Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Great for all cyclists
This book is perfect for anyone who gets on a bicycle.Although you would think the subject matter would be boring at times, the author discusses everything in an interesting context.Must read for cyclists.

Lawyer speak and some common sense
Lots of good information, especially about bicycle safety.Plenty of generalizations that point one in the right direction but a bit short on some specifics; but, most states have such varied statutes that it would be difficult to cover them all in this type of publication.Good information on insurance as it relates to cycling...

Excellent Resource
The best resource (that I know of) on bicycle laws and their history.
It will answer just about any questions you might have-- like what can you do when the left turn signal isn't triggered by your bike, etc.
Highly recommended.

A great read and very informative!
Bob Mionske has written a book that any serious cyclist should read or at least have as a reference.This book shares Bob's practical cycling experience with his specialized legal expertise.Know your two wheel rights - buy this book! ... Read more

Book Description
The bicycle is almost unique among human-powered machines in that it uses human muscles in a near-optimum way. This new edition of the bible of bicycle builders and bicyclists provides just about everything you could want to know about the history of bicycles, how human beings propel them, what makes them go faster, and what keeps them from going even faster. The scientific and engineering information is of interest not only to designers and builders of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles but also to competitive cyclists, bicycle commuters, and recreational cyclists.

The third edition begins with a brief history of bicycles and bicycling that demolishes many widespread myths. This edition includes information on recent experiments and achievements in human-powered transportation, including the "ultimate human- powered vehicle," in which a supine rider in a streamlined enclosure steers by looking at a television screen connected to a small camera in the nose, reaching speeds of around 80 miles per hour. It contains completely new chapters on aerodynamics, unusual human-powered machines for use on land and in water and air, human physiology, and the future of bicycling. This edition also provides updated information on rolling drag, transmission of power from rider to wheels, braking, heat management, steering and stability, power and speed, and materials. It contains many new illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Bike Nerd Heaven
As Miss Jean Brodie said, "For those who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing they like." She meant it as an insult, but I don't. Bicycling Science is nerd heaven, full of physics, engineering, molecular biology, aerodynamics and all kinds of other scientific manna. If you have an appetite for charts, graphs, and research studies, then this book will delight you with its explanations of why bikes work so well with the human body.

It's not casual reading by any means. I'd prefer the same information presented in slightly less academic tones, but that doesn't mean it isn't accurate or interesting. So I dip into my copy for short bursts. For me, it's not a cover-to-cover read, but it's been on my bedside table for months because I pick it up regularly.

Bicycling Science may well be more technical info than a casual fan can absorb. However, it's a great reference that will demystify your bike -- if that's the sort of thing you like.

between a "read it" book and a "reference book" and not very good as either
While I recommend it, I don't recommend you expect a real engineering reference or good reading cover-to-cover. It is somewhere in between and as such is not very good as either.

The charts and plots are good so if you only want it for that it's a great compilation of other sources and references. The history of the bicycle and the HPV chapters are very interesting. The book is one of a very few like it so "one of the best" is not that great of a compliment.

It is layed out and presented as an engineering reference type book on a specific topic (something like a Mark's for bikes) but it's nowhere near as consistent, rigorous, or detailed. A better description would be "musings on bicycle design and science" by someone who is genuinely very knowledgeable on the topic.

My biggest problem is with the narrative. It has way too many opinions. Many are simply some ideas the author has about a particular design or test (there's no data in this area but one way to get some would be this...). It also has way too much anecdotal evidence which is (thankfully) usually presented as such. And worst of all there are many opinions that are generally made to sound like facts through casual use of expressions such as "future testing should..." "it is recommended" "conventional design practices" "according to some" and so on.

To sum up if you are an engineer looking for an engineering reference you'll be disappointed. If you are a lay bike geek you'll probably find it too technical.

Excellent
I used the book mainly to write a report on the history of recumbent bicycles. But it is an excellent source for bike history and science in general. David Gordon Wilson goes into great detail, both conceptually and technically, with regard to bike issues, such as aerodynamics.

too much for me
I like science.I like bicycles.This book goes into much greater depth than most people will want.I couldn't even finish it.If you build bikes and/or are a physicist or engineer and like biking then you will probably enjoy it.

Informative
Definitely a good book for bike nerds like myself. Really technical and thick reading. If you like stuff like that, then get this book. ... Read more

Book Description
More than a meticulously detailed route, this is an adventure highlighting what to see and explore along the way.

*Bike the coast in one trip or four separate adventures *Road directions, points of interest, and available restrooms and provisions all built into daily mileage logs*Elevation profiles and new Table of Essentials overview for each day's ride *More than 50,000 copies sold in previous editions

From Vancouver, B.C. to the Mexican border, Tom Kirkendall and Vicky Spring guide you turn by turn along the length of Pacific Coast Bicycle Route-all 1816.5 miles. These forty-two suggested daily itineraries (averaging 53 miles each) begin and endat campsites.

Everything you need to know about each day's ride is included: from tunnel- riding strategies to where to buy a new derailer, from one-of-a-kind museums along the way to side trips to lonely lighthouses and towering sand dunes. New to this edition is a quick-glance Table of Essentials for each daily itinerary, listing availability of bike shops, beach access, hiking trails, youth hostels, and activities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Good basic guide, mainly for the maps
We just completed a coastal ride from San Francisco to Mexico.I bought this book prior to the trip hoping it would shed some light on what to expect, tips, training, etc.I was initially disappointed.

But..as we started our trip we found the maps were very valuable (the rest of the book..so/so).The altitude scales were okay, but good enough to set some level of expectations.They didn't always reflect the map in the right scale, but it worked well enough.We initially thought we could ride route 1 the whole way, but found we couldn't in many of the bigger cities, which is where the book came in handy.The maps showed which side streets to take.You can also follow bike signs or bike lanes along the way, but they're not always around when needed.We usually ripped the page out of the book and only carried the small map vs a bunch of maps.You will be surprised how many different maps you would need to carry.Use the book and maps as a general guide, but don't be afraid to wing it.In a few areas like Santa Cruz, South LA, La Jolla and South San Diego (near the boarder) we couldn't find the streets on the map.We got lost, but usually found our way via other streets using general navigation.

