If you find yourself on Cape Cod and want to ride something other than a
bike path, take this book and a copy of Rubel Bikemaps Cape Cod Map, and
go exploring. I've done two of the rides in the book and enjoyed them
both. There is one warning which is as true on the back roads of Cape Cod as
it is in the rest of Massachusetts: Not all roads have street signs, so
watch for landmarks and the shape of the intersection. In Falmouth, I
didn't get lost despite several missing signs; in Brewster, I had more
trouble. All in all this book is a great guide to exploring the Cape.
[Doug Mink]
Recommended.
[Anne Anderson]
Lots of good short rides on well-tested routes.
[Doug Mink]
I'm sure you are aware of all the Howard Stone books, but if not,
they should be a requirement. There is also a good selection of
books on mountain biking in New England. One is published by
state (or several states) another by region (north or south). I
prefer the ones with detailed cue sheets.
[Bonnie Friedman]
For rides, I will strongly second the Howard Stone books. Be aware
that other books in the same series "Short Bike Rides ..." are awful.
In particular, the one on the Cape and Islands is miserable. The ones
Howard Stone did are very good.
[David Wittenberg]
Recommended.
[Anne Anderson]
Lots of good short rides on well-tested routes.
[Doug Mink]
For rides, I will strongly second the Howard Stone books. Be aware
that other books in the same series "Short Bike Rides ..." are awful.
In particular, the one on the Cape and Islands is miserable. The ones
Howard Stone did are very good.
[David Wittenberg]
I bought this from the author at Bike to Work Day in Boston , 3 weeks
after it was published. It contains 11 in-road, 10 off-road, and 19
walking loop trips in Boston and its suburbs, all inside I-495, many
inside Route 128. I haven't tried any of the rides as listed in the
book, but I have ridden many of the trips and found the routing and
commentary in the book quite helpful. There is a bit more description
than in Howard Stone's books, and I like the inclusion of both the
Minuteman Bikeway (on-road) and its extension to Concord (off-road).
[Doug Mink]
This is the latest edition of a map originally produced by the Boston Area
Bicycle Coalition in the late 1970's. It shows the best roads for bicycling
in an area about 5 miles in radius centered on the Charles River Basin and
uses the USGS map as a base. Main streets are labelled, but not minor ones,
and some one-way streets are marked. On the back are a variety of notes
about safe bicycling in traffic and routes in and out of the city. It
does not include the southern part of the City of Boston.
[Doug Mink]
In my days as LAW State Touring Information Directory, the most common
request from out of state was for a route along Massachusetts' seacoast.
The Massachusetts portion of the route described, with maps and points
of interest, in this book is a good first step toward such a route,
though it bypasses the scenic and historic South Shore by taking the
ferry to Boston from Provincetown.
[Doug Mink]
These have all the roads people are likely to use in any of these
areas, plus a lot of access information.
[Doug Mink]
This little book covers Cape Cod, including the Cape Cod Rail Trail,
with very detailed maps which let you get off the routes and explore
without getting lost.
[Doug Mink]
I have used earlier editions to find interesting places to ride when visiting
unfamiliar parts of the Cape, and found it an OK starting book, especially
when used with Andy Rubel's map. The new sixth edition includes more routes
and should be an improvement over the earlier editions I've used.
[Doug Mink]
It's now out of print, but is worth tracking down in used
book stores. It contains 30 rides within the basin defined by the hills
through which Route 128 (now I-95 and I-93) runs. Cue sheets are provided,
and the routes are laid out on sections of U.S. Geological Survey maps with
added information about local geology. The authors not only tell you where
the hills are, but why they're there, as well as what many interesting rock
outcroppings are made of. Following these routes is a good way to explore
the city in a systematic way; later, when you have to get to a specific
place, by bike or by car, you'll know where it is in the grand scheme of
things. Contact the publisher in Boston to ask them to reprint this
book.
