Product Description
This book combines bicycle routes around 25 Civil War sites with history lessons. Follow the path John Wilkes Booth took or enjoy the magnificent mountain vistas around Harpers Ferry as you learn about John Brown's raid. All descriptions include mile markers, maps, and suggested reading. ... Read more

Product Description
. . .we can’t promise that you’ll become another Lance Armstrong, but for fun and fitness you can’t beat cycling. . .bicycling that is! Bicycling For Fun and FitnessHave you noticed the scale tipping the wrong way lately?Maybe a recent medical checkup indicated that you need to get some exercise to counterbalance a sedentary lifestyle; or, what about a fun family activity? Look, if you are a chronic couch potato along with a sedentary occupation you need help.Whatever the reason you won’t find a better sport than bicycle riding.Maybe you already realize the importance of keeping fit in today’s world.Many of us sit behind a computer all day and the only exercise we get is the walk from the parking lot to the elevator.It’s no wonder we Americans are the fattest people on the planet! Does that sound harsh?Sorry, but it’s the truth as many studies have proven.The good news is that the situation is reversible and one of the best ways to get to work and slim down is on a bicycle; and, “Bicycling for Fun and Fitness” can be the tool to get you started!What’s in it for me?Just take a look:What types of bikes are availableLearn the different types of bikes and the pros and cons of eachWhat kind of cycling do you wish to doExplore the different kinds of bicycling you can doWhat is fitness cyclingHow cycling can fit into an overall fitness programPreparing to cycleWhat you need to know before you begin a cycling programEquip yourself What do you need in addition to a bike for the different types of cyclingSetting up your cycling fitness programFinding a good “routine” for fitness cyclingThe right and wrong way to cycleDid you know cycling can be harmful in some casesWarming up and cooling downCross trainingHow to merge bicycling into a regular routineCharting your progressHow to prepare a method to keep track of your progressAll about accessoriesAll the accessories that are available for specific types of ridingNutrition for bicycle fitnessA good overall fitness dietBicycle RacingMoving up to serious bicyclingSpecial Bicycles for RacingDifference in bicycles for racing. . .weight, build, cost etcHow to train for bicycle racingWho should be cycling?Everyone!Bicycling is a great activity to enjoy with your family.Even new parents have options for bicycling with special seats and strollers designed specifically for the little ones.Maybe you have an exercise bike and that’s a good thing.But nothing beats getting out in the open air and pushing yourself; especially when you begin to see the results.“Bicycling for Fun and Fitness” is up to date and contemporary with all the latest information.Not only discover answers to all the questions above, but if you are interested in racing, learn how to prepare for that as well.You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to launch a new lifestyle of fun and fitness.“Bicycling for Fun and Fitness” takes away the excuses and leads you right where you belong! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent guide for a cyclist or an interested party
My son is bicycling the Transamerica Bicycle Trail and it gives me insight into his trip. When I showed it to him he liked it because it had some additional information that he didn't have.

Wrong direction
This book goes the wrong way, namely East to West. The book follows the old 1976 Bike Centennial trail that is well described and updated at the Adventure Cycling website. I followed this route, East to West. It would have been a lot better to have gone East to West. The wind gets pretty strong and it blows West to East; so, if you are riding East to West, you have to work much harder than if go would go the other direction. While I enthusiastically recommend the route, I suggest that it would be better to start in the West.

Helpful Book but Outdated
I used this book this summer, riding from Florence, OR to Yorktown, VA (yes, the book goes from east to west, so I was reading "backwards"). For my purposes, I used the book to help figure out how large towns were and what services they offered. 9 times out of 10 the book gave fairly accurate assesments of services. There were times when "full-service" towns were no longer in existance and the grocery or restaurant we had been relying on was nowhere in site.

That said, I would NEVER bike the Trans Am, or even a portion of it, without consulting Adventure Cycling first [on their web site]. Their maps are indespensible and when used in conjunction with their up-to-date addendums, they are incredibly accurate. Ikenberry makes it pretty clear that she is using the Adventure Cycling maps as her guide as well.

