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a recommended read by the Adventure Cycling Association

“Bicycling Beyond City Limits explores the adventures of a group of young men as they experience life on the back roads of America during their 55-day cross-country journey. This fast ride across the country allowed them to strengthen personal bonds while discovering their own inner strength. As Adventure Cycling celebrates its 30th anniversary of inspiring people to travel by bicycle for fitness, fun and self-discovery, we are pleased to celebrate the spirit which propelled these young men in their cross-country ride.”

Naomi Bloom reviews the book for BikeCal.com.

“While I was at Edwards Air Force Base, every night after work I ran on the treadmill for an hour and then rode the exercycle for an hour. While I was on the exercycle each night I read your book cover to cover. Very well done and an enjoyable read - I really like the way that you laid it out. It was particularly fun struggling on my own exercycle while reading - it was almost like being there in terms of my own little physical efforts to keep up.” - Pete Nowicki (former) Fire Chief, Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD)

“Foley excels at describing the natural world. During the 100-mile stretch from Cimarron to Clayton, NM, storm clouds chase the riders. 'As we continue east on Highway 56 into the early evening, the sky begins to clear. Lavender,  blues, reds and oranges mirror off the still water in a cattle trough below the barbed wire running alongside the road. . .” - Dan Barnett, Chico Enterprise-Record

“Mike sees a lot of the country through a poet's eyes, packing simile and metaphor into his observations. For example, in Milford, UT, he writes:'Thick clouds create a black shadow perfectly eclipsing the round, rich valley like a mint cookie dipped in chocolate.” - Naomi Bloom, BikeCal.com

“I'm just writing to say that, yes, the book is great! I'm sure it's going to be very popular for a long time.” - Heather Lyon, Owner, Manager and Buyer, Lyon Books and Learning Center, Chico, CA

“For Mike Foley, the bicycle is a vehicle both in the literal and figurative sense. . . it allowed him to venture out to places he hadn't yet discovered, and it was a vehicle toward self-discovery. When Tom, his best friend in high school died, he sought refuge on his bike. . . which eventually led to meeting the five guys who were to become his companions on a cycling trip across the country. It is their friendship which was the driving force behind writing the book.” - Janice De Jesus, Arts & Leisure, Contra Costa Sun

“Fantastic! I would love to have this book in my classroom as I read inspirational works to my class.” - Susan Anderson, Vice Principal, Castro Valley, CA

“Foley was able to recreate the adventure in such a way as to make the reader feel as though he was along on the ride.” - Pat Rudebush, The Orinda News

“From the minute I picked it up, I felt as though I was there. The adventure was much more than just a bike tour across the U.S. It's about the soul venturing out and the thrill of the unknown. Thank you for letting me come along on the journey.” - John Palmieri II, Saint Mary's College of California

“I just finished BBCL, and loved it. I read most of it this past weekend on a solo ride around Mt. Rainier through the Central Cascades. Your book makes me wish I'd found the sport when I was younger. My longest ride to date is only a fifth of Team '92. Thanks for sharing your adventure.” - Tim Dice, Seattle, WA

“I picked up your book on a Sunday morning and didn't lay it down 'til I finished it that evening. Congratulations!” - Joe Schmitt, Arnold, CA

“I loved every page. The thoughts of the riders kept me entertained through the last page. Mike Foley makes you feel like you are right on his handlebars for the entire trip. Every sound of the road comes to life. You feel like you are the seventh rider. You don't have to be a cycling enthusiast to get hooked on this adventure.” - Ryan Bird, Orinda, CA

“I'm having such a good time reading your book. My husband and I have ridden nearly every mile of your trip, so it has special meaning to me. You are a unique cross-over cyclist. I doubt if there are many Cat 2 racers out there who have strapped on a gazillion pounds on their bike and have come close to what you've done.” - Alison Stone, CA

“I did not want it to end. The sentences were short and the right speed like a biker on the move. Great, great reading; well put together.” - Ingrid Wood, Walnut  Creek, CA

“Writing like that just makes me want to get out there all the more.” - Ed, ChicoVelo, CA

“I usually skim through the descriptive settings in a book, however, in your book it was different. The descriptions were poetic. Good job!” - Brad Schoenberger, Moraga, CA

“I've always imagined doing the ride you guys did but the stars never aligned for me, so I continue to dream. The honest way in which you told your story made the ride come alive and occasionally I'd become engrossed and feel that I was there with you.” - Rick Meyer, Lafayette, CA

“Years ago I discovered Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes. I loved them so much I would ration my reading time as I never wanted it to end. That is the same with Bicycling Beyond City Limits. It is so readable and well-written on a travelogue and personal level. I love the book; it has enhanced my life.” - Richard Homrighausen, M.D., CA

“Bicycling Beyond City Limits is at once captivating and led me to look forward to the rest of the story to discover this young man's journey to experience life while living with the devastating death of his best friend. The trip gives glimpses of land discovered, the people, and the relationship of these young cyclists. It's honest and paints a picture. I love this book; it's a gem.” - Joan Evans, CA

“Just seeing the cover sends shivers down my spine. Highway 50 is one of my favorite roads. I read some of the excerpts and they reminded me of my own trip across the country in 1996.” - Dave King, Competitive Racer

“I started the book a few days ago. It is so well-written, flows, is interesting. I can hardly wait to finish it.” - Monica Clyde, PhD, Author, CA

“Read the book and really enjoyed it. I liked the Prologue where Mike thought biking is therapy. That's for sure; getting out there riding through the country does wonders for the mind and body. When I look at my TREK 5200, even I have the 'bike love' Mike talks about. It was interesting enough to make me say 'Great! Let's get on the bike and start the story!'” - Jere Snell, NC

“Bicycling Beyond City Limits...is fresh, gritty, funny, and heartfelt. Images of mosquito attacks, greasy food, and locals looking skeptically at outsiders will linger long in my head, as will the ever-churning legs, the individuals met along the way who can't be 'bundled' into a category but speak from their unique perspectives, the hard found camaraderie, and the straight-on look at the world. One senses that these young men finished with a much better understanding of the variety, complexities, and geography of this land 'from sea to shining sea.'” - Lois Larrance Requist, author of “Where Lilacs Bloom”