Excellent Cycling Adventures in Niagara [Spiral-bound]

Marg Archibald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1999

A fun, encouraging guidebook, full of practical help and fun ideas that turn any Niagara bikeride into an adventure. Thirteen rides and exits/entries to thirteen different towns and cities provide a wealth of cycling to people with a wide range of interests and abilities. These books encourage people who haven't traveled by bicycle before and include rides for fully experienced touring cyclists.Readers love the enthusiasm and the anecdotes.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Review of "Excellent Cycling Adventures in Niagara" by Hans Tammemagi, printed in "Downtown", St Catharines, Ont, June 1999

No one warned me that reviewing Marg Archibald's "Excellent Cycling Adventures in Niagara," would be so exhausting - or so exhilarating. With the book in hand, I set out, with considerable trepidation, on the Garden of Eden tour, a (for me) very lengthy 85 kilometres from St Catharines to Grimsby and back. My fears were unfounded, as not only was I able to complete the ride without getting lost, but I had a fabulous time in spite of my aching legs and wobbly riding. The route wound its way westward on top of the escarpment and returned through the orchards beside the lake. Directions were clear and I felt as if Marg was riding at my elbow lovingly pointing out details about the countryside through which we passed. "Excellent Cycling Adventures in Niagara" is a complete reference guide to cycling in the peninsula with 320 pages crammed full of advice on how to choose a bicycle, fix a flat, energy food, getting weather forecasts, finding accommodation, how to deal with dogs, and much more. It describes every town and city in Niagara, outlining their high spots and the bicycle routes for getting in and out. Fourteen major cycling tours are presented, some of them several days in duration. All the highlights of Niagara are included such as the Niagara Parkway, the Welland Canal, the waterfalls of the escarpment, wineries, and quiet pastoral orchards and farmlands. "Excellent Cycling Adventures in Niagara" does an excellent job of promoting the well-kept secret that Niagara is a world-class bicycling destination.

The book is well organized with a detailed table of contents and index, and the format is well suited for use either in the armchair while planning a tour or in the saddle as you pedal. The size is handy and the spiral binding allows you to fold the pages over to the section you need. The maps have been professionaly crafted and contain considerable detail, which allows you to easily follow your route or to plan modications or even separate trips altogether.

But "Excellent Cycling Adventures in Niagara" is more than just a biking book; it contains lots of interesting and practical information on the areas that you visit and would be a good addition to your bookcase just for the overview of Niagara and its history. There is a particularly thorough description of the underground railway and black history. In fact, the book is dedicated to Harriet Tubman, "a conductor in the underground railway and a woman of enormous courage." There are fascinating summaries of historical events and sites including Bertie House, the War of 1912, MacFarland House, Crystal Beach, and much more.

Best of all, the book is punctuated by pithy personal snippets that reveal not only the personality of the author, but also her philosophy. Often almost poetic, they are like nuggets of gold sprinkled through the text and keep you reading, inexorably pulling you into the world of cycling. Marg's love of bicycling shines like a beacon. For her, cycling is not just a pastime, but a way of life, a desire to take the time and pleasure to saunter through the landscape smelling the roses, instead of motoring through leaving only exhaust fumes.

Not only will this book guide you through the wonderful landscape of Niagara, it may change your entire outlook on life.

About the Author

Marg is a middle-aged, business owner who started riding for the shear joy of being out in the world on a bicycle. Her in-city bicycle path rides grew to exploring small towns in Southern Alberta and then to a solo trip, with her bicycle, around the world to celebrate turning fifty. She now rides and writes to show other people how easy it is to stay fit, have fun and fill life with adventure. She rides alone because "it keeps me in touch with my instincts".

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 324 pages
• Publisher: Monday Group Ltd (April 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0968210015
• ISBN-13: 978-0968210017
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,463,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Niagara Cycling Guide, April 5, 2000

By 

Bob Romanuk (Niagara Falls, Ontario) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Excellent Cycling Adventures in Niagara (Spiral-bound)

Anyone contemplating cycling in the Niagara Region without Excellent Cycling Adventures in Niagara will miss out on much the area has to offer. Having grown up in Niagara and cycled the Region for much of my life, I was amazed at the knowledge I gleaned from Marg's work. Each route outlined is accompanied by a clear and concise map. Cyclists need additional information, such as the location of bike repair shops, campgrounds and such, and these are provided. Accuracy is important, and to date I have not found a single error. Way to go, Marg! Perhaps my favourite aspect of ECAinN is learning about my home Region from a visitor. A fresh perspective can do a lot to enhance my understanding of my home area. This book would be invaluable to a stranger to Niagara. Funny, informative and easy to read, ECAinN will add to anyone's experience of Niagara from a set of handlebars.