Not only bicycle enthusiasts, but anyone with an interest in journeys of self-discovery will enjoy Bill Gisel's engrossing narrative of preparing for and finally completing the ride of a lifetime - a six-day, 500-mile bike trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska, to raise funds for AIDS vaccine research. Weaving together a series of captivating anecdotes full of colourful characters, bicycle mishaps, and both poignant and exhilarating moments, Gisel allows the reader to participate in the highs and lows of this unique experience. His description of discovering the world of bicycling will resonate with experienced riders and will tempt many other casual riders to haul their old bikes out of the garage. "Ride" is also a refreshing story of commitment, friendship, and the desire of a few individuals to help make a difference in a war against a ravaging disease. For those plagued by the "too much to do, too little time" syndrome, it is also a reminder that, no matter how busy, we can all commit to an important cause.