Other tips the book doesn't give...wear bright colors, in SF and LA you will be on busy streets with cars zipping by.I hear going in April or Sept are best to avoid tourists and still have really good weather.We used Yahoo Yellow Pages to print out high level city maps with all the hotels listed with contact info and pre-plotted on the map. This was very handy when trying to find a motel in the evening.I also recommend buying the toughest tires you can find (i.e. Specialized Armadillos).Normal road tires are too soft and get too many holes.Between the two of us we had 6 flats and a tire slash in the first day leaving SF..very discouraging.We bought heavy duty tires at a bike shop in Santa Cruz and never got another one the whole trip!We avg. about 78 miles per day with an avg. speed of 15.5 miles per hour, allowing us to get from SF to Mexico in 8 days.Make sure you know how your bike fits you and your body reacts to long days, esp multiple days.I started to ice my knee and quads every night, which made me feel much better the next day.All in all...it was a lot of fun!

Excellent Trip Guide
I used this book for a trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles and found it to be extremely useful for determining route, elevation changes, distances and overnight stops.Its up-to-date and informative, and you don't have to follow the described overnight stops for it to be useful.I brought regular maps for the trip, but ended up only using BTPC for reference throughout.The book is portable enough to bring along for the ride, or you can easily photocopy just the pages you need and stick them in your mapcase.I'll be taking another trip further up the coast this year and will be using this guidebook again.

Just OK
This book should really be titled, "Touring the Pacific Coast By Bicycle" because it really isn't about the cycling. Following the route in this book pretty much takes you on the most direct route down the coast and misses some great riding roads. Might be OK if you are pulling a trailer or carrying too much stuff but if you are travelling light and like riding, I'd suggest the Adventure Cycling and Krebs Maps as better routes. It does suggest some nice parks to stay at but I found it not worth the weight and ended up leaving it at a friends halfway through my trip.

Good book, but I mailed it home in favor of maps
I biked the entire Pacific coast in September 2005, and used this book to help plan my trip. Were I to do it again knowing what I know now, I wouldn't buy the book.

Don't get me wrong, this is a good book - I read it ahead of time and it helped me figure out relative distances and times, which helped in planning. In general it seemed very thorough and well put-together, and I met people on my trip that used it.

It's main drawback is that it's a BOOK. It's not convenient to refer to on the road, and the directions, while nicely detailed, are too verbose for real reference. In addition, because it's fundamentally a linear narrative of how to get from here to there, it's not very convenient if you need or want to get off of their path for any reason.

I mailed this book home after I discovered that my Adventure Cycling maps (adv-cycling dot org) fulfilled all of my needs - directions, detail in cities, where to shower, sleep & eat (including phone #s), elevation, and distances. Besides that, they are small, waterproof, and easy to refer to while riding or pull out at a stop-sign.

In general I'm a more visual/map guy than a directions/narative guy, so your mileage may vary. If you want a book to tell you how to bike the Pacific coast, this is the one. If any of what I said sounds like you it applies to you, feel free to skip the book.

The best of its kind
This route guide is one of the best I've seen out in the market place.It has all the details that a long distance biker on a budget would need including:road map, elevation map, descriptions of interesting sites, road conditions, traffic conditions, mileage, camping sites with levels of amenities (esp important shower), and where to get food and other supplies/services.I also liked the fact that it wasn't trying to be everything to everyone by not including detailed information on hotels, motels, restaurants, etcexcept for the fact that they exist or don't exist in a particular town or area.

So why did I not give them 5 stars?

1)Internal inconsistancy - there are a significant amount of these.Mostly it is where the mileage of the description doesn't match with the mileage of the elevation map.Here's an example.In the Oregon Border to Elk Prairie Campground the written route description indicates that the first summit of the Crescent City hills is at mile 34.6 but the elevation map shows that summit at 28 miles.Am I cutting hairs?You decide.But depending on your ride pace a 6-7 mile difference can be 1/2 hour, not so much of an issue in the middle of the day but it might be at the end of the day.

2)Updated content - I have a suspicion that the guide hasn't been updated even though the 4th edition came out just recently.For the most part, the guide was written in a timeless manner that prevents it from showing much age.For example, it doesn't recommend particular restaurants.But things do change.For example on the Elk Prarie Campground to Eureka KOA day the recommended route is on Hwy 101.It's very busy and a couple of nice smaller roads are recommended (Patrick's Point and Little River St Beach).But the Hammond Trail, that takes you from Clam Beach County Park, just north of McKinleyville, South for 13 miles mostly on car free paved path, isn't mentioned.I suspect the trail didn't exist when this guide was written.The authors generally go to lengths to help you avoid nasty highway riding so I suspect that this wasn't a conscious oversight.

3)Out of scale road maps with little detail - It would have been nice if they sprang for some real maps.For example in the Nehalem Bay State Park to Cape Lookout day, the written mileage shows that Cape Meares State Park to Netarts is 4.5 miles and that Netars to Cape Lookout is 6 miles.Which seems about right after biking this portion.But on the road map the distance from Netarts to Cape Lookout appears to be 5 to 6 times further.

Overall, if you are biking down the coast, absolutely get this book but suppliment it with other resources such as AAA roadmaps,Adventure Cycling's bike maps, or the Oregon Dept of Transportation "Oregon Coast Bike Route" (found at the Oregon Tourist offices).

