$20.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Saturday, May 11 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 9. Order within 21 hrs 6 mins
In Stock
$$20.00 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$20.00
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Anna Mitchell
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Fat Chick Goes AWOL: 2,600 Miles in an Armchair on Wheels (with a 600-mile Detour on Foot) Paperback – November 11, 2016

by Anna Mitchell (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 141 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$20.00","priceAmount":20.00,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"20","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"00","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"e6XNGh6P007i73MLJWQ8vOnzshbhaLWeveVLsPMmWXj2K91Ms5hF%2FwhkdzpMkMXNg1CbKzunhYPsFKU3hbMqpQ7akDftRjBZPk1h%2FT1%2FAXQCHUHDqyUy7l02BYzL6PdDQTxXOeti0yo4YAleXav6GQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

FAT CHICK PLANS TO ESCAPE CORPORATE WHOREDOM AND TRAVEL THE WORLD. SHE’S JUST BOUGHT A RECUMBENT TRIKE TO DO IT WITH. BUT WITH SO MUCH GOING AGAINST HER, WILL SHE EVEN MAKE IT OUT OF THE CITY? Fat Chick is a 30-something accountant who dreams of cycling, hiking and paddling her way around the world, starting with her own country, Australia. But at a whopping 130kgs (285lbs), she’s not exactly the poster child for human-powered travel. On top of that, nobody will let her leave the Real World. The armchair experts won’t stop filling her head with dire predictions of being chopped up by axe murderers, run over by road trains and eaten by crocodiles. Her new personal trainer is trying to kill her with diet and exercise. And her boss just hired a hit woman to destroy Fat Chick’s trike because the accounting system needs to be fixed. Fat Chick is determined to steer her life in the direction of her dreams, not the dreams of others, because ‘life is short, and it’s later than you think’. But the Real World is determined to keep her in its grip. Can she break free of the spider’s web and live her dreams before it’s too late?
Previous page
  1. Print length
    332 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    November 11, 2016
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0994649304
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0994649300
  7. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

"F#ck It I'm Gonna Do It Anyway - Words to Live By!
What a fun read! Anna is irreverent and funny in describing her adventures. She has great nicknames for various characters she meets along the way, and a tenacious fun-loving attitude. I'm seriously inspired by Anna's adventures, which are formidable for those in the best of athletic shape. Her determination, wit, and will shine through in this fun memoir." - travel blogger Nora Dunn, The Professional Hobo

"Turns Out the Australian Easy Rider is a Fat Chick. Anna Mitchell delivers an updated Aussie version of the 60s cult hit "Easy Rider". Instead of a Harley Davidson there is a sweet tricked out recumbent tricycle. Instead of Peter Fonda there is the irrepressible and hilarious "Fat Chick". Anna Mitchell has opened a window into her irreverent and adventurous world of quirky characters and Coca-Cola quaffing. After finishing the book I suggested it to my wife. She began reading it while I was driving and would annoyingly laugh out loud periodically. Then I would have to ask her "Which part?" so I could share the moment and enjoy it all over again. This went on for nearly 500 miles! Do yourself a favor and buy this book today." - Gary Solomon, host of The Laidback Bike Report

"Most people dream about chucking itall and taking off on wild adventures. Few actually do it. Anna shows us exactly how it's done. In Fat Chick Goes AWOL, Anna drags us along through all the highs and lows of making your life your own, and will inspire you to grab life by the horns and steer it toward a life uncommon." - Nancy Sathre-Vogel, Family on Bikes, author of Changing Gears, Twenty Miles Per Cookie, What Were We Thinking?, and Roadschooling

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ TCBF Press (November 11, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0994649304
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0994649300
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.26 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 141 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Anna Mitchell

Anna Mitchell

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Anna Mitchell is the author of far too many school assignments, university exam paper answers and corporate accounting procedures –none of which have given her life any significant meaning. Fat Chick Goes AWOL is her first book.

Mitchell currently lives in a paddock in rural Victoria, Australia, in The Tiny Homestead, a mini-homestead she created from other people’s rubbish, and is exploring freeganism, self-sufficiency and off grid living. Before this adventure, she spent four years exploring homelessness in a van with two cats.

Her next adventure will be building an off grid Tiny House on wheels.

But she’s not done travelling yet. She and the bumblebee chariot will ride again. You have been warned.

********************************************************************

12 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Me

1. I’m really good at organising space, and have often paid my rent by de-cluttering houses, garages and farm sheds.

2. I have two pieces of the Berlin Wall, one painted white, the other with graffiti. One was a gift from a guy I worked for as a nanny, the other I picked up myself.

3. In one of my accounting jobs I got staff to comply with an accounting procedure by sending them a lollipop in the internal mail if they did it right that month.

4. In high school I regularly used working on the school newspaper and Yearbook in the school’s print room as an excuse to get out of the classes I didn’t want to go to, and nearly got expelled for refusing to buy the school uniform jumper. I also won the Year 12 Citizenship Award. Work that one out.

5. In primary school I once got an Honour Certificate for returning all of my school library books on time for the first time ever. It was probably the last time too; I’m pretty sure I still have a book from that library.

6. When I was a kid my mother had a cleaning job one day a week at a special needs school that had an in-ground trampoline. That was my favourite day of the week.

7. I love cemeteries, hammocks and barbershop quartets.

8. I have a collection of Coca Cola cans from around the world circa 1980s-90s. If I hadn’t drunk their contents, they’d probably be worth a fortune.

9. I’m crazy good at rollerblading. Until I have to brake. Tip: Breasts will work as a brake, but your chiropractor won’t be happy with you. Neither will your breasts.