I also found it odd that Ikenberry only biked the Trans Am once. She makes comments on terrain and areas which are purely cicumstantial (such as mentioning "dog-prone" areas in Kentucky - where we had no more dogs than any other day - and areas with mean drivers.) It was sometimes hard to tell whether her descriptions of places were based on one pass through or fact. Plus, I would have trusted her judgment of "steep" and "trafficky" had I felt more confident in her bike touring past.

On the plus side, Ikenberry does offer some nice background information on historical areas which the Trans Am cyclist may not otherwise recieve.

Overall, I am glad I lugged the extra pound on my tour. It was helpful and since I wasn't relying on it for accuracy, I wasn't affected at all by the closed services. It would be great if someone would update the book! Some towns in the book are no longer on the Adventure Cycling route. Also, she breaks the route into 70 different biking days. Some are rediculously long. She must have had some serious tail-winds at some points! Again, had she biked the route several times, I am sure her days would have been more "normal" in some instances.

In any case, bike the Trans Am since it is awesome and contact Adventure Cycling for your most accurate information. If you have [any money] left over and some room for a medium-sized book, squeeze Ikenberry into your pannier.

Could be a lot better
I biked the TransAmerica trail last summer and I used this book for pre-trip planning and as a guide while on the road.The vast majority of the route Ikenberry takes is along a trail that was first ridden in 1976 and was designed by Adventure Cycling.If you just need maps of the roadsto take, you'll be much better served by getting them from AdventureCycling.If you want to use this book as a companion to the maps, youshould realize that this book was written for westbounders.If you areriding from west to east (like i did) get ready to learn what dyslexiafeels like as you try to decipher all the directions backwards.

Thebook is thin on trip planning info and simply points readers to othersources for info on bike touring.In general, most of this book merelydescribes points of reference along the TranAm trail (ie: mile 1 - You'llpass a convienence store on the left; mile 2.3 - You'll see a lake withpicnic benches to the right).I felt that it lacked a real focus(sometimes it reads like a diary, sometimes it reads like a guidebook, etc)& was full of superfluous fluff (the state flower of virginia is blahblah, a family in kansas fed me cake, etc) that only made my saddlebagsthat much heavier.

Overall though, it's not my objective to dissuadeyou from buying this book... as unbelievably it seems to be the only guidewritten about riding the TransAm trail.Ikenberry's book certainly hassome usefullness - perhaps mostly so in providing info on places to sleepalong the way. But even then, she fails to mentions whether these placeshave showers or food on numerous occasions.It's worth the 15 bucks... butthe book could (& should) have been so much better... (for example:there is no mention anywhere of suggestions on what kind of bike to use,gearings, tires - nothing even remotely technical)

A well organized and detailed guidebook.
Donna Ikenberry's "Bicycling Coast to Coast" is a well laid out, day-by-day guidebook for a bicycle trip across the country.From maps, to sights to see, to places to camp and eat, this book has everything you needto get across the country and not get lost.

The only thing I wish thisbook included was trip preparation hints (of which it has very few). However, this book along with Steve Butterman's "Bicycle Touring - Howto Prepare for Long Rides" make a great cross country bike touringset. ... Read more

Product Description
Written with a keen eye for detail and a wry sense of humor, "The Road of Dreams" is travel writing at its best! Follow the unforgettable exploits of seasoned travelers Bruce Junek and Tass Thacker on their 26-month around-the-world bicycle trip. They crossed four continents through sweltering temperatures and winter snowstorms—punctuated by 42 flats. This deeply personal travel book is also the story of an inner journey with a compelling message: Recognize what you value most in life, and pursue it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good perspective on budget travel
A very enjoyable book. Not so deep & philosophical like a Bruce Chatwin or Peter Matthiessen travel journal, but it is much more approachable and readable. He writes the real story about travel - the hassles and hardships you endure to see and experience people and places that forever change the person you are. It inspires us to travel on a budget without trivializing the sheer time and labor involved.

Written in a simple, readable style, it is a page turner for sure.

this book is great
If you're interested in traveling the world, this is the way to do it. This book was inspirational and tremendous.

The road of the disjointed
This book started off withgreat Promise, of an adventure.However,the writer was all over the map, Figuratively,and did not seem to be able to flesh anything thing in detail.A mish mash of ideas and things thrown together for a book.Yes there was adventure there, He maybe should have hired a ghost writer instead of spending five years for this effort, I think money would have well spent if he had done this. I am sure that the slide show is much better.

YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!BEYOND WORDS!
Bruce & Tass (authors) tell their cycling story in such a way that can only inspire the spirit of travel in each of us!We all dream to experience the world: the authors allow us to travel with them on theirbicycles...13 miles/hour...1 new culture a day. Through this narrative andcollection of photos we are able to see literaturaly the world thru theirlegs & eyes...and dream of the day we too can slowly traverse thethousands of miles that we pretend to be obsticles in the pursuit of thatdream.

i am currently tour-cycling across the united states. started inneah bay, wa and going first to wash. d.c. then to nova scotia,canada...only to bike back to my native minnesota thru canada.7000 milesin 5 months.have fealt so much of their experience.appreciate theirallowing me to follow them along their personal journey into their heartsand around the globe.this book is such a great companion and model forwhat my trip has been and will be with every mile.thank you!

One of the best biking and hiking sagas!
Bruce Junek writes well, and Tass Thacker's photographs are excellent.They give you a good idea of the people and places they visit.They are also very kind and likable people.

Whether they are trekking, biking,meeting the locals, learning the languages, eating the local food(occasionally becoming ill!), you really like these two people.Thiscannot always be said of other adventurous types who might seemself-centered or petulant.And while not many will want to duplicate theirentire trip, there are parts of it that could be easily copied (e.g.,Nepal, New Zealand and Australia).

Wish they'd had even more time toexplore and write about their adventures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Bicycling for fun and fitness
This book offers practical advice while it gets the reader excited about the fun of biking.America needs to get off the couch and get peddling--here's a book to help you get started.Pick up one for a friend while you're at it!

Bicycling for Fun and Fitness
I thought this was a well written an informative book.The gentleman that poorly reviewed the book above admits to not knowing anything about writing and should admit to not knowing anything about reading as well.As a published author I can say I know how difficult it is to get something published, and If Mr. Talbert got a publisher to publish this book then he certainaly has got something right there.I thought the book read well and made me want to go right out and ride my bike.It is a must read for anyone who wants to loose weight and have fun doing so.

One of the Most Helpfull Self-Help Books Ever.
My sister read this wonderful book, bought a bicycle, and now she rides 60 to 70 miles a week. She sees the trees and flowers, hears the birds, and for the first time in her life, she knows how much wind there is and from what direction it's coming from. Me too. Bicycling is a marvelous physical exercise, but, as the author says, it's also a mind cleanser. Let's ride!

A Great Magazine Article
This book would have made a great little magazine article in one of the general-interest publications.As a book, it is sadly lacking.I'm no writer, and any time I feel I could've written the same book, it doesn't say much for the book!There is not sufficient technical information for those seeking learning.There are any number of other books on bicycling that explore the emotional/spiritual side better and in more depth.Same goes for health benefits.What are we left with, then?A good magazine article that has been 'plumped' into 78 pages and a few chapters.Spend the money instead on two or three bicycle magazines and learn more!

A good starting point for any would-be biker
The author tried to lose weight through other exercise routines for years: it was only when he got a bike that he's lost weight and realized health. This first-person account shares his experiences and explores his education on bike equipment and routes. A good starting point for any would-be biker. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Ride.. Hard to Read
This book feels like an accumulation of unedited e-mail. If punctuation and grammar are important to you, this book might get on your nerves.

One of My Favorites
This book is amazing.It described a wonderful adventure of a man fulfilling his dream despite many risks.The author faced many obstacles including weather, aggressive drivers, bears and yet perservered to the endwhile managing to have fun, learn many things, and meet a wide variety ofpeople.He wrote about it from a laptop computerwhich he carried withhim. Anyone who noticed any mistakes in grammar doesn't deserve to readthis book.I recommend that you get it as soon as you can and pass toanyone who loves to read, travel or ride a bicycle.

Interesting tales, but poor proofreading
I tend to agree with the reviewer from Chicago - the author could have used a (better) proofreader.This is one of those books where the reader almost begins to look for the next mistake.At one point the last line onone page is repeated in its entirety as the first line of the next page. And, as was noted in the other review, the proper use of apostrophes isvery inconsistent.

