Cycling Books

Good reference of some of the favorite multi-day bicycle tours in the Northwest.

While there are several multi-day trips in the guide, this book is targeted at the more serious recreational rider who is looking for day rides of 25 to 60 miles. It covers quite a large area, mostly in Washington State, with general and detailed descriptions of the routes, augmented by line maps. One nice feature is that it details the vertical profile of each ride so you can see what you're getting into when it comes to climbing hills at various milage points in the rides.

I've ridden about 1/3 of the routes and have found the rides well planned and accurately described. There is always a place to stop for a break near mid-way, and often alternatives to shorten or lengthen the trip. A great book to get you in touch with quiet roads or bike trails that you otherwise may never discover.

What the critics say:

Derek Roberts, founding member of the Southern Veteran-Cycle Club (now Veteran-Cycle Club), England, editor and principal contributor of 'The Boneshaker' for its first 21 years ('The Boneshaker' is the first periodical to be devoted to cycling history):

"...you have produced a work that every student of cycling history must buy. It is the coffee-table book to end all coffee-table books, and it has the merit of being a work of art as well as a reference manual. I congratulate you on your fine achievement...I shall obviously have to have a special coffee-table made to hold it."

Les Bowerman, editor of 'The Boneshaker':

"It is a magisterial view of all aspects of cycle history, and I strongly recommend it to all interested in the general history of cycles and cycling. Forget the high price - you must have the book,....this is the cycle history publishing event of the decade."

Nick Clayton, Honorary editor of 'The Boneshaker':

"...the most comprehensive and correct treatment of the subject to date."

The Guardian, Manchester (UK), February 27, 1997:

"Pryor Dodge...has combined what is unquestionably the most finely illustrated history of cycling ever produced with a text which is both erudite and elegant. Dodge not only reminds us of the curious paths and byways the bicycle has travelled down; he points a way forward by documenting the bicycle renaissance of recent years."

London Review of Books, April 24, 1997:

"The Bicycle is full of delights....adds up to what used to be called a wonder book....close-ups of clean, shining mechanisms can have an elegance all their own..."

Bicycle Culture 11, York (UK), December 1996:

"This is the most sumptuous book ever on the history of cycling. The author borrows generously from his astonishing collection of historical illustrations: revealing images not previously known even to cycle historians.  That so many of them are in colour is particularly delightful. The many finely-lit studio photographs make old, worn machines look truly beautiful, from the pitted and scratched Levocyclette of 1905 on the front cover, to the two-page spreads devoted to a Velocipede pedal detail and to the Simpson lever chain."

VELO, 1996 Fall/Winter Catalogue:

"This book is nothing short of the finest cycling history/picture book ever published...This book is a treasure for any cycling enthusiast....Outstanding color photographs."

In 1988, when living in China, I bought a Shanghai-built Yongjiu ("Forever") bicycle. Reputed to be a copy of a 1936 Raleigh, or a 1938 Legnano, depending on which expert it was, the Yongjiu is clearly from another era: massive steel tubing, rod-operated brakes, a wide, brown sort-of-leather saddle with lots of springs underneath, one speed. It was almost brand new and very inexpensive, so I thought I was buying a bit of history and a nifty souvenir. It looked great, with its deep black enamel finish and chrome flourishes. And it had a sturdy rack, suitable for carrying furniture, or ducks to the market.

After returning to Canada, I had the opportunity to ride the Yongjiu to work once when my regular commuter bike, an elderly Gitane ten-speed, required some major repairs. The five kilometer trip was interminable. The bicycle was awkward and ponderous. It was undergeared for load-carrying, meaning I had to spin at much too fast for comfort. But the bike was so heavy that even speed bumps took on Matterhorn dimensions. The brakes did not appear to slow what little forward progress there was, although I could hear them working. And I had to ride with my feet pointed outwards to prevent my knees from being whacked by the handlebars on every revolution of the crank. And everyone at the office who saw the Yongjiu was enchanted by it.

This fascination for old bicycles seized Pryor Dodge at an early age. His epiphany was seeing Cantinflas ride a high-wheeler in the film "Around the World in 80 Days" and the result has been many years of collecting old bicycles and related paraphernalia. And this wonderful book, which traces the development of the bicycle from Baron Karl Friedrich Drais von Sauerbronn's Laufmaschine ("Running Machine") of 1817 to the velocipede, with its cranked front wheel, to the elegant but precarious high-wheeler and, finally, the safety bicycle of 1886. The last thirty pages are devoted to the bicycle in the Age of the Automobile, but you can tell Mr. Dodge's heart is not really into relating the story of the BMX or mountain bike.

