Category Review: Cycling Adventure Guides and Maps Introduction: If you are an avid cyclist looking for a thrilling adventure, then these books will be perfect for you. Each book offers unique insights into different parts of the world, providing detailed information about routes, terrain, weather conditions, and other essential factors that can help you plan your next cycling trip. In this review, we will explore each of these books in detail, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and helping you choose the best one for your needs. 1. 50 Shades Of The USA: One woman's 11,000 mile cycling adventure through every state of America This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the United States by bike. Written by a solo female cyclist who rode across the country, this guide offers a unique perspective on the American landscape and its people. The author provides detailed information about each state she visited, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. She also shares her personal experiences, making the book both informative and entertaining. Strengths: - Detailed information about each state, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. - Personal experiences shared by the author make the book engaging and relatable. - The guide is well-organized, making it easy to follow along with the journey. Weaknesses: - Some of the information may be outdated, as the author rode across the country several years ago. - The book can be quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for long rides or backpacking trips. 2. Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide to Gravel Racing and Adventure Bikepacking This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the world of gravel cycling. Written by a professional cyclist, this guide offers detailed information about different types of gravel races, including how to train for them, what equipment you'll need, and how to navigate the challenging terrain. The author also shares their personal experiences, making the book both informative and engaging. Strengths: - Detailed information about different types of gravel races, including how to train for them, what equipment you'll need, and how to navigate the challenging terrain. - Personal experiences shared by the author make the book engaging and relatable. - The guide is well-organized, making it easy to follow along with the journey. Weaknesses: - Some of the information may be outdated, as gravel cycling is a rapidly evolving sport. - The book can be quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for long rides or backpacking trips. 3. North Carolina Adventure Weekends: A Traveler's Guide to the Best Outdoor Getaways This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the beautiful state of North Carolina by bike. Written by a local cyclist, this guide offers detailed information about different regions of the state, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. The author also shares their personal experiences, making the book both informative and engaging. Strengths: - Detailed information about different regions of North Carolina, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. - Personal experiences shared by the author make the book engaging and relatable. - The guide is well-organized, making it easy to follow along with the journey. Weaknesses: - Some of the information may be outdated, as the state's landscape and attractions are constantly changing. - The book can be quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for long rides or backpacking trips. 4. Cycling the Erie Canal, Revised Edition: A Guide to 400 Miles of Adventure and History Along the Erie Canalway Trail (Parks & Trails New York) This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore one of America's most historic waterways by bike. Written by a local cyclist, this guide offers detailed information about different sections of the trail, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. The author also shares their personal experiences, making the book both informative and engaging. Strengths: - Detailed information about different sections of the Erie Canalway Trail, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. - Personal experiences shared by the author make the book engaging and relatable. - The guide is well-organized, making it easy to follow along with the journey. Weaknesses: - Some of the information may be outdated, as the trail has undergone significant changes in recent years. - The book can be quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for long rides or backpacking trips. 5. Adventures in Mother Nature's Gym: The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Leading Your Own Outdoor Fitness Retreats This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to plan their own outdoor fitness retreats. Written by a professional cyclist, this guide offers detailed information about different types of outdoor activities, including how to choose the right location, what equipment you'll need, and how to lead group classes. The author also shares their personal experiences, making the book both informative and engaging. Strengths: - Detailed information about different types of outdoor activities, including how to choose the right location, what equipment you'll need, and how to lead group classes. - Personal experiences shared by the author make the book engaging and relatable. - The guide is well-organized, making it easy to follow along with the journey. Weaknesses: - Some of the information may be outdated, as outdoor fitness trends are constantly evolving. - The book can be quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for long rides or backpacking trips. 6. Adventure Cycling in Northern California: Selected on and Off Road Rides This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the beautiful state of California by bike. Written by a local cyclist, this guide offers detailed information about different regions of the state, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. The author also shares their personal experiences, making the book both informative and engaging. Strengths: - Detailed information about different regions of Northern California, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. - Personal experiences shared by the author make the book engaging and relatable. - The guide is well-organized, making it easy to follow along with the journey. Weaknesses: - Some of the information may be outdated, as the state's landscape and attractions are constantly changing. - The book can be quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for long rides or backpacking trips. 7. Pyrenees and Andorra (National Geographic Adventure Map) This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the beautiful mountains of Europe by bike. Written by a professional cyclist, this guide offers detailed information about different routes in the Pyrenees and Andorra regions, including recommended stops along the way. The author also shares their personal experiences, making the book both informative and engaging. Strengths: - Detailed information about different routes in the Pyrenees and Andorra regions, including recommended stops along the way. - Personal experiences shared by the author make the book engaging and relatable. - The guide is well-organized, making it easy to follow along with the journey. Weaknesses: - Some of the information may be outdated, as the region's landscape and attractions are constantly changing. - The book can be quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for long rides or backpacking trips. 8. The Danube Cycleway Volume 1: From the source in the Black Forest to Budapest (Cicerone Guide) This book is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore one of Europe's most historic waterways by bike. Written by a local cyclist, this guide offers detailed information about different sections of the trail, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. The author also shares their personal experiences, making the book both informative and engaging. Strengths: - Detailed information about different sections of the Danube Cycleway, including recommended routes, must-see attractions, and local customs. - Personal experiences shared by the author make the book engaging and relatable. - The guide is well-organized, making it easy to follow along with the journey. Weaknesses: - Some of the information may be outdated, as the trail has undergone significant changes in recent years. - The book can be quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for long rides or backpacking trips. Conclusion: In conclusion, these books offer a wealth of information about cycling adventures around the world. Each one is well-written and engaging, providing detailed information about different routes, terrain, weather conditions, and other essential factors that can help you plan your next cycling trip.