Product Description
A tour guide for bicycle touring along one of the historically and scenically most interesting routes in Europe. Linking the North Sea coast in Holland with the heartland of Germany, France, and Switzerland, this route provides an easily accessible cycling tour.

Detailed route descriptions with route maps and information about the places visited, including accommondations and excursions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Below Expectations
I make one to two 500 to 800 mile bike travel a year.
My next one (July/2009)is from Zurich to Amsterdam via Rhine river.
This book has good intentions but is not well organized, some excess information in turn left and right and no detailed information on elevations, wind, temperature or GPS points.
The direction shown in the book is west/north to east/south and I am really going the other way following the river flow.
The maps inside the book aren't good either.
I am not taking this book to Europe with me.

very informative book
I like reading this book because it's packed with so much information any cyclist would need to know before launching themselves on a cycling tour across this part of our beautiful world.

A terrific book, but ...
This is a terrific book, but I do have some reservations. What is so terrific about it is that it is jam-packed with information useful to any bicyclist planning, or in the middle of, a trip along the Rhine River. It includes sections on equipment, geography, history, money, climate, foreign words and phrases, etc., as well as detailed routes, alternate routes, and "diversion routes" (with maps) along the Rhine. Of course, one could bring along a pack of books on all these topics, but any traveling bicyclist is obviously greatly limited as to what he/she can carry. So it's nice to have so much information in one place. Naturally the longest part of the book is devoted to Germany, as this is the longest (and probably most interesting) stretch of the river.

I traveled my own "Rhine journey" by bicycle (the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland) a few years ago, and it was one of the most memorable events of my life. I kept a detailed diary at the time (highly recommended), and frequently still turn to it. John Powell'sbook also brought back many happy memories.

My quibbles (mostly minor) about Powell's book are as follows: I found that for each route, the number of tiny instructions offered to the bicyclist seem obsessively detailed, almost to the point of being funny. For just one example, to bicycle from Bacharach to Mainz, a very simple stretch of 37 miles, all on the western side of the river, Powell offers more than 90 instructions! Long-distance bicyclists are a pretty resourceful and intrepid lot, really don't need this kind of detail, and rarely get lost. I myself bicycled the entire Rhine route with just good maps, notes I made at home before I left (about places and sights), and a small guide to youth hostels. And I never got lost!

Speaking about youth hostels, most long-distance bicyclists in Europe are relatively young and stay in hostels along the way. Hostels are usually fun, cheap, and a good way to exchange travel tips and make friends. Powell devotes very little space to them. A hostel guide is very useful in planning. The one from the Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk in Detmold is great, also "Hostels Germany" by Paul Karr and Martha Coombs is useful and fun.

A tiny point: Powell says, regarding bicycle tires, that he uses "slick (smooth) treads for better speed." What's the hurry? Why not slow down a bit and enjoy the marvelous scenery? Also, I think a somewhat thicker tread is advisable, unless one is adept at fixing flat tires (not all the bike paths are free of sharp pebbles and glass!).

Powell's book is a thoughtful guide, obviously not a book to sit down and read cover to cover, but a good resource for planning or executing that trip along the Rhine. If you do make the trip, I hope you have as great a time as I did!

How honest is the preview web page
Of course I think this is a great book - I spent a number of years researching and writing "Cycling the Rhine Route".I had so much information that I had to edit out two-thirds of the original manuscript to fit in with the publisher's requirements and I still had to persuade him to make the book longer than originally planned. So I had to make informed choices about what to leave in and take out, and after having cycled the route quite a few times, in all seasons and weathers, I feel that I have done my best within the constraints placed upon me.
The bibliography contains book titles that are either unobtainable nowadays, or out of print, and it seems that whoever built the Amazon web page has replaced those titles with others which are available.I don't think this is honest, and I have told Amazon this, but with no result. This shouldn't prevent you from owning a book which will give you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful journey along one of the oldest routes in Europe. Best wishes and happy cycling. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

The Spring Classics
For the cycling and history enthusiast this is one of the most entertaining books on the the history of the sport..
Beautiful photography worth every penny......

Fantastically beautiful book...
What a gorgeous coffee table book for any aficionado of cycling and bicycle racing.A mix of classic and modern photos, complete with chapter-length descriptions, highlights and histories of all the major (and some minor, as well as now-defunct) spring classics grace the book.Totally worth it. ... Read more

Product Description
Little-known Graeme Obree became international cycling’s most unlikely star, capturing the public’s imagination with his innovative engineering and design skills and unique training regiments. When he broke world records and won championships, the cycling authorities outlawed both his bike and his tucked riding position. He invented the "Superman" riding style and triumphed again. But while battling authorities and other cyclists, Obree was also battling a much more serious threat: bipolar disorder. In The Flying Scotsman, Obree tells his remarkable story with brutal honesty and unexpected humor. Beginning with his troubled childhood in Ayrshire, where the bike was his only escape, Obree recounts his turbulent life and career, describing what drove him to not only break records, but to attempt suicide on three separate occasions. Long known for his courage on the track, here Obree demonstrates a different kind of courage as he movingly lays bare his struggle with manic depression. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Flying Scotsman
Excellent read, it kept me captivated, couldn't wait to read everyday. Well written and insightful.

