Customer Reviews (1)

Great Reference for Beginners or Experts
I'm a begginermediate mountain biker and a weekend warrior so take this with the proverbial grain of salt. I have done several trails from the West Central section of this book, and had a 100% sucess rate with it. The the anecdotal decriptions are great, and they are followed by a blow-by-blow guide to the route he describes. Even with the detailed, step-by-step descriptions there are plenty of extras to inspire side trips, exploration, and customization to suite the level of riding experience.

Use common sense. Even though this book is only 3yrs old, markers disappear, signs are removed, trails are altered (sometimes by bulldozers), etc. Realize, these are details the author has no control over even though he has to include them at the time he rode the trail. I know of only a few authors who are considered omniscient (maybe One). As much as I like Mr. Kick's book, I don't think he's one of that number. This guide should always be supplimented with a good topo, and any maps that might be available from the local townships or organizations responsible for the trails described. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adirondack Mountains   2. All terrain cycling   3. Bicycle trails   4. Cycling - General   5. Guidebooks   6. New York (State)   7. Outdoor Skills   8. Sports   9. Sports & Recreation   10. Travel - United States   11. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York   12. Cycling   13. Travel & holiday guides   14. USA   

Customer Reviews (1)

Awesome Rides
This is a well written, highly interesting and fun book. The rides in here are great fun and well documented. Mr. Rogers should devote more time to sharing his in depth knowledge and expertise with all of us! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General   2. Travel   3. Travel - United States   4. United States - South - East South Central (General)   5. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)   6. Georgia   7. Mountain / off-road cycling   8. North Carolina   9. Tennessee   10. Travel & holiday guides   11. Virginia   

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book
If you want to learn the mountain biking trails in marin, you need this good. It covers all the great trails. Clear directions and nice topo profiles help prepare you for the climbs and descents.

Techbargains.com ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General   2. Reference - General   3. Special Interest - Adventure   4. Travel   5. Travel - United States   6. United States - Pacific - California   

From the overused and overpromoted Slickrock Trail to the eerie and remote digressions in and around Beef Basin, a tour through Moab, Utah proves that it is truly the mountain biking capital of the world. David Crowell's guide is a useful, bare-bones guide to over 42 area rides. It isn't flooded with photographs or drawings, but the route descriptions are right on the money and it's the only book small enough to throw into your Camelback without a second thought. --Ben Tiffany ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The only one you NEED!
This is a great book. I first found out about the entire Falcon series of books from some friends. They loaned this book to me when I made my first trip to Moab. We had other books with us but this is the only one we used. I have since purchased the Falcon guide's for Grand Junction/Fruita and Denver/Boulder.

Author responds to review below!
Hi

I'm David Crowell.. I wrote Mountain Biking Moab.

Since being published, Tens of thousands have found my route descriptions simple and easy to follow. The descriptions allow riders to sample a ride's flavor while alerting them to the trail's challenges.

A reviewer below stated that my "Courthouse Wash" trail was difficult to follow (I've paraphrased). Well, I belive my directions are sound. Other books say to just... turn right on Pipeline Road and follow it to Willow Road. Well, this is an area criss-crossed with roads (both legitimate and not). I have given a mile-by-mile route that gets one to Willow Road via a variety of surfaces that is fun and challenging. If the reader below had used all the navigational tools given in my book, He/She could have taken any northerly route and reached their destination.

I've given riders the information to make choices as-well-as the routes I enjoyed. My book is a tool to let you open up the excitement that is Mountain Biking Moab. It's by a biker for bikers. If you want pretty pictures buy a coffee table book. If you want to ride Moab, buy my book.

You don't have to take my word for it. Read ALL the reviews below and on other Moab books. Mine is the one you'll probably see being used by riders on the trail.

