This was a present from my daughter to mark our visit to the Topping and Co. Bookshop at the end of London Road in Edinburgh. It was a thoughtful birthday present, but I was suspicious of it for a start. Once into it, however, I very much enjoyed it.
The is far from a typical bicycle touring book. It is much more about butterflies and nature than it is about bicycles. That said it does chart the 10,000 mile ride the author took as she tracked the paths of Monarch Butterflies as they migrated from Mexico to Canada and back. Both butterflies and rider deserve our attention.
Big themes: Bicycling with Butterflies is an inspiring memoir. It’s a blend of adventure ride, a plea for the environment, and a tale of personal growth. Perhaps the butterflies are the heroes as they struggle to migrate across the environmental desert full of mono-culture crops and chemicals that much of agricultural America has become.
Paired challenges: From the very first pages, Dykman drew me into her ambitious mission. She sets out to pedal alongside monarchs as they make their multi-generational migration, while raising awareness of their declining population. Her voice is warm, candid, and often funny, making even the most gruelling stretches of her ride relatable.
A plea for nature: One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its balance between travelogue and environmental education. It seamlessly weaves fascinating details about bike riding, monarch biology, conservation challenges, and the delicate ecosystems they and we humans depend on. These lessons never feel heavy-handed; instead, they serve to highlight why her mission matters to us all.
An opportunity to connect: Another big plus is the cast of human characters she encounters along the way. She meets generous strangers offering food and shelter. She talks to classes of schoolchildren eager to learn about monarchs. These interactions underscore the theme of interconnection – between people, nature, and the planet. Dykman’s openness to kindness and her ability to find community on the road add warmth and optimism to her story.
Reliance rewarded: The book is a meditation on perseverance and purpose. Cycling thousands of miles alone is a feat beyond most of us. Dykman doesn’t shy away from sharing her doubts, exhaustion, and moments of vulnerability. Her determination to complete the journey in part mirrors the resilience of the monarchs themselves.
A call to action: In the end, Bicycling with Butterflies is more than a travel memoir—it’s a call to action. It reminds us that protecting the fragile web of life is both urgent and possible. She proves that individuals can make a difference with creativity and grit.
My verdict: I was gripped by this book. It combines heartwarming encounters with vitally important and urgent ecological insights. It is full of really vivid science. I recommend it to nature lovers, cyclists, and anyone who believes it’s possible for individuals to spark change and make a difference in our world. It’s maybe not for hardened roadies however!
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