Harrowing but Inspirational
I have been a huge fan of mr Obree since he first appeared on the UK cycling radar but I had no idea what was going on in his private life until I read this book. This book is a harrowing tale and I found reading it to be quite disturbing . It is not a light read as the subject matter is often pretty uncomfortable, especially for someone who held Obree in such high esteem. I met mr Obree at the UK 25 mile time trial championships and thought at the time how quiet and unassuming he was to be such a great champion. I had no idea who the real man was.

On the plus side this book Is a tremendous David vs Goliath story where an average man in the street (If you could ever consider Obree to be average) achieves unheard of success. The style of writing is easy to follow and the the subject matter interesting enough to draw you into the "one more chapter before bed" trap. If you ride a bike you have to read this book.

The movie (although very enjoyable) is not in the same league.

Good not great
This is an interesting book about cycling and mostly about a person's struggles against depression. The book drags a little but it is still interesting.

Not light, but very interesting
Reading the book makes the movie "The Flying Scotsman" seem like a made for TV lite version.Obree's had some serious ups and downs, but the book is good reading and gives insights into greatness in cycling, and the horrors of depression.

Inside The Rider's Head
This is the first autobiography I've ever read.Obree's life hold's intrigue as he was quickly launched from amateur to pro in the cycling world almost before he really considered himself a cyclist.
As he was setting world records, he was battling with a low self-image, and when you parallel his thoughts with what he accomplished, you cannot deny that this book does more than just show one man's struggle to be a cycling champion - it explores the true heart behind the actions we do, and forces us to realize that money and fame are not an end in themselves.Ugly thoughts from childhood still haunt him through the very moment he wrote them in this book.It's interesting that as he writes this book, he is still uncertain about what the future holds for him.He has survived truly phenominal challenges, and is amazing in his brutal honest opinion of himself.
He has a very informal style, and his mind flows on the page through his pen, and it is an adventure till the last page. ... Read more

Product Description

This essential guide steers you along Britain’s best cycling routes, to great pubs and attractions and the coziest places to stay and eat.Find a tour to suit you – a leisurely day trip, a week-long tour or the epic 20-day Land’s End to John o’Groats ride.

• 120 days of Britain’s best cycling
• where to eat – from pubs to cafes, curry-houses and restaurants
• where to stay – from camping to B&Bs and luxury hotels
• on-the-road maintenance tips and recommended bike shops
• what to see and do, in and out of the saddle
• how to pack and transport your bike

Lonely Planet provides in one book all the information a cyclist will needfor a tour of Britain, including Wales and Scotland. "Facts for Cyclists"provides practical information on when to ride, a checklist of what tobring, information on buying or renting locally, a list of cycling events,and Internet resources. There's a detailed introduction to the British cycle-touring scene, with tips on how to get to and from Heathrow Airportand how to use the excellent rail network to cover more of the island.There are tips for senior, disabled, and gay and lesbian cyclers, and those riding with children, as well as lists of which airlines are bicycle friendly and how to pack and transport your bike. The "Health and Safety" chapterexplains the British rules of the road, and gives tips for getting andstaying fit. It discusses treatments for common ailments on the road, and evenexplains how to avoid the "bonk." As well, there's the usual information on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, and photographs (though the latter are on the small and skimpy side). With the inclusion of a chapter on bicyclemaintenance and repair, this is one excellent, all-purpose guide. Be sureto make room for it in your pannier. --Lesley Reed ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good reference for planning a tour of Britain
This is a great book for planning a cycle tour of Britain.It has strengths common to all the Lonely Planet series, such as advice on getting to and from Britain and using rail and air travel to get to the various touring routes.There are also sections on bicycle maintenance and pre-tour fitness training that might be useful to potential tourists.

From the perspective of using this book as an actual road guide, there are many shortcoming.This book is very much a "townie's" guide, with the majority of route description focusing on where to spend your money on food and accomadation rather than discussing on-the-bike route navigation.The route maps printed in the book are of minimal detail, with many towns and roads omitted.The routes themsevles are descibe by lists of verbal cues and arrows, for example "--> At unisigned road."The combination of these factors means that it is very easy to miss a cue, get off-route, and wind up on a part of your map with no description.