No, Pryor Dodge loves bicycles from before 1900, when an inventive madness swept the world and the bicycle took so many whimsical forms. One can savour the details of the 1884 Kangaroo geared high-wheeler, the steam-powered velocipede (!), the bamboo bicycle or the bizarre Coventry Rotary Tricycle, whose appearance defies description but which is beautifully illustrated in one of the many superb photos that grace this book. The text, which is somewhat overwhelmed by the quality of the images, is full of interesting facts, conveyed in a clear and attractive style. The photos of bicycles are supplemented by images of posters, medals, club uniforms and other amazing things.

For anyone with any feeling for bicycles (or gorgeous books), "The Bicycle," which has been published in at least three languages, is a must, and a steal at the price.

And on page 193 is a photo of people in Shanghai riding to work on their Yongjius.

I too have had the privilege of visiting Mr. Metz's garage-cum-museum, which is only a half hour's drive from here. If you can't get to see his collection first hand, this is the next best thing.

this book is an excellent pictorial trip through one of the world's finest collections of bicycles and related items. i have actually been to the Metz Bicycle Museum in Freehold, New Jersey and have had a personalized tour by David Metz, the owner of the museum which is the basis for this book. this book is a very good introduction to the history of bicycles and the photograpy is excellent. however, on an actual tour of the museum you get some of the most interesting stories first hand from David Metz. this 87 year young collector is only too happy to share his knowledge of bicycles with any visitor to his museum. the book and a trip to the museum if at all possible will both be something to remember

I obtained this book from the local library and thought it contained sensible advice for novice as well as advanced cyclists. Not that proficient riders could not stand to learn more, but the book may be too basic for them (since I'm just a novice rider, I can't really judge that). The author appreciates the different motivations for riding -- leisure, fitness, competition, etc., and offers tips on proper bike fit, safety, stretching, nutrition, etc. There are even a few recipes in the back. The book is a recent publication (2004), important when choosing reading material in this subject since equipment improves and changes all the time.

This excellent book contains a wealth of information on how to properly fit a bike; physical conditioning; diet and nutrition; correcting problems generated by incorrect posture and movement on the bike; wellness; clothing; urban riding. The author notes: "...my own experience is that no matter how satisfactory my current cycling performance is, I can always refine my technique and discover new ways to increase my riding pleasure. I am certain you will find that the same is true for you."

Yep. She's right. Thirty-five years ago my wife and I started riding bikes by tooling about Nakhon Phanom Province in northeastern Thailand on a couple of Bridgestone 3-speeds. We did some biking off and on over the years, really into it at times, followed by dry spells for one reason or another. I have found that the changes in bike design, manufacturing technology, and attitudes toward riding have changed so dramatically that getting back on a bike today is like Henry Ford might feel parking his Model T and hopping directly into one of those soon-to-come Shelby GT500's. If you're in the same boat, this is a good book to get your mind back into cycling.

This book is an essential read for any novice before going bike shopping, and is an equally good read for more experienced riders who wish to clarify viewpoints and philosophies about cycling.

The Chicken, Red Bean, and Rice Chili recipe ain't too shabby, either.

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 - both for biking, and just generally getting by in Africa. Really - read this!

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.

This was such a great addition to "The Best Hikes of Colorado" that I had previously purchased. These "superguides" are my favorite, by far. Everything is spelled out for you, the difficulty, the length of the ride, what you will see along the way and directions on how to get there. They even put maps of each area so you could go off on a different path and change your ride. I LOVE the removable pages and the plastic sleeve so you can take the page with you!

This is a must-have book for anyone who enjoys biking in Colorado! The maps are very well laid out, removable, with a plastic pouch included to store them in on your bike, and every great trail and road for biking is in there.

This a book for all you biker lovers out there! The maps/trails are very detailed and to the point. Also, it shows Dave Johnsen has put plenty of research in this book because he tells us what places you will find on each trail. I highly recommend this book if you love to bike and/or want to navigate Illinois!!!!

Biking Illinois: 60 Great Road Trips And Trail Rides by biking enthusiast David Johnsen is an outstanding collection of "bicycle friendly" statewide biking trails accompanied with maps and photography for a greater understanding of Illinois' road trips and trail rides. Providing readers with a detailed description of each of the featured sixty bike trail, Biking Illinois features trails following the path of Louis and Clark, as well as the Garden of the Gods, and the Shawnee National Forest, and the Great Western Prairie Triangle. Biking Illinois is very highly recommended to all cyclists searching for a an instructive reference for planning their next big biking expedition -- particularly those who live near or in Illinois variable terrain.

