Bicycling the Natchez Trace: A Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway and Nearby Scenic Routes [Paperback]

Glen Wanner (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 219 pages
• Publisher: Pennywell Press; 3 edition (August 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963779869
• ISBN-13: 978-0963779861
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Tennessee
  • #15 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Cycling > Excursion Guides

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ride 2000, January 4, 2001

By 

david dupuis c/o michael lemke (St. Joachim, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bicycling the Natchez Trace: A Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway and Nearby Scenic Routes (Paperback)

Each year I plan one very special and hopefully very memorable ride. Still having to work for a living, and a family to spend time with, the ride I plan must fit all the schedules as well as my expectations. I first became interested in The Natchez Trace from reading some of the southern history. I was hooked! Couldn't find enough literature, maps, or books to satisfy my needs. One of the books I purchased was Glen Wanners' 'Bicycling The Natchez Trace'.. I planned for this ride for the better part of eight months using Glens' book as a guide. As this was my first solo self contained ride I wanted to do it right.When it came down to departure date I started to organize all my gear,I had a stack of maps and literature that weighed in at about 15 lbs!I quickly narrowed this down to one map supplied free from The National Parks Service and Bicycling The Natchez Trace by Glen Wanner. This book was my riding Bible,and was referred to several times each day. My ride covered 670 miles in ten days (the first two weeks in October) from Nashville to Natchez with side trips along the way. My trip was a success!Thanks to Glens' book and all the great people along the way. I would like to see Glen update this book as required so others may enjoy it as I have for years to come.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice complement to Park Service literature, June 6, 2002

By 

J. Grattan "Ideas can move the world" (Lawrenceville, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bicycling the Natchez Trace: A Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway and Nearby Scenic Routes (Paperback)

The author obviously has spent considerable time riding the Trace and in surrounding areas. As a result, the book serves as a useful complement to the literature available from the National Park Service on the Natchez Trace. However, the most important document that a Trace traveler needs is a Natchez Trace Parkway Map and Guide from the Park Service.

The author briefly describes the historical significance of many of the landmarks along the Trace. Of great interest to bicylists is the lay of the land (hills) which is well described. Most importantly, one can find the location of food and water and lodging just off of the Trace, that is, not managed by the Park service. The Trace itself has insufficient restroom and water stops for the bicyclist. A minor point is that the author does not indicate the hours of operation of the markets that he notes. The author notes the great amount of wildlife on the Trace; but keep a sharp eye for the snakes sunning themselves on the Trace in warm weather.

Most all of the practical advice in the book is related either to logistics or to various routes. Where and how to ship one's bike is useful. About 40 percent of the book is taken up with auxiliary routes that either start or cross the Trace and are not a part of traveling the Trace from end to end. Multi-day tours through Vicksburg and around the Tennessee River are two of those. Most of these may appeal to local residents.

Throughout the book the author mentions various rules and regulations of the Trace. Although there is a brief section, it would have been useful to see a section with a complete listing: for example, rules for speed limits, parking, picnicing, camping, hiking, etc.

What one will not find in this book is much in the way of practical and general information about bicycling or touring on a bike - what gearing to use, how to pack gear on a bike, how to ride with a fully loaded bike, what is the best way to deal with bicycle problems while on the Trace, etc. One point of interest is that the author provides an 1-800 number that can be called in the case of problems; interestingly the park service does a poor job of signage concerning this number.

The bottom line is that the book would help anyone comtemplating a tour of the Trace to get a better feel for what he or she can expect on the Trace.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars top of the line, September 30, 2002

By 

Doc (AL United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Bicycling the Natchez Trace: A Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway and Nearby Scenic Routes (Paperback)

Well written, accurate usable advice for bikers. The historic facts as well as geography ( mileage to stores, attractions, facilities) were right on the money. I used the book to do the northern 125 miles of the trace. I am preparing for a southbound ride next and will use this book.
john