I've ridden parts of the coast, Santa Cruz to the border and Aberdeen to Eureka and look forward to filling in the gaps.Some advice:1)Go "off season", much of the ride is basically on heavily traveled highways.I didn't know so many RVs existed.2)Go out of your way to meet your fellow bike tourists.I met people from all over Europe, Asia and even Americans.All with cool stories.3) Get your bike in top notch shape, before your ride.Let's just say I toured most of the bike shops in Oregon over a four day period.Not fun.4) Don't ride everyday and don't forget to relax.
... Read more

Book Description
Proven wisdom and techniques to help new cyclists get on the road to better fitness and safe, skilled riding.Now completely revised and updated with the latest advances in the sport, this comprehensive handbook will help any new cyclist ride with confidence and avoid common pitfalls. Learn how to choose the right bike, ride safely in traffic, treat and prevent injuries, train for a century, and perform basic maintenance. Packed with quick tips from the pros at Bicycling magazine, this volume provides everything the new cyclist needs to achieve optimum cycling performance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good introduction to cycling.
This book is a good introduction to cycling. It will give good tips on how to set up your riding position, ride securely, differences between mountain biking and road biking, buying appropriate clothing, etc. I'm not a total newbie on MTB but i learned a lot with this book.
I gave 5 stars to this book because as the title says, this is a book for the new cyclist, so if you are a more advanced rider, you can still find it useful but you should look out to something more specific.

A good book to have
Nobody knows everything.Every now and then even the most well versed cyclist has some questions.Put those people to the beginners who need to know everything and the sooner the better and you've got the group who will benefit from this book.

The research that was done to put it together seems excellent.There isn't anything that seems to be left to chance.Of course there could be a little loss when the person isn't aware of a proper name for a part or technique but that will come.

I recommend this book to any cyclist.

EVERYONE needs a little help every now and then!
VERY informative little book, I must say. While some of the instructions go a little "over the top", length-wise,(changing a flat tire), it is always feasible to be too"wordy", than not"wordy" enough. Basic maintenance is crucial to enjoying a bike, and to think nothing is going to happen to your bike while riding, is asking for trouble. This book should be standard reading for all bike enthusiasts....mountain AND road. It answers most of the beginning cyclist's questions with easy to read text. Even seasoned "veterans" will appreciate the full spectrum of subjects included in this paperback.
... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
Whether you're a novice rider or a championship racer, Bicycling Medicine shows you how to prevent and treat all kinds of bicycling-related aches and pains. Coach Arnie Baker, M.D., explains how to diagnose minor and major problems, offers do-it-yourself solutions, and alerts you to conditions that require a doctor's attention. A special section on bicycling physiology illuminates the demands cycling puts on your body, and thorough discussions of diet, exercise, and nutrition reveal the best ways to keep your performance at its peak. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

enthusiast123
A nice book.Easy to read and well-laid out.Not much to say about impotency controversy but virtually every basic cyling issue is otherwise covered.It helped me figure out my knee pain which I appreciated!

Outdated Bicycling Medicine
The author makes statements that are no longer valid, current, or that are flatly inaccurate.One diagram stated that muscles attach to bones by a ligament. This is not true.Muscles originate and insert into bones via a tendon, with some tendons longer or shorter than others, and with muscle/tendon transitions having different anatomies.This is important in understanding injuries and how to treat them.Arnie also opens up the topic of nutrition with the USDA Food Pyramid, another problematic scheme, since we now know that a high percentage carbs diet of breads, cereals and pastas is a source of stripped-down carbs, not good quality carbs.The medical advice for treatment of painful conditions is outdated.NSAID medicines are now known to have deleterious effects on our bodies.Current research suggests that NSAIDS interfere with the healing of tendons.And, especially for neck and back pain, chiropractic should be the first choice, since it has been demonstrated in several studies over the years to be safe and effective.Lance Armstrong couldn't have performed well without his chiropractor...
The author seemed to have a boiler-plate approach to presenting information.Hopefully his next edition will be more current and clinically accurate.

A No-Nonsense Approach
Anyone who rides can benefit from the great information and tips found in this book.You'll also learn about common bicycling injuries.

good resource
This is a great book for all who ride.It gives us a heads up on the common riding ailments and suggested treatments/preventions.

Answers all the BS I hear when I do tours.
For the most part, there are two kinds of riders in the world: 1) people who ride, ride with others, and have expert knowledge based on experience, and 2) people who read and talk about riding, buy only the best and most expensive equipment, yet have trouble with such simple tasks as navigating obstacles or managing heat loss.The No. 2s out there are obsessed with weighing pasta, exact calculations of cadence, heart rate, aerodynamics, and shedding single digit grams from their bicycles.The No. 2s also make the No. 3s (novices who just want to ride more) nervous about taking on an event or increasing their distance because they're convinced by the No. 2s that they haven't the expertise or elite equipment needed to ride 'seriously.'

This book dispells the witchcraft of cycling.It's about what practically happens to a person when they take up cycling even semi-seriously--particular ailments and stress disorders; simple explainations of how muscles, the circulatory system, blood, and body chemistry all work as it relates to cycling; and the low-down on even the most minor of performance enhancers, such as vitamin overdosing and sports drinks, which he doesn't particularly recommend and tells you impartially why you should or shouldn't use them as well as provides the home cookin' alternatives to expensive gels, drinks, and the like.

BOTTOM LINE: Authoratative yet practical, this book applies equally to the Sunday afternoon 10 mile "epic" rider as well as the 'professional' rider.It will explain everything from the benefits of beer to why you get butt cramps, and will never make such rediculous recommendations as "buy a more expensive bike" or belittle the relatively small amount of riding you No. 3s out there do.