Thanks for your interest,

Dave :o)

Rider beware!
On a recent trip to Moab a friend and I relied on this book for directions. We tried four of the rides. The directions are not always clear, although three of the four rides were on trails that were either well-marked or obvious. But Crowell's directions for the "Courthouse Wash" route were indecipherable; we spent several hours trying to find our way with little success. So I wouldn't rely on this book alone. I also noticed that the bike shops in Moab carried several trail guides, but not this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling   2. Bicycle trails   3. Cycling - General   4. Cycling - Mountain Biking   5. Guidebooks   6. Moab   7. Sports   8. Travel   9. Travel - United States   10. United States - Mountain - Utah   11. United States - West - Mountain (General)   12. Utah   

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice Maps and Trail Descriptions
I have taken many of the trails listed in this book and was impressed with the accurate trail maps which include mileage markers, geologic features, and elevations of mountain peaks. Trail descriptions include the distance, estimated time required, start and end elevations, and technical ratings. The book is useful for both mountain bikers and hikers. About fifty pages are devoted solely to trails in the Santa Ana Mountains. Unfortunately, recent development has eliminated some of the trailheads, especially in Aliso & Wood Canyons Park.

Perfect referance book to plan your next ride
I love the book, and refer to it every weekend ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General   2. Cycling - Mountain Biking   3. Sports   4. Sports & Recreation   5. Travel - United States   6. United States - Pacific - California   7. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Customer Reviews (2)

Great variety of trails.
I found this book to very informative and opened up a lot of new riding experiences for me. As a Ventura/Los Angeles local, I got bored with the same old trails. This book provided me a good foundation to begin exploring a world of new trails, all within a few hours of my own home. The best part is that with one book, I was able to find trails in towns like Moro Bay, Santa Barbara, Big Bear and San Diego where I can now take weekend trips and know where to ride. The trail descriptions gave me a strong sense of the terrain and level of dificulty and I found them to be very accurate.

A colorless, forgettable, unremarkable guidebook.
This book is quite disappointing. The maps are okay, the elevation profiles are helpful, but otherwise it's utterly bland--and one thing mountain biking shouldn't be is bland. There's no sense of what makes these mountain bike routes special (and if you've ever ridden in Southern California, you know how special the riding is). I think there are other guidebooks about Southern California that give you a lot more bang for your buck. There's no reason to settle for something as lazy, mundane, and obviously-tossed-together-just-to-make-some-cash as this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling   2. Cycling - General   3. Cycling - Mountain Biking   4. Guidebooks   5. New England   6. Sports   7. Sports & Recreation   8. Travel - United States   9. United States - Pacific - California   10. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

The world's first national park remains a premier destination for enjoying the great outdoors with the entire family. Unequaled wildlife viewing opportunities and Old Faithful's clockwork blast continue to delight young and old alike. The park's many rivers and lakes allow access to some of the most pristine and scenic water for teaching the kids how to fish, and on a good day the native--but sometimes guileless--cutthroat trout can be as obliging as fish in a barrel. Large mammals such as mule deer and elk are almost certain to be viewed along the way.

An Outdoor Family Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks provides both practical advice and trip destinations with the whole family in mind. Tips on hiking, biking, and paddling with children will lower the odds that you'll end up with an exhausted, unhappy, or hurt child. For example, the Two Ribbons Trail, a very short loop leading to the Madison River and its adjacent meadows, is a great way to introduce young trekkers to the wonders of self-propelled travel. An overview chapter lists visitor centers and museums, and provides specific information on how to access myriad activities--climbing, horseback riding, boating, rafting, and mountain biking--within the parks. The rest of the book offers detailed hiking descriptions, each beginning with at-a-glance details (difficulty, distance, usage, and elevation gain) to help you discern which trails are appropriate for you and your young hiker. For instance, if you'd like to explore geothermal activity at a leisurely pace, choose the Artist Paint Pots trail (rated "very easy") to view these "strange-colored pools and a huge, spitting, burping mud pot." Detailed maps and a smattering of photographs add to this high-quality guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

No winter topics covered
This may be a great book for summer Yellowstone adventurers, but there is nothing mentioned about the beauty of Yellowstone during the winter. So, basically it was worthless and a waste of $$. We just got back from a winter snowmobiling tour, and it was amazing. I would suggest the Moon Handbooks - Yellowstone - Grand Teton National Parks...

