I am currently reading and enjoying Freewheelin': A Solo Journey Across America by Richard A. Lovett. It's a story about a man who rides his bicycle solo from Sacramento, California to Bar Harbor, Maine. He rides anywhere from 40-100+ miles a day and camps wherever he can find a space - campgrounds, national parks, roadside parks, and occasionally in someone's yard (with permission). He has such a way with words and did a remarkable job recounting his routes and the beautiful scenery. I definitely have an itch to see the world from behind a set of handlebars thanks to his prose. He had some lovely experiences and also some scary ones. Most notably are some of the locals who hate cyclists - one even threw a rock at him as he pedaled by, lucky for him they missed. The book is such an inspiration. I long for the courage to have such an adventure on my own and also having the physical fitness to do so not to mention the bike, money and time off! Pick it up at your local library or at amazon.com. He also wrote another book about the basics of bicycle touring, The Essential Touring Cyclist: A Complete Guide for the Bicycle Traveler. If you have read any memoirs or stories about mountain biking, cycling, touring, please comment with recommendations!*Photo courtesy of amazon.com
