A review by mohawkm
The Road Headed West: America Coast to Coast: A Cycling Odyssey by Leon McCarron

5.0

I'll admit it, I loved this book. As others have noted, the author didn't prepare well for a cross-country bike ride, and didn't know that much about bikes for the duration. But I'm OK with the democratization of bike touring, and really appreciate the open attitude that develops with the practice of it. The chapters are short, and except for the oddly positioned first story, are chronological. There's some inconsistencies, such as when he determines he wants to ride alone after riding with Suzie, but then spending most of the rest of the ride with 3-4 guys. But for the most part, I get some of the same feeling as one gets with books like "Travels with Charley" or "Blue Highways" (the latter being one of the best USA travelogues out there). And he finishes with a reminder that anyone can get out there and do this, it doesn't take a lot of specialized equipment or a specific discipline about how the ride will go. An enjoyable bike travelogue.

For a newer take on riding cross country, I recommend finding "Ryan and Ali Bike Across America" also known as #lovecycles on youtube. Their incredibly positive and well-edited trip is a fun watch!