I would recommend supplementing the book with at least the 1:250,000 scale Ordnance Survey Travelmaster maps.The book itself also recommends this, but the editorial review claims the book is a stand-alone guide.Also, many of the descibed routes coincide with the Sustrans National Cycle Network (NCN) in Britain.One might do well to use this book in planning a tour of Britain, then acquiring the detailed cycle route maps from Sustrans. ... Read more

Product Description
"Cycling's Greatest Misadventures" presents twenty-seven true stories which cross the spectrum from terrifying to comical to downright bizarre. In these pages both everyday riders and pros tell their stories of freak accidents, animal attacks, sabotage, idiotic decisions, eerie or unexplained incidents, and other jaw dropping, adrenalin-pumping calamities. These stories bring to life the strange things possibilities that await, once we step on the pedals of our road, mountain, or commuter bikes. A sampling of misadventures in this collection includes the stories of: the mountain biker who follows a bull and then gets gored by it; the twenty African Americans who pioneered cycle touring by completing a Transamerica ride in 1897, but wait - this story gets strange...; the large rat that leapt on top of a woman's bike and slapped her repeatedly with its tail; an inside-the-head narration by a professional racer as he rides a brutal race, and then gets humiliated in changing room afterwards; the recreational cyclist who accidentally rides deep into a prison yard; the computer programmer who crashes a stationary bike during his first spin class; the bike messenger who can't call it quits even after getting hit by eight cars; and, the man who carefully spreads out tacks on the route of an all female race in an attempt to get a date.These stories will make you wonder, drop you to the floor laughing and leave you shaking your head with disbelief. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Engrossing read
I laughed, I cried. What more can you expect from a book about the sport you love?

Great laughs
This book had me laughing so hard by the second story, that I thought I would cry. Many of the stories are very funny, a few are a little weird, and some are downright scary. A true treasure trove for someone who reads and rides.

However, I also agree with the earlier review that the photo of the fatal attempt to jump the Great Wall should not be included in the book, or at least addressed in a different fashion.

A few gems among some unpolished stones
There aren't too many books about bicycling, so I'll take whatever I can get. But most of the stories in this collection are just mediocre. A couple are truly poorly written.However, if you can wade through all of them, you'll find a couple true gems. The story about a bike ride through New Orleans only months after Katrina was my favorite.The short one about a man's first indoor spinning class had me laughing out loud. Buy it and then pass it on to a friend. It won't be a book you'll want to reread.

Nothing special.
I expected more.
There are funny stories, sad stories, historical etc.
Real pell mell.

Cycling's Greatest Misadventures
I was skeptical to purchasing this book as the title alone does not say much.However, being the bike geek that I am, I took the chance and this was by far one of the best book buys of 2007.Think of it like that movie you never heard anything about and then buy a ticket, only to have it turn out to be one of the best films ever.In all honestly, I am not yet finished with the book yet (saving it for an upcoming long flight) but so far, it has had me laughing out load on several occasions... And I don't laugh out load. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
For all those who have considered going for a ride after seeing cyclists pedaling pleasurably through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, Sue George's new guide provides all the information necessary either to get started or to increase an existing knowledge of local routes and conditions. A guide for road cycling enthusiasts on both sides of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Road Cycling in Central Virginia introduces readers to some of the most agreeable and scenic road riding on the East Coast.

The guide's introduction covers basic information relevant to the area, such as climate, road-marking conventions, what to take on a ride, availability of convenience stores, and local road hazards. Then follow detailed descriptions of road riding routes and maps geared toward riders at beginning and intermediate levels. Divided into sections by geographical area, the book describes excursions venturing from Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, and Staunton and into the country roads of Albemarle, Greene, Augusta, and Rockingham counties. Most rides cover between ten and thirty miles, making this guide the perfect companion both for visitors to the area and for local residents wanting to discover the best and safest spots to get out on the road. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

About This Book...
"From trips long the Grand Canyon's rim to roller coaster rides through the Sonoita Wine Country, this book contains 106 routes within day-trip range from cities throughout the state. Whether you're a skilled cyclist looking for a challenge or a casual rider in search of scenery, this guide provides all the information you need...."

"Each ride is accompanied by an elevation profile, as well as a guide to mileage, difficulty, and peak cycling periods. Find out where to stay and where to eat and plan your trek using regional and local maps...."

- 106 routes
- 101 color photographs
- 11 regional maps
- 13 detailed local maps
- 280 pp ... Read more

Product Description
An easy-to-use guide to bicycle rides in San Diego County. This third edition was completely revised and updated with eight new rides and maps, making a total of sixty-nine trips, plus GPS coordinates for all rides. Rides are planned and written to be usable by beginning or advanced bicyclists, and each trip listing includes level of difficulty, estimated time to complete, elevation and road conditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I'm very happy with this book
I bought this book on a trip to San Diego when an attempt to visit a lake on bike failed. The person I cycle with has limited range, and I do not wish to crash anymore than I already have by riding something too advanced for my skill level. I tried the Lake Miramar trip and fell in love with cycling San Diego, and this book. I can't wait to try more of the trips. My only complaint is that the directions are small inset illustrated maps.We missed the Lake Miramar entrance twice. I suggest additional mapquest directions for people who are out of town. I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend it.

