Suit to Saddle

Biographies & Memoirs

synopsis

Synopsis

"Your job has been eliminated." In other words, you're unemployed, out of work, and desperate to find a new purpose. When US Army veteran Larry Walsh heard those words, his world was turned upside down. With a desire to move beyond unemployment, create an exciting new future for himself, and push past his limits, he decides to fulfill his lifelong dream to bike across the country. He purchases a Surly Disc Trucker touring bike and begins his 3,120-mile ride of the Southern Tier from California to Florida. Cycling over treacherous mountains, through open plains, unforgiving deserts, and over 200 unique small towns, Walsh not only discovers a new world and new people, but he uncovers a side of himself that he thought was long forgotten-one filled with true grit and determination. In Suit to Saddle, Walsh chronicles his story of triumph over adversity. Each person he meets along the road plays an integral part of his quest for inner peace and growth. Through the eyes of a one-armed cyclist, a retired police officer, a gun-toting waitress, and a thousand miles of open road, Walsh learns that the true meaning of a life well-lived is the journey. Join Walsh on his trip across America and see what it feels like to experience life one mile at a time.

bio

Author Biography

I'm a U.S. Army veteran, author, basketball enthusiast, family man, and lifelong adventurer. After seven years in the Army and a career spanning more than 40 years in the corporate world, I've learned that some of life's best experiences happen when you step outside your comfort zone.

That philosophy led me to ride a bicycle across America. Twice.

My first adventure, a 3,100-mile journey from California to Florida in 2018, became the basis for my first book, Suit to Saddle: Cycling to Self-Discovery on the Southern Tier. A year later, I returned to the road, this time riding 4,200 miles from Oregon to Virginia in the TransAmerica Bike Race. That adventure became my second book, Forty to Finish: Cycling to Victory on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. Both books became #1 Amazon New Releases.

These days, I'm revisiting those 7,300 miles through Larry Rides America, a series of short videos sharing the people, places, and experiences I encountered along the way. Many of these stories never made it into my books, and I'm having a great time bringing them to life.

As I begin my next chapter in retirement, I'm also working on a third book, drawing on lessons learned through military service, business, and life. And, of course, I'm still riding.

When I'm not writing or cycling, I enjoy reading, following basketball, our son's track and field competitions and spending time with my wife and family, and escaping to our cabin on Torch Lake, Michigan.

A wise man once said, "If you dig it, do it. If you dig it a lot, do it twice." — Jim Croce

So that's what I did.

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Author Insight

A Positive Impact on Others

An 84-year-old woman approached the front of the auditorium at the All Seasons in Ann Arbor last week. Her steps were noticeably shaky, as she made progress using her Rollator to reach me. She steadied herself and in a soft, wavering voice, said, “I enjoyed your talk.” The one-time avid cyclist, with over 25,000-miles on the saddle as a member of her cycling club, appeared content and energized to tackle the rest of her day. A few days later, after my talk to the Central Jersey Cycling Club members, I received a thank you note. "...Thank you so much for sharing your stories with the club. I am about one-third of the way through your book, and I am amazed at the details you include. You certainly seem to have the knack to be a great writer. Don't give it up. And best of luck with your second book about to come out. I'll be watching for it. I know there is an introduction at the end of Suit to Saddle..." These warm-hearted encounters, and unforeseen hat-tips reinforce the wise decision I made to share my story with others.

Book Excerpt

Suit to Saddle

Some people asked if I was going to write a book. My response was always an emphatic no! Writing was never something I’d been interested in doing. Plus, I questioned why anyone would want to read about my journey. Except for telling a handful of people, I didn’t publicize the ride before I left. I did not raise money for a cause, primarily because I did not want to draw attention to myself. I rode across the country for me.

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Larry Walsh

Suit to Saddle

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

A Positive Impact on Others

Book Excerpt

Suit to Saddle

Comment on this Bubble