This book is primarily a “how to” book whose purpose is to explain, as simply and clearly as possible, how to safely and affordably circumnavigate the United States by bicycle. The turn-by-turn directions for the route are the most important feature of this book. I hope these easy to follow directions will give you the confidence to begin your bicycle journey knowing that the route you will be following is as safe and scenic as possible. You will find these turn-by-turn directions in Appendix 1.
Chapter 1 tells the story of how I began my journey.
Chapter 2 introduces the American Dreamscape. You will visit these magnificent places if you follow my route. This chapter also introduces America’s beautiful, lyrical, and sometimes mysterious place names.
Chapter 3 relates the story of how I developed the route and explains the criteria for selecting the route.
Chapters 4-7 focus on these “how to” topics: Panniers vs. trailer, selecting a bicycle, fitting the bicycle, proper riding form, safety tips for bicycle tourists, bicycle maintenance, nutrition and fitness, how to avoid overuse injuries, camping, gear checklists, test ride, and budget.
Chapters 8-10 discuss certain books, music, and movies which have inspired my journey. I hope these books, music, and movies, which focus on the American experience, will also provide inspiration for your journey.
Chapter 11 discusses three artists whose work you will see first hand if you take this journey around America. This chapter also introduces the idea of “Society as a Work of Art.”
Chapter 12 explains how solitude can lead to personal insight and healing.
Chapter 13 explores the world of trees, wildlife, rainy days and rainy nights, celestial lights, and violent storms and explains how these natural phenomena have transformed my journey.
Chapter 14 introduces some interesting and inspiring people I have met on my journey.
Chapter 15 identifies two types of humor and explains how one type in particular is an excellent travel companion.
Chapters 16-25 each focus on a particular section of the route and give you specific information about road conditions.
Chapter 26 tells the tender tale of a man who tempts fate when he meets a mysterious woman.
Chapter 27 takes you to that vast, empty place where my journey finally ends after ten years of non-stop bicycle touring.
There is a Questions and Answers section near the end of the book. People I meet along the way are constantly asking me questions about my trip. Some questions are revealing, some are humorous, some are technical. I hope reading this section will answer some of your questions as well. Finally, you will find a transcript of an interview with the author. He shares some observations from his bicycle journey and reflects on the state of our beautiful country.