The cycling guidebook for SD
The origianl guide was written in 1986 andthis most recent edition is updated wih revised and added trips for all levels of cyclist. The included tours are reworked and include great little maps that covers both mileage and elevation. This is key so that one knows what one is getting into before one attempts a tour, nothing worse than to have a destination with a grade beyond one's abilities or training level ! I have three different bike tour books for San Diego county and find Shad's to becompact and the easiest to understand. The suggetions and recomendations are priceless. The star rating is helpfulwith one being flat like Lake Murrayto the more challenging Mt. Palomar climb being a four star ride. The rating system is not only based on grade but total mileage of the tour as well. Throughout the years I've used this book the most and break it out every now and then to get new motivation.You can even pack this one with you if so desired. With so many roads to ride in San Diego county it is convenient to have the book for reference . It is an inspirational colllection of rides from throughout the diverse landscape that will guarantee to get one out of the rut of doing the same rides. This is the guidebook that'll get you to places you've thought about riding, it's that extra push you've been looking for.Recommended for mountain and road cyclists of all ages and abilities as there is something for everyone in this handy little book. ... Read more

Product Description
Power Pacing—one of the most popular programs in the fitness industry—is the ultimate in indoor cycling. Developed by the experts at Keiser Corporation, this program will help you get leaner and stronger. It will take you to a whole new level of aerobic fitness.

Power Pacing for Indoor Cycling—written by co-developer Kristopher Kory and master trainer Tom Seabourne—provides step-by-step instructions on how to build cardiovascular endurance and power through nonimpact, full-body workouts. Choose from 11 workouts and 30 drills that vary in intensity to develop a tailored program based on your personal fitness goals. Also included are 113 photos showing safe and correct cycling techniques, 48 strength exercises, workouts for cyclists, and mind-body training: a combination unique to Power Pacing.

Whether you're looking for a great full-body workout or to add variety to your exercise program, Power Pacing for Indoor Cycling has everything you need to know to reach your fitness goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Informative
I teach cycling classes at our local YMCA and found this book to be informative. Excellent ideas for various drills and overall principles of indoor cycling.

wanna buy a Keiser stationary bike?
The book is pretty basic and does a great job of pushing Keiser products. If I would have glanced through it in a bookstore instead of ordering it on-line, I would have had the jist of the material in less than 3 minutes and left the book on the shelf. There not enough focus on actual workout programs (I only count 7 in the book, 2-25 min, 3-40 min, and 2-1 hour plans) and a lot more focus on weight use ON the stationary bike. The title says "complete workout programs for high-level fitness" however my light/typical workouts are about 1 hour. Since there are only 2 programs for this duration, indoor training will get very dull, very quick. In short, look elsewhere for training programs.

M. McCormick
5-time ironman finisher
cycling instructor
collegiate cyclist

EXCELLENT
I have been a cycling instructor for three years and have enjoyed learning the different techniques from different companies. This book has just endless ideas and programs to use in my classes. I especially enjoyed thesection called "Cycle Sculpt" which is using the Kis Kory BikeBand with the bike. I've been using the concepts with my private clients.They just love it! Since I work at home I enjoy all the ideas to use on mystationary bike too. I never relazied there could be so much diversity on astationary bike. ... Read more

Product Description

From Assateague to Swallow Falls, from the Susquehanna River Trail to Rock Creek Park, Maryland offers residents and visitors a wealth of recreational opportunities in a remarkable variety of natural settings. Bryan MacKay's Hiking, Cycling, and Canoeing in Maryland has been the essential guide to outdoor recreation in the state's parks, preserves, and waterways for more than a decade.

A lifelong resident of Maryland, MacKay combines in this book his love of outdoor activities and his knowledge of the places, plants, and animals of the region. For each of the 23 walks, 16 bicycle rides, and 19 canoe trips, he includes general information on the natural history and ecology of the site and a short essay that focuses on a topic of special interest -- a particular plant or animal or an important conservation issue. Along with maps and detailed directions for each outing, the book also features beautiful pen-and-ink drawings by Sandy Glover of the Irvine Natural Science Center.

The second edition provides updated information on the Capital Crescent Trail, North Point State Park (Black Marsh), Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area, and the Susquehanna River Trail, as well as current contact information for all parks and preserves.

Customer Reviews (6)

Of limited use.
You'd do better looking up trails on-line.This book is of little practical use.

Good overall, but could be arranged better
We have little kids, so we really wanted this book for the hiking and cycling part.It has good information with directions, and it has a short summary at the beginning of each trail explaining the type of material (dirt, asphalt, etc.) and level (easy, difficult, hilly, flat).That was really helpful, but what could also be added would be a grid for each section so that you could quickly scan which trails are easiest, hardest, etc.We also thought it would be helpful to add what the cost of each place is with the date the info was acquired.Overall it is a good book and has a lot of information in it.We do like it and have used it several times.

A must for any outdoors lover who is either living in or planning to visit the state
Maryland is a diverse state, locally referred to as Little America, for having every geographical terrain in the United States outside Deserts. Now in a newly updated second edition "Hiking, Cycling, & Canoeing in Maryland: A Family Guide" by Bryan MacKay is a thoroughly 'user friendly' guide to taking advantage of this vast and beautiful array of nature available in a small area. Covering over twenty hikes, sixteen cycling paths, and nearly twenty rivers worth considering to canoe, "Hiking, Cycling, & Canoeing in Maryland" is a must for any outdoors lover who is either living in or planning to visit the state.