The adventures the author experienced cannot bediscounted, however.There are many interesting stories that, if you're acyclist, cause you to pause and try to imagine yourself in thosesituations.One that especially struck me - other than his"bear/human interaction" - was having a mechanical failure withthe closest bike shop being 300 miles distant.Also, the number of"it's a small world" incidents Basch experienced on the tripmakes for interesting reading.

If you are a cyclist who enjoys touring,and can overlook the typos and such, you will probably find this book aquick, entertaining read.

Not the best
As a work of literature, this book doesn't quite make it. Sentence structure is poor, and it is riddled with grammatical problems and sloppy typos. However, this could be a very useful book for a cyclist planning along-distance trip. Some of the author's observations are very interesting(although his way of describing them is often annoying) and he details someof the hardships and adventures involved in such a journey. His descriptionof a temporary riding mate and their undesired reunion later was amusing.

Still, this book could have used a good proofreader, as the author(though he claims to be a journalist) has very little understanding ofapostrophe and comma use, and his attempts to be amusing with wordplay endup looking clumsy. His writing style is often confusing and I found myselfrereading passages several times to figure out what he was talking about.If you love biking and don't care about grammar, sentence structure orinteresting writing, then this is a book for you.

Great Trip, Bad Writing
As a work of literature, this book doesn't quite make it. Sentence structure is poor, and it is riddled with grammatical problems and sloppy typos. However, this could be a very useful book for a cyclist planning along-distance trip. Some of the author's observations are very interesting(although his way of describing them is often annoying) and he details someof the hardships and adventures involved in such a journey. His descriptionof a temporary riding mate and their undesired reunion later was amusing.

Still, this book could have used a good proofreader, as the author(though he claims to be a journalist) has very little understanding ofapostrophe and comma use, and his attempts to be amusing with wordplay endup looking clumsy. His writing style is often confusing and I found myselfrereading passages several times to figure out what he was talking about.If you love biking and don't care about grammar and sentence structure,this is a good book for you. ... Read more

Product Description
This indispensable guide to cycling Cape Cod and the islands now includes rides on dirt roads and trails for both touring and mountain bikes. The natural beauty of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket is best appreciated from the intimate vantage point of a bicycle: sand dunes and beaches, cranberry bogs and pine forests, wildflower meadows and tidal creeks, and above all, the ever-present sea. Susan Milton has completely updated this guide to include tours on back roads and little-traveled paths. They avoid the crowds and traffic that can plague the Cape, taking riders instead along scenic lanes and past quiet harbors. Each chapter includes a detailed map of the tour, mile-by-mile directions, and information on the area's maritime heritage and natural history, as well as places to eat, stay, and repair or rent a bike. The first edition of this book was titled 25 Bicycle Tours on Cape Cod & the Islands. 31 up-to-date maps, includes tours for both mountain bikes and road bikes, 25 black & white photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I love these guys
Imagine a ride guide for those who love to ride, but don't do 5K a year in the North East. I have ridden the Cape a good bit and appreciate the honest evaluations of terrain and difficulty in this book.


Even though some of these rides can be challenging (that is bike-speak for 18% or better), the Cape traffic is as bicycle litterate as you are likely to find. ... Read more

Product Description
Jump-start your cycling savvy with this one-stop, information-packed reference. This compilation of knowledge will help you become a better cyclist, even on your very next ride. Top riders share their proven tips, covering every aspect of both road cycling and mountain biking.

DISCOVER HOW TO:

* Use smart strategies to build your skill level.
* Maneuver safely through traffic with ease and authority.
* Plan your training year to maximize your potential.
* Ride to 100 miles-- and longer.
* Quickly spot bike damage after a crash.
* Cut costs when touring.
* Identify and prevent winter weight gain.
... Read more

Product Description
While most people cannot even imagine bicycling inAfrica, Bicycling In Africa gives you the step-by-step of how to doit.It has page after page of valuable information, interspersed withanecdotes, on: Picking a destination; The cross-cultural experience;Crossing cultural barriers; Health and wellness on a bike; Planning anitinerary and preparing to go; Selecting and preparing your bike;Personal equipment checklist; Finding your way in Africa; Guide tocycling in selected countries; Bibliography; And much, much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

if you're going to Africa, read this first
My sister and I read this book in preparation for a four month trip to africa, of which two months was spent on bikes. This book was the single most useful, common-sense guide we read in all of our preparation - bothfor biking, and just generally getting by in Africa. Really - read this!

