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Cycling holiday & touring guides
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 Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this.
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Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this. Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too. An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of! A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask? Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent. A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!
A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.
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Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this. Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too. An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of! A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask? Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent. A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!
A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.
A bit patchy and not really comprehensive enough. Good if you are planning to go to Asia, 28 Aug 2008
This is a very good book if you've done little or no touring: there is a lot of good, sensible advice on equipment etc.
The book's coverage seems to be very good on Asia, but for other parts of the world it seems cursory and under-researched. The UK, Ireland, and Italy are not mentioned at all.
-France gets a couple of paragraphs - mostly about carrying bikes on TGVs.
-The paragraphs on Spain are a bit better but while they mention the Camino Francés (to Santiago de Compostella) and the VÃa de la Plata there's no mention of either the Transandalus or TranspirÃneica.
-The section on the US has several pages on the Great Divide but other worthwhile long distance routes are ignored.
- Central America gets one short paragraph.
Obviously a book that tries to cover the whole world can't do so in great detail but it's disappointing that it doesn't provide either any suggestions for further reading or other resources - especially the huge amount of resources available on the internet - or indeed any advice on route planning and research.
Cycle Book, 26 Aug 2008
Since buying this book my partner hasn't put it down so it must be a good book, i have seen the pictures they are very interesting. This explains in great detail what to do when you want to go cycle touring.
Pretty good but missing some things, 22 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very easy to read and has many interesting contributions from various well know cycle tourists.
The other reviews for this book are very fair and comprehesive, so this is short!
The maintenance section at the back of the book covers the basics, but some things are missing like how to fix a split tyre, broken rack or braze ons. Broken racks and broken braze ons do get mentioned (as well as advise to carry small hose clips) but i could not find how to actually fix these things!
There are many tours in all sorts of exotic places, but as the 3* reviewer states, most people start with Western Europe or North America. These routes a not covered particularly in depth. I want to start with "lands end to john o groats" rather than cycle London to Cairo.
These are fairly minor points, so all in all I recommend this book as an entertaining and informative read. It is UK focussed too (e.g prices and brands) which is a bonus.
A good overview, 23 Feb 2008
The topic is somewhat lacking in books, and this is a welcome addition to any cycle tourist's library, but in many ways it tries to be all things to all people, and isn't quite enough in any of its three parts.
Because the book is geared at "adventure" cycle touring, it doesn't cover in great detail less adventurous places like western Europe and the USA, which is where most cycle tourists will start and will train. This means you would probably have a bike and gear and likely have several trips under your belt already before you head off to these far-off destinations.
If you have already began touring, you won't really need to cover Part I in great detail because you will have already purchased most of the equipment and have enough experience to know what you need to take. Much of the equipment information is also available from chats with cycle shops and various places on the internet. However there are a few gems recommending particular, rare tools. Sadly even though it attempts to be broad and helpful, it still doesn't feel encompassing enough to allow one to leave for the jungle without a lot of doubts and second thoughts.
Part II gives overviews of touring in particular countries and regions. Because it is built on more than one person's experience it is much more useful than travelogues commonly found on the internet. However some countries aren't well covered and others aren't covered at all. It also doesn't give particular routes, instead it focuses general information about the country. This section, however, makes the book well worth the cost for any globe-trotting cyclist.
Part III is a collection of travelogues, all of which are well-written and many are very unique (including one from a pre-WWI tour!) These are inspiring and exciting, much along the lines of any other travel short story collection. However one has to wonder whether these should stand on their own as they aren't really useful in something that calls itself a "handbook".
Ultimately the book would be well-served by a second revision which added content in parts I and II, particularly when it comes to the nuts and bolts of planning a long-distance trip. However Lord clearly realises that one size does not fit all in DIY cycle touring, and takes the right track in letting the reader ultimately choose their own path.
Fantastic book, 25 Jan 2007
I bought this book for a friend and I'm now buying one for me! Great sections on equipment (bikes especially) and planning routes. There is so much packed into this book it's amazing. The annecdotes from other cyclists are very useful. The photos are wonderful and inspire you to get on your bike and travel to far flung places. Buy it, you won't regret it.
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Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this. Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too. An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of! A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask? Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent. A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!
A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.
A bit patchy and not really comprehensive enough. Good if you are planning to go to Asia, 28 Aug 2008
This is a very good book if you've done little or no touring: there is a lot of good, sensible advice on equipment etc.
The book's coverage seems to be very good on Asia, but for other parts of the world it seems cursory and under-researched. The UK, Ireland, and Italy are not mentioned at all.
-France gets a couple of paragraphs - mostly about carrying bikes on TGVs.
-The paragraphs on Spain are a bit better but while they mention the Camino Francés (to Santiago de Compostella) and the VÃa de la Plata there's no mention of either the Transandalus or TranspirÃneica.
-The section on the US has several pages on the Great Divide but other worthwhile long distance routes are ignored.
- Central America gets one short paragraph.
Obviously a book that tries to cover the whole world can't do so in great detail but it's disappointing that it doesn't provide either any suggestions for further reading or other resources - especially the huge amount of resources available on the internet - or indeed any advice on route planning and research.
Cycle Book, 26 Aug 2008
Since buying this book my partner hasn't put it down so it must be a good book, i have seen the pictures they are very interesting. This explains in great detail what to do when you want to go cycle touring.
Pretty good but missing some things, 22 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very easy to read and has many interesting contributions from various well know cycle tourists.
The other reviews for this book are very fair and comprehesive, so this is short!
The maintenance section at the back of the book covers the basics, but some things are missing like how to fix a split tyre, broken rack or braze ons. Broken racks and broken braze ons do get mentioned (as well as advise to carry small hose clips) but i could not find how to actually fix these things!
