Amazon.com
If road riding is the arrogant godfather of the cycling world, mountain biking is the fun-loving, black-sheep stepson. The Mountain Bike magazine editors reflect this spirit, tuning their highly accessible guide to both those with dreams of widowmaker descents as well as others just looking for a pleasant Sunday spin on scenic dirt roads. Breaking the sport down into lively yet informative chapters--complete with cartoons and amusing anecdotes--they cover the basics and then some. All technical skills are addressed, including bunny hopping, high-speed cornering, and the terribly elegant nose wheelie. The guide also includes a comprehensive section on cycling fitness and customizing a training program for would-be racers. No one is alienated here, but if you fancy yourself an expert rider, you might want to look elsewhere. This guide is geared more toward the novice whose journey has only just begun. --Ben Tiffany
Book Description
Expert tips on conquering curves, corners, dips, descents, hills, water hazards and other all-terrain challenges.
Hit the dirt!
From breaking to bunny hopping, speed jumping to switchbacks-- here are the skills you need to catch big air and experience the best of off-road riding.
* Selecting the right rig for you and your budget.
* Step-by-step drills for clearing obstacles, popping wheelies and more.
* How to hammer it and ride faster than you ever thought possible.
* Seven ways to stay alive by avoiding face plants, biffs and other crash landings.
* All-weather strategies for plowing through mud, rain and snow.
* Pro advice on entering your first off-road race.
* Riding responsibly to save the trails.
* Planning the perfect tour and enjoying a fat-tire vacation.
* Tons more practical info for aspiring and die-hard dirtheads.
You also get skill-building techniques and strategies from world-class mountain bikers, including
* Ned Overend, six-time NORBA national champion
* John Tomac, 1994 NORBA downhill champion
* Juli Furtado, 1995 World Cup champion
* Missy Giove, 1994 world downhill champion
* Tinker Juarez, 1994 NORBA national champion
* Mike King, 1993 world downhill champion
Customer Reviews:
Good for a quick read........2007-01-13
The book is a bit outdated by today's standards but still presents a few good tips aimed squarely at the beginner. An updated version with a greater emphasis on current trends (the plethora of clipless pedals and the proliferation of full-suspension rigs, as well as the concept of cyclocross) would probably help to advance the level of content just enough to entice beginners and those in the first year or two of their riding development.
Boring and dry.......2006-03-24
I wish there was a more helpful review from this website before I purchased the book, the only reason i am looking at the book on amazon right now is to check how much money i wasted. 10 dollars which is alright iwth me. i'll still read it, thru the course of the yeaer maybe.
honestly, this book cant be applied to me. It is written by a road biker gone mountain biking and maybe it will be more suitable for the same type of ppl. He starts off really dry and comparing everything to the feel and how its done in the flip side of road biking.
the book contains this ridiculous 3 month day by day guideline of how you should approach the mountain biking and the sectoin about choosing ur mountain bike and etc is just plain ambiguous and unhelpful.
i dont mean to bag on this book but after reading other books (like lee/lopez's mtb skills) i was blown away at literary style along with EXCELlent application to beginners and pros. and its downright fun to read. makes me not wanna go back to this purple book but i will after i finsih lee's.
i know this wasnt a helpful review either but please consider reading INSIDE the book before purchasing. i learned my lesson.
flat.......2006-01-08
uninspiring, superficial, low level. Better to get Zinn or Nealy.
Book is okay!.......2005-01-01
The book is okay. However, the illustrations could have been a bit better. In addition, the book kinda drags towards the end when the pros give their own tips.
Great Learner Book and Intermediate SKill Honer.......2004-03-11
I initially bought this book for my fiance who says I sound condescending when I try to teach her something and ended up enjoying it myself. I would describe myself as an intermediate(Only because my conditioning sucks) to expert rider. I found the book to be entertaining and it helped point out some things I was doing wrong, such as ride preparation, and some things I want to do better such as long climbs and how to pace them and keeping motivation. I find the book is pointed towards experienced trail riders who might be just a beginner to slightly more extreme conditions such as climbs, descents, drops, corners, logs, etc. or want to learn proper form for traversing said conditions to become more of a finesse rider(Of which I am not).
I find the caption on the cover is a little misleading. It might make one thing the book is specifically aimed at experts, which it is not. Insted of saying "Expert Tips...", I think it should say "Tips From Experts...".
In my opinion this is a book most riders right from beginner to expert should be able to learn something from. They try to keep the tone light and even comedical times. This makes it enjoyable to read. It's broken up as such to keep it interesting and allow you to skip the sections you're not interested in without missing anything that might be important. I can't wait to give it to my fiance to see what she thinks. Highly recommended!!!