Perfect summary of trip preparation
This is the best handy-dandy guide to tour preparation that I have ever read (and I have probably read most of them). It is written with a wealth of experience behind the pearls of wisdom and that experience comes shining through on each section.

Concentrating on Africa, Mozer has outlined all of the things that have to be considered when preparing oneself and one's bicycle for a trip to a foreign country. In addition to covering the general prep, visas, inoculations, currency, etc., the author outlines how much one can benefit from experiencing the country on its terms rather than yours. I think he sums it up perfectly, with respect to Africa, when he says "...the essential difference between western and African culture is that Africans are concerned with the form of life and westerns dwell on the content."

Mozer uses a perfect blend of sensible advice and anecdotes in this easy to read manual. Whether or not you are planning an African tour, I think this manual is worth a read. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org ... Read more

Product Description
Come bicycling with husband and wife/father and daughter on a tandem going across America plus from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico following the Mississippi River. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No practical or entertainment value
This book is more of a very sparse travel log than a book. Very little in the way of useful information. No storyline, no experiences related in any kind of entertaining way, not much of anything.

Each day is briefly summarized with time they started, where they ate, how hot it was, if it rained, how far they went, when they called it a day. All presented in a very plain toast way - like a police report. It was actually painful to read this entire book.

To save you the trouble here is a summary of all of the useful information:
- don't use lightweight tires on a long tour
- bring spare tubes
- bring a tire pump capable of pumping up the tires
- know how to change a tire
- don't put new saddles on the tandem the first day of your tour
- know how to do basic maintenance on the bike

There is no information on the gear they brought, what worked well and what didn't, riding techniques, things they learned, how they felt about the ride. Just nothing.

I can't really describe how poor a book this is. If you are considering touring on a tandem don't even think about reading this book. It makes tandem touring sound excruciatingly boring and pointless.

At least it's short. Even though it's over 150 pages, the font is large as is the line spacing so there are probably about enough words for 75 pages in a normally formatted book.

One more thing - there are only a few pictures, they are small low quality black and white, and again, contain nothing of entertainment or other value. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A lot about LeMond
Back in the 1970's I really enjoyed reading Sloane's Complete Book of Bicycling.LeMond's book is not nearly as general, but is for people who are training to ride hard, not just those who want to ride better and longer.I did learn something valuable about pedaling technique.While I enjoy reading about cycling and such reading inspires me to ride more, this was a little too much about LeMond and too little about cycling for my tastes.I am not sorry I read the book, but it is not what I hoped, even though it came highly recommended by others.

Old, but still rolling strong
Like "Gray's Anatomy" for physicians, LeMond's is one of those classic texts in a subject, bicycling in this case. However, by having been published nearly a decade ago, it's obviously outdated in few sections, particularly equipment's; it was written before handlebar gear shifters and heart-rate monitors became easily accessible to the public, for example. On the other hand, the chapters on how to pick and fit a bike, techniques and tactics and maintenance are superb. This book should be fixture on any serious cyclist personal library. It's just a pity that LeMond hasn't considered updating it (...yet?) for the benefit of "fellow bikers".

Racing skill is not the same as technical knowledge
Greg LeMond had a great career as a bicycle racer, but that does not equate to his writing an authoritative book on bicycling. He doesn't correctly describe how to use the brakes effectively, and neither does he have a solid background in how to ride in mixed traffic. From another cyclist, I have heard that LeMond's advice on bike fit can get people into trouble if, like most, they do not share his unusual physical proportions. So, I dip my helmet to LeMond in respect for his stellar racing career and the impression he gives of being a good and generous person; but I suggest other books for detailed technical information on bicycling.

Terrific and Comprehensive Cycling Book, But Equipment Section VERY Outdated
This is probably the best overall book on cycling ever written. Very comprehensive and detailed about any and all facets of cycling, including training, diet, bike fit, equipment, and even LeMond's own Tour de France drama, when he battled teammate Bernard Hinault for the crown in '85 and 86. Great read.