Excellent book
Lots of good information in this book really helped prepare us for our trip to Yellowstone. Hike information was great and even pointed out when certain trails opened. This was very helpful in planning since we were traveling in May before many trails were open.

The best guide for the Teton Yellowstone area!
I purchased this book and several others for my trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone. This book was very informative on lodging, trails, sightseeing and travel. This guide was a time saver as well giving me ideas of the trails and difficulty and estimated time. Many things to do and lots of recommendations for children but its so much more. Definately a keeper and will use next time im planning a vacation to the area. Oh by the way, i do recommend a trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone. The tetons were breathtaking and definately do the trip accross Jenny Lake. Yellowstone, WOW the gysers, wildlife, fishing it was terrific. Have Fun. Jeff ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling   2. General   3. Grand Teton National Park   4. Guidebooks   5. Hiking   6. Parks & Campgrounds   7. Special Interest - Family   8. Sports & Recreation   9. Travel   10. United States - Mountain - Wyoming   11. Wyoming   12. Yellowstone National Park   

Customer Reviews (2)

Must have for exploring the trails around Bend
A tad dated (hint for a revisied edition!), this is the most authoratative description of Bend's mountain biking trail system. After four years of living and mountain biking in the Bend area, I still have a couple trails that Scott has written about that I haven't completed. This book along with the Bend area Adventure map (available at any local bike shop) are indispensible when enjoying the amazing and endless mountain bike trails of central Oregon.

excellent resource
has majority of trails in the area; gives detailed instructions ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling   2. Bend   3. Cycling - General   4. Guidebooks   5. Oregon   6. Parks & Campgrounds   7. Sports   8. Sports & Recreation   9. Trails   10. United States - South - Texas   11. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Customer Reviews (2)

Pretty Cool!
I thought that Mountain Bike Mania was a pretty cool book.
I really like to ride Mounatin bikes and I felt as though I was the one riding the bike in the story. You really felt like you were in the middle of the action. I like the way Matt Christopher writes and would like to read another one of his books. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to ride mountain or dirt bikes.

A Winner
This book is about a kid (Will Mathews) who is very lousy and in't good at any sports. But one day he goes hiking only to see three mountain bikers that are having a blast. After Will saw them he jouined the club that they were in and soon was having as much fun as the people they saw. Unfortunatly his friend hates to mountain bike and that startes a whole mess that no one knows if it will be over. This book was so good that I read on my own.(I don't like to read that much) If you are looking for a good book and love sports (speceialy mountain biking) then I strongly, absolutly recomend this book to all yong sports lovers for this is the book for YOU! Although the book is not fully about mountain biking(I do wish that it had) it was still a great book. Of course their are probably better books out their that have your name on them and some of them might be one of Matt Christerphor (the aothore) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling   2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General   3. Children: Grades 4-6   4. Clubs   5. Fiction   6. Friendship   7. Juvenile Fiction   8. School & Education   9. Schools   10. Social Situations - Friendship   11. Social Situations - General   12. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous   13. Transportation - General   14. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Miscellaneous   

Customer Reviews (2)

Terrific for family and Leisure Riders!
This book is so perfect for family and for leisure riders! It is not the "carry-your-bike-up-the-legdge-and bushwhack-through-the-bushes" kind of book. Rather, you're biking on pine-needle covered trails a lot and having a chance to share in nature. It if perfect for starting a family tradition. The author does a super job of combining riding with your kids and doing other things (watching great blue herons fish, observing beavers building their lodges at a state reservoir, a visit to a science center on the Seacoast that's a part of a state park--Odiorne Point).

