Vancouver, B.C. to the Mexico border is about 1,850 miles as the bike wheel turns. But the pedaled path was much longer to my guidebook, Cycling the Pacific Coast: The Complete Guide from Canada to Mexico. It was the result of two years of research, numerous trips and uncountable miles — and a year in writing and production.
But I am delighted to say that the book stands ready to help you to discover what I found out: The Pacific Coast delivers an epic bicycle adventure.
An all-new approach
My book took the place of Mountaineers Books’ previous title, the best-selling Bicycling the Pacific Coast, which was in its fourth edition (released in 2005) before the publisher decided to take it out of print and publish my book. That was a great book, and I have much respect for those authors. I agreed to tackle the big project after they described the need for an all-new approach with current routes and amenities, research and information. An exciting project, and a great excuse for a lot of cycling!
What’s in the book
The book features first-hand accounts and advice about the sights and delights you’ll encounter every day of this bicycling adventure.
Along the route, try more than a dozen diversions, including side-trip excursions, orientation tours in six major cities, two island escapes, and rides through two wine-country regions.
Can’t take the estimated two months necessary to do the entire trip? No problem! I offer suggested itineraries for one or two-week trips that hit some fantastic highlights, and the logistics to get you to and from the route sections.
Sights and delights
Those highlights include evergreen forests, ferry rides and Orca whales in Washington, rocky sea stacks washed by constant waves along the Oregon coast, redwoods towering over a quiet road in northern California, and sparkling sandy surfing beaches of southern California.
Ready to go yet? You’ll probably want some guidance on how to tackle it, with bike camping, packing recommendations and tips on staying safe and healthy, eating well and finding bike lane compatriots. I’ve got you covered on all those, and much more.
Makes a great gift
There’s always another holiday or birthday on the way, so consider this: Cycling the Pacific Coast would make a great gift for a cycling friend or family member. Suggest this ride as a bucket-list item, and promise to join them! The book is available from Amazon.com, direct from the publisher Mountaineers Books, and can be found at the finest bookstores across the land. Of course, you can special-order a copy from your favorite bookstore through Indie Bound, and then you can support a small, local business.
Finally: If you are interested in having me bring a multimedia show to your bookstore or organization, please contact me. I am on a mission to share the stories of this fantastic excursion!