Mae West Was Right: Mountain Biking the Hidden Contours of the World

This book is a guidebook/travelogue/memoir of thirty-one exceptional mountain bike (mostly) rides on every continent (bar Antarctica) in the world, entirely across or around the perimeter of the chosen countries or regions, for maximum immersion in the countries’ (or region’s) cultures, environment and people. In the best tradition of travel writing, it explores the routes and countries through their history, art, customs and politics in the liveliest fashion possible: a high bar--certainly—from the slow perspective of a bicycle, but perfect for the armchair or clip-to-the-pedal adventurer. But the book also serves as a guide for each trip, with a Nuts & Bolts section that includes lists of maps, guides, seasons, lodging & eats, special concerns—if any—and, following each account, suggested reading (or movies) to enhance the experience. Read more