My copy is wearing thin
I first purchased this book a few years ago and have used it so often that I may have to invest in a new copy. As a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and Marylander, I was surprised at how many little known gems Mr. MacKay packed into this one book. The trip descriptions are accurate and complete; directions are easy to understand; and the natural history info is authoritative, sharply observed, and truly fascinating. It's the best Maryland guidebook of its kind. Thank you Mr. MacKay. I've recommended it to so many new paddlers, cyclists, hikers, and out-of-towners that I should probably get a commission...

Cycling in Baltimore: A Family Guide
From the standpoint of a cyclist who doesn't live near Baltimore, this book is no help at all. It offers a description of 16 bike rides, most of them near Baltimore or Anne Arundel county, and a few rides in Pennsylvania and Virginia. This may be helpful for anyone near the city, but I feel calling it a guide for Maryland is misleading.....However, their descriptions do go into great detail about directions, what kind of traffic you can expect, and the wildlife you may encounter. There are about 10 pages for each trail described.

If you're looking for good biking near the city then I highly recommend this book..... ... Read more

Product Description
A complete guide to the sport and pastime, Zinn's Maintenance Tips and Skill Building for Cyclists is for the novice and aficionado alike. The book includes routine bicycle maintenance tips, simple tricks to fix troublesome quirks, and tutorials to help increase cycling performance. The focus is on both learnable skills and understanding components and hardware. Specific units range from improving pedal stroke and building a disc brake rear wheel to setting up clip-in pedals and shoes and mastering technical uphills. Famous athletes and mechanics provide special insight, and accompanying photographs clearly illustrate each procedure. Aimed at road and mountain cyclists as well as triathletes, this book presents valuable information in a format that's fun and easy to grasp. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Minicycling encyclopedia....
Excellent reference volume for any cyclist. Nearly all aspects of biking including basic set-up, maintenance, physical conditioning,and honing riding skills are dealt with in "blocks" consisting of a few pages to full chapters. I find myself checking a section for a few minutes in the "library" and then rereading full chapters.

A must for the tool box library
Zinn's "Road Bike Maintenance" is a handy guide to maintaining any road bicycle. His experience in physiology, mechanics and science gives him a unique take on wrenching a bicycle. Very concise and detailed.

Great bicycle book for beginners and experts
Zinn's brand new book (2004) is must have in any bike enthusiast's library. Building on his excellent maintenance books, which go into every detail of fixing and tuning your bike, the cycling primer is abundant with tips and tricks to improve riding skills.
Ok, I ride a Zinn bike and might be biased but he is a competent author who used to race internationally and who explores unorthodox ways to cater for special needs of tall (and short) people. The book goes into great detail on how to properly fit a bike, tune it and a good overview on training techniques. I enjoyed reading it and will keep consulting it.
... Read more

Product Description
Whether touring or training alone or with an organized group, thousands enjoy riding Colorado's mountain roads every year. Drawn to the alpine beauty and egged on by the challenge, they struggle against the grade, against the altitude, and against mile after brutal mile. Unfortunately, cyclists also struggle against a lack of information. Well, struggle no more! Finally, here is a guidebook that gives cyclists what hikers and climbers have had for their activities for years—comprehensive information. Cycling Colorado's Mountain Passes tells bicyclists everything they need to know to ride Colorado's 38 highest paved mountain roads, as well as describing the heart of every mountain road—the high pass. In the book you will find:
- an overview of each pass with pros and cons of the area
- distances, difficulty ratings, elevations, and road grades for each side of the pass
- recommended starting points for one-day rides
- multiple alternate starting points for each pass so you can do an easier ride or just find a good spot for lunch
- information on road and traffic conditions so riders will know what they're getting into before they get there
- listings of near-road camping spots and forest service campsites
- contact information for local chambers of commerce
- where you can expect to find water and other essentials
- a detailed mileage log for both sides of the pass so you'll always know how far you have to go
- general advice on gear you'll need, weather you may encounter, and safety considerations
- grade profiles with multiple start-and-stop options and maps so you can design rides that will let you train for races and marathons

Cycling Colorado's Mountain Passes is an invaluable resource for riders of all skill levels and abilities. If you've been cycling for years and are tired of the same old routes and close-to-home hills, Cycling Colorado's Mountain Passes will open up hundreds of miles of roads to help you plan your rides and weekends to get the most out of cycling Colorado. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Comprehensive & Useful
Though not exhaustive, Cycling Colorado's Mountain Passes by Kurt Magsamen, offers a perfect beginning for anyone seeking information on Colorado's many mountain climbs.This book, 237 pages long, describes 34 passes from all parts of the state.All passes are neatly outlined in the table of contents by area, thereby making them easy to find.The introduction describes the book's organization and general content.This section also includes useful information about safety, time of the year with optimal weather conditions, recommendations for conditioning as well as equipment.For someone new to the state or unfamiliar with cycling mountain passes, the introduction is most useful. There is also a summery of passes by region that includes elevation and difficulty on pages 223-4.A pass-bragging log provides a place for making personal notes.The included index provides quick access to the more detailed information contained in the book elsewhere.

