Hell on Two Wheels

By: Amy Snyder

Narrated by: Sheila Stasack

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Three-time Ironman finisher Amy Snyder takes the wraps off the best kept secret in the sports world, the Race Across America (RAAM), a bicycle race like no other. Unlike its famous cousin the Tour de France, RAAM is much crazier, more gothic, and even savage: Once the gun goes off the clock doesn't stop, and the first rider to complete the prescribed 3,000-mile route is the victor.

In Hell on Two Wheels, Snyder follows a group of athletes before, during, and after the 2009 RAAM, the closest and most controversial race in the event's 30-year history. This work offers a thrilling and remarkably detailed account of the competitors' triumphs and tragedies as they test themselves, each other, and the limits of human endurance. As RAAM exacts its vicious toll, Snyder shows how the racers discover their essential humanity and experience profound joy and completeness, demonstrating how such a grueling effort can also be cleansing and self-revelatory.

©2011 Amy Snyder (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

A documentary of the toughest bike race

Reading this book made me realize that the participants in RAAM are no doubt the toughest, baddest, and most mentally focused athletes in the world. Going through RAAM is like subjecting yourself to Navy Seals Hell Week - except with the added pains of saddle sores, neck paralysis, pulmonary edema, swollen hands and feet, hallucinations, and a host of other ailments. The author did a great job in helping the reader understand what motivated each of the main contestants portrayed in the book, and how they dealt with the tortures of this grueling race. I can't say it was motivational - as some sports books are. This was more of a drama / documentary - but gave me a greater appreciation for these athletes.

Incredible & Inspiring

As a competitive cyclist unfamiliar with RAAM, this book opened my eyes to an unbelievable athletic endeavor. I cannot recommend it enough!

Great

One of the best books I have read this year. If you ride a bike, you will love every minute.

Too much focus on the leaders

The focus on the leaders of the race isn't what I came for. The real stories of races like these aren't the people who win but the event itself and the people who are racing the cutoff. None-the-less it was a good listen and informative.

OK BOOK

Good book. Hard to follow at times.

I didn't like how the author compared RAAM to races like Leadville 100, Badwater, Tour de France, etc and suggested they pale in comparison to the effort needed for RAAM.

I am completely impressed with the physical and mental toughness of RAAM cyclists, but I would NEVER suggest or imply they are superior to the efforts of a finisher in one of these previously mentioned ultra endurance events.

Great story about endurance cycling

If you could sum up Hell on Two Wheels in three words, what would they be?

intriguing
perseverance
insight

What did you like best about this story?

the description of the athletes state of mind while enduring the elements, course difficulties and confronting their physical limits

Have you listened to any of Sheila Stasack’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it made me feel the struggle especially after hours in the saddle and with the hallucinations, you realize how they have surpasses their limit of stress on the body

Any additional comments?

I think she did a great job at covering the race so others can understand why drives these athletes to keep going or for repeat attempts to complete RAAM

RAAM, from a inside view

Took a bit to get into for myself. However, once through the deep back story it was truly enjoyable.

A lot going on through out it. Makes you realize how far someone can push the human body. very impressive.

Great story!

Really enjoyed listening to this book. Exciting, clear audio. Look forward to following this years race

Mostly just about the male riders

The author notes in the book, that women are less supervised in the race then men...and then does the same thing in the book...shines so much less attention on the women rider's stories. Too sad. Other than that it was insightful and well written.

Gripping!

Gripping account of the race! must read for any RAAM aspirant. Jure Robic is a legend