[.ca] Road Biking Virginia (ISBN 0762711949)

The Best Biking Guidebook Ever:
I bought this new guidebook without much expectation. Boy, was I surprised! Road Biking Virginia may very well be the best written guidebook I ever read. The author takes the reader through the ride, noting scenic and historical highlights as well as areas of caution. I found the narratives addicting, and couldn't put the book down until I read every one. I thought I new a lot about my state - but I actually learned a good deal more. The maps are excellent and the directions are straight-forward and easy to understand. If there is one flaw, the author doesn't seem to like city riding and doesn't offer any it his selection. But the book does offer fabulous road routes (I've done many myself) emphasizing Virginia's great back roads. Everyone should try the Goshen and Rockbridge rides and at least once in your life, you need to make the trek to Burkes Garden. What a great destination and ride. I've waited a long time for a road ride book for Virginia. Fortunately, I now have one and it is good. I highly recommend it to all Virginia cyclists. Happy Riding, Steve

Road Biking Virginia:
What a wonderful resource for anyone interested in exploring the beauty of Virginia via bicycle! I love it and plan to get good milage out of my small investment. The writer has done the hard work by furnishing all the needed details for forty rides scattered throughout the state. All a rider needs to do to enjoy any or all of them is to add bicycle and pedal.

Great Job Jim!:
This is the guidebook that should be in every bikers' saddlebag! Mr. Homerosky has managed to pack an abundance of information on 40 rides in just a bit over 200 pages. The ride and route information is clear and concise and a delight to read. I like the way the author gives the rider the oppurtunity to tailor the rides to his/her level; the rider can 'go the distance' or opt to cut it short without missing the best of what the ride has to offer. I like his notations and footnotes that point out the local interests: and the mentioning of local bike shops and watering holes are a huge plus.

Goshen Memories:
As someone who bicycled through Rockbridge County for years, I know firsthand the beauty of the Goshen Ramble (#29) and the fun that comes with the Rockbridge Challenge (#31). I eagerly awaite Jim's next effort--hopefully Pennsylvania. Jim's descriptions of the sights, eateries, and technical details in "The Basics" are accurate. Here's looking forward to doing the Burkes Garden Ramble (#39) and eating at Spanky's in Lexington! This guide will accompany me when next I travel to Virginia--whether by bike or car.

Finally, road routes:
Whether you're a cycling tourist, recreational rider, or competitive cyclist, there's something for everyone in this guide. Mr Homerosky profiles 40 different routes on pavement all across the beautiful state of Virginia from the sea to the mountains. It's obvious he's ridden each one from his descriptions and knowledge of the terrain. His use of title words for each route is especially clever. Each route has a description, map, cue sheet, and when warranted a profile of elevation gain and loss. Pretty neat, and very useful. He also includes contacts in each community so you can further explore the area, or can be helpful for the non-cyclist on your trip. A must have for any road cyclist wanting a dependable guide of road routes in Virginia.