The bulk of the book is devoted to a description of each pass.Each of the described passes is organized to begin with an overview, and followed by a road map, recommended start and stop points as well as alternatives, road and traffic conditions, descent challenges, sleep and supplies, and finally mileage logs.All information included is quite useful especially for someone who is new to the state.I especially like the comments contained in the road and traffic conditions, as well as the insights about where one can find accommodations and food.The graphic display of the mileage log offers a quick look of what one is about to tackle and given the exaggerated vertical scale can appear quite intimidating.More accurate information about mountain grades and overall difficulty is included in the opening paragraphs for each pass.

In general, I find the book is well organized and full of useful information.It is small enough to fit into the back of your bike jersey and at a list price of($$$) should be considered for the book shelf of every biking enthusiast who wants to take on Colorado's mountain passes. ... Read more

Product Description

This informative guide steers you along 34 of the best cycling routes in New Zealand. Explore spectacular coastal roads, rugged mountain passes and rich dairy country with rides ranging from leisurely one day trips to challenging extended tours.

• 103 days of New Zealand's best riding
• how to pack and transport your bike
• on-the-road maintenance tips and where to find help
• where to stay - from camping to cosy B&Bs
• where to eat - from bakeries to bistros
• what to see and do out of the saddle
• selected mountain bike rides

Customer Reviews (8)

nearly useless
I've bicycle toured solo in Ireland, Britain, France, Germany, Austria and New Zealand.I've yet to see a cycling guide to a country that is worth taking along, and this book is worse than most, because of the "loop" configuration of the rides, and the confusing maps (look hard to see which way is north!).In my travel journal, I made a reference to the "nearly useless" LP Cycling Guide.

My recommendation for any country is to take a look at the general information overview in any cycling guide, make notes of any peculiarities of that country (ie, NZ requires all cyclists to wear a helmet.You cannot leave the airport on your bike until you've purchased a helmet at the airport shop), then buy the GENERAL (not cycling-specific) tourist guide that suits your style.I used the Rough Guide New Zealand (best maps and budget accommodation info; I don't camp), after rejecting the Lonely Planet guide.In Europe the best has consistently been Let's Go, with Rick Steves' being an excellent series for inside information (even though his hand-drawn maps are mediocre, his inside info is excellent.)

Buy maps when you get there.You'll find great maps ("Kiwi Maps"(?) spiral-bound booklet) in service stations in the countries you go to.When you can look them over in the country they were made for, you'll find they're cheaper, and you can then assess exactly what suits you.You can generally go to Tourist Information in the airport for good information on where to go first, then buy a map when you're situated.

I had high hopes for this guide when I lugged it along, but after a couple of outdated references to gravel roads (that didn't materialize), and weird warnings about dangerous roads (that weren't) I gave up on it early on.Kiwis are the friendliest ("toot-toot") drivers I've come across, the roads are better than most in the U.S., and get up and go--it's a dream for scenery, and if you've never travelled abroad, there is NO culture shock (It's got a strong Colorado vibe)!

This book needs to be updated!!!
I bet if the people who rated this book highly were polled as to what year they utilized its guidance there would be a direct correlation to how close they were to the release of this only edition...hint hint Lonely Planet editors...UPDATE THIS BOOK!

I don't know where to begin but who in the world rides loops when they are bicycle touring.While I admit that the Southern Alps loop was pretty cool I couldn't overlook the out of date information and sometimes inaccurate terrain profiles in this book.I quicky learned not to rely too heavily on this book and transitioned over to the, much lighter, Pedaller's Paradise.That wafer thin book of goodness in conjunction with the NZ AA maps (which are free to anyone who has an Autoclub memmbership) were much more informative and enjoyable.I am not sure if Amazon carries that book but you can easily search for "pedaller's paradise."

Lastly, I took a Lonely Planet New Zealand guide book as well and found that not worth its brick-like weight in my pannier.I found the New Zealand Tourist Information centers and the people who staff them much more informative and much more fun to engage. The first thing I usually did when rolling into towns was to b-line directly for the Tourist Information.

One more thing...if you like to mountain bike as well pick up the Kennett Brother's book, Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides,by searching for "kennett bros classic."

Good information, excellent presentation
Just finished a 9-day tour of New Zealand's Northland, using the route recommended by this LP guidebook.

Like the rest of the LP series, this book has a wealth of useful information on both the trips and how to prepare for them.

The best part of the book is the information design:

- Narratives are brief, important items are called out or bolded, and sections are kept small, making things easy to find in a hurry. Contrast this with other guidebooks that present you with a wall of text to hunt through for a phone number.

- Maps are very clear, showing the route, landmarks along the way, optional side trips, and nothing else to clutter the view. Cue sheets make it easy to find the next waypoint or climb. Much better than the handdrawn sketches in Bruce Ringer's book.