[Doug Mink]
A good little book which is useful if you are riding around the
Connecticut River valley. There are 16 rides ranging from 5 to 25
miles. There are distances and riding times for each loop, and good
maps which show other roads in the area, a helpful feature if a turn is
missed. A useful appendix describes interesting sites and indicates
which rides to take to get to them.
[Doug Mink]
The southern part of the Berkshire valley is quite
FLAT unless you choose to go up into the hills, ia rural and is crammed
with
cultural and scenic attractions. Tanglewood. Norman Rockwell museum in
Stockbridge with a bike path right through the grounds (Rockwell was a
bicyclist!) Albert Schweitzer Center....many more. One ride example from
the book: a ride retracing the route of the original Arlo Guthrie
Alice's Restaurant littering crime expedition, with a hilarious photo of Arlo.
[John Allen]
This is a nice book of rides for all of Berkshire county,
including the superb, challenging ride up and down Mt. Greylock.
You can also ride all the way around Mt Greylock without any serious climbing.
[John Allen]
Shameless plug: I rode one of "The Best Bike Rides
in New England" by Paul Angiolillo, published by Globe Pequot Press
last year. I thoroughly enjoyed my ride and am told I am credited in
the book, though I've not yet heard of its release. You might just
ask if the revised edition is available.
[mort]
I just finished doing the third edition of The Best Bike Rides In New
England (humble title, right?), Globe Pequot Press. It's supposed to be out in
May. It's an improvement over the second edition--a lot more accurate and
informative, and a better distribution of rides--two dozen people helped me do
it from all over N.E. (mostly via the Internet!). The book is all road rides
(except for Acadia National Park in Maine). I'll notify you if and when. (In
case you're not familiar with it, it's a small, greenish, conservative-looking
book with two riders on the cover. Evidently a steady seller.
[Paul Angiolillo]
Check out the interview with Paul at amazon.com.
One of my favorites; it has a selection of nice B & B's, not cheap,
several bike routes near the B&B's, and breakfast recipes in the
back (my favorite part).
[Bonnie Friedman]
Adventure Cycling carries this.
[Anne Anderson]
I have not tried the routes in this book, but it is interesting in giving
route altitude profiles and computer-generated 3D "maps" of route terrain.
[Anne Anderson]
Contains 41 rides through five of the six New England states. This
one might be in stock at the Lincoln Guide Service, where author Farny
presides. For each ride, a map and cue sheet is augmented by a running
narrative describing points of interest and obstacles along the route.
[Doug Mink]
The earlier edition of this book inspired me to take my 15-year-old nephew
bicycle touring for eight days in Vermont. We had a wonderful trip,
using some routes from Freidin's book.
[Anne Anderson]
This book has descriptions, rules, maps, and access information for
every bikepath in the state which was open in 2000. There are paths
which are missing because they have opened in the last three years,
such the Neponset Trail and the Ashuwillticook River Trail, but this
book will get you to a lot of trails all over the state.
[Doug Mink]
Good descriptions of trails. Adventure Cycling carries this.
[Anne Anderson]
Focusing on abandoned railroad lines, this is the second edition
of a book which was first published in 1989. The included maps delineate
an enticing array of present or future rail trails. The contorted
corporate and geographical history of the maze of rail lines in New England
makes for interesting reading. Being involved in the Wayside Trail, I was
particularly interested in the history of the Central Mass. Line. The
history of every existing or proposed rail trail (that I know of) is
included. The author is on the library staff at U. Mass Lowell. He has
done a lot of work researching railroad history in New England and has
written books on several subjects including railroading.
It is available from the publisher for $12.95+$3.00 S&H, 1st book,
$1.50/copy for subsequent books (MA residents add 5% sales tax).
It is also available in many bookstores, including some Barnes &
Noble, WaldenBooks, etc.
[Richard C. Williamson]
As the title indicates, the book focuses on Massachusetts, Rhode Island and
Connecticut. All rail lines are described including those still active,
those out of service, and those abandoned. As with the other book, there
are lots of maps, photos, and interesting history.
