The Wheels of Chance by H.G. Wells

A humble draper’s assistant takes a bicycle tour through the English countryside in search of freedom and escape from his mundane life. Along the way, he meets a spirited young woman and becomes entangled in a light, comedic series of adventures. As romance, misunderstanding, and self-discovery follow, the journey becomes as much internal as external. The plot captures the social changes of the time, especially in class and gender roles. It’s a humorous and sharply observed story of independence on two wheels.