Discovering the untold stories of one of the world's most popular coastlines. Part sporting travelogue, part political history, (Just As Well) It's Not About The Bike follows journalist Chris Atkin's 1,300km cycle from Valencia to Gibraltar. En route, he travels through Spain's most picturesque towns. And Benidorm. Along the way he learns about the region's history, from the time four hydrogen bombs fell over Spain, to the politician who shot General Franco's daughter in the bottom yet rose to become one of the country's most powerful men. While riding across Spain, Chris also meets an array of eccentric characters such as the man who lives in a cave and the Airbnb host who admitted strangling her previous guest. People told him he was crazy to leave his job and his girlfriend behind to jump on the cheapest bike he could find. After a series of mishaps including one that almost sparked a mountain rescue mission, it would appear they were right.
This guidebook to cycling the Ruta Via de la Plata through western Spain describes the 930km route from Seville to the coastal city of Gijón in around 2 weeks (14 stages). A pilgrimage variant, the Camino Sanabrés, to Santiago de Compostela is also described (16 stages in total). Empty roads and gentle climbs make the route accessible to a wide range of bikes and cyclists. Both road and off-road versions are presented, and the guide shows how they can be combined to create a perfect touring, hybrid or gravel cycling trip. The guide includes leg-by-leg route descriptions, 1:150,0000 colour mapping, elevation profiles and helpful ride planners to show where riders can swop from the off-road to the road route. There is advice on equipment, travel and transporting your bike, alongside a list of accommodation contacts and a useful Spanish glossary. The Ruta Via de la Plata is one of Spain's most important pilgrim routes. The 2-week journey takes in 7 UNESCO world heritage sites (Seville, Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca, Leon, Zamora, and Oviedo) with the famous pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela if the Camino Sanabrés is taken. There is lots of good-value accommodation available, from hostels to palaces, and plenty of chances to sample Spanish gastronomy.
Sixteen years after moving to Catalonia, Richard finally finds time to slow down and explore the back roads by bicycle. Dipping into the unique history of this fiercely independent nation-within-a-nation, and chancing upon nudist beaches, ancient Iberian sites and revolutionary road-sweepers, this slow cyclist revels in authentic Catalonia.
Profiles fifty cycling routes throughout the world and offers two hundred ideas for bike rides, including a Bavarian beer ride, a sightseeing trip through Sri Lanka, and a Sierra Nevada traverse.
- Discover various bicycle tours throughout Europe, North America and Central Asia- With beautiful photographs, personal anecdotes and practical advice to organize your own trip- A visual invitation to discover breath-taking scenery and meet new people- Tristan and Belén share their advice and personal experiences with bike traveling- Includes numerous short stories that appeal to one's imagination For the travel and adventure enthusiasts: Bike Life shares the story of Tristan and Belén's adventures on various bicycle tours throughout Europe, North America and Central Asia. A book full of beautiful photographs and personal anecdotes, advice, and the many things they learned while being on the road. The book breathes adventure, but also bursts with interesting tips on how to plan your own bicycle tour, and provides some recommended routes. The book also provides an answer on the most commonly asked questions and concerns surrounding this exciting way of exploring the world, and gives inspiration to go out and pedal to a new place.
Secondary school teacher Andrew Sykes moves out of the classroom, climbs onto his bicycle and sets off along the route of the EuroVelo 8, from the southern tip of Greece to the Atlantic coast of Portugal. However, this is more than just a cycling tale of border crossings and big hills, as our would-be adventurer perspires his way through a hot and sticky mix of Mediterranean landscapes, life and culture. Join Andrew as he travels Along The Med on a Bike Called Reggie: an inspirational and light-hearted travelogue for cyclists and non-cyclists alike.
Exchanging his job as a teacher for an expedition on Reggie the bike, Andrew P. Sykes sets off on his most daring trip yet: a journey from Tarifa to Nordkapp – from Europe’s geographical south to its northernmost point. Taking on nearly 8000 km of Europe, the duo prove that no matter where you’re headed, life on two wheels is full of surprises.
In this beautifully illustrated guide to travelling across France by bike you will discover hidden lanes, stunning gorges, amazing places to eat and stay, plus the best of French cycling culture.