My kids look at this as such a family thing to do. I want to cultivate this kind of activity with my family so that video games and other sedentary activities take a back seat.

It's a gift to have all these state resources in the scenic state of New Hampshire readily available for the taking. Count me in! Let's go summer--load those bikes up. Don your helmets, kids. We're ready to roll. Ride softly!

Good start, prepare to get lost though.
This book is a great start when you are looking for places to bike in New Hampshire. However, beware of the maps provided in this book, they are very general and WILL GET YOU LOST. I would advise using the book to select a ride then getting a topographical map of the area, or, obtaining a Forestry Service map. Either way, you are preparing yourself for a fun day of riding in a great state! Let's face it, getting lost riding is fun, right up until it's nighttime and getting cold. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling   2. Cycling - Mountain Biking   3. Guidebooks   4. New Hampshire   5. Sports   6. Travel   7. Travel - United States   8. United States - New England - New Hampshire   9. United States - Northeast - New England (General)   

Customer Reviews (3)

Good photos but lacks detail
The photos used in this book are nice, but I found them to be lacking in detail, especially when maintenance procedures are described. Additionally, the text is vague and too simplified at times. A beginners' book should not necessarily translate into less detail. Overall, the book covers a broad range of topics and is good for absolute beginners.

A great book for beginner mountain bikers
This is a very informative book. It was written with the beginner/intermediate mountain biker in mind. The book take you from the simple steps of mounting your bike, to basic maintenence and care. From tricks and trails, to races and upgrades, it is an excellent beginner mountain bike handbook!

Great book
This is a very good book, it tells different places that you can go biking and the techniques that you should use to go over different hazards, this has to be one of the best, most informative MBing book I have ever read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain bicycles   2. All terrain cycling   3. Cycling   4. Cycling - General   5. Cycling - Mountain Biking   6. Exercise   7. Mountain bikes   8. Sports   9. Sports & Recreation   

Customer Reviews (2)

Holes in the Atlas
I found the format of this book to be quite useful. Trails are divided into geographic regions with detailed instructions on how to get to the trailhead. Each trail in the book has a standard trail map, an elevation map (useful to gauge the trail's difficulty), some text to give more detailed directions, and other trail details such as parking fees, whether or not you can bring your dog, etc. Don't buy this book if you are interested in riding in the Lynchburg / Bedford / Roanoke area as it seems the author has not spent a great deal of time in this part of the state. Otherwise, Northern and Eastern VA are well covered.

Outstanding Detail
Mountain Bike VA is an excellent book for the mountain bike enthusiast or just someone who enjoys biking at a more leisurely pace. Divided by VA Counties; each ride has detailed instructions on how to reach the trailhead, associated costs, distances, type of trail, difficulty, a trail diagram which includes a trail terrain profile, a couple of pictures and a witty, descriptive narrative. Well worth the minor cost and then some. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General   2. Cycling - Mountain Biking   3. Sports   4. Sports & Recreation   5. Travel - United States   6. Sports & Recreation / Cycling   

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General   2. Travel   3. Travel - United States   4. United States - Pacific - California   5. United States - West - Pacific (General)   

Customer Reviews (2)

A MUST HAVE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS!!!!
I love this book. You can tell this guy's from the area. He includes great details and tips about things you would otherwise miss. It's a good deal of insightful info for a few books. It's about time something like this hit the shelves for new and old Texas bikers!

at long last......
....an excellent quality guide to Texas mountain biking. Great descriptions, a good variety of rides and text that isn't boring like some guide books. The author really inspired me to get out and hit the trails! Definitely one to own if you are interested in biking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - Mountain Biking   2. Travel   3. Travel - United States   4. United States - South - West South Central (General)   5. Travel / United States / South / West South Central (AR, LA, OK, TX)   

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice collection of Bike paths in the southwest
This book covers bike paths and routes in several cities in Arizona (14 routes), Southern California (6 routes), Northern California (26 routes), Nevada (2 routes) and Utah (8 routes). There are no maps of the routes but the author does a pretty good job of describing them. The descriptions are pretty detailed including such things as places to park, restroom locations, places to eat, level of difficulty, and condition of pavement.

