Moods of Future Joy - Alastair Humpreys

A round-the-world cycle that will change your outlook on life.

A book can have a profound effect on you but I do believe it’s all about timing. The right book at the right time for the right situation can change your outlook and trajectory. I fully believe this because this is exactly what happened with this book and this author to me and my life.

I was in my second year of university, I had a cycle trip planned with friends over the summer months. My girlfriend at the time bought me this book because she thought I would like it, and even wrote on the inside of it “not that you need any encouragement”. Prior to this book I had never read any expedition or adventure book at all, it never really interested me to read about someone else’s trip. I much preferred to read stuff about how they did the trip, and the research into the planning of my own trip.

What resulted from this book was almost like I had joined a cult. This isn’t at all the type or person Alistair Humphreys is, and his writing style couldn’t be any further from the sales-pitch macho writing you get with others. It felt like I had joined a cult because I was obsessed with his outlook on life, how to prioritise choices and what was important to him. He struck a cord I didn’t even realise was there. That feeling of being lost and not knowing what I wanted to do, had been answered. You will see a number of Alastair's books on these reviews over time, but for now, let’s begin with the one that started it all.

Overview:

Alastair was due to start work as a Geography teacher after graduating from Cambridge University but instead decided to cycle around the world. He had done previous cycles during his university days but this was obviously to be his biggest. The trip was funded by saving up his student loan, and he completed the 4 year and 46,000 mile journey on only £7,000. This is an insanely cheap amount of money to travel to 60 countries and experience everything a global adventure can throw at you. He did it mostly solo, only a few times did a friend join him. But there was no support vehicle or back up team at all.

Initial Impression:

When I was first reading this I was surprised and reassured with the transparency of his amateur-ness. He was open and honest from an emotional perspective, and didn’t over complicate what he was doing. This was perfectly summed up in the emotional paragraph of him leaving his Yorkshire family home. Shedding a tear as he left on this monumentous trip, upset that he was leaving his parents for so long, only to have to turnaround and collect his passport as he reached the end of his street! His upbeat and positive outlook is apparent and sets the tone for the whole book. The chapters are short and with plenty happening it makes you read more than perhaps you intended in each sitting.

What I loved:

1/ The simplicity of the trip. I say this in comparison to people who do polar expeditions, or ones with motors, or that require a large level of skill. Most people can ride a bike, which gives you some appreciation of what he is doing. I have never dragged a sled at -40°C on snow so for someone doing this day in day out I find it hard to relate. But cycling in sand or up mountain passes is a lot more relatable.

2/ His optimistic nature. I don’t want to give too many spoilers but he set off on his trip with the intention of riding East from Istanbul. Unfortunately after 9/11 this was not possible so had to think on his feet and instead go south down Africa. No complaining, no negativity, nothing but optimism of what lay ahead.

3/ Commitment to the cause. 4 years is a long time to cycle, especially when you are ‘roughing’ it on the budget he was on. His description of some of the accommodation sounds miserable. The stretches of time where he was continuously soaked, or freezing cold, or boiling hot, yet he never through in the towel.

4/ A motto to live by. “You can’t quit if you are warm, had a good sleep, and have a belly full of food”. It’s too easy when things aren’t going well to throw in the towel. You regret it pretty quick once you’ve had a feed and a good warm sleep. I’ve used this idea on a few trips since and it certainly helps. I’ve also applied it into work situations as well, so that I don’t quit or start looking for work when I’m having a bad week.

Who is this for?

Somebody who wants to learn more about the world. Who wants to do a trip but is not sure where to start, feels they haven’t got the skillset or finances to see it through. If you like the Bear Grylls drama then this won’t be for you. There is danger and adventure, but it is not Hollywood, it’s more realistic and relatable.

Conclusion:

I’m yet to find anyone I have recommended this book to that doesn’t enjoy it. Friends have mine have been inspired by this book to go off on their own adventures, so it’s not just me who gets suckered into the cult! It will make you re-assess what is possible, make you question the path you are on, and allow you to dream of what is possible. It’s an inspiring, uplifting and funny tale of a great trip. Get it, read it, get ready for change!