Round The World On A Wheel is the story of when John Foster Fraser, along with two others, cycled around the world. They set off in 1896, when the British Empire was at its height (Empire features much in this book) and the world was a very different place than it is today.
Record-breaking ride
Fraser and companions travelled a claimed 19 287 miles, clocking up the longest recorded bicycle journey at the time. The entire adventure took them 774 days, which is far longer than round-the-world record-breaking rides are these days.
On the other hand, the likes of Julian Sayarer didn’t have to carry (and use, in self-defence) a revolver, nor did they have to slog through literally thousands of miles of unrideable mud. In 1896, the world had very few sealed roads, and it speaks volumes that Fraser and friends often chose to cycle along railway lines, bumping along between the tracks. Yes, bumping along over railway sleepers, as that was a better option than any of the “roads” available.
Life or death
Fraser and friends were undoubtedly very tough characters. Despite this, they very nearly died several times during the adventure, including pushing through snow that was at times waist deep, while crossing a mountain pass – meant for people walking – at high altitude, at night.
The difficult parts
Fraser was undoubtedly a gifted writer, and of course, the book is of it’s time. However, the racism it contains was difficult to overlook. Fraser was clearly anti-Semitic, and in one place, refers to a black man, using the N word.
His, and his companions’ English exceptionalism shines through, too. For example, they didn’t actually carry food with them. Instead, they relied on the very locals that Fraser often describes as “revolting”, “ugly” or “untrustworthy” to feed them.
One night, in present-day Ukraine, they reached a small village around 11pm. Unable to find anyone, the walked up and down, shouting at the top of their voices. They woke the entire village, demanding to be fed, and to be given a place to sleep.
Especially their travels through China reveal their absolute abhorrence of the locals, of whom Fraser has nothing good to say.
In conclusion
Around The World On A Wheel remains a worthwhile read, even of only for the (admittedly warped, by Fraser’s views) glimpse it gives you into the past. For example, even in the USA, a nation considered highly developed today, they opted for riding between the train tracks, due to the appalling roads.
It’s possible to obtain printed copies of the book still (mine’s a second-hand copy) but as it’s out of copyright, it’s also available online, for free.