Book Description
Travel, adventure, women's interest! True adventures, challenging journeys, and life affirming trips.
Three dozen women, in the prime of their lives, take you backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, the Rockies, the Appalachians and more. This compelling collage of stories and advice combines honesty, insight and humor with practical wisdom and proven tips to inspire women and men of all ages.
Gutsy women ford ice-chilled streams, clamber up steep mountainsides, chase away hungry bears -- or await helicopter rescue. Whether scaling mountains solo or lounging with friends near a crackling campfire, they are reaping the rewards of their strenuous days and soaking in the wonders of nature. "If we can do it, so can you."
Customer Reviews:
An EveryWoman's guide to wilderness travel.......2006-03-19
Debunking the myth that only the young and fearless and male can enjoy backcountry travel, Susan Alcorn's thoughtful book is a practical and anecdotal read for any woman who ever doubted her ability to engage in the sport of backpacking. An EveryWoman's guide to wilderness travel, this compassionate volume takes us through the trials, tribulations, and the triumphs of some three dozen backpackers, ranging from 40 to 74 years in age, and all, incidentially, women.
Some are groundbreakers in their own right, and others are just ordinary women who turned to the mountains in search of adventure, spiritual awakening, physical empowerment, or the simple peace offered up by the wilderness experience. Susan's book "We're in the Mountains, Not Over the Hill" takes the mystique out of the sport of backpacking, and makes it understandable and accessible to any woman, anywhere, of any age.
Thanks Susan!
I loved this book!.......2005-07-12
I am a regular backpacker who is writing a book on backpacking with children and was pleased to see that most of the joys and concerns that a 10 year old has on her first backpacking trip are the same as a 65 year old women has on her tenth trip. The book is composed of the comments and suggestions of several dozen women backpackers of different ages and experiences. Although loaded with great tips and ideas, it is the stories of these women overcoming adversity and their fears to reach happiness in the woods that inspired me the most. It is often funny, sometimes sad, but mostly encouraging. Now if I can just convince my wife who does not backpack to read it perhaps she will hit the trail with me!
Entertaining and inspiring.......2005-07-10
I loved this book. So realistic and funny, with much helpful information about every possible subject for those women (as well as men) who would like to begin backpacking later in life but aren't too sure they could survive it. We are treated to many illuminating anecdotes told by the 32 women interviewed for the book. And the author shares herself generously with us, admitting to tears of exhaustion or frustration, irrational (as well as some highly rational) fears about bears and other hazards, sore knees, long days and occasional unabashed whining. I enjoy her honesty, and most readers will find it reassuring that she has the normal range of emotions and still retains her enthusiasm for the sport. I also enjoy the glimpses into her relationship with her husband Ralph, her stalwart and unflappable companion in adventure. All in all, a very pleasurable and informative book.
Very disappointing.......2005-03-30
I found this book very annoying to read because of the way it intertwines the various women's stories (for the most part) rather than telling them one at a time. I also guess I expected this to be about WOMEN backpacking (Since the subtitle is "Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers") so I got very turned off by the author's recounting how her husband gets up in the a.m. and fixes her tea or how he patiently puts up with her while she whines. I did enjoy the Llama chapter, and I can't say it was a waste of time, but it was not what I expected.
Made me remember why backpacking is so vital.......2004-01-17
This book got me excited about the prospect of backpacking -- and I'm a fairly regular backpacker already. The stories and personal histories exposed backpacking's subtexts -- it's not all just pretty scenery and physical excercise. Perhaps backpacking's most important aspects are its tendencies to inspire inner renewal and to challenge us out of our familiar ruts, and its consistent ability (this is probably backpacking's most important dividend) to send one "back home" with the PERSPECTIVE, COMMITMENT, and COURAGE needed to effect personal change in one's "real life." I found the "oral history" style particularly engaging, with many different voices (representing all different ages) unanimously endorsing the overall message: "Backpacking is a priceless activity -- we're fortunate to be able to do it, and we're really missing out if we neglect it." I took great comfort from hearing others say that they, too, count backpacking as one of life's solid treasures -- one need not engage in it every weekend or even every year, but, like a good mother, it's always there when you most need it. Also, woven in among the stories I found many practical tips I'd never before encountered. But I liked this book best for the way it transported me back to the mountains -- and back to my self.
Customer Reviews:
You have to ask the right questions..........1999-10-19
Occasionally interesting, but mostly disappointing, this book seems to be the result of interviews in which the right questions were not asked. Even interviewees who in other contexts have had a lot to say for themselves came across as tongue-tied. Read _Beyond Risk_ instead.