It's the 'obsessive compulsive' free guide to healthy cycling for all levels of riding and riding experience. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Maybe you're a novice who has yet to squeeze into that first pair of sexy Lycra shorts. Or perhaps you're a seasoned racer who is seeking ways to become stronger and faster. Whatever the case, you will be well served by Ed Pavelka's comprehensive guide, which takes the reader on a highly readable ride through road cycling--from the basics of handling and maintenance to the subtle intricacies of racing. Instead of asking the reader to take his word on every subject, Pavelka has gathered a cast of Olympians and renowned mechanics to tackle whichever topic reflects his or her strongest suit. Besides the basics, chapters also include in-depth advice on sprinting, hill climbing, using heart monitors effectively, training indoors during the wintry months, and even surviving your commute in the concrete jungle. If that's not enough, Pavelka has devoted an entire section to medical concerns, including overtraining, sore knees, and saddle sores. --Ben TiffanyBook Description
Take your road cycling to the next level with the newest techniques, equipment, and skills from the leading magazine in the sport. Check out how to:* Ensure your bike is in tip-top shape in 8 easy steps* Boost your efficiency with smooth pedaling and proper form* Brake without wasting speed or wiping out* Ride safely in wet, cold, and hot weather* Convert your mountain bike for the road* Master the skills of riding in traffic* Get long-distance secrets from the Race Across America record-holder* Train indoors with these 5 workouts* Prevent saddle sores, numbness, and knee pain* Motivate yourself to train harder* Discover the world of recumbents and tandems* Sprint like a champion* Attack hills for maximum fitness ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Dated, but still a fun read
I'm an experienced cyclist and I found this a fun read.It's a collection of articles that were published in Bicycling magazine back in the 90's on various aspects on road cycling.There are sections on skills, training and nutrition and I found useful information throughout the book.I feel that the articles were chosen to have a timeless slant as there aren't many examples on equipment, most of the articles are on technique.
Specifically I found the few articles on training that included examples to be helpful, like the suggested trainer routines, use of an heart rate monitor, and estimating calories burned.
This type of book is what I call a bathroom book, as the short articles are perfect reading when you want something to read for a few minutes.
The book is also a success in that it helps get you in the mood to go riding.There's not a lot new here, but it's fun to read someone elses opinion on something most of us already know how to do.

Untrustworthy.There must be better books for this subject.
Some information in this book I find implausible, and some I /know/ to be false, which further reduces any confidence I may have in the rest of the information.For a subject like cycling, you need someone who understands the underlying physics as well as helpful subjective seat-of-the-pants techniques.Ed Pavelka seems to only have the latter skill, which gives his advice no firm foundation.

A case in point is the brief article on steering.His final conclusion is sound - that countersteering (see Wikipedia for an explanation) is how you steer effectively, but he prefaces it by asserting erroneously that there are 3 ways to steer.To paraphrase, he says you can steer simply by pointing the handlebars where you want to go, without leaning the bike at up to 15mph (defying the laws of physics), or you can steer just by leaning the way you want to go, or you can countersteer.

There is only one way to steer: countersteering.Most of us never realize that is what we're doing.Most of us learned to do it unconsciously on the day we first learned to ride, and from then on we muddle through with a unconscious "micro-countersteer" that starts the bike falling sideways, which we catch by turning the corner.The key to good steering is to use deliberate, active and controlled countersteering - a skill which becomes obviously essential on a motorcycle, where the increased weight makes it impossible to muddle through a turn on unconscious control.

He comes to the right conclusion - so what's the big deal?Well, to me, the big deal is he's made me read and try to understand false information which is of no use whatsoever, and /his/ understanding of the subject is flawed.How am I supposed to trust anything else he says, if it's nothing more than his assertions based on his own gut feeling?

Frequently, theory alone is insufficient, very occasionally practice trumps theory, but best of all is practice based on theory._Sound_ theory.

Good
I always look forward to my mail for this one, however the ads are a bit much.

Road Cycling Skills is Great
Very good especially for the beginning rider excellentbook I learned ALOT!

bike book
this book has good info but nothing you couldnt find on the internet for free. ... Read more

Book Description
This revised, updated, expanded fifth edition is indispensable-with all the latest models, parts, and repair techniques, and terrific money-saving tips to keep any ride in tip-top shapeSince its first publication, Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair has sold over 400,000 copies. The fifth edition is guaranteed to remain the category killer. This long-overdue update is a must-have for weekend riders and serious cyclists alike. Whether they own the latest model or a classic with thousands of miles on it, beginners and experienced cyclists alike can depend on this book to get their bikes out of the shop faster and keep them on the road longer. They'll discover information on:o Building a dream bike workshopo Disc brakes, both cable-actuated and hydraulico Dialing in front and rear suspension shocks for comfortable rideso The latest crankset and bottom bracket designso Overhauling freewheels and cassettes for peak performanceo Specs on all the latest handlebar and headset sizeso Servicing clipless pedals for maximum safetyWith troubleshooting sections to quickly identify and correct common problems, 450 photographs and 40 drawings to clarify all the step-by-step directions so even the complete neophyte can get repairs right the first time, and Web sites and phone numbers of bicycle and parts manufacturers, this is truly the ultimate bicycle repair and maintenance manual-now better than ever in its fifth edition! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

Easy to follow, with great pictures.
I was surprised that this book supports the modern Shimano components and new composite frames.It's really detailed, and easy to follow.I feel confident with any bike project using this book as a guide.

Good beginners' starter guide, not so hot beyond that.
If you're a beginner, this is a good book to get to start to understand the basic parts of your bike and how they work - do some adjustments of bearings, brakes etc..Recommended - 4 stars

If you have messed around for years and have a decent idea of how things work (e.g. have perused Sheldon Brown's site extensively), like me, you'll learn some good information, but read a lot you already know.For the price, it's probably still worth it, but you'll be left wanting and needing more. I wouldn't tackle a big job, like building a wheel, installing disk brakes, without reading something else. - 3 stars

If you're pretty experienced, want to actually build bikes etc., or depart from the mainstream at all (e.g. SS/FG, or hub gears), there's little for you, and nowhere near enough detail. - 1 star

Inexplicably, There are step-by-step guides to jobs, which completely duplicate the preceding information.Seems like filler to me.

Meh, it's ok, especially for the price and really pretty good for beginners.

Very Helpful
I bought this book after reading all of the customer reviews and the book was very interesting and will be a big help. This book will help me to start saving money and doing increasingly more of my own repairs. I highly recommend this book.

