Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the World

December 1, 2016

This eye-catching and inspirational work provides ample encouragement to even the most novice cyclist to get out and experience a new biking adventure. Featuring contributions from 12 authors with varied cycling and travel writing experience, this book gives readers hundreds of ideas for rides covering approximately 30 countries (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania); many of them "epic" or "bucket list" in nature. Arranged regionally, routes vary from hugely challenging (and quite dangerous) multiday rides to well-established big-city cruises taking a few hours. Basic information, called a "toolkit," purports to enable better planning. However, the information provided is uneven and extremely brief, especially for the more exotic and remote routes around the world. Riders for these routes would have no real idea of what type of bike works best on the route, equipment needed, support, technical level, overall cost, language requirements, or simply whether or not a guide is recommended. Basically, riders are certainly inspired but left to do their own travel planning arrangements and in-depth research, which could be either beneficial or disastrous. VERDICT For libraries with large travel and recreational collections.--John N. Jax, Univ. of Wisconsin Lib., La Crosse

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.