There are many tours in all sorts of exotic places, but as the 3* reviewer states, most people start with Western Europe or North America. These routes a not covered particularly in depth. I want to start with "lands end to john o groats" rather than cycle London to Cairo.
These are fairly minor points, so all in all I recommend this book as an entertaining and informative read. It is UK focussed too (e.g prices and brands) which is a bonus.
A good overview, 23 Feb 2008
The topic is somewhat lacking in books, and this is a welcome addition to any cycle tourist's library, but in many ways it tries to be all things to all people, and isn't quite enough in any of its three parts.
Because the book is geared at "adventure" cycle touring, it doesn't cover in great detail less adventurous places like western Europe and the USA, which is where most cycle tourists will start and will train. This means you would probably have a bike and gear and likely have several trips under your belt already before you head off to these far-off destinations.
If you have already began touring, you won't really need to cover Part I in great detail because you will have already purchased most of the equipment and have enough experience to know what you need to take. Much of the equipment information is also available from chats with cycle shops and various places on the internet. However there are a few gems recommending particular, rare tools. Sadly even though it attempts to be broad and helpful, it still doesn't feel encompassing enough to allow one to leave for the jungle without a lot of doubts and second thoughts.
Part II gives overviews of touring in particular countries and regions. Because it is built on more than one person's experience it is much more useful than travelogues commonly found on the internet. However some countries aren't well covered and others aren't covered at all. It also doesn't give particular routes, instead it focuses general information about the country. This section, however, makes the book well worth the cost for any globe-trotting cyclist.
Part III is a collection of travelogues, all of which are well-written and many are very unique (including one from a pre-WWI tour!) These are inspiring and exciting, much along the lines of any other travel short story collection. However one has to wonder whether these should stand on their own as they aren't really useful in something that calls itself a "handbook".
Ultimately the book would be well-served by a second revision which added content in parts I and II, particularly when it comes to the nuts and bolts of planning a long-distance trip. However Lord clearly realises that one size does not fit all in DIY cycle touring, and takes the right track in letting the reader ultimately choose their own path.
Fantastic book, 25 Jan 2007
I bought this book for a friend and I'm now buying one for me! Great sections on equipment (bikes especially) and planning routes. There is so much packed into this book it's amazing. The annecdotes from other cyclists are very useful. The photos are wonderful and inspire you to get on your bike and travel to far flung places. Buy it, you won't regret it.
A good book - but only for families with children, or the completey untrained, 05 Apr 2008
This cycle guides offers 25 tours, 12 of them on the English south coast and 13 in the greater London Area. All tours cover interesting areas, are certainly worth doing, are well described, and come with a little, indeed helpful map. However, all tours are rather short and appear to be aimed at families with children, or maybe elderly people. Take one of the tours in east London, for example, which starts in Limehouse and ends in Islington Angel: the tour follows the canal towpath for 16 kilometers / 10 miles and can be done by children and completely untrained people alike. Keep this in mind when you buy the guide. For longer tours around London of, say, 60 kilometers / 37 miles, I strongly recommend Nick Cotton's spiral-bound books "Cycle Tours Around London, North" (ISBN-10: 0540081922
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Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this. Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too. An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of! A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask? Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent. A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!
A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.
A bit patchy and not really comprehensive enough. Good if you are planning to go to Asia, 28 Aug 2008
This is a very good book if you've done little or no touring: there is a lot of good, sensible advice on equipment etc.
The book's coverage seems to be very good on Asia, but for other parts of the world it seems cursory and under-researched. The UK, Ireland, and Italy are not mentioned at all.
-France gets a couple of paragraphs - mostly about carrying bikes on TGVs.
-The paragraphs on Spain are a bit better but while they mention the Camino Francés (to Santiago de Compostella) and the VÃa de la Plata there's no mention of either the Transandalus or TranspirÃneica.
-The section on the US has several pages on the Great Divide but other worthwhile long distance routes are ignored.
- Central America gets one short paragraph.
Obviously a book that tries to cover the whole world can't do so in great detail but it's disappointing that it doesn't provide either any suggestions for further reading or other resources - especially the huge amount of resources available on the internet - or indeed any advice on route planning and research.
Cycle Book, 26 Aug 2008
Since buying this book my partner hasn't put it down so it must be a good book, i have seen the pictures they are very interesting. This explains in great detail what to do when you want to go cycle touring.
Pretty good but missing some things, 22 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very easy to read and has many interesting contributions from various well know cycle tourists.
The other reviews for this book are very fair and comprehesive, so this is short!
The maintenance section at the back of the book covers the basics, but some things are missing like how to fix a split tyre, broken rack or braze ons. Broken racks and broken braze ons do get mentioned (as well as advise to carry small hose clips) but i could not find how to actually fix these things!
There are many tours in all sorts of exotic places, but as the 3* reviewer states, most people start with Western Europe or North America. These routes a not covered particularly in depth. I want to start with "lands end to john o groats" rather than cycle London to Cairo.
These are fairly minor points, so all in all I recommend this book as an entertaining and informative read. It is UK focussed too (e.g prices and brands) which is a bonus.
A good overview, 23 Feb 2008
The topic is somewhat lacking in books, and this is a welcome addition to any cycle tourist's library, but in many ways it tries to be all things to all people, and isn't quite enough in any of its three parts.
Because the book is geared at "adventure" cycle touring, it doesn't cover in great detail less adventurous places like western Europe and the USA, which is where most cycle tourists will start and will train. This means you would probably have a bike and gear and likely have several trips under your belt already before you head off to these far-off destinations.