- The elevation charts, while not as accurate as those in Pedaller's Paradise, seemed good enough to me, and easier to understand at a glance.

The book, though published in 2000, is still reasonably up to date. A few businesses and prices had changed, but nothing drastic.

I bought both this book and Bruce Ringer's New Zealand By Bike, and after reading both cover to cover, I took the LP book by itself and found it indispensible during the trip.

Dangerously Inaccurate
First off, you should by the Pedaller's Paradise instead of Lonely Planet.It can be found for about 12 NZD in New Zealand (but is also available through Amazon for a bit more if you can't wait).

Dangerous - The profiles (ie. graphical descriptions of hills) shown in the Lonely Planet Guide are drastically over-simplified.On a good day, this is only just very annoying.On a bad day, it could mean being out in the cold wondering just how many more hills are before the next stop.It is obvious that the writers did not use bicycles to research the routes.Nor did they use GPS or any other precise means of measuring elevation.They were very lazy about how they threw this guide together, and it will get you into trouble.Avoid it!

Buy the Pedallar's Paradise instead - it is a fraction the size, half the cost, and packed with useful information.

Bicycle At Your Own Risk
The book is really good and well worth the money.New Zealand is a wonder to cycle thru, like Yosmite Valley on a nation scale. But be fore warned! Amazingly, the New Zealand roads are anti-cycle,and you put yourself there at your own risk. 99% of the roads are single lane on each side, they are very skinny lanes. Designed for small cars. Full sized transport semis use these roads with a clearance of inches on each side of their lane. .The roads twist and wind like mountain roads do. There are very few straight stretches of road as youmay see in the US. There are no bike lanes,few passing lanes, and no emergency lanes,you are in the path with traffic. Kiwis know their roads and consistently drive fast, 100-120kmph. The problem you are going to have over and over is cycling thru all this beauty in the same lane as cars and trucks...they barrel around a blind curve at 65mphonly to find you in front of their windshield going 15mph and no safety margin for anyone. On my recent trip there, I can't tell you how many times I saw this scenario played out and how many near misses I witnessed. Local drivers, particularly commercial tdrivers have real contempt for cyclists. Get the book and dream, but I think I'd look into renting a convertible and live to cycle another day. ... Read more

Product Description
John Wilcockson hasn't missed a Tour de France or other major bicycle race since 1968. This round-the-world excursion to the most challenging cycling events brings together more than 20 of his favorite stories, including the dramatic victories of Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book is wonderful!
If you love cycling of all kinds (especially road), this book is truly one of the best. Wilcockson not only loves and knows cycling, he can write about it with a charming descriptive and stylistic voice. I've read nearlyevery book published in the last ten years on cycling and this is one of,if not the, very best. I can't wait for Wilcockson's next collection of hiscycling tales.

First-class sports and travel writing
Review of "John Wilcockson's World of Cycling" from Boulder Planet, Colorado

by Rob Coppolillo

Thirty Tours de France sounds like a long career in cycling, but Boulderite and world-renowned journalist JohnWilcockson finds his best form in his sixth and latest book, JohnWilcockson's World of Cycling. On the verge of another hectic season oftravel and race coverage, the prolific writer will cover his thirtieth Tourthis summer and has reported on every major road cycling event, mountainbiking and track racing in a career dating from the mid-Sixties. TheEnglish-born Wilcockson was a successful amateur cyclist as a young man,then found a comfortable career in civil engineering. When he chose topursue a life covering bike racing, he says, "My family was shocked,they thought I was crazy! I had prospects of a good career in engineering,but I can't say I've had a dull day in 30 years."Whatever prospectshe left in engineering, he has seems to have equaled in his writing. He hascovered cycling for the London Times, the Sunday Times in London, Winning,several other English publications and now co-owns a magazine based inBoulder, VeloNews. Sports journalism, as a genre, sometimes conceals theextent of a writer's quality. With deadlines, space constraints and anarrower audience, the final product loses a measure of breadth.Wilcockson's World of Cycling will surprise his fans expecting merereportage. The work is as much travel writing as journalism, showcasing thedepth of Wilcockson's talent and his keen eye for detail."I'm atravel buff in many ways...I walk around places to see more than meets theeye. That's one of the fun things about cycling, it's not a stadium sport.The geography, the climate, these guys are racing in the elements," heexplains. Early in the book, in a charming description of the 1969 Tour ofSardinia, we are treated to the particulars of the bicycle race, but theevent doesn't end at the finish line. As Wilcockson departs the island on aferry, he recalls, "...a black-clad mamma...was arguing-as only Italianscan...Then the scene rapidly became quiet, dark and deserted...the final zephyrblowing the dockside clean, sending an odd newspaper and dust swirling intothe cold, black water."World of Cycling covers nearly every facet ofbicycle racing, from the Olympic road race, to the Tour de France, asix-day track event and mountain bike world championships. Loyal Wilcocksonreaders will devour his authoritative race accounts, as usual, but discoverwidely expanded coverage. Any cycling fan remembers five-time Tour deFrance champion, Spaniard Miguel Indurain falling apart in 1996 Tour andit's here, only more of it, clearly chronicled kilometer by kilometer! Racers will also find lesser-known stories like Robert Millar'sheart-breaking defeat in the 1985 Tour of Spain. The Scotsman Millar lostnot because he faltered physically, but through the reproachable collusionof the Spanish teams in the race. No other English speaking journalist, andfew in Europe, can capture and explain the subtlety and nuance of a bikerace like Wilcockson.World of Cycling preserves the excitement, but addsdetails that might not otherwise escape the editor's cut of a race report."I think for most journalists writing about cycling, it's a job, not apassion," he alleges. "It's more like writing about football orbaseball in this country." His awareness of the nearly unseen forcesat play in a race reveals Wilcockson's knowledge and love of the sport.In"Home is Our Hero," an account of the 1985 Nissan InternationalCycling Classic in Ireland, Wilcockson poetically describes the victory ofnative Sean Kelly, transporting readers to the lush, rural countryside,"The break's lead mounted...to 90 seconds at pretty Clonegall, where afarmer with a small white dog tucked inside his jacket were among thespectators watching the racers pour over a stone, hump-backed bridgespanning a fast-flowing salmon stream."There is no more respectedcycling journalist working today, and with John Wilcockson's World ofCycling, Wilcockson leaves the realm of mere sport to script his namealongside the best adventure travel writers of our time like Theroux,Cahill and Krakauer. His unequaled descriptions of bicycle racing, coupledwith his acute sense of place and sharp eye, make this a captivating readfor not only cycling fans, but travelers, armchair adventurers and sportsfans alike. ... Read more

