THOMPSON’S STATION, Tenn. — While riding more than 10,000 miles on self-supported tours across America, Tim and Debbie Bishop discovered wisdom and truth from the seat of a bicycle. In their new book, “Wheels of Wisdom: Life Lessons for the Restless Spirit”, the Bishops chronicle their inspirational encounters from the road.
“Wheels of Wisdom” takes readers from sunny Florida to the abundant fields of the Great Plains, and from Hells Canyon, where the cyclists endure scorching heat, to a mountaintop celebration in the Bighorn range. Whether traveling for hours on isolated back roads or weaving through a traffic jam, the Bishops reflect on adopting the right mind-set, overcoming obstacles, and relishing life’s journey.
“We wrote ‘Wheels of Wisdom’ for those who enjoy creative approaches to exploring meaning and purpose,” said Houlton native Tim Bishop. “We try to share authentically from personal experience in order to connect with readers. Learning and growing can be adventuresome and fun.”
“Some of our lessons are deep and touch on spirituality. Others are practical,” Debbie Bishop said. “Bicycle touring is an awesome way to develop character within us as we learn about the world around us. It pulls you out of your ‘comfort zone’ and places you in a setting where you can think about deeper matters.”
Now living in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee, the Bishops married in 2010 in their early 50s. In 2013, they penned “Two Are Better: Midlife Newlyweds Bicycle Coast to Coast” and “Bicycle Touring How-To”. They volunteer as Hope Coaches for TheHopeLine, a crisis help service spotlighted in “Wheels of Wisdom”. During the book’s launch, the couple will donate proceeds from sales on their website to TheHopeLine.
In a recent review, Publishers Weekly wrote, “Those looking for a road map for life can get directions from the Bishops. … The coauthors share stories and insights cleverly separated into six thematic sections. … The book incorporates faith without unnecessary preaching.”
Jim Sayer, the executive director of Adventure Cycling, said “Wheels of Wisdom” contains “sage advice for people at all stages of life.”
New York Times bestselling author Dan Miller characterized the book as “a reminder that we are all privileged travelers in this world of wonder.”
“Wheels of Wisdom: Life Lessons for the Restless Spirit” retails for $14.99 and is distributed by Bookmasters – Atlas Books. Simultaneous with the release of “Wheels of Wisdom” comes “Metaphors in Motion: Wisdom from the Open Road”, a teaser e-book with eight more life lessons. For more information, visit www.openroadpress.com.