If you have already began touring, you won't really need to cover Part I in great detail because you will have already purchased most of the equipment and have enough experience to know what you need to take. Much of the equipment information is also available from chats with cycle shops and various places on the internet. However there are a few gems recommending particular, rare tools. Sadly even though it attempts to be broad and helpful, it still doesn't feel encompassing enough to allow one to leave for the jungle without a lot of doubts and second thoughts.
Part II gives overviews of touring in particular countries and regions. Because it is built on more than one person's experience it is much more useful than travelogues commonly found on the internet. However some countries aren't well covered and others aren't covered at all. It also doesn't give particular routes, instead it focuses general information about the country. This section, however, makes the book well worth the cost for any globe-trotting cyclist.
Part III is a collection of travelogues, all of which are well-written and many are very unique (including one from a pre-WWI tour!) These are inspiring and exciting, much along the lines of any other travel short story collection. However one has to wonder whether these should stand on their own as they aren't really useful in something that calls itself a "handbook".
Ultimately the book would be well-served by a second revision which added content in parts I and II, particularly when it comes to the nuts and bolts of planning a long-distance trip. However Lord clearly realises that one size does not fit all in DIY cycle touring, and takes the right track in letting the reader ultimately choose their own path.
Fantastic book, 25 Jan 2007
I bought this book for a friend and I'm now buying one for me! Great sections on equipment (bikes especially) and planning routes. There is so much packed into this book it's amazing. The annecdotes from other cyclists are very useful. The photos are wonderful and inspire you to get on your bike and travel to far flung places. Buy it, you won't regret it.
A good book - but only for families with children, or the completey untrained, 05 Apr 2008
This cycle guides offers 25 tours, 12 of them on the English south coast and 13 in the greater London Area. All tours cover interesting areas, are certainly worth doing, are well described, and come with a little, indeed helpful map. However, all tours are rather short and appear to be aimed at families with children, or maybe elderly people. Take one of the tours in east London, for example, which starts in Limehouse and ends in Islington Angel: the tour follows the canal towpath for 16 kilometers / 10 miles and can be done by children and completely untrained people alike. Keep this in mind when you buy the guide. For longer tours around London of, say, 60 kilometers / 37 miles, I strongly recommend Nick Cotton's spiral-bound books "Cycle Tours Around London, North" (ISBN-10: 0540081922
The best book ever written, 26 Nov 2008
If you ride bikes in the UK you simply can't afford to live without this book. Fenton makes guidebooks a joy to read and expertly leads you through the numerous trail centres now established around the UK. He has missed one, which is a real shame, but that aside I don't think this book can be faulted. Give it large!
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Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this. Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too. An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of! A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask? Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent. A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!
A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.
A bit patchy and not really comprehensive enough. Good if you are planning to go to Asia, 28 Aug 2008
This is a very good book if you've done little or no touring: there is a lot of good, sensible advice on equipment etc.
The book's coverage seems to be very good on Asia, but for other parts of the world it seems cursory and under-researched. The UK, Ireland, and Italy are not mentioned at all.
-France gets a couple of paragraphs - mostly about carrying bikes on TGVs.
-The paragraphs on Spain are a bit better but while they mention the Camino Francés (to Santiago de Compostella) and the VÃa de la Plata there's no mention of either the Transandalus or TranspirÃneica.
-The section on the US has several pages on the Great Divide but other worthwhile long distance routes are ignored.
- Central America gets one short paragraph.
Obviously a book that tries to cover the whole world can't do so in great detail but it's disappointing that it doesn't provide either any suggestions for further reading or other resources - especially the huge amount of resources available on the internet - or indeed any advice on route planning and research.
Cycle Book, 26 Aug 2008
Since buying this book my partner hasn't put it down so it must be a good book, i have seen the pictures they are very interesting. This explains in great detail what to do when you want to go cycle touring.
Pretty good but missing some things, 22 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very easy to read and has many interesting contributions from various well know cycle tourists.
The other reviews for this book are very fair and comprehesive, so this is short!
The maintenance section at the back of the book covers the basics, but some things are missing like how to fix a split tyre, broken rack or braze ons. Broken racks and broken braze ons do get mentioned (as well as advise to carry small hose clips) but i could not find how to actually fix these things!
There are many tours in all sorts of exotic places, but as the 3* reviewer states, most people start with Western Europe or North America. These routes a not covered particularly in depth. I want to start with "lands end to john o groats" rather than cycle London to Cairo.
These are fairly minor points, so all in all I recommend this book as an entertaining and informative read. It is UK focussed too (e.g prices and brands) which is a bonus.
A good overview, 23 Feb 2008
The topic is somewhat lacking in books, and this is a welcome addition to any cycle tourist's library, but in many ways it tries to be all things to all people, and isn't quite enough in any of its three parts.
Because the book is geared at "adventure" cycle touring, it doesn't cover in great detail less adventurous places like western Europe and the USA, which is where most cycle tourists will start and will train. This means you would probably have a bike and gear and likely have several trips under your belt already before you head off to these far-off destinations.
If you have already began touring, you won't really need to cover Part I in great detail because you will have already purchased most of the equipment and have enough experience to know what you need to take. Much of the equipment information is also available from chats with cycle shops and various places on the internet. However there are a few gems recommending particular, rare tools. Sadly even though it attempts to be broad and helpful, it still doesn't feel encompassing enough to allow one to leave for the jungle without a lot of doubts and second thoughts.
Part II gives overviews of touring in particular countries and regions. Because it is built on more than one person's experience it is much more useful than travelogues commonly found on the internet. However some countries aren't well covered and others aren't covered at all. It also doesn't give particular routes, instead it focuses general information about the country. This section, however, makes the book well worth the cost for any globe-trotting cyclist.
