in Kyneton for a signing
• 2pm Wednesday 9 October at Stoneman’s Bookroom in Castlemaine for a signing
• 12pm Saturday 12 October at Dymocks Bendigo for a signing
• Wednesday 16 October in Shepparton
• Thursday 24 October in Wangaratta
• Saturday 26 October in Albury
• Wednesday 30 October and Thursday 31 October in Canberra
• Saturday 2 November in Cooma
• Wednesday 6 November in Bega
• Friday 8 November in Moruya
• Saturday 9 November in Bateman’s Bay
• Sunday 10 November in Ulladulla
• Tuesday 12 November in Nowra
• Friday 15 November in Wollongong
• Monday 18 November to Wednesday 30 November in Sydney

For regular updates on the book tour, visit the book page on Greg and Soph's blog, or the Changing Gears Facebook page.