Across America by Bicycle

by Alice Honeywell

Biking from Oregon to Maine is no small feat, especially for two newly retired women who carry everything they need for three months, powered only by the strength of their legs and a desire for adventure. Alice Honeywell and Bobbi Montgomery invite readers to follow their ride by bicycle across the United States, as they face scorching sun, driving rain, buffeting winds, equipment failures, killer hills, wild fires, and even a plague of grasshoppers. As Alice and Bobbi pedal along their 3,600-mile journey, they test and deepen their friendship, defy their aches and pains, experience the vast and varied beauties of their country, and discover the challenges and satisfaction of a scaled-down lifestyle. And, they encounter unfailing generosity from people they meet--from the prayers of a North Dakota woman for their safekeeping, to the offer of a house in Michigan, to invitations for dinner and a place to sleep at stops all along the way. And there are incidents to laugh over, too, such as the bewildered woman who asked them, 'Well, but where do you pack your dresses?' Ride along with Alice and Bobbi as they embrace retirement with gusto and live their dream. Winner (Gold Medalist), Foreword Magazine's Travel Essays Book of the Year

A heartfelt account of crossing America on two wheels from a pair of gutsy women. Alice and Bobbi prove it s never too late to put a dream into high gear, to let the road reveal a country and the true meaning of friendship. Joe Kurmaskie, author of Metal Cowboy, Momentum Is Your Friend and Mud, Sweat, and Gears

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"[The authors] explore what it means to live the pared-down existence of loaded touring as they pedal slowly enough to enjoy the beauty of the country. Honeywell and Montgomery also discuss their equipment, time management, and the ever-important aspect of all cycling journeys locating and consuming lots of food. . . . Readers will find this an easy and inspiring read." Library Journal

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"How can you not like this book? . . . Alice and Bobbi are immensely likable people; their cheerfulness and determination bring a smile to your face. When you finish the book, you might think: well, that was a lot of fun; maybe I ought to do something similar." Booklist

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"Told with panache and a wholesome, modest sensibility, Honeywell and Montgomery s voyage became a supreme exercise in patience, determination, self-sufficiency and unwavering friendship. And the daring duo isn t finished a north-south, border-to-border trip is in the works. Exhilarating fun and good motivation for armchair adventurers." Kirkus Reviews

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A heartfelt account of crossing America on two wheels from a pair of gutsy women. Alice and Bobbi prove it s never too late to put a dream into high gear, to let the road reveal a country and the true meaning of friendship. Joe Kurmaskie, author of "Metal Cowboy, Momentum Is Your Friend "and" Mud, Sweat, and Gears""

"[The authors] explore what it means to live the pared-down existence of loaded touring as they pedal slowly enough to enjoy the beauty of the country. Honeywell and Montgomery also discuss their equipment, time management, and the ever-important aspect of all cycling journeys locating and consuming lots of food. . . . Readers will find this an easy and inspiring read." "Library Journal "
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"How can you not like this book? . . . Alice and Bobbi are immensely likable people; their cheerfulness and determination bring a smile to your face. When you finish the book, you might think: well, that was a lot of fun; maybe I ought to do something similar." "Booklist""

"Told with panache and a wholesome, modest sensibility, Honeywell and Montgomery s voyage became a supreme exercise in patience, determination, self-sufficiency and unwavering friendship. And the daring duo isn t finished a north-south, border-to-border trip is in the works. Exhilarating fun and good motivation for armchair adventurers." "Kirkus Reviews""

"A heartfelt account of crossing America on two wheels from a pair of gutsy women. Alice and Bobbi prove it's never too late to put a dream into high gear, to let the road reveal a country and the true meaning of friendship."--Joe Kurmaskie, author of "Metal Cowboy, Momentum Is Your Friend "and" Mud, Sweat, and Gears"

Alice Honeywell, a retired editor, is a writing consultant in Madison, Wisconsin. She is a member of Dane County s Bombay Bicycle Club and has led a number of tours for the Sierra Club s National Outings Program and other groups. Bobbi Montgomery, a retired English teacher, supervises and trains teachers throughout Ohio. She is a member of the Gears4Beers Cycling Club and Cincinnati Cycling Club. The authors are dreaming of another cross-country bike trip, this one from north to south, border to border.

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