Ok
I'm no expert, in fact I'm a MTB noobie, but all I did was replace my quick releases on my wheels with Onguard locks... so once I put the wheels back on, I had screwed up my disk breaks slightly.Knowing nothing, I went to the book I assumed could show me at least the adjustment points on the breaks... and there's one page listed for mechanical disk breaks, with almost no information other than "don't wipe down the disk".Thanks.I figured it out on my own and 10 minutes of googling.General information, not really a "complete guide".

Worth buying...
This book is a very good book on bikes if you need to know the basics. I highly recommend it... ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

A Trip to Remember
Two years ago, a staff writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote about biking the Skyline Drive in Virginia and my interest was peaked.My son turned 16 so I wanted to plan an unique summer trip for the two of us.We decided to bike the Blue Ridge from Afton Mountain (MP 0) to Blowing Rock NC (MP 302).We bought the Skinner book and searched the Internet for ideas.

The Skinner book proved to be exceptional; every page was "dog-eared" by the trips' end.I discovered the book contained more information than the first couple readings revealed.A few things, the Skinners give detailed advice on the location of stores, and unfortunately, due to recent hurricane damage a couple shut down, so did a restaurant we relied on for a stop, but found a new one further down the road.I plan to offer the "findings" to the Skinners for the next edition.Second, reserve your lodging in advance.A motorcycle convention in the Meadows of Dan took up all the lodging for a 15 mile radius, ten days prior to our trip. Third, the Blue Ridge ride is extremely demanding.The Skinner's sound like seasoned riders, but it was a struggle for me. (I had to walk a portion of the steep grades.)

Much can be said about the wonderful resource the Blue Ridge is.My best advice is to take a couple day trips to learn your limits and and develop realistic expectations. Then bring a good camera and enjoy!

550 mile road test
I have been a long distance cyclist for about 40 years on and off -
since long before I could drive.Though I've lived in Virginia for
20 of those years, for some reason I never thought about the Skline
Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway!Amazing - since I've ridden up and
down parts of the East and West coasts, to the midwest, and through
parts ofEurope and Australia.

My brother suggested I ride the lengths of the two parkways, and I bought
Riding the Blue Ridge, plus several other books, to help my planning.
I just returned from riding 550 miles on those two roads.

Though my riding style is different from
the Skinners', I travel on a racing bike carrying minimal equipment
plus credit cards, I found their book by far the most helpful, and
its pages, which I tore out and then discarded after passing through
various sections, became the Bible of my trip.

The descriptions of the ride and places along the route were accurate
and brief enough to fit into a portable and readable book.A good
example of how the brief descriptions were so apt is the small hotel
and store at Benge Gap:the book mentions it's easy to "zip by" -
and given that the rain and wind were fierce as I approached, I
really did not want to miss that stop.Those few words of caution
did the trick - I found it no problem but otherwise would definitely
have zipped by!Like all the places they mention, the description of
what was there was 100% reliable and accurate.

Besides my background in long distance riding, I have also raced and
I am still a strong hill climber.I found the greatest inaccuracy of
the book that it does not adequately describe the difficulty of this
ride.I appreciate that the book is written by people who are
accomplished riders,and that a mission of the book is to introduce
this ride to a wider group of people.But, for instance, the book
might leave the impression that riding from, say, Front Royal to Big
Meadows is a reasonable stage on the bike for the average tourist who
takes her time.While that may be true for some, I would suggest
it mention explicitly that this ride includes over 5000 feet of total
climbing, most of it at grades greater than 5%, and should be considered
difficult.

As another example, the ride going South from Volunteer Gap to Peaks
of Otter is among the most challenging anywhere in the East including a singleclimb of over 3300 feet at a steady 6% grade.There is no mention in the book that this segment is difficult even for highly capable cyclists.

I feel the book could be improved by, for example, adding a separate
section describing the level of challenge involved in the rides, as
is done in many hiking and cross-country ski guides.Not to scare
the reader or create some elitist idea about riding, but so that
people are prepared both in their training and in their daily
planning.Any rider is advised to plan fewer daily miles along these roads than
they are accustomed to.

I used the book to engineer each day's ride, and to make reservations
for each evening. It was immensely helpful and I'm truly grateful
to the authors and for the book - it made my trip possible and
enjoyable.

Anticipates Everything
There are many cycling guides, but this is one of the most practical and well-organized. As other reviewers state, the real value of the book is its collection of information on camping, nearby hotels, access points, points of interest, etc. The authors also have a wonderful "you can do it" attitude in their narrative style. Their encouragement inspired me to ride the Skyline Drive last fall, to my great enjoyment. I would quibble, by the way, with their elevation profiles. I certainly discovered hills that they don't tell you about! Supplement your planning with one of the fine topographic map products for a better sense of what awaits you.

a useful tool for anyone considering riding the BRP or SLD
I just returned from a weekend riding the 105 mile Skyline Drive in VA. The Skinners' book was an invaluable resource to me in preparing for & executing my trip. The advice is practical, the information invaluable as you plot out your journey. I am already planning my next weekend trip (Afton Mt to Roanoke) using this as my Bible! If you have any interest in cycling all or part of the BRP/SLD, this book will first whet your appetite, then serve as your guidebook/Bible.

A must!
It's so easy to pass facilities, accomodations and attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway! This book lists them all, campings, B&Bs, country stores, and more, along with the best way to get there. A real must for anyone planning to have a great trip on the Blue Ridge and Skyline Drive. And the elevation maps are a great help too. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
A guide to bicycling New Hampshire's most scenic backroads and byways, for road, mountain, and hybrid bikes.

New Hampshire is blessed with diverse terrain that will appeal to all levels of cyclists. Challenging routes cut through the rugged Presidential Range while others explore the gentle Lakes Region area. Rural farms and historic villages line the roads of the Monadnock region and the Connecticut River. Beautiful seacoast rides can be found in the Portsmouth area.

