enCYCLEpedia Southern California: The Best Easy Scenic Bike Rides Paperback – April 7, 2014

And, in the "One can only just wonder" department: What if the famous Hollywood movie/TV star/actor Alec Baldwin spent more of his time reading and following the wonderfully illustrated and lovingly mapped cycling adventures and advice in the beautiful new book "enENCYCLEpedia Southern California, The Best Easy Scenic Bike Rides" by Richard Fox, (Westcliffe Publishers, Boulder CO 2014) maybe his troubles with cycling in NYC may well never have happened.Who knows if Alec Baldwin's bad bicycle karma could have ever been entirely avoided, but In this new book, (and note the title's clever spelling---"enENCYCLEpedia") there are so many choices and places described, with an invitation to pedal in some of the most charming, breathtaking relaxing and scenic locales in Southern California, that it would, by any comparison, represent nothing less than a true escape of pure joy. It certainly would be just that kind of change of place and pace---latitude and attitude, where even just reading the wonderful writing in this book, could alone bring if not karmic bliss, at least an instant good mood to anyone. Yes, it's tempting to send him a copy of the book.Of course, Alec can afford to buy a copy of the book himself, (and maybe a few copies for a couple for his friends and possible fellow riders)...and if he does, he will quickly find himself enjoying a pleasant ride while marveling at the absolute thoroughness and lively detail that author Richard Fox has pored into this amusing and informative book.Not only are there great photos and maps detailing recommendations for various comfortable rides in the iconic So Cal area, but ever the renaissance man, author Fox annotates these amazing rides not only with important highlights to let riders/readers appreciate the wider view from the road sort of speak, he even adds a recommended music playlist (`safe listening style' (one ear-bud free)), list of songs to enhance and accompany the journey inspired by associations of the particular place. Note that the maps and descriptions will never get out of date as the author plans to constantly update all of the information in downloadable format on a website available to owners of the book.But needless to say: Better not pedal and read at the same time (so my advice: decide to read and be inspired first; then pedal to your heart's content checking out and planning your travels both as you go, or as you reminisce at home afterwards). Return to the book and you'll want to get back on the bike, on the road again, eager to see, learn and experience more. Also in this book, you'll see plenty of places to pause on your bike trip, to refresh, take a break, ponder, reflect and take it all in.For the best places accessible by an easy bike ride to see elephant seals, whales, wildlife, wildflowers, lots of nature, amazing architecture, local points of interest, (even with suggestions for local eats), amazing facts and history abound, this book packs it all in with full color custom and artistically-rendered maps suggestive of the various highlighted places, and great photos covering the area in Southern California from San Luis Obispo County and south, across to Bakersfield and the desert region of the state. This is the definitive compendium of the most enjoyable easy-going and scenic bike rides, mostly away from vehicle traffic, encompassing most of this region's stunning ecosystems, parks and varied points of interest you'll ever find presented in one convenient place right at your fingertips.But, because this is definitely not a typical cycling guidebook, or a skills and competition bike manual, and unlike a dry list of must-do-must see tour place pamphlets, this book reads more like a novel or a journal of discovery of sorts, and strangely, the information, and the tips are more of a subtle and welcome perk. The exercise and the stress-removal riding that comes with all of this is also pretty much a pleasant afterthought. Nobody with a bicycle in Southern California, or anyone who ever has had an interest in the area, the lifestyle, or has plans to visit someday, should miss the opportunity to check out this absolutely entertaining and very essential book. At 373-packed illustrated pages, it's the real deal and best deal on two wheels.I personally highly recommend this book.

I read all the great reviews, and decided to buy this. I was, however, unable to read it. The author is concerned with making people understand how his book is structured - I had no problem with that. But now I am completely sure that there is such a thing as men's and women's writing style - I simply could not read this. I decided to give it to my boyfriend (luckily we bike together, so I will still benefit from the author's knowledge), and he is completely comfortable with this writing style, and loves the book :-)

Very detailed and helpful.I am glad there is a RECENT book on trails like this one.

Lots of great information in this book, but the maps leave a lot to be desired in my opinion.

good information book, thank you

Plenty of rides, pretty good descriptions, but the maps are very funky and unhelpful.

Good references for finding trails. Planned vacation around guide. Trails were easy to find. Lived up to expectations. Maps were helpful.

This guide has a unique collection of rides and covers many areas across SoCal. For that it gets 5 stars. But when it comes to the directions and the maps, this book is rather confusing. I have gone on several long rides by combining some of the segments described in the book, and on everyone one I managed to have gotten lost without exception. (Yes, I know how to read and I know how to read maps.) And after each ride, when I reviewed their description again and tried to figure out where I went off track, I kept wondering whether I had actually been there at all, since their directions were not very helpful at all in pointing out where the critical turns were. If you buy this book, you might take their suggestions for the destinations, but I suggest you plan your own route with a GPS bike app before you go.