This book seems to be written with the casual cyclist in mind. If you're looking for a route where you can "hammer" out 40 miles at a fast pace then this book is not for you. If you're looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely weekend ride with friends or children, then this book was designed with you in mind, For example, in their level of difficulty ranking the authors consider a 3-mile route with rolling hills to be "challenging."

The only negative comment I have about the book was that it was written about 5 years ago so some of these routes may have changed over the years. For most of the routes, the author does provide a phone number to call to get more information about the route. If you're traveling to a new area and plan to ride one of these routes you may want to call ahead of time to make sure the route or bike path still exists or has not changed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bicycle touring   2. Bicycle trails   3. Cycling - General   4. Guidebooks   5. Southwest, New   6. Southwestern States   7. Sports   8. Sports & Recreation   9. Travel - United States   10. United States - West - Mountain (General)   11. Sports & Recreation / General   

Customer Reviews (1)

a place to start
A good summary of some of the rides in San Diego. The instructions are pretty good (I have had a little trouble almost every description) but the author is a little conservative regarding open areas. He describes areas as closed that other guidebooks, rangers etc. say are wide open. It's like a trail book written by a lawyer who is afraid of getting sued. So take the boundary descriptions with a gain of salt. Otherwise an excellent overview of trails in far Southern CA. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling   2. Bicycle trails   3. California   4. Cycling - General   5. Cycling - Mountain Biking   6. Guidebooks   7. Reference   8. San Diego Region   9. Sports   10. Sports & Recreation   11. Travel - United States   12. United States - Pacific - California   

Customer Reviews (1)

A very detailed book of trails. A must have for beginners.
Conrad's mountain bike book is in his normal, factual and precise format. No fluff here. He helps you determine the aerobic and technical difficulty, locate the trialhead, and takes you through the odometer driven turns. Trail information is very complete and includes 2 graphics per trail: one a normal map with arrows, the other a chart showing elevation change per mile. You can still get lost or get in over your head, but not because of this book.

My only complaint is that some of my favorite mountain bike areas and trails are not included. On the other side, I'm kinda glad. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General   2. Travel   3. Travel - United States   4. United States - General   5. United States - West - Pacific (General)   

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent... Your one-stop guide to biking Hawaii.
This book really helped me on all my rides in Hawaii. Best of all, the book had sections on all 6 visitable main islands. The maps and trail descriptions were always right on... don't ride in the islands without this! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - Mountain Biking   2. Mountaineering   3. Travel   4. Travel - United States   5. United States - Pacific - Hawaii   6. United States - West - Pacific (General)   7. Guidebooks   

Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling   2. Cycling - General   3. Cycling - Mountain Biking   4. Guidebooks   5. Oregon   6. Sports   7. Sports & Recreation   8. Travel - United States   9. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Customer Reviews (1)

New Title -- still the real deal!
I found this in a Moab Bike shop.. Rim Cyclery or something like that.. anyway.. I had to buy it! It was the one I thought I ordered on Amazon before I got to Moab... but apparently the publisher just released a second edition and put the old edition's title on another book!!

This edition.. the "pocket guide" is the one you want if you're gonna actually get on a bike and ride.

It gives a good flavor description of the ride and the directions were spot-on... The profiles were good too. I really liked the maps.. they allowed good navigation. Not overwhelming .. just right.. This guy obviously put his heart and soul into this book.

Obviously this author's heart and soul reside on Moab's trails! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - General   2. Cycling - Mountain Biking   3. Sports   4. Sports & Recreation   5. Sports & Recreation / Cycling