Andi Marie Cantele offers the reader the best of these rides from around the state, complete with mile-by-mile directions and clear, easy-to-follow maps. While other biking books have focused on off-road biking in the White Mountains or road touring in southern New Hampshire, no other book successfully puts it all together in a single cycling guide to the Granite State. 30 black & white photos, 25 maps. ... Read more

Book Description
The definitive bicycling guide to Vermont—completely revised with hundreds of miles of new riding and more information about history, geography, and special places.

This long-awaited fourth edition of 25 Bicycle Tours in Vermont is packed with new tours and major revisions to old favorites. Bicycle touring pioneer John Freidin once again shares his favorite rides through historic villages, along sparkling lakes, and through lush countryside in his delightfully readable new guide to bicycling in the Green Mountain State.

Following the quietest, least-traveled back roads, these tours range from easy rides for beginners and families, to challenging routes for the most hardy cyclist. Every tour includes stunning views, charming villages, and special places to swim, eat, and visit. Whatever part of Vermont you choose, you will have clear, accurate directions, ensuring your finding your way with confidence on nearly traffic-free back roads.

Based on his 33 years bicycling in Vermont and his deep knowledge of its history and topography, Freidin's graceful writing takes even seasoned Vermonters to new places in a cycling paradise. 25 black & white photographs, 25 maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent cycling tour book for the perfect cycling location
My husband and I are avid road cyclists, and we found this book to be a perfect guide for our recent vacation in Vermont. Rides are in all geographic locations across the state. The author features great rides with extremely clear directions, as well as tourist-focused descriptions for each of the towns that he takes you through. The rides are incredibly scenic, and the information on places to tour and eat along the way were invaluable to us. The only very minor complaint I have is that the charm of a few of the listed attractions are sometimes a little too enthusiastically stated - although all information was factually accurate. Make sure that you're getting the latest (2006) edition! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Bicycling the Backroads Around Puget Sound
Being the first in a series of three volumes of Washington State bicycling tours written by Erin & Bill Woods, the fourth edition of Backroads Around Puget Sound was published in 1995.I purchased the first edition in 1972 while participating in the Boeing Bicycle Club (BBC) and it was at that time created from a looseleaf compendium of trips that were planned and mapped out by Bill and his wife Erin.The trips (54 in total) range in length from a couple hours to overnight, and points of interest (with an ongoing mileage logs) are included.Each trip includes a useful elevation map and some idea of difficulty, a good thing since Western Washington is very hilly terrain.In my opinion there could be no individuals better qualified to write these books, and I've been on most of the ones in the book at least once, some a great many times over the years, and often accompanied (led, actually) by the Woods family during BBC outings.

Some of the maps contained may require updating, so unless you're accompanied by a knowledgeable tour group, it is helpful to compare them to current maps (I'd recommend both the 2001 Thomas Puget Sound Street Guide and Directory, and also the free King County Bicycling Guidemap).However, most of the route maps should be OK as they are, and often the best way to use the book is to copy the tour map of interest, higlighting the route and place it in a waterproof clear envelope (this is the Seattle area, after all).In summary, the popularity of the Woods' book is seen from it surviving through four editions, but since six years has elapsed it is perhaps due for yet another edition, and I'll be waiting.

Very Poor Directions
Although there is a good variety of trails in this book, I got lost every time I used it.The directions were not unclear- they were completely wrong.The book was written in 1995 so maybe some of the roads have changed, but there has to be a more reliable book out there.I would not recommend this book to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description
The most information-packed collection of advice on road and mountain biking has now been revised and updated for anyone seeking to become a better cyclist Jump-start your cycling savvy with this compilation of proven tips from the staffs of Bicycling and Mountain Bike magazines. Enjoy nuggets of wisdom from experts, in the full range of cycling subjects-from aerodynamics to zones for heart-rate training. Bursting with smart strategies to build your skill level, this is a book guaranteed to make you a more talented cyclist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Keeps you motivated to ride
Some of the tips offered are likely to be discovered by anyone who has even a little experience cycling.Still, there are many that are very helpful, that would not be easily discovered on one's own.Some occasionally contradict others.All in all, it is a very useful book.The index is very complete and a great help in finding specific items in the future.

Help ful book for the beginning cyclist
Although some of the "tips" given in this neat little book are very obvious to all, it is refreshing to see a book cover so many levels of the cyclist's evolution. There are, as I said, very obvious hints, but these are still good to read, and realize one isn't the only novice around who needs affirmation to these. There is something in this book to appeal to every type of cyclist, however, and the reader must decide which segments are going to be beneficial to him/her. I think everyone needs a "go to" book for basic instruction, and this one serves me very well. I think you will like it, too.

Packed with Useful Information
Bicycle Magazine's Mr. Hewitt provides 636 tips (plus sub-tips and framed sections with extra tips, presumably totalling 1000) covering safety in traffic, riding positions, skill builders, training techniques, distance riding, mountain biking, racing, health and fitness, nutrition, equipment, and bike care.The tips are stated concisely and are mostly well-organized, although each chapter should have been divided into sections for greater clarity.The glossary and index are excellent.There is one demerit, however:there is a dearth of illustrations (only 9).If the book had contained more diagrams, I would have been compelled to give it a 5. Even better would be to make the book into a video or DVD course! ... Read more

Book Description
A complete adventure guide to California's astonishing array of national parks features 92 road and mountain bike rides through the state's most spectacular natural areas. From the snowcapped peaks of the Sierras to the towering coastal redwoods of Muir Woods, California's national parks are renowned for their splendor. Touring these national treasures by bike has become a favorite way to leave luggage-laden cars and busy roads behind and enjoy the hidden byways of these parks more fully. As Edward Abbey wrote, "A man on a bicycle will see more, feel more, enjoy more in one mile than the motorized tourist can in a hundred miles." Bike along the rugged coastline to the graceful beaches of Point Reyes, spin through the wild dunes of Death Valley, or pedal past the rock formations and climbers of Joshua Tree. Rides range in length from a 2-mile warm-up in Manzanar Historic Site to a breathtaking Yosemite tour of nearly 100 miles. Each ride description includes 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.