Part III is a collection of travelogues, all of which are well-written and many are very unique (including one from a pre-WWI tour!) These are inspiring and exciting, much along the lines of any other travel short story collection. However one has to wonder whether these should stand on their own as they aren't really useful in something that calls itself a "handbook".
Ultimately the book would be well-served by a second revision which added content in parts I and II, particularly when it comes to the nuts and bolts of planning a long-distance trip. However Lord clearly realises that one size does not fit all in DIY cycle touring, and takes the right track in letting the reader ultimately choose their own path.
Fantastic book, 25 Jan 2007
I bought this book for a friend and I'm now buying one for me! Great sections on equipment (bikes especially) and planning routes. There is so much packed into this book it's amazing. The annecdotes from other cyclists are very useful. The photos are wonderful and inspire you to get on your bike and travel to far flung places. Buy it, you won't regret it.
A good book - but only for families with children, or the completey untrained, 05 Apr 2008
This cycle guides offers 25 tours, 12 of them on the English south coast and 13 in the greater London Area. All tours cover interesting areas, are certainly worth doing, are well described, and come with a little, indeed helpful map. However, all tours are rather short and appear to be aimed at families with children, or maybe elderly people. Take one of the tours in east London, for example, which starts in Limehouse and ends in Islington Angel: the tour follows the canal towpath for 16 kilometers / 10 miles and can be done by children and completely untrained people alike. Keep this in mind when you buy the guide. For longer tours around London of, say, 60 kilometers / 37 miles, I strongly recommend Nick Cotton's spiral-bound books "Cycle Tours Around London, North" (ISBN-10: 0540081922
The best book ever written, 26 Nov 2008
If you ride bikes in the UK you simply can't afford to live without this book. Fenton makes guidebooks a joy to read and expertly leads you through the numerous trail centres now established around the UK. He has missed one, which is a real shame, but that aside I don't think this book can be faulted. Give it large!
The title say's it all!, 17 Mar 2001
The publisher's of this book have got it right, this really is an 'excellent' book. Unlike some other c2c guide books who concentrate on selling B&B advertising space and offering little else, the Ultimate C2C gives loads of kit advice, preparation ideas, places to visit, accommodation details, useful tel. no.s as well as a potted history of each and every place on the route. This is backed up with useful gradient profiles and detailed route maps -including town plans- with direction tips and colour photos of the route and its surroundings. The guy who wrote the book is a cyclist so he looks at things from the cyclists perspective such as having the guide spiral bound so you can turn to the page you want, fold it over and then being able to fit it into your pocket or handlebar bag ready for reference again. Short of coming bundled with the official route map from Sustrans I can't see this being bettered
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Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this. Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too. An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of! A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask? Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent. A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!
A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.
A bit patchy and not really comprehensive enough. Good if you are planning to go to Asia, 28 Aug 2008
This is a very good book if you've done little or no touring: there is a lot of good, sensible advice on equipment etc.
The book's coverage seems to be very good on Asia, but for other parts of the world it seems cursory and under-researched. The UK, Ireland, and Italy are not mentioned at all.
-France gets a couple of paragraphs - mostly about carrying bikes on TGVs.
-The paragraphs on Spain are a bit better but while they mention the Camino Francés (to Santiago de Compostella) and the VÃa de la Plata there's no mention of either the Transandalus or TranspirÃneica.
-The section on the US has several pages on the Great Divide but other worthwhile long distance routes are ignored.
- Central America gets one short paragraph.
Obviously a book that tries to cover the whole world can't do so in great detail but it's disappointing that it doesn't provide either any suggestions for further reading or other resources - especially the huge amount of resources available on the internet - or indeed any advice on route planning and research.
Cycle Book, 26 Aug 2008
Since buying this book my partner hasn't put it down so it must be a good book, i have seen the pictures they are very interesting. This explains in great detail what to do when you want to go cycle touring.
Pretty good but missing some things, 22 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very easy to read and has many interesting contributions from various well know cycle tourists.
The other reviews for this book are very fair and comprehesive, so this is short!
The maintenance section at the back of the book covers the basics, but some things are missing like how to fix a split tyre, broken rack or braze ons. Broken racks and broken braze ons do get mentioned (as well as advise to carry small hose clips) but i could not find how to actually fix these things!
There are many tours in all sorts of exotic places, but as the 3* reviewer states, most people start with Western Europe or North America. These routes a not covered particularly in depth. I want to start with "lands end to john o groats" rather than cycle London to Cairo.
These are fairly minor points, so all in all I recommend this book as an entertaining and informative read. It is UK focussed too (e.g prices and brands) which is a bonus.
A good overview, 23 Feb 2008
The topic is somewhat lacking in books, and this is a welcome addition to any cycle tourist's library, but in many ways it tries to be all things to all people, and isn't quite enough in any of its three parts.
Because the book is geared at "adventure" cycle touring, it doesn't cover in great detail less adventurous places like western Europe and the USA, which is where most cycle tourists will start and will train. This means you would probably have a bike and gear and likely have several trips under your belt already before you head off to these far-off destinations.
If you have already began touring, you won't really need to cover Part I in great detail because you will have already purchased most of the equipment and have enough experience to know what you need to take. Much of the equipment information is also available from chats with cycle shops and various places on the internet. However there are a few gems recommending particular, rare tools. Sadly even though it attempts to be broad and helpful, it still doesn't feel encompassing enough to allow one to leave for the jungle without a lot of doubts and second thoughts.
Part II gives overviews of touring in particular countries and regions. Because it is built on more than one person's experience it is much more useful than travelogues commonly found on the internet. However some countries aren't well covered and others aren't covered at all. It also doesn't give particular routes, instead it focuses general information about the country. This section, however, makes the book well worth the cost for any globe-trotting cyclist.