It is available from the publisher for $22.95+$3.00 S&H, 1st book,
$1.50/copy for subsequent books (MA residents add 5% sales tax).
[Richard C. Williamson]
This is the first paperback edition of a book first published in 1919.
I've abridged it somewhat, and modified the maps. Some of these old
turnpikes may be of interest to cyclists. It is available from the publisher
for $22.95+$3.00 S&H, 1st book, $1.50/copy for subsequent books
(MA residents add 5% sales tax).
[Ron Karr]
Recommended
[Doug Mink]
I also wrote in 1992-93 The Mountain Biker's Guide to Southern New England
and TMBG to Northern New England (Falcon Press). Most bookstores seem to carry
them--otherwise they can easily order them via a computer using the Ingram
distributor. (Just say "Ingram" and they light up.) Both in third printing,
with a total of over 100 rides throughout New England.
[Paul Angiolillo]
Recommended
[Doug Mink]
I also wrote in 1992-93 The Mountain Biker's Guide to Southern New England
and TMBG to Northern New England (Falcon Press). Most bookstores seem to carry
them--otherwise they can easily order them via a computer using the Ingram
distributor. (Just say "Ingram" and they light up.) Both in third printing,
with a total of over 100 rides throughout New England.
[Paul Angiolillo]
Recommended
[Doug Mink]
When I was 13 or so, I got a book called Anybody's Bike Book by Tom
Cuthbertson published by 10-Speed Press. I recently saw it out in a second
edition. It's very approachable for the not-so-mechanically-inclined. My
first thought puts it in the category of repair manual, but if I recall it
also has other good advice like equipment selection, locks, technique, etc.
[Joel Parks]
Recommended
[Anne Anderson]
I find Cuthbertson's book a bit too simplistic (I have the 1984
edition). I find "Glenn's Complete Bicycle Book" (by Clarence W. Coles
and Harold T. Glenn; published by Crown Publishers) a bit more to my
taste, but my 1973 edition is getting painfully out of date. I think
it's been updated, but I don't know when. I think that John Allen may
be an author on the newer edition.
[David Wittenberg]
I liked DeLong's Guide but it's pretty dated now (even
more than it was when I read it).
[Joel Parks]
is great but it's expensive and really geared
for professional mechanics not beginners.
[Joel Parks]
I find "Glenn's Complete Bicycle Book" (by Clarence W. Coles
and Harold T. Glenn; published by Crown Publishers) a bit more to my
taste, but my 1973 edition is getting painfully out of date. I think
it's been updated, but I don't know when. I think that John Allen may
be an author on the newer edition.
[David Wittenberg]
Yes, I rewrote much of the book for the 1986 edition, *Glenn's New Complete
Bicycle Manual* and this is the one you should list. It is less outdated.
It is unusual among repair manuals in covering geared hubs. (Sutherland's
also does, including newer ones, but at a higher price.
[John Allen]
It's a fairly complete listing of different kinds of bike, as well as
a second half devoted to maintaining them. Much more history than
most of the other books, and not nearly so technical as my description
might lead you to beleive. It's my favorite general book about
bikes.
[David Wittenberg]
The Bike Bag Book - A Manual for Emergency Roadside Bicycle Repair, by Tom Cuthbertson and Rick Morrall, Ten Speed Press, 1981
Small, clearly-written book with essential repair operations detailed.
[Anne Anderson]
Building Bicycle Wheels, by Robert Wright, Anderson World, Inc., 1982
Small book, but packed with information.
[Anne Anderson]
Recommended.
[Anne Anderson]
It's free in Postscript form at
http://www.massbike.org/publicat/commute.ps
[Doug Mink]
Recommended
[mort]
[Anne Anderson]
I just picked up John Forester's "Effective Cycling" last week (sixth ed.).
I think it's a must-have reference for any cyclist.
[Dave Walker]
The bible on cycling with traffic, this book also includes quite
a bit on maintenance, repair, and safety.
[Doug Mink]
I suppose I have to mention "Effective Cycling", though it's tone is
so aggressive that it scares a lot of people off.