Only major drawback: the section on equipment is HILARIOUSLY out-of-date. LeMond debates the merits of six-speed freewheels vs seven-speed, for example. Hey Greg, might wanna re-write that chapter sometime, we're up to eleven-speed cassettes these days, at least on Campy.

Aside from the equipment section being about 20 years out of date, it's well worth getting.

Good book from the original American master.
Every cycling enthusiast should have this in their library.Good information and a good read. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned off-road rider, this guide will help you hone your skills and make the most of every ride. You'll learn from experts who've been through it all, like former world champion Ned Overend and Olympic medalist Susan DeMattei. From uphill skills to downhill thrills, you're sure to find everything you need to know to ride like a pro.

Discover how to:
* Fit a great ride into a busy schedule with the "hour of power."
* Cruise through the toughest corners with the tripod turn.
* Tap into the flow--and glide over challenging terrain.
* Acclimate quickly and easily to every hazard on trails.
* Boost your climbing speed and comfort with switch-side breathing.
* Revive a midseason training slump.
* Crash without getting hurt.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Complete information but not enough illustration
I prefer the other Mountain Bike Magazine's "Complete Guide to Mountain Biking Skills", which has better illustration/pictures to show you how the situation looks like.

As good as it gets!
I purchased this book yesterday and was impressed immediately. The book has a lot of excellent tips on every aspect of MTB. Another added bonus is the drills it has to help to develop increased riding skills.The tips areset up to gradually build confidence as you progress. The tips by some ofthe pros Overend and Susan Dematte for example are great. If you arelooking for a book to help with all aspects of MTB this is the one to get.I will be recommending this book to friends and that is for sure. ... Read more

Product Description
The first and only guide to bicycling the national parks and wilderness areas of Oregon and Washington. Bicycling is becoming an ever-more popular option as some national parks are closing roads to cars. This complete adventure guide to the national parks of Oregon and Washington features 58 road and mountain bike rides through the parks' most spectacular natural areas. The stunning geographical diversity of Washington and Oregon is perfectly captured by their national parks and recreation areas, and the best way to explore these spectacular national treasures is to get out of your car and onto a bike. David Story has sought out routes of all levels and lengths for both road bikes and mountain bikes in this new guide. From the arid sagebrush landscape of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, to the glaciers capping Mount Rainier National Park, to the volcanic legacy of Crater Lake, to the temperate rain forest of Olympic National Park, the national public lands of the Pacific Northwest offer stunning views, invigorating air, and a mix of easy to strenuous rides. These riding opportunities can only improve with time, as the parks continue to restrict automobile use to better preserve and protect their natural beauty. Each of the 58 ride descriptions include a detailed map, tour directions, information about the trail or road surface, sights along the way, and the length and difficulty of the ride. In addition, a trip-planning appendix for each park tells you where to stay or camp, do your laundry, eat, buy supplies, and repair or rent a bike. 58 rides are described and mapped in detail. Part of a new national series: Bicycling America's National Parks. Heavily illustrated: Includes 25 professional color photographs of the parks, 75 black and white photographs, and 60 maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Unique and Broad, though Slightly Incomplete Guidebook.
Story's first guidebook in the 'Bicycling America's National Parks' series (California) is an excellent all-around cycling guide (and general guidebook) for the Golden State.It's concise, thorough, and balanced, presented in personable, witty language.He includes a variety of road and mountain bike routes for virtually every riding level.His lodging, shopping, and especially dining suggestions are first rate.It includes almost all the information a would-be tourist (as I was) needs for a bicycling trip to CA.Story also throws in some nice tidbits about natural and cultural history of each park, as well as description of fauna and flora (plants and animals), and worthwhile less-known attractions.

This guide from Story features most of the same attributes as his previous guide.He includes a variety of rides that highlight the nearly infinite geographical and ecological diversity of Oregon and Washington.Once again, he includes abundant, but concise information and recommendations related to lodging and related travel info, presented in personable language (though he's not as consisently funny).As before, he provides a nice natural and historical background, serving to not just describe, but introduce the reader to each park (or recreational area).