Part III is a collection of travelogues, all of which are well-written and many are very unique (including one from a pre-WWI tour!) These are inspiring and exciting, much along the lines of any other travel short story collection. However one has to wonder whether these should stand on their own as they aren't really useful in something that calls itself a "handbook".
Ultimately the book would be well-served by a second revision which added content in parts I and II, particularly when it comes to the nuts and bolts of planning a long-distance trip. However Lord clearly realises that one size does not fit all in DIY cycle touring, and takes the right track in letting the reader ultimately choose their own path.
Fantastic book, 25 Jan 2007
I bought this book for a friend and I'm now buying one for me! Great sections on equipment (bikes especially) and planning routes. There is so much packed into this book it's amazing. The annecdotes from other cyclists are very useful. The photos are wonderful and inspire you to get on your bike and travel to far flung places. Buy it, you won't regret it.
A good book - but only for families with children, or the completey untrained, 05 Apr 2008
This cycle guides offers 25 tours, 12 of them on the English south coast and 13 in the greater London Area. All tours cover interesting areas, are certainly worth doing, are well described, and come with a little, indeed helpful map. However, all tours are rather short and appear to be aimed at families with children, or maybe elderly people. Take one of the tours in east London, for example, which starts in Limehouse and ends in Islington Angel: the tour follows the canal towpath for 16 kilometers / 10 miles and can be done by children and completely untrained people alike. Keep this in mind when you buy the guide. For longer tours around London of, say, 60 kilometers / 37 miles, I strongly recommend Nick Cotton's spiral-bound books "Cycle Tours Around London, North" (ISBN-10: 0540081922
The best book ever written, 26 Nov 2008
If you ride bikes in the UK you simply can't afford to live without this book. Fenton makes guidebooks a joy to read and expertly leads you through the numerous trail centres now established around the UK. He has missed one, which is a real shame, but that aside I don't think this book can be faulted. Give it large!
The title say's it all!, 17 Mar 2001
The publisher's of this book have got it right, this really is an 'excellent' book. Unlike some other c2c guide books who concentrate on selling B&B advertising space and offering little else, the Ultimate C2C gives loads of kit advice, preparation ideas, places to visit, accommodation details, useful tel. no.s as well as a potted history of each and every place on the route. This is backed up with useful gradient profiles and detailed route maps -including town plans- with direction tips and colour photos of the route and its surroundings. The guy who wrote the book is a cyclist so he looks at things from the cyclists perspective such as having the guide spiral bound so you can turn to the page you want, fold it over and then being able to fit it into your pocket or handlebar bag ready for reference again. Short of coming bundled with the official route map from Sustrans I can't see this being bettered
A nice warm up read but do not follow the route in this book., 03 Jul 2006
In April this year I cycled from end to end and decided to use this book as a guide. As a small history of the route its a nice cheap book to keep you inspired but really you can't use this as a guide.
The book is over 10 years old (See the picture on the front and you'll see for yourself). Any gear information is so out of date e.g. Mountain bikes were a new fad, the author suggests taking a cycling cape instead of new fangled waterproof clothing etc. Advice is also given on the kind of places to stay, there are rarely hostels in the areas where the book suggests.
The book is written in the style of a period drama. If you're cycling on your own, carrying your gear in British weather you may rather know exactly when and where big hills will arrive rather than the next rose bordered sweeping bend.
The suggested route, e.g. through the Cotswolds, often takes the most scenic but also hilliest route.
Probably the most important point, the mileage is hugely inaccurate, sometimes by 20 miles. On a hilly day the difference between 80 and 100 miles can be a dangerous and upsetting experience.
I had to abandon the route on this book at Warrington. An old fella on a bike said the route the book proposed for the following day was suicidal, only to be attempted on a one off day. I did so much better using an old AA atlas for the rest of the trip.
Due to inexperience I thought I'd rely on this book. If you read the other review you'll notice they didn't actually use the route in this book, I strongly advise against it. I often wondered if this guy actually cycled this route. Could seem a lot easier in a car with a dodgy milometer.
My advice, pay the money, join the CTC and use their maps.
Short and sweet, just what you need really, 06 May 2004
If you're planning on cycling from Land's End to John o'Groats, it's probably worth getting this book (especially since it's quite cheap), even if you don't end up using the route it describes. We used the CTC "YHA" route in the end, but even so this book was invaluable on the journey, and a good read before we set off. The "elevation" maps (that tell you height gained/lost over a day) are particularly useful. Plus, it's small and light.
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Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this. Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too. An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of! A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask? Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent. A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!
A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.
A bit patchy and not really comprehensive enough. Good if you are planning to go to Asia, 28 Aug 2008
This is a very good book if you've done little or no touring: there is a lot of good, sensible advice on equipment etc.
The book's coverage seems to be very good on Asia, but for other parts of the world it seems cursory and under-researched. The UK, Ireland, and Italy are not mentioned at all.
-France gets a couple of paragraphs - mostly about carrying bikes on TGVs.
-The paragraphs on Spain are a bit better but while they mention the Camino Francés (to Santiago de Compostella) and the VÃa de la Plata there's no mention of either the Transandalus or TranspirÃneica.
-The section on the US has several pages on the Great Divide but other worthwhile long distance routes are ignored.
- Central America gets one short paragraph.
Obviously a book that tries to cover the whole world can't do so in great detail but it's disappointing that it doesn't provide either any suggestions for further reading or other resources - especially the huge amount of resources available on the internet - or indeed any advice on route planning and research.
Cycle Book, 26 Aug 2008
Since buying this book my partner hasn't put it down so it must be a good book, i have seen the pictures they are very interesting. This explains in great detail what to do when you want to go cycle touring.
