From Library Journal
These two guidebooks are part of Globe Pequot's extensive new series on mountain bike trails throughout the United States, all written by local mountain bikers familiar with the turf. Of these two, D'Antonio's Philadelphia is perhaps more representative of the series as a whole, which also includes guides on Boston, Colorado, Washington, New Hampshire/Maine, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, DC/Baltimore. D'Antonio is a knowledgeable guide and a skilled writer who provides the reader with a solid account of the 44 trails from Philadelphia and the surrounding states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and even Maryland. He gives basic specs on how to get to each trail, how long the ride is, how difficult it is, and who else uses the trail. Each description features a narrative overview of the trail, with backgroud information as well as a trail map, an elevation map, milepost-by-milepost directions, and ample black-and-white photographs. In addition, contacts are given for local information, organizations, events, accommodations, and food. The Moab guide includes the same features but takes a more gonzo, extreme tack that probably befits the exhilarating nature of what might be the ultimate challenge in bike trails. Bridgers, owner and operator of Dreamride Mountain Bike Tours in Moab, UT, includes a lot of local color beyond the trails, elaborating on the notable characters, history, and scenery of the canyon-lands area. He also injects more of his life and opinions into the work than the reader may want to know. Nevertheless, the guide as a whole is exceedingly thorough and its subject spectacular. All libraries will want to buy at least the trail guides local to their regions. Larger libraries may want to consider purchasing the entire series.DJohn Maxymuk, Rutgers Univ. Lib., Camden, NJ
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From the Back Cover
Philadelphia, birthplace of the United States, is a study in diversity. Known as the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia is home to the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the beloved Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, and world famous cheese steaks. It's also the focal point for some of the best mountain biking on the East Coast. Within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, you can pedal your mountain bike through dense, deciduous forest; ancient pine barrens; pastoral, rolling, farmland; the Pocono Mountains; and Fairmount Park, the world's largest landscaped inner city park. Like the city, the mountain biking around the Philadelphia area is diverse. The terrain will vary from tight, rocky, bone-jarring singletrack; wide, dirt-surfaced bridle paths; lonely country roads; and steep, mountainous climbs-all of which you'll find within this guide. From this book you can expect exhaustive and comprehensive trail descriptions, from beginner to advanced. GPS-quality, digitally designed relief maps detailing each ride and accurate route profiles showing the ups and downs of each ride. In addition detailed directions get you to the ride without getting you lost. Detailed mile-by-mile directional cues are also provided with difficulty ratings, elevation gain, trail contacts, and much more. (5 1/2 x 8 1/2, 256 pages, b&w photos and maps)
