Bicycle Touring Books

The long distance tourer's bible without a doubt.  Barbara Savage and her husband Larry are both novices when it comes to bicycle touring.  One day, out of the blue,  they decide that they will quit their jobs, put everything they own into storage and bicycle around the world.  Miles from Nowhere tells the account of their planning and preparations for the trip as well as the trials, tribulations and humor during the trip.  Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down and I think I have re-read it 3 times now.  Even if you never plan to tour on a bicycle this book is a great, entertaining read and one I can highly recommend.

A great resource for the beginning bicycle tourer as well as those who may have a few miles under their wheels.  The author explains in great detail the vast array of equipment available to the bicycle tourer and includes lots of up to date photos and illustrations to accompany his text.  Important how-tos are explained, such as how to ride through a construction zone safely or how to avoid a confrontation.  I have completed many tours but still learned a few tricks from Lovett's book.

As a young child, Dervla received for her birthday, a bicycle and an atlas.  A lust for travel had begun.  In the early 1960s she set out from Ireland with her bicycle and few possessions and rides all the way to India.  Her bicycle is a one speed heavyweight and her only protection a .22 caliber pistol with a few bullets.  She makes it through Europe during severe winter weather and traverses many middle eastern countries where travelers were rarely seen not to mention a lone woman on a bicycle.  Finally she conquers the Himalayas and makes it to India.  Along the way she has encounters with wolves, both the four-legged kind as well as the two-legged kind; and is shown warm hearted kindness from both peasants and princes alike.  She truly falls in love with the middle eastern countries and paints us a nostalgic picture of how they used to be.  Dervla Murphy is one of the true great adventurers.  A marvelous read.