Pretty good but missing some things, 22 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very easy to read and has many interesting contributions from various well know cycle tourists.
The other reviews for this book are very fair and comprehesive, so this is short!
The maintenance section at the back of the book covers the basics, but some things are missing like how to fix a split tyre, broken rack or braze ons. Broken racks and broken braze ons do get mentioned (as well as advise to carry small hose clips) but i could not find how to actually fix these things!
There are many tours in all sorts of exotic places, but as the 3* reviewer states, most people start with Western Europe or North America. These routes a not covered particularly in depth. I want to start with "lands end to john o groats" rather than cycle London to Cairo.
These are fairly minor points, so all in all I recommend this book as an entertaining and informative read. It is UK focussed too (e.g prices and brands) which is a bonus.
A good overview, 23 Feb 2008
The topic is somewhat lacking in books, and this is a welcome addition to any cycle tourist's library, but in many ways it tries to be all things to all people, and isn't quite enough in any of its three parts.
Because the book is geared at "adventure" cycle touring, it doesn't cover in great detail less adventurous places like western Europe and the USA, which is where most cycle tourists will start and will train. This means you would probably have a bike and gear and likely have several trips under your belt already before you head off to these far-off destinations.
If you have already began touring, you won't really need to cover Part I in great detail because you will have already purchased most of the equipment and have enough experience to know what you need to take. Much of the equipment information is also available from chats with cycle shops and various places on the internet. However there are a few gems recommending particular, rare tools. Sadly even though it attempts to be broad and helpful, it still doesn't feel encompassing enough to allow one to leave for the jungle without a lot of doubts and second thoughts.
Part II gives overviews of touring in particular countries and regions. Because it is built on more than one person's experience it is much more useful than travelogues commonly found on the internet. However some countries aren't well covered and others aren't covered at all. It also doesn't give particular routes, instead it focuses general information about the country. This section, however, makes the book well worth the cost for any globe-trotting cyclist.
Part III is a collection of travelogues, all of which are well-written and many are very unique (including one from a pre-WWI tour!) These are inspiring and exciting, much along the lines of any other travel short story collection. However one has to wonder whether these should stand on their own as they aren't really useful in something that calls itself a "handbook".
Ultimately the book would be well-served by a second revision which added content in parts I and II, particularly when it comes to the nuts and bolts of planning a long-distance trip. However Lord clearly realises that one size does not fit all in DIY cycle touring, and takes the right track in letting the reader ultimately choose their own path.
Fantastic book, 25 Jan 2007
I bought this book for a friend and I'm now buying one for me! Great sections on equipment (bikes especially) and planning routes. There is so much packed into this book it's amazing. The annecdotes from other cyclists are very useful. The photos are wonderful and inspire you to get on your bike and travel to far flung places. Buy it, you won't regret it.
A good book - but only for families with children, or the completey untrained, 05 Apr 2008
This cycle guides offers 25 tours, 12 of them on the English south coast and 13 in the greater London Area. All tours cover interesting areas, are certainly worth doing, are well described, and come with a little, indeed helpful map. However, all tours are rather short and appear to be aimed at families with children, or maybe elderly people. Take one of the tours in east London, for example, which starts in Limehouse and ends in Islington Angel: the tour follows the canal towpath for 16 kilometers / 10 miles and can be done by children and completely untrained people alike. Keep this in mind when you buy the guide. For longer tours around London of, say, 60 kilometers / 37 miles, I strongly recommend Nick Cotton's spiral-bound books "Cycle Tours Around London, North" (ISBN-10: 0540081922
The best book ever written, 26 Nov 2008
If you ride bikes in the UK you simply can't afford to live without this book. Fenton makes guidebooks a joy to read and expertly leads you through the numerous trail centres now established around the UK. He has missed one, which is a real shame, but that aside I don't think this book can be faulted. Give it large!
The title say's it all!, 17 Mar 2001
The publisher's of this book have got it right, this really is an 'excellent' book. Unlike some other c2c guide books who concentrate on selling B&B advertising space and offering little else, the Ultimate C2C gives loads of kit advice, preparation ideas, places to visit, accommodation details, useful tel. no.s as well as a potted history of each and every place on the route. This is backed up with useful gradient profiles and detailed route maps -including town plans- with direction tips and colour photos of the route and its surroundings. The guy who wrote the book is a cyclist so he looks at things from the cyclists perspective such as having the guide spiral bound so you can turn to the page you want, fold it over and then being able to fit it into your pocket or handlebar bag ready for reference again. Short of coming bundled with the official route map from Sustrans I can't see this being bettered
A nice warm up read but do not follow the route in this book., 03 Jul 2006
In April this year I cycled from end to end and decided to use this book as a guide. As a small history of the route its a nice cheap book to keep you inspired but really you can't use this as a guide.
The book is over 10 years old (See the picture on the front and you'll see for yourself). Any gear information is so out of date e.g. Mountain bikes were a new fad, the author suggests taking a cycling cape instead of new fangled waterproof clothing etc. Advice is also given on the kind of places to stay, there are rarely hostels in the areas where the book suggests.
The book is written in the style of a period drama. If you're cycling on your own, carrying your gear in British weather you may rather know exactly when and where big hills will arrive rather than the next rose bordered sweeping bend.
The suggested route, e.g. through the Cotswolds, often takes the most scenic but also hilliest route.
Probably the most important point, the mileage is hugely inaccurate, sometimes by 20 miles. On a hilly day the difference between 80 and 100 miles can be a dangerous and upsetting experience.
I had to abandon the route on this book at Warrington. An old fella on a bike said the route the book proposed for the following day was suicidal, only to be attempted on a one off day. I did so much better using an old AA atlas for the rest of the trip.