* The first and only guide to bicycling California's national parks and wilderness areas
* Bicycling is becoming an evermore popular option as some national parks are closing roads to cars
* Nearly 100 rides are described and mapped in detail
* Part of the new national series: Bicycling America's National Parks
* Includes professional color photographs of the parks ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great book, but beware ...
I agree with the other reviews that this book is informative and engagingly written, with excellent and thoroughly researched paved and back road routes. However, I noted two cases in the Yosemite descriptions where the author confused left and right. In ride 74 at the bottom of page 264 he writes that you "turn left (south) and then xleftx RIGHT! immediately again onto narrow Crescent Meadow Road. That one is obvious when you're there, but the other is crucial: In ride 70, in the middle of p. 258 "...before arriving at a meadow. It seems like you should go left, but stay to the right of the meadow." Nope--you must indeed go to the LEFT of that meadow to follow the described route (and the overall loop is to the right), while the right fork soon turns into barely recognizable cowpaths that eventually dead end in the woods. I mention this mainly because he makes such a big deal of it, and want to warn cyclists using the book to take the directions with a hint of caution.

Walk, don't run
This book "Bicycling America's National Parks" is part of the Backcountry series. Even thought I like bikes I prefer to go on foot. The same trails lend their selves to foot also.

Many a time I have been able to locate ranger stations where you can check in and be loosed on the back country trails. Luckily many people are not aware of these areas. Some trails you can go all day without running into a soul.

David Story should be ashamed of him self fore giving away the secret. But I am glad I found this book.

The book is divided into 15 locations and in each location there is a description of where you can stay and where you can rent bikes along with other relevant information.

There are also trail maps and photographs from the area. Most important is inclusion of addresses for more up to date and more detailed information.

A Unique, Concise, Thorough, endlessly Readable Guidebook.
I just returned from a mountain biking vacation to Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area and this guidebook proved indespensible.It contains almost all information necessary to plan your trip and somehow manages to be both concise, thorough and readable.

Story introduces each chapter with a brief description of the geography and history of the park.Then Story lists several rides within the park, each accompanied by detailed descriptions (including technical and aerobic difficulty, best time of year to ride, overall length of trail, etc.) and maps.Though some road bike routes are included, most trails are for mountain bikes.Each trail I rode was accurately described.Each chapter also contains boxes describing the fauna (animals) and flora (plants) you'll likely encounter within each park.

This book isn't just a cycling guide, it contains virtually all the information you'll need to plan your trip.Story concludes each chapter with information about local lodging, camping, bike shops, grocery stores, and restaurants (his recommendations are first rate).He also provides helpful contacts (park visitors centers, etc.) which should be able to provide any other information you might need.Story has also eliminated the extraneous elements so many other cycling guidebooks seem to contain (elevation maps might be visually enticing, but let's face it, they aren't necessary).

What is really remarkable about this book is Story's terse, engaging writing.The abundance of information this book contains is presented in readable, often witty language.He doesn't just describe, he gives the reader a feel for each park and the surrounding communities (when applicable).Unlike most guidebooks I've read (which usually contain flat, predictable humor), Story's humor actually works; it isn't "laugh-out-loud" funny, but wry, witty humor that always relates to and never detracts from the subject matter.

The only improvement I would suggest for future editions is to provide a general map of each National Park.The trail maps only feature a small segment of the park where the trail is located.It is sometimes impossible to decipher where each trail is located within the entire park itself.This is particularly difficult for visitors not familiar with the area (like me).It was sometimes impossible to tell from the maps where the most convenient place to stay (closest lodging to the trails) is.The next edition should provide a map showing where each trail is located relative to the entire park.Before visiting a park, you should obtain a complete map from the National Park Service (Story does tell where to obtain these).

Story has set high standards with this guidebook, the first in the "Bicycling America's National Parks" series.It's the kind of book you'll enjoy reading even if you don't plan to hit the trails anytime soon.Story's writing is so engaging that finishing the 300-pages is effortless (300 pages may sound long, but it really isn't).This book is a must read for any cyclists interested in visiting the National Parks of California.I can't wait to read the subsequent guidebooks for other states.

A great guide and an even better read!
This book must be the first of its kind--a guidebook about bicycling in the national parks. The author shows that the common misperception that bicycling is not allowed off-road in national parks is just that-- a misperception. This book features some outstanding road rides as well as mountain bike rides. I think the descriptions of the parks themselves and the rides therein are well-written and clear. The author gives the kind of information you'd want to know before setting off on a ride, and does it in a colorful, sometimes very deadpan funny way. There's also some cool trivia about the parks and good, useful information about where to buy supplies, repair your bike, do laundry, take showers, camp, and other stuff like that. I think this is a book that shows you how to take part in the most fun sport in the world (bicycling) and do it in some of the most spectacular places in the world (the national parks of California). A must for any travelers to the national parks who want to get out of their cars and explore. (By the way: it's not just for hardcore bicyclists--there are numerous family and beginner-level rides as well.)

A great guide and an even better read!
This book must be the first of its kind--a guidebook about bicycling in the national parks. The author shows that the common misperception that bicycling is not allowed off-road in national parks is just that-- a misperception. This book features some outstanding road rides as well as mountain bike rides. I think the descriptions of the parks themselves and the rides therein are well-written and clear. The author gives the kind of information you'd want to know before setting off on a ride, and does it in a colorful, sometimes very deadpan funny way. There's also some cool trivia about the parks and good, useful information about where to buy supplies, repair your bike, do laundry, take showers, camp, and other stuff like that. I think this is a book that shows you how to take part in the most fun sport in the world (bicycling) and do it in some of the most spectacular places in the world (the national parks of California). A must for any travelers to the national parks who want to get out of their cars and explore. (By the way: it's not just for hardcore bicyclists--there are numerous family and beginner-level rides as well.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A good book
The book is well written with a lot of important details about the trail.