Product Description
This sumptuous collection of over 250 photographs captures the white-knuckle drama of sports cycling. Legends like Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Greg Lemond, and Lance Armstrong are caught at the height of their powers. Watson, an accomplished cyclist himself, explains how he achieved special shots and managed to work from inside the races. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

When did the French stop riding bikes.
I don't want to belittle Grahams work, or imply that I don't like seeing the shots of the American riders, but leaving out the other great riders of the last 20 years is a little sad.I understand this was an editing decision and not really Grahams.

I'm amazed at how he can take photos that convey the athletic endeavor in addition to the excitement, determination, and grandeur of these events.If your year starts with the Race of the Flowers and ends with the Race of the Falling Leaves, these are the vignettes of imagination.

selected photos
Certainly Graham Watson is a great cycling photographer and deserves every accolade.But I purchased this book "on approval" and found when I really looked through it, many of the pictures had obscure subjects and less interesting stories.There is an honesty in that this is a review of Graham Watson's career--it does not claim to be a photo history of professional cycling.So it includes many photos less interesting to a cycling fan, but with more meaning for Graham Watson's career.Especially true in the section of black and whites taken as an amateur.Without question, the photographic and print quality are stunning, but I often found myself scratching my head wondering if a given shot could possibly be the best shot he took at that race on that day of that rider.Many of the pictures in this book really look like leftovers from an assignment.I've read European cycling magazines for years, and I feel you could get a much better selection of shots by subscribing to one of them for a year and/or picking up one of their annuals.Ironically, you hear almost exclusively in the US about Graham Watson--this book made me realize how many other great cycling photographers there must be.

The Agony and the Ecstacy and the Beauty of It All
Graham Watson is the pre-eminent photographer of professional cycling, at least in English-language publications.A few minutes of leafing through this gorgeous book is all that is necessary to explain why this is so.For two decades, he has been there, capturing all the great riders in their glorious moments of triumph as well as the bleakness that comes with physical collapse and defeat. Bicycle road racing is like no other sport in the physical demands that it makes on its participants.It requires amazing conditioning and, even more importantly, a resolve beyond anything a normal person can imagine.One need only think of Greg Lemond, coming back to win the Tour de France after almost dying from gunshot wounds; Laurent Jalabert, his face smashed in after a high-speed collision with a policeman, returning to become the number one rider in the peloton; Lance Armstrong, overcoming cancer and winning the Tour de France twice; Andy Hampsten, riding through the freezing mountains to claim the pink jersey of the Giro; the men of Paris-Roubaix, flailing through the mud and banging over the cobbles.Graham Watson was there to record all of this in his superb style, where no detail is unnoticed.And he shows us the grand arenas where these heroes ride: the villages of rural France, the jagged Alps, the green Pyrenees.Sure, everyone will tell you that this is just another professional sport, with big contracts and illegal drugs and oversized egos, but when you look at these magnificent pictures, you will see brave men riding against grand landscapes, against relentless opponents and even against themselves. Graham Watson's books (Kings of the Road, The Great Tours and so forth) seem to sell for a short time and then disappear from the market.This book contains some photos published in the other ones, but is the best collection I have seen covering so many racing highlights that I can recommend it without reservation for lovers of bike racing, good photography and Europe. ... Read more

Product Description