Due to inexperience I thought I'd rely on this book. If you read the other review you'll notice they didn't actually use the route in this book, I strongly advise against it. I often wondered if this guy actually cycled this route. Could seem a lot easier in a car with a dodgy milometer.
My advice, pay the money, join the CTC and use their maps.
Short and sweet, just what you need really, 06 May 2004
If you're planning on cycling from Land's End to John o'Groats, it's probably worth getting this book (especially since it's quite cheap), even if you don't end up using the route it describes. We used the CTC "YHA" route in the end, but even so this book was invaluable on the journey, and a good read before we set off. The "elevation" maps (that tell you height gained/lost over a day) are particularly useful. Plus, it's small and light.
Cycle in the Sunshine!, 20 Mar 2008
This really is the Ultimate cycling guide to southern France. Full of detailed colour route maps and colour photos, it is absolutely ideal for planning and riding a cycle route in the sunshine. The book has 160 pages packed with sensible information about routes, towns and places to visit, together with train access, gradings and website links. Planning a route or just day-dreaming? Either way, this is the Guide.
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Customer Reviews
Brilliantly readable and indespensible, 02 Nov 2007
Ok, Richard is a buddy of mine, but even so this is a long overdue book from someone who has written about many of these routes in EVO magazine. The sections are easy to consume, excellently illustrated and provide perfect reference to set off and follow the routes yourself. Buy it! Don't think twice, just do it. And if you're looking for a present for the man in your life, then he'll be very pleased to receive this. Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too. An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of! A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask? Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent. A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!
A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.
A bit patchy and not really comprehensive enough. Good if you are planning to go to Asia, 28 Aug 2008
This is a very good book if you've done little or no touring: there is a lot of good, sensible advice on equipment etc.
The book's coverage seems to be very good on Asia, but for other parts of the world it seems cursory and under-researched. The UK, Ireland, and Italy are not mentioned at all.
-France gets a couple of paragraphs - mostly about carrying bikes on TGVs.
-The paragraphs on Spain are a bit better but while they mention the Camino Francés (to Santiago de Compostella) and the VÃa de la Plata there's no mention of either the Transandalus or TranspirÃneica.
-The section on the US has several pages on the Great Divide but other worthwhile long distance routes are ignored.
- Central America gets one short paragraph.
Obviously a book that tries to cover the whole world can't do so in great detail but it's disappointing that it doesn't provide either any suggestions for further reading or other resources - especially the huge amount of resources available on the internet - or indeed any advice on route planning and research.
Cycle Book, 26 Aug 2008
Since buying this book my partner hasn't put it down so it must be a good book, i have seen the pictures they are very interesting. This explains in great detail what to do when you want to go cycle touring.
Pretty good but missing some things, 22 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very easy to read and has many interesting contributions from various well know cycle tourists.
The other reviews for this book are very fair and comprehesive, so this is short!
The maintenance section at the back of the book covers the basics, but some things are missing like how to fix a split tyre, broken rack or braze ons. Broken racks and broken braze ons do get mentioned (as well as advise to carry small hose clips) but i could not find how to actually fix these things!
There are many tours in all sorts of exotic places, but as the 3* reviewer states, most people start with Western Europe or North America. These routes a not covered particularly in depth. I want to start with "lands end to john o groats" rather than cycle London to Cairo.
These are fairly minor points, so all in all I recommend this book as an entertaining and informative read. It is UK focussed too (e.g prices and brands) which is a bonus.
A good overview, 23 Feb 2008
The topic is somewhat lacking in books, and this is a welcome addition to any cycle tourist's library, but in many ways it tries to be all things to all people, and isn't quite enough in any of its three parts.
Because the book is geared at "adventure" cycle touring, it doesn't cover in great detail less adventurous places like western Europe and the USA, which is where most cycle tourists will start and will train. This means you would probably have a bike and gear and likely have several trips under your belt already before you head off to these far-off destinations.
If you have already began touring, you won't really need to cover Part I in great detail because you will have already purchased most of the equipment and have enough experience to know what you need to take. Much of the equipment information is also available from chats with cycle shops and various places on the internet. However there are a few gems recommending particular, rare tools. Sadly even though it attempts to be broad and helpful, it still doesn't feel encompassing enough to allow one to leave for the jungle without a lot of doubts and second thoughts.
Part II gives overviews of touring in particular countries and regions. Because it is built on more than one person's experience it is much more useful than travelogues commonly found on the internet. However some countries aren't well covered and others aren't covered at all. It also doesn't give particular routes, instead it focuses general information about the country. This section, however, makes the book well worth the cost for any globe-trotting cyclist.
Part III is a collection of travelogues, all of which are well-written and many are very unique (including one from a pre-WWI tour!) These are inspiring and exciting, much along the lines of any other travel short story collection. However one has to wonder whether these should stand on their own as they aren't really useful in something that calls itself a "handbook".
Ultimately the book would be well-served by a second revision which added content in parts I and II, particularly when it comes to the nuts and bolts of planning a long-distance trip. However Lord clearly realises that one size does not fit all in DIY cycle touring, and takes the right track in letting the reader ultimately choose their own path.
Fantastic book, 25 Jan 2007
I bought this book for a friend and I'm now buying one for me! Great sections on equipment (bikes especially) and planning routes. There is so much packed into this book it's amazing. The annecdotes from other cyclists are very useful. The photos are wonderful and inspire you to get on your bike and travel to far flung places. Buy it, you won't regret it.
