Trailing after Harriet Tubman … on a bike

It sounds absurd, but … what would it be like to trace the steps of Harriet Tubman on a bicycle?

That’s not a joke. It’s exactly what David Goodrich did. And then he wrote about it in a nonfiction book titled “On Freedom Road: Bicycle Explorations and Reckonings on the Underground Railroad.”

To make a local point, Goodrich will appear in support of his book at 7 p.m. Thursday at Auntie’s Bookstore .

Goodrich, who is a climate scientist, rode thousands of miles, following Tubman’s origins in Maryland all the way north to Canada, then from New Orleans through Mississippi and even up to the border stars along the Ohio River.

“Chronicling his 3,000-mile journey, the author records both well- and little-known historical tales,” wrote Kirkus Reviews , “and he effectively demonstrates his belief that traveling by bike provides a unique feel for the land.”

In the end, wrote Kirkus, Goodrich’s book is “A heartfelt reminder of the importance of remembering our past in order to continue to learn from it.”

Space is limited, so it’s best to make a reservation for the event. You can do so by clicking here .