[David Wittenberg]
Recommended
[Anne Anderson]
All the information you need to hit the street on a bike;
John has a typo-free version online at
http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania put the previous version online at
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/hwyIntHS.nsf/frmBikeManual?OpenFrameSet .
The new version is available at bike shops and from MassBike.
[Doug Mink]
This 46-page booklet covers the nuts and bolts of safe and legal on-road cycling including lane-positioning, navigating intersections, expert control of brakes and steering, emergency maneuvers, and dealing with difficult situations.
For ordering information visit
www.bikemaps.com/bss.htm.
Bulk discounts are available.
"Bicycling Street Smarts," is an updated and revised edition of "Street Smarts", originally published in by Rodale, Inc. There are currently over 200,000 copies in circulation.
"Street Smarts" is actually a much-abridged version of John Allen's
tome, "The Complete Book of Bicycle Commuting", which I think is better
than Forester's book, but which Rodale Press let go out of print after
one edition. Copies occasionally turn up; grab one if you can.
[Doug Mink]
Thanks for the plug, Doug, but the only stock of this book I know of is
the
couple dozen copies in my own basement. I very rarely let go of one, if
there is an especially compelling plea for one. When I get my world
wide web page, up, I plan to scan in the text and post it.
[John Allen]
Fascinating, well-written account of a couple's two-year bicycle tour
of Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Northern India, focusing
on the Asian and Indian segments. Incredible scenary, incredible
experiences, all by bike. A co-worker loaned this to me last year,
and I read it cover-to-cover. Adventure Cycling carries this.
[Anne Anderson]
A good introduction, explaining the various types of bicycle races,
tactics, training, etc.
[Anne Anderson]
Has some good information, although equipment coverage is out of date.
[Anne Anderson]
(and if you ask nicely, you might get the surviving author to show up -- and
he is a fine older english gentleman, and mechanical engineering professor
that commutes by bicycle every day from Winchester to MIT)
[Jeff Del Papa]
David Gordon Wilson's Bicycling Science
from MIT Press is full of high-powered analysis and lots of other good
stuff.
[Joel Parks]
Science behind bikes: "Bicycle Science" by Whitt and Wilson, MIT
press. Also, Human Power, edited by Abott and Wilson, came out last
fall, I've forgotten the publisher.
[David Wittenberg]
David Gordon Wilson is older in years than in spirit. That just shows what
a daily bicycle ride will do for a man.
[John Allen]
A book of articles, essays, fliers, and photos from dozens of contributors
from Critical Masses around the world.
[Howard Stone]
I picked up a copy at a random suburban NJ "Borders" bookstore, so it does have national distribution. It is basically trying to be a stand alone encyclopedia. The stuff I really liked in it was historical -- tracing the development of the bicycle (and lots of variants) for the past 150 years. Lots of short biographical snippets on riders, and discussion of historic races.... Strongly reccomended.
Looking at the author blurb: US Cycling team in the 70's, one of the
editors of Transportation Alternatives' "City Cyclist", Co author of
"Bicyle Blueprint: A Plan to Bring Bicycling into the Mainstream in
New York City"
[Jeff Del Papa]
Howabout "Bike Cult" (its new);
I know these aren't commuting oriented, but they are good, and
fun, and interesting.
[Michael G. Hering]
Neat all around stuff about bikes: Bike Cult (published by 4 walls, 8
windows)
[David Wittenberg]
There is a British book called "cycling encylopedia", a catalog
that among other things shows lots of "practical" (load carrying --
things like pedal powered small delivery trucks) and disabled access
bicycling items (like a wheelchair that has a bike frame that plugs
into the back, turning it into something rickshaw like). Mike
Farny (Lincoln Guide Service) has an ad in the back, he should know how to
contact them.
[Jeff Del Papa]
Recumbent Cycling News put out their annual "guidebook" issue
recently. A very thorough look at what is available as cycling
alternatives. Given how popular feet first bikes are with the
health club crowd, they just might convert some people that were
turned off 15 years ago by a saddle suited to a 100km of training
daily european racer.
