Anna McNuff is a British adventurer, perhaps best known for her barefoot, long-distance running. She had this idea of using a scooter (the type that you push with one foot) to travel down the length of South America. To accompany her, McNuff enlisted a friend of hers, Faye.
When initial testing (in the UK) showed the disadvantages of using scooters, they changed their plans, and switched to bicycles instead.
Not the easy way
I doubt there’s actually an easy way to cycle the 5 300 miles of South America, but McNuff and her friend decided from the outset to include at least 100 000 metres of climbing. That’s more than 13 Everests!
When you throw into the mix the fact the pair of them hardly spoke a word of Spanish, you can see things getting even more complicated. Undeterred, the two adventurers set off.
Relationship building
McNuff and her friend pulled off an awe-inspiring feat, one that would have left many macho men as sobbing wrecks by the roadside. The fact the pair of them are exceptionally tough and resilient human beings is indisputable, and becomes very clear, throughout the book.
Despite that, what struck me the most is the very human way they went about it. When you go on a cycling adventure with someone, you are essentially in each other’s company 24/7. That makes it inevitable that tempers will fray, and misunderstandings will occur.
What impressed me to no end was the superb way McNuff and her friend dealt with this. I’m not afraid to say that I learnt a great deal about how to be a better human being, simply by reading this book. I believe all but the most callous-hearted people would also benefit from reading it.
Easy-going
McNuff comes across an an exceptionally easy-going person, fully capable of dealing with enormous challenges, while retaining a great sense of humour. Her writing style is easy-going, too, and this book was an absolute pleasure to read.
South America can be extremely unforgiving, and the two riders took on some of the continent’s biggest challenges. However, the McNuff tells the story, without any hint of bravado, is refreshing.
Verdict
This is a great read. Llama Drama won’t win awards for the most prosaic of language, and I think that’s one of the book’s greatest strengths. It’s a very honest retelling of an incredible adventure, in language that simply flows, and describes the scenery – and the challenges – very well.
I found it difficult to put down, and I have no doubt you’ll feel the same. Get your copy here, or from any good book store.