10. I rode a horse once, when I was 11. She was docile, heavily pregnant, and walking slowly – and I still managed to fall off. This is the Universe telling you you’re never going to be a champion horse rider, and you should buy a recumbent trike instead.

11. If I were to do a themed AWOL, it would probably be The Caesar Salad Tour of the World.

12. My favourite cake is ice cream cake. No, ice cream cake is NOT just for kids. Just like bedtime stories are not just for kids. What? Silence! I kill you!

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
141 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Dad
5.0 out of 5 stars Nomadics as art
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2020
Verified Purchase
Why art?  Because nomads must use artful elemental equipment to facilitate their minimalist lifestyles. Like bicycles, backpacks, rain gear, tents, camp stoves, phones - the lot. It's an intriguing subject - and I was intrigued by the discontinuity of "Fat Chick", "26,000 Miles In An Armchair On Wheels" and the cover picture of a stylish recumbent bicycle. Different. Deals with matters technical, natural and psychological with a rolling humor that carries you right along. This is a lovely book that tells a lovely story with a lovely sense of humor. I want another one.
Helpful
 Report
Terra Terra
5.0 out of 5 stars Lol funny and inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
The authors brand of witty humor had me wiping away tears. Definitely not a boring travel book! Hoping to see more from this author.
Helpful
 Report
Angela Gaye Horn
4.0 out of 5 stars Funny and entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2021
Verified Purchase
Looking for a Saturday afternoon on the couch book? This is it! Anna is hilarious, recounting her adventures with signature Aussie wit.
Helpful
 Report
Kelly Summerville
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than I expected.
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
I read this book because it was about a recumbent trike. I really wanted more content on the actual riding of the trike and less about the people she met on the way. The characters she met on her trips and her wit, really pulled me into the story. She challenged my brain to read the words from people with accents and if you took the time to read it closely, she nailed it. It has been a long time since I've laughed out loud reading a book. I throughly enjoyed this and look forward to further adventures from her. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
Helpful
 Report
jim presley
5.0 out of 5 stars Soul of a beautiful adventurer
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2022
Verified Purchase
Anna's book is an insightful and honest depiction of life on road of a brave and determined adventurist. Her book will draw you into her exciting and meaningful world, one that can only be reach by crossing the bounds of the comfort zone. This is a read that you long remember and be thankful the author was will to share with the reading world.
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book to read.
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2021
Verified Purchase
It was an enjoyable book. All the places she went to and the fun she had. What I don't understand is with all that walking or biking she done she still kept saying she is a fat chick. In my opinion she should have been skin and bones with all that exercise. Also I would have loved to see a picture of this bike she rode. It's hard to picture it on the way she describes it. All in all a good book.
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book and wicked sense of humour.
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
Would have been 5 stars but a few too many swear words for me. Look forward to the next book which hopefully will be soon!
Helpful
 Report
Be-Ing (DJY)
5.0 out of 5 stars fun! Not your typical touring book- thank goodness
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2019
Verified Purchase
She's got a great sense of humor, and just the right amount of info/ honesty/detail to keep me hooked. I throughly enjoyed this book and hope some day to cross paths with the author somewhere on the road! Good onya!
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Mrs B.
5.0 out of 5 stars honest and fun. After reading Annas'
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2017
Verified Purchase
I bought this after being told by my daughter "you have to read this mum, Anna is awsome and her book is too". Unputdownable, honest and fun. After reading Annas', hilarious, down to earth and off-the-wall accounts of travelling around Australia, this 50+ fat chick can't wait to shake off her "soft Chains" and have her own Aussie adventure - not on a trike, but who knows - in the future - she makes travelling on a recumbent trike sound like THE way to travel. Totally recommend this book and can't wait for the next one to be finished.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air, funny and poignant
Reviewed in Australia on September 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
After having read many many american hiking books (particularly about the 3 great, long distance tracks, the AT, PCT and CDT) it was fantastic to finally read an Aussie book . Full of great larrikins and Aussie characters, this book was very hard to put down. Not laugh a minute, this is more laugh a second, although it does have a few, rare sad(ish) bits.
I loved going on the journey with fat chick and as a fat bloke who likes to walk long distances , I can really relate to the issue of weight and ambition not really cooperating well, although Anna shows it can be done.
I really liked Granny's sayings...so true and so Aussie.
Most of them are now up on the wall.
Go ahead... read the book, get inspired and you too can break those "soft chains".
Report
Miss P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it and then go look at trikes...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book should come with a warning 'May cause wanderlust!' or least a discount voucher for your local stockist of recumbent trikes. It's full of great stories and characters with some interesting travelling tips along the way. Fat Chick's adventures on the road and during the in between times are recounted in an down-to-earth and witty way that's highly enjoyable and might make you look a bit thoughtfully at your own 'soft chains'.
Read it and then go look at trikes...
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars What an awesome read by a real and relatable author
Reviewed in Australia on April 28, 2018
Verified Purchase
I love adventure stories to keep my passion and inspiration alive - especially about cycling and hiking - as I enjoy getting out as much as possible, and this book covers both! I particularly loved this book as it was refreshingly not an adventure of some crazy string bean ultra-human, but a real person doing a real-life adventure, with relatable trials and tribulations, and the important things of life. It shows that we can all go on adventures and enjoying the places between the long distances is just as important ... as is hammocks! This well-written book is hard to put down and will inspire you to stop making excuses and enjoy your own adventure, whatever it is.
Report
M. I'ANSON
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Inspiring
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2017
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book which I found both entertaining and informative from start to finish. I'm more of a hiker than a cyclist so I found the section about the Bibbulmun Track especially interesting; it's certainly inspired me to be a bit more adventurous myself. Hopefully we can look forward to reading about some more of Anna's adventures before too long.
One person found this helpful
 Report