The aim of a new book, Grand Bikepacking Journeys: Riding Iconic Routes around the World, is to offer a guide to a range of routes that “any self-respecting long-distance cyclist could aim to complete”.
Grand Bikepacking Journeys, which is published by Gelstalten, is written by cyclist-extraordinaire Stefan Amato, who has come up with a list of global must-ride itineraries, including, the Iditarod across Alaska, the Trans-Pyrenees between France and Spain, the Ruta Austral in Patagonia, and many more.
Describing the history and geography of each route along with hidden gems, Stefan gives handy tips on planning, equipment and tackling the unique challenges discovered along the way.
Grand Bikepacking Journeys is priced at £40. The book is a follow up to the book, Bikepacking. Also see gestalten. (Note: I receive a small commission for sales of Amazon items through this website.)
Read: What is bikepacking?
What do we think?: Grand Bikepacking Journeys
I asked some of my sporty friends to take a look at the book and give me their thoughts. I’ve added these comments to my own.
Grand Bikepacking Journeys is a big and weighty book and the sort of item you would leave on a coffee table. I know that sounds like a cliche, but it is exactly the kind of book we have on our bookshelves and coffee table.
The book is filled with fabulous photos, inspiring information, great tips and equipment lists. The maps are basic but that’s because the route descriptions are meant to be the start of your planning (also, the routes are long so it would be difficult to fit useful maps into the book).
I love the titles of the routes. For example, Altitude and Attitude on the Roof of the Rockies; Ride the Length of America in Iconic Style; Testing Limits in Alaska’s Wild; Experience the Andes; Traversing National History; and True Wilderness in a Week, among many others.
My friends said:
- “This book smells nice.”
- “Good and weighty coffee-table book.”
- “Nice watercolour pics, as well as great photography.”
- “Maps are beautiful but not very detailed.”
- “It”s a book for inspiration and the start of the road to planning.”
- “This is a book that will get me on the turbo trainer in the winter.”
- “It’s a dangerous book because I want to go everywhere now.”
- “Although the routes are long it doesn’t put you off going because everything looks so good.”
- “I’d like to see some route profile details.”
- “This book is amazing. It is inspiring.”
- “There are some practical bits but it’s mostly inspirational.”
- “These are really inspiring routes.”
- “I am new to bike packing and it seems exciting.”
- “This is the perfect book for adventure planning, especially with winter coming.”
- “The depth of detail is good, such as taking your own coffee to some places because it is hard to get.”
- “It’s good to see female cyclists, as well as men in the book.”
Conclusion: Grand Bikepacking Journeys
This is a beautiful and wonderful book. It’s so lovely that I am not giving it away (although I might lend it to people if they promise to return it).