Coffee First, Then the World

Spanning 16 countries, taking 124 days, and covering 18,000 miles, Coffee First, Then the World is the thrilling and unforgettable narrative of Jenny Graham’s solo, record-breaking bike journey around the globe. Teeming with resilience, tenacity, and adventure, this book immerses readers in a race against time and self-discovery.

SELECTED FOR THE BBC AND READING AGENCY'S BIG SPORTING READ 2024

SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2024 – CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR

A WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 – SPORT

‘An amazing adventure... I was left in total awe’ - Lorraine Kelly

‘Brilliant’ - Mark Beaumont

In 2018, Jenny Graham, an amateur cyclist from Scotland, set out to break the record for the fastest woman to circumnavigate the world by bike. Leaving her loved ones behind, Jenny embarked on her ambitious journey, facing diverse landscapes and unpredictable terrains across four continents. Her adventure began under the daunting skies of Europe, crossing into the vast, challenging expanse of Russia, through the weather extremes of Australia, the captivating beauty of Mongolia, and the untamed wilderness of North America.

The book shares Jenny’s day-to-day experiences, from fixing her bike on the fly to sleeping on roadsides and pushing her limits by riding through the night. Throughout her voyage, she encountered terrifying near-miss road collisions, majestic wildlife, and the serene solitude of long, empty roads. Jenny’s writing, imbued with wit and raw honesty, brings the reader along every mile, every struggle, and every triumph.

As Jenny clocked her miles, she opened up not just to the physical challenge but the spiritual and emotional rollercoaster that came with such an endeavour. The narrative highlights the warmth and kindness of strangers she met along the way, and how cultural exchanges and human connections enriched her journey. Despite the hardships, Jenny’s love for life and unwavering spirit shine through, as she shares impromptu moments of joy and the unanticipated beauty she found in her daily discoveries.

Coffee First, Then the World is more than a sports memoir; it is an epic testament to human endurance, the hunger for adventure, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Jenny Graham's story is an inspiration to anyone who believes in pushing the boundaries of what's possible and embracing the world's myriad wonders one pedal stroke at a time.