A good book - but only for families with children, or the completey untrained, 05 Apr 2008
This cycle guides offers 25 tours, 12 of them on the English south coast and 13 in the greater London Area. All tours cover interesting areas, are certainly worth doing, are well described, and come with a little, indeed helpful map. However, all tours are rather short and appear to be aimed at families with children, or maybe elderly people. Take one of the tours in east London, for example, which starts in Limehouse and ends in Islington Angel: the tour follows the canal towpath for 16 kilometers / 10 miles and can be done by children and completely untrained people alike. Keep this in mind when you buy the guide. For longer tours around London of, say, 60 kilometers / 37 miles, I strongly recommend Nick Cotton's spiral-bound books "Cycle Tours Around London, North" (ISBN-10: 0540081922
The best book ever written, 26 Nov 2008
If you ride bikes in the UK you simply can't afford to live without this book. Fenton makes guidebooks a joy to read and expertly leads you through the numerous trail centres now established around the UK. He has missed one, which is a real shame, but that aside I don't think this book can be faulted. Give it large!
The title say's it all!, 17 Mar 2001
The publisher's of this book have got it right, this really is an 'excellent' book. Unlike some other c2c guide books who concentrate on selling B&B advertising space and offering little else, the Ultimate C2C gives loads of kit advice, preparation ideas, places to visit, accommodation details, useful tel. no.s as well as a potted history of each and every place on the route. This is backed up with useful gradient profiles and detailed route maps -including town plans- with direction tips and colour photos of the route and its surroundings. The guy who wrote the book is a cyclist so he looks at things from the cyclists perspective such as having the guide spiral bound so you can turn to the page you want, fold it over and then being able to fit it into your pocket or handlebar bag ready for reference again. Short of coming bundled with the official route map from Sustrans I can't see this being bettered
A nice warm up read but do not follow the route in this book., 03 Jul 2006
In April this year I cycled from end to end and decided to use this book as a guide. As a small history of the route its a nice cheap book to keep you inspired but really you can't use this as a guide.
The book is over 10 years old (See the picture on the front and you'll see for yourself). Any gear information is so out of date e.g. Mountain bikes were a new fad, the author suggests taking a cycling cape instead of new fangled waterproof clothing etc. Advice is also given on the kind of places to stay, there are rarely hostels in the areas where the book suggests.
The book is written in the style of a period drama. If you're cycling on your own, carrying your gear in British weather you may rather know exactly when and where big hills will arrive rather than the next rose bordered sweeping bend.
The suggested route, e.g. through the Cotswolds, often takes the most scenic but also hilliest route.
Probably the most important point, the mileage is hugely inaccurate, sometimes by 20 miles. On a hilly day the difference between 80 and 100 miles can be a dangerous and upsetting experience.
I had to abandon the route on this book at Warrington. An old fella on a bike said the route the book proposed for the following day was suicidal, only to be attempted on a one off day. I did so much better using an old AA atlas for the rest of the trip.
Due to inexperience I thought I'd rely on this book. If you read the other review you'll notice they didn't actually use the route in this book, I strongly advise against it. I often wondered if this guy actually cycled this route. Could seem a lot easier in a car with a dodgy milometer.
My advice, pay the money, join the CTC and use their maps.
Short and sweet, just what you need really, 06 May 2004
If you're planning on cycling from Land's End to John o'Groats, it's probably worth getting this book (especially since it's quite cheap), even if you don't end up using the route it describes. We used the CTC "YHA" route in the end, but even so this book was invaluable on the journey, and a good read before we set off. The "elevation" maps (that tell you height gained/lost over a day) are particularly useful. Plus, it's small and light.
Cycle in the Sunshine!, 20 Mar 2008
This really is the Ultimate cycling guide to southern France. Full of detailed colour route maps and colour photos, it is absolutely ideal for planning and riding a cycle route in the sunshine. The book has 160 pages packed with sensible information about routes, towns and places to visit, together with train access, gradings and website links. Planning a route or just day-dreaming? Either way, this is the Guide.
Bike Scotland Trails Guide, 31 May 2007
Bought on a recent bike trip to scotland - had just right level of information for us and we ended up using it alot.
Seems great at first, 09 Jan 2007
Very well laid-out, nice little book with many trails mentioned. Unfortunately, they seem to be only mentioned. In it is a ride I do at least once a month, in which there are several paths to achieve the summit of Dumyat (a hill above Stirling). However, I still don't know, even with the help of 1:25000 maps, which paths they are using. More in-depth descriptions would be welcome. Most of the time, with manmade trails/centres, this does not matter as information is at the destination.
Only buy if you need a starting point, even with a map, I think you will get lost on several of these rides!!! This book has loads of potential too, which is a shame - nicely set out, great pictures and some excellent trails mentioned.
Essential kit!, 03 Oct 2006
I think this is a fantastic wee book with obvious appeal to the ever growing spectrum of people who like to mountain bike. As a trails rider I particularly appreciate the informative and varied information on marked trails, including the less well known ones. But the fact that this book also provides first hand knowledge about some real gems of routes which are off the beaten track, and also has something to appeal to the "family" or novice riders among us means it is sure to have widespread appeal.
Having ridden some of the routes already I reckon the level of detail provided is just right for a pocket guide book. The pictures, and the author's enthusiasm for the trails, make you want get out there and ride them all. I'm looking forward to ticking them all off my "to do" list.
Essential for Mountain Bikers, 27 Sep 2006
I picked up a copy of this book in August and have since tried four of the routes. As a fairly recent convert to mountain biking, the book has been a god-send for me, and I know I will continue to use it for years to come. A well written and accessible guide, highly recommended.
From the publisher, 17 Aug 2006
Please note that Uncle Pedro, the poster of the only negative review of this book, is a member of Stirling Bike Club - as is the author of another Scottish trails guide which sells a lot less copies. And his name isn't Pedro, its Peter.
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