Average customer rating:
- The best "local" guide book written for the true hiker!!!
- Very valuable
- Excellent Guide!
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Guide to the Hiking Areas of New Mexico (A Coyote Book)
Mike Hill
Manufacturer: Univ of New Mexico Pr
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100 Hikes in New Mexico (100 Hikes in) 2nd Edition
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New Mexico Atlas & Gazetteer
ASIN: 0826315577 |
Book Description
This comprehensive guide describes forty-eight hiking areas and dozens of individual trails for the entire state of New Mexico. The natural and human history, road access, topography, trail access, trail difficulty, map coverage, individual hiking trails, and other essential details are discussed for each hiking area. Detailed topographical maps outline all hiking areas and show specific trails. Afternoon strollers, day hikers, overnight backpackers, and expert outdoorsmen will find fulfilling and challenging hikes in these pages. General interest chapters discuss the fundamentals and safety precautions of hiking and camping in New Mexico. The guide includes a hiking equipment checklist, Spanish vocabulary list, and bibliography.
Customer Reviews:
The best "local" guide book written for the true hiker!!!.......2006-06-27
I purchased this book in 1996 while moving to attend UNM in New Mexico and learning (by asking) as a fairly new comer where to go and how strenuous the hikes were for a Jersey transplant. While building up my lung capacity on the Sandia Crest hike, I referred to this book over and over again to plan my hikes and really see this beautiful State from the trails. And I still recommend it to those folks traveling to New Mexico for the first or the 10th time. It is the best book written by a local devout hiker and used by local devout hikers. You can not go wrong with this book-it will show your topo maps, truly rate the hikes and give you the details needed to plan, it will be a treasured addition to your library and a good travel companion for beginners and seasoned hikers. Don't forget your water & happy trails, enjoy!!!!
Very valuable.......2005-11-12
There are several books available on hiking in New Mexico. This was the one I wound up using the most on a recent trip to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Others, such as Parent's book, were also useful and I would therefore suggest having a look at all available guides. However, Hill's work includes legible photocopies of USGS topographic maps, and most of the newer hiking guides tend to feature homemade maps which give the user far less information.
In my particular case, the material on trails in and around the Guadalupe Reef was most helpful, as Bill Schneider's recently re-released book on the Guadalupe Mtns and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks doesn't include information on the trails in that part of the Reef in between these two parks, certainly worth visiting for those who are lucky enough to get to this area.
That the book is ten years old is an obvious drawback; things happen, even in a state like New Mexico that has so much public land. For example, a very hot fire had burned up most of the north face of Capitan by Roswell, rendering the trail up the NE side pretty faint. But of course, if you're not willing to ask questions of the locals in this fairly genial state, and do a bit of poking about yourself, you probably don't belong in a place with such rough and potentially lethal geography anyway.
Excellent Guide!.......2000-08-01
My fiancée and I bought this book before we moved to New Mexico in March of 2000. It has proven to be a fantastic guide and we believe that it's the only book you need to explore the state on foot. Well organized by area with great trail descriptions and maps. A wonderful book!
Product Description
The most complete guide to the Gem State in print. 96 maps, 53 maps of towns and cities, over 1,600 restaurants, over 430 motels, every public and private campground, over 160 guest ranches and resorts, over 80 bed and breakfasts, vacation homes and cabins, over 180 outfitters and guides, airports, hundreds of fisheries, 107 public and private golf courses, 100s of museums and historical sites, 55 hot springs, hikes, over 50 scenic drives and side trips, more than 80 ghost towns, downhill and cross country ski areas, hundreds of attractions, 1,000s of photographs, weather information for over 50 locations, information on every city and town, 1,000s of things to do, 1,000s of addresses and phone numbers. Includes free photo CD-ROM of 100s of screensaver sized photos plus Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent guide!!.......2005-08-19
We were considering a trip through Yellowstone and Idaho when our family gave this book to us. We are definitely going to both and can hardly wait!
The book is written very well. The author manages to illustrate Idaho's rich history and must-see stops in such a way that it does not read like a typical, dull atlas or encyclopedia. The Ultimate Idaho Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia is enjoyable to read and easy to navigate. We highly recommend this book!
A wealth of information!.......2005-08-18
I recently returned from a motorcycle trip that included Idaho and wish I would have had this awesome book before I left. It would have been a wonderful guide for touring this beautiful state. Speaking of beautiful, the word also describes much of the photography in this book. No matter where your interests lie, The Ultimate Idaho Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia can help you locate it.