[Jeff Del Papa]
A fun book called Pedal Power has
a collection of non-bicycle pedal-powered machinery.
[Joel Parks]
Apparently out of print, but a fascinating collection of pedal-powered
tools and adaptations of standard tools to pedal power. Has given my
8-year-old daughter and me hours of design ideas, including a
pedal-powered snowplow for our driveway which we have never built,
but continue to design every time we shovel snow. :-)
[Anne Anderson]
Howabout "Bicycles" (a small book in English and Italian with a pictoral
history of significant/interesting bicycles). I know these aren't commuting
oriented, but they are good, and fun, and interesting.
[Michael G Hering]
There's a good book by Elaine Mariolle on Women's Cycling.
[Steve Winslow]
Interesting history and mechanics.
[David Wittenberg]
EnCycleopedia describes bikes they find "interesting". Some are
quite practical, others pure racers, but always interesting. They
have more information on recumbents than most other sources.
EnCycleopedia is an annual put out by the same folks who publish the Bicycle
Culture Quarterly.
[David Wittenberg]
Once published in Britain, Bike Culture Quarterly (BCQ) reported on the latest
technological advances in bicycling and alternative bicycling products
available, covered cycling advocacy efforts around the globe and included
features on the world's fastest and wildest human-powered vehicles and
their designers. Commentary, photo essays, bicycle art, humor and
fictional pieces rounded out BCQ making it the only magazine that thoroughly
examined all types of cycling everywhere.
[from their former home page. Now we are left with the
EnCYCLEopedia, put out
by some of the same people.]
A warm friendly collection of
stories set in a bike shop, but more about the people than the bikes.
Requires a little knowledge of bicycling to make sense.
[David Wittenberg]
This is the store that loans us books to sell during Bike to Work Week.
I have found them friendly and helpful, and they have a reasonable selection.
[Anne Anderson]
Guidebooks and maps to everywhere, plus they sponsor lectures by people
who have travelled and written the guidebooks.
[Doug Mink]
They have a good assortment of bicycle books as well as other useful
wilderness access books.
[Doug Mink]
Many of these books are carried at EMS and the Eastern New
England Council of HI-AYH travel store. Their (AYH) phone
number is 731-6692 and they are open from 12-6 M-F and 'til 8
on Thursday. Or check our web page for details.
Bike maps and books are at
http://www.tiac.net/users/hienec/budget4.htm
[Bonnie Friedman]
Excellent source for bicycle maps and books. Publishes Cyclist's Yellow
Pages annually, a collection of sources for bicycle tours, maps, advocacy,
etc. in the U.S. and around the world. As an organization, Adventure Cycling
develops bicycle routes and advocates for bicycle access and awareness.
Publishes a good monthly magazine for members in addition to Yellow Pages.
[Anne Anderson]
A great collection of historical information about bicycling, including
vintage and collector books, reprints, and proceedings of the annual
Cycling History Conferences, as well as other bicycle books.
[Doug Mink]
They have a pretty extensive assortment of books about bicycling available
by mail or phone order through their web page. Their catalog seems to cover
the Midwest quite thoroughly, including maps as well as guidebooks, but they
have books covering the whole world, sorted logically, with a brief description
of each book. They asked for this link.
[Doug Mink]
[They] carry the bulk of bike titles and give wonderful service.
[Madeleine Noland]
They publish a lot of bicycle touring and route books, including several covering New England. You can order from their Web site if your local bikeshop or bookstore doesn't carry the books you want.
Andy Rubel now publishes great bike maps of Eastern, Western, and
Central Massachusetts as well as the second edition of his Cape Cod
and Cape Ann map. He has also updated David Weaver's Boston Bike Map,
originally done for the Boston Area Bicycle Coalition
in the late 1970's.
[Doug Mink]
This page was originally compiled by Anne Anderson
with the assistance of the members of the
MassBike mailing list.
It was last updated on August 16, 2003.