‘Epic Bike Rides of the World’ by Lonely Planet
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Lonely Planet's Epic Bike Rides of the World is a beautifully curated celebration of two-wheeled travel that takes you on a global journey across the most thrilling cycling routes on Earth. More than just a guidebook, this 320-page coffee table stunner combines adventure, inspiration, and practical insight, making it perfect for both armchair dreamers and seasoned cyclists.
The book features over 50 major bike routes, with 200 additional ride suggestions, spread across six continents. Whether it’s the wild coastal roads of Croatia, the mountainous trails of Patagonia, the bamboo forests of Japan, or the rugged dirt tracks through Utah’s canyonlands, the rides offer a mix of terrain, difficulty, and cultural flavour. Each entry is richly illustrated with vibrant photography, maps, and a short but compelling narrative that draws you into the experience of the ride.
The stories are written by a team of seasoned travel writers and cyclists, many of whom recount personal journeys. What makes the book stand out is its focus on the spirit of adventure. It’s not necessarily about the most famous or hardest routes — it’s about journeys that feel epic, either because of the landscapes, the cultures encountered, or the endurance required.
Each featured ride includes practical information too: the best time to go, what kind of bike is suitable, level of difficulty, and any logistical tips. Some routes are short and family-friendly, others are long-distance epics that take weeks to complete. This blend makes the book equally useful for casual riders looking for a weekend challenge or bikepackers planning cross-continental expeditions.
The book is divided geographically, Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, and the layout is spacious, allowing the stories and photography to breathe. There’s also a helpful index of rides by theme: best for foodies, history lovers, wildlife seekers, or off-the-grid adventurers. That makes it super handy for readers planning their next ride based on interest, not just geography.
Ultimately, Epic Bike Rides of the World captures the joy of exploring the planet on two wheels. It reminds you that cycling isn’t just a mode of transport, it’s a way to connect with people, nature, and yourself. Whether you’re chasing alpine switchbacks or gliding through vineyard-lined backroads, this book gives you the stories, visuals, and practical advice to dream big, and ride even bigger.
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The real-life adventure follows Eric Newby CBE MC, a second world war prisoner, former special forces soldier, and fashion photographer (an interesting career path in itself!), and his diplomat friend, Hugh Carless CMG, as they drive a station wagon from London to Kabul, Afghanistan, via Iran – a journey of some 5000 miles (around 8000 kilometres) through Europe, Turkey, Iran, over the course of a month and all without any support vehicles. We think this itself is an impressive feat of planning and navigation in the era before GPS, mobile phones, or breakdown assistance!