While many travel books read like an encyclopedia, this one does not. The style used by the author in this book has a way of grabbing and keeping your interest. Her sense of humor becomes apparent in many of the sidebar articles that provide a perspective of Idaho's landscape and people from the past and present.
If Idaho was for sale, this book could get it sold!
Book Description
"Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands" features trips for hikers, skiers, mountain bike riders and equestrians. This fully revised edition has been expanded to include every hiking trail in the region, offering more than 800 miles of trails and off-trail routes to explore. The guide features all new, up-to-date USGS topographical maps, including nearly a dozen new to this edition. Another new addition is a section focusing on family hikes and other information useful to family groups.
What is unchanged is the wealth of interesting history, tips on multi-use activities, and keen insights into the region's natural and geologic features that have made "Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands" the most useful and valuable year-round guide to this stunningly beautiful and vastly popular region.
Customer Reviews:
Best single guide.......2005-08-23
I used this book as well as the Falcon Press "Hiking South Dakota's Black Hills country", by the Gildarts, on a recent trip to the Black Hills, Badlands, Bear Lodge Mtns & the Devils Tower.
Both books were useful, but I'd give the edge to this one:
1) Hiram Rogers' book includes photocopies of topographic maps. Reproduction quality isn't high, but is frequently sufficient for the purpose. The Geldart's book has only handdrawn schematic maps.
2) "Exploring the Black Hills & Badlands" has more material. As you can see from the info provided by Amazon, there are more pages, but this understates how much further Rogers goes. Descriptions of particular trails are a bit more detailed, usually, and there is more historical and natural history material given in most cases. You will find more material, especially, on the Badlands (eg. a section on off-trail travel in the Sage Creek Wilderness).
The Geldarts do touch on locales and details not mentioned in Hiram Rogers' book, so those planning to spend any appreciable time in the area might want to get both.
I see that there appear to be restrictions in availability through Amazon as I type this. If you aren't comfortable dealing with secondary dealers, I would note that I saw new copies of Rogers' book in the bookstores at Wind Cave National Park and elsewhere. Try the websites for WCNP, the Badlands NP or Custer State Park.
Not a book for mountain bikers.......2003-11-02
This book focuses mainly on hiking trails, so if that's your thing this is the book for you. It would benefit greatly if each trail entry was _clearly_ listed with it's approved uses. The index also needs a section under each activity, that way you can look up 'mountain biking' and find references to every trail they review where biking is allowed. Some of the reviews of the trails are questionable ... the trail from French Creek Horse Camp to Iron Creek is not ridable at all for mountain bikers, in my opinion, not even close, yet it's listed as 'an exciting mountain bike ride through the park's remote northern end'. I have no idea what they were thinking. Like I said, probably a better book for hikers than bikers, but still a good resource just to give you a hint as to what's available in the area and get you started. If biking is your thing, stick to the trails listed as having cross country ski access as well as for biking and you'll get some nice single track love.
Best Guide Ever.......2002-11-27
This is an awesome book that is well written and an excellent guidebook for the outdoorsman. The photographs are outstanding. The trail maps are very helpful.
one of the best books........2001-07-31
This book is one of the best books ever written. It is very easy to read and there are many illustrations to help understand. I really enjoyed this book then I'm planning to give a present to my nephew. If you think you are a biker, Hiram's book is a must. Thanks.
one of the best books........2001-07-31
This book is one of the best books ever written. It is very easy to read and there are many illustrations to help understand. I really enjoyed this book then I'm planning to give a present to my nephew. If you think you are a biker, Hiram's book is a must. Thanks.
Book Description
From the cobblestone streets of Charleston and the beaches of the outer banks to the cozy inns of Asheville and the campgrounds of the Smokies, Hidden Carolinas is a guide to both the prominent and hidden alike. Using her extraordinary descriptive writing skills, author Catherine O'Neal lets travelers know what to expect from every spot in the area so they can plan a vacation to suit their interests. A virtual bed-and-breakfast guide, this book recommends over 100 one-of-a-kind inns. Local flavor is offered in her reviews of 23 barbecue joints and eight restaurants serving hushpuppies. And since everyone loves the coast, Hidden Carolinas describes over 40 beaches and nine lighthouses. There are also details on 63 parks and wilderness areas including information on camping, hiking, and rafting. Each title in the Hidden series offers readers the comfort of detailed maps, internet information for each listing, author picks, suggested itineraries, and walking and driving tours.
Books:
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- Painting Flowers in Watercolor With Charles Reid
- Painting People: Figure Painting Today
- Painting Sharp Focus Still Lifes: Trompe L'Oeil Oil Techniques
- Painting the Impressionist Landscape: Lessons in Interpreting Light and Color
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