There is one minor shortcoming, relative to Story's National Parks/California book.That guide contained abundant supplemental information related to dining and other special attractions within or near each park.While this guidebook has some info. of that nature, it seems much more sparse.This might be because many trails in Oregon and Washington are in fairly rural areas far from any major (or even minor) population center.This considered, this guidebook still doesn't seem as complete as his California edition, which provided that reader with virtually everything we'd need to plan our trip.This isn't to say this guide is poor, it just doesn't quite match up to the standards of Story's previous guide.Once again, it would be helpful if Story included a general map of each park (this was the only minor problem I had with his CA edition).

Even if it doesn't quite measure up to Story's California guide, Oregon/Washington is still far superior to most other cycling guidebooks available (even allowing for it's uniqueness).It's an indespensible tool for anyone planning a cycling trip to or near the national parks/recreational areas of Oregon and Washington.It's a perfect starting point, though you might want to research the areas more before heading out.

A superb addition to a great series
I purchased this book after reading a glowing review of it from the San Francisco Chronicle. I'm very glad I purchased it. This latest addition to the Bicycling America's National Parks series is informative, helpful, and truly captures the ambience of the different national parks it covers. It's not just national parks, but national recreation areas, and national monuments too, and you really get a sense of where the great bicycling opportunities are in places that also have national-caliber scenery and attractions.After reading the book, I'm definitely planning on using it for a Hells Canyon National Recreation Area trip later this summer. The chapters on Crater Lake, Olympic National Park, and Mount Saint Helens totally appealed to me, cause I've been to those places and wondered about biking there.The author does a great job of showing that the myth that you can't ride offroad in national parks is just that-- a myth.(All the rides are legal, though some do take place just outside park boundaries.) The book presents everything you need to know in a clear, often funny way. The pictures are great too. That's about all I ask from a guidebook. ... Read more

Product Description
Answers to real questions from real parents:

"I want to take my 18-month-old son on my bike, but how can Ipossibly lug him, his diaper bag, and a picnic lunch?"

"Our 5-year-old is visually handicapped. Is it true even blindkids can ride bikes?"

"How can I get my 15-year-old to ride safely?"

There are dozens of questions parents ask when thinking about introducingcycling to their children: "How do I ride with a baby?"; "What do I needto look for in a child's first bike?"; "How do I get my kids to wear ahelmet, even when I'm not around?"; "How can I convince my children thatit's not uncool to ride safely?" Drawing on her years of experience aswell as from interviews with bicycle shop owners and mechanics, familycycling organizations, instructors, manufacturers, parents and kids, Bellanswers all these questions, and many, many more.

Beginning with the basics of good features for a parent's bicycle, Bellmoves on to cover such topics as: toddlers as bicycle passengers;parent-child tandem cycling; buying and caring for children's bikes;teaching kids to ride; teaching traffic safety; ideas for successful andcreative family rides; and preventive riding techniques and handlinginjuries. A chapter on bicycling for children with challenges offersinformation on adaptive equipment and creative suggestions such as using atandem cycle so a visually impaired child can ride with the family. Forolder children, Bell offers ideas and resources for racing, touring,cycling clubs, and even how to incorporate biking into a summer or weekendjob. A bibliography provides parents with additional resources for each ofthe main topics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Needs to include the Lovebike, A very special bicycle for adults and children
Great book but must be up dated to include a very special tandem bike that allows children to ride in front of an adult.I am refering to the Lovebike as it is wonderfull for many of the disabiled, children to adults. Go to www.lovebike.com as it was formaly known, now it is known as the Buddybike, Go to www.buddybike.com and check it out. I have shared over a hundred rides with disabiled of many sorts as a volinteer using the Lovebike. There are several schools for the blind that have this bike and for the autistic children. For more infomation you can call me any time at 707 456 0468 Sincerely, Bob Gardner

Lots of great advice
If for nothing else, buy this book for the detailed explanation of how to teach your kid to ride a bike *without* the bad habits caused by training wheels and coaster brakes and the falls and road rash and fear caused by the Dad-holding-the-saddle-and-yelling-at-you-to-just-pedal method.May seem unorthodox, but their recommendations are excellent.The rest of the book does a good job of covering the other aspects of around-the-block riding and cycle touring as a family, with a real understanding of both cycling and family dynamics.A must-read for any cyclist wanting to turn their kids on to this wonderful sport. ... Read more