An Unbelievable book! Having biked parts of this trail myself, The attention to detail that Ms. Lankford has supplied is astouding! I have read many guidebooks covering many topics, and this is one of the best, from the mileage markers, to the detailed maps, to the great photos. Additionally, the book doubles as a great adventure story of two slightly crazy, but totally ambitious girls! I reccomend this book without hesitation.

I just got Andrea Lankford's guide and getting my hands on it is bittersweet: I love the book... but really could have used this guide a couple of months ago. In November and December of 2002 I became the first solo thru biker of the Arizona Trail (AZT) and the third thru biker ever. During my journey I relied on photocopied maps, second hand advice, and a crumpled road map-certainly not the thorough guidebook that is available today. Lankford supplies us long distance adventurers with a guide complete with accurate trail descriptions, exact mileage, humor, an easily readable text, maps, and photos. Lankford is truly adept at writing a guide after thru biking the AZT, thru hiking the 2160-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and serving as a National Park Service EMT/Forest Ranger. They said Andrea Lankford and her partner Beth Overton could'nt hack this 800-mile mountain, canyon, plateau, and desert route, but they were wrong. And if anyone ever said that a great guide could not come out of their expedition, they were clearly incorrect as well. As being the only other person to bike this gorgeous and challenging trail besides Andrea Lankford's friend Beth, I can tell ya one thing for sure: this baby gets 5 stars.

for all cycling fanatics who want to read portions of bob's racing diary. fyi, this book is not to be confused with anything john wilcockson has written :)

Words cannot capture the drama, the funniness, the insanity, the rambling rants, the verisimilitude of the live race descriptions, and that certain 'je-ne-sais-quoi' of Bob Roll's cycling book. It is a peculiar and interesting place, that region or landscape where the demented mind of Bob Roll inhabits and calls itself home. I am sure I don't want to live there, but a visit is well worth the price of admission.
Yes, he is the real deal. Rode the Tour de France with Lemond. The Giro with Andy Hampsten. Helped Andy win the Giro d'Italia in probably the most epic stage ever of any Grand Tour when Hampsten claims the lead of the race in a freak snowstorm over the tallest mountains in Italy, aided by his trusty leftenant-one certain Bob Roll-who brought warm drink and clothing up to his leader to assist him win the stage and the Giro. (Many riders crawled off their bikes, weeping in pain and the knowledge they would never even finish the stage, much less the race. ) Not so Mr. Roll-- in helping his teammate win, Mr. Roll of course suffered hypothermia, frostbite, and literally had to have his heart jumped when the freezing temperatures plummeted his pulse to a mere 20 or 30 beats per minute.
Oh yeah, he was also the person Lance Armstrong called when, during his comeback post-cancer, Lance wanted a good training partner and colleague to go to Boone, North Carolina to exorcise his demons and return to the bike. Hundreds of cycling miles in N.C. and laughter and tall tales at night, courtesy of Mr. Roll...
We all know what happened next.
But to those of us who want to know more about Sancho Panza (Bob Roll) than Don Quixote (Greg, Andy, or Lance) please consider this. True heroics often hide themselves in others' glory. His demented humor belies a fine intellect and a warped and twisted view of life that makes sanity appear disgusting, I want to know this man. For now, the best I can do is read his book and follow his peregrinations across the desert of media cycling hype.
Don't expect to do anything but laugh and cry when you read this piece of culture clash, as if you were at a cocktail party with Hunter Thompson meets Bernard Hinault. You'll wish you too had gotten lost in a New Mexico snowstorm and had the wit to tell it as yet one more brush with the eternal masquerading as sheer chance. As if.
Roll on. Ride like the wind signor!!!

I am quite a novice into paddling, have done it a few times as "one of those tourists in a rental canoe". Then purchased a canoe and two books including this one. I've never been aware that there was so much to know about canoes, water and paddling technique. I already learned a lot and will be able to re-use this book to review and learn more after I've practised the first items.
I would recommend this book to anybody in a similar or slightly more advanced situation. You should note however that this book is primarily focussing on down-river canoeing. Flat water is also covered briefly and a lot of river technique also work for lakes. In case you would be looking for specifics on flat-water navigation or trip planning, this book might be less appropriate.

While this title may contain too much information for someone who has never paddled a canoe, it is an excellent resource for those who have paddled a bit but have never had formal instruction. There is detailed instruction on a variety of strokes as well as identifying, entering and peeling out of eddies. There is also very important info about reading water and identifying hazards such as undercut rocks, strainers, hydraulics etc. Also included is basic instruction on water-reading. This book has made it much easier for me to teach less experienced paddlers. If you've been in a canoe enough to know how to get down an easy river, this book will likely have parts that are under and over your head. If you're somewhere between beginner and expert, this book is definitely worth reading.