The Natchez Trace is a great trip for neophyte bicycle tourists
The terrain and weather are benign, and the logistical issues are straightforward.

Others have commented that the author assumes readers will know how to pack a bike and how to undertake simple repairs. I think Wanner's omission is a positive feature--there are other books that do these jobs thoroughly.

Bicycling the Natchez Trace excels with the great number of side trips described, which will be most useful for locals who are able to periodically re-visit the Trace.

For all of that, Wanner's book doesn't "speak" to me as a cycle tourist; his rhythms and pace do not closely approximate my own. Experienced tourists will understand my comment, and I would encourage beginning bikers to read other books by other authors to discover which ones work best them. For me, Nadine Slavinski works well.

top of the line
Well written, accurate usable advice for bikers.The historic facts as well as geography ( mileage to stores, attractions, facilities) were right on the money.I used the book to do the northern 125 miles of the trace.I am preparing for a southbound ride next and will use this book.
john

Nice complement to Park Service literature
The author obviously has spent considerable time riding the Trace and in surrounding areas. As a result, the book serves as a useful complement to the literature available from the National Park Service on the Natchez Trace. However, the most important document that a Trace traveler needs is a Natchez Trace Parkway Map and Guide from the Park Service.

The author briefly describes the historical significance of many of the landmarks along the Trace. Of great interest to bicylists is the lay of the land (hills) which is well described. Most importantly, one can find the location of food and water and lodging just off of the Trace, that is, not managed by the Park service. The Trace itself has insufficient restroom and water stops for the bicyclist. A minor point is that the author does not indicate the hours of operation of the markets that he notes. The author notes the great amount of wildlife on the Trace; but keep a sharp eye for the snakes sunning themselves on the Trace in warm weather.

Most all of the practical advice in the book is related either to logistics or to various routes. Where and how to ship one's bike is useful. About 40 percent of the book is taken up with auxiliary routes that either start or cross the Trace and are not a part of traveling the Trace from end to end. Multi-day tours through Vicksburg and around the Tennessee River are two of those. Most of these may appeal to local residents.

Throughout the book the author mentions various rules and regulations of the Trace. Although there is a brief section, it would have been useful to see a section with a complete listing: for example, rules for speed limits, parking, picnicing, camping, hiking, etc.

What one will not find in this book is much in the way of practical and general information about bicycling or touring on a bike - what gearing to use, how to pack gear on a bike, how to ride with a fully loaded bike, what is the best way to deal with bicycle problems while on the Trace, etc. One point of interest is that the author provides an 1-800 number that can be called in the case of problems; interestingly the park service does a poor job of signage concerning this number.

The bottom line is that the book would help anyone comtemplating a tour of the Trace to get a better feel for what he or she can expect on the Trace.

Ride 2000
Each year I plan one very special and hopefully very memorable ride. Still having to work for a living, and a family to spend time with, the ride I plan must fit all the schedules as well as my expectations. I first became interested in The Natchez Trace from reading some of the southern history. I was hooked! Couldn't find enough literature, maps, or books to satisfy my needs. One of the books I purchased was Glen Wanners' 'Bicycling The Natchez Trace'.. I planned for this ride for the better part of eight months using Glens' book as a guide. As this was my first solo self contained ride I wanted to do it right.When it came down to departure date I started to organize all my gear,I had a stack of maps and literature that weighed in at about 15 lbs!I quickly narrowed this down to one map supplied free from The National Parks Service and Bicycling The Natchez Trace by Glen Wanner. This book was my riding Bible,and was referred to several times each day. My ride covered 670 miles in ten days (the first two weeks in October) from Nashville to Natchez with side trips along the way. My trip was a success!Thanks to Glens' book and all the great people along the way. I would like to see Glen update this book as required so others may enjoy it as I have for years to come. ... Read more

Book Description
Here's how to get your machine in top shape for maximum time on the roads and trails. In this easy-to-use handbook, you'll find everything you need to make repairs, maintain your bike, and keep it running year after year.Discover how to: Design a unique yet practical home repair shop. Silence mysterious bike noises. Maintain and repair caliper, cantilever, and parallel-pull brakes. Keep your mountain bike in great shape for all types of terrain. Expertly handle the newest suspension forks. Inspect and repair your bike after crashes. Quickly fix roadside breakdowns. Tune up front and rear derailleurs. Overhaul bottom brackets and hubs. Service cartridge cranksets. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Artful yes, but not quite as much cycling as I'd hoped
I bought this book recently while waiting for a new bike to arrive that I'd ordered online.I wanted to get into the cycling mood before my new ride arrived, though I was already geared up for the topic.So I really really wanted to like this book. I wanted to love it.And as close as it came, it just fell a bit short.

As a commuting cyclist I felt this was the perfect book for me.It's packed with suggestions, tips and methods of cycling in urban and suburban environments that are meant to keep you safe and secure in the insanity of traffic you face daily.And those parts of the book are great... the parts about cycling that is.But getting to those parts takes some patience.Nearly the first 50 pages are a lead up to actually discussing cycling.They are sort of a short history of civil engineering, how inner cities and the suburbs developed, and how evil roads and cars can be.While that stuff is all well and good, it could have been a bit shorter or perhaps woven in with more of the on-topic material.

The author's joy and enthusiasm for cyling are obvious though, in the rest of the book.I feel as though he strives to stand up for the rights of cyclists (and encourage them to do the same for themselves) but he doesn't take a vigilante tone in doing so.And I appreciated that, because I think it makes it easier to follow his suggestions. They feel as though they're coming from a friend, rather than a fanatic.

So as much as I wanted to give this book 5 stars, I'm only going to give it 4.I'd likely give it 4 1/2 if that were an option.Sadly, it's not. But I do encourage riders of all skill levels (especially those starting out in the commuting lifestyle) to check out this really good book. ... Read more