10 Inspiring Books About Bicycle Touring to Fuel Your Wanderlust
Introduction: Why Read Bicycle Touring Books?
Dreaming of your next two-wheeled journey? You’re not alone! Thousands of cyclists around the world are drawn to the freedom and thrill of bicycle touring. Whether you’re chasing miles, nature, or something deeper, books about bicycle touring offer more than inspiration. They share real lessons, hard-earned tips, and emotional stories from the saddle.
From cycle travel writing to bikepacking literature, this curated list blends memoirs and guidebooks that can fire up your plans or satisfy your curiosity. You don’t need to be on the road to feel the joy of the ride—just open a book and you’ll be pedaling across mountains, deserts, and faraway cultures in no time.
What Makes a Great Bicycle Touring Book?
Not all travel stories hit the mark. The best cycle travel writing checks these boxes:
- Personal stories that reveal highs and lows, not just the route
- Unique locations with rich cultural snapshots
- Real advice on gear, logistics, and survival on the road
- Emotional impact that makes you want to ride tomorrow
Top 10 Inspiring Books About Bicycle Touring
- “Miles from Nowhere” by Barbara Savage
A couple’s humorous and honest ride around the world—raw, real, and unforgettable. - “The Man Who Cycled the World” by Mark Beaumont
18,000+ miles in 195 days. This Scottish cyclist shares what it takes to break a world record. - “Into the Remote Places” by Ian Hibell
Wild, gritty, and awe-inspiring—tales from one of the first real bicycle explorers. - “Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle” by Dervla Murphy
Fearless and funny, Murphy wheels through cold war regions with guts and grace in 1963. - “The Road Headed West” by Leon McCarron
A young man’s ride across America, full of heart, insight, and lessons from the road. - “Two Wheels South” by Matias Corea
Brooklyn to Patagonia with stunning photos, gear tips, and a beautifully told personal story. - “Life Is a Wheel” by Bruce Weber
A journalist cycles across the U.S. and confronts aging, family, and the pace of modern life. - “Cycling Home from Siberia” by Rob Lilwall
China to London on a wild ride full of faith, danger, and survival in brutal conditions. - “Travels with Willie” by Willie Weir
Short stories, quirky thoughts, and deep insight from one of the most beloved touring cyclists. - “Around the World on a Bicycle” by Thomas Stevens
The original epic ride from the 1880s—done on a penny farthing. Wild, old-school adventure.
How These Books Can Prepare You for Your Own Tour
These books go beyond storytelling. They’ll give you real-world bicycle touring tips and cyclepacking advice like:
- How to handle mental burnout when you’re alone on a long stretch
- How to fix a flat or broken spoke in the middle of nowhere
- How to plan routes based on weather and elevation
- What gear actually holds up after thousands of miles
- How to live slow and soak in the culture as you roll through it
Where to Find These Bicycle Touring Books
You can find these titles and many more about bike travel at:
- Online bookstores: Amazon, Bookshop.org
- Audiobook apps: Audible, Libro.fm
- Local libraries: Ask for help at the desk
- Indie book shops: Many carry travel sections
- E-book apps: Kindle, Apple Books, and others
Bonus: Recommended Books for Planning a Bicycle Tour
If you’re not just dreaming, but planning to get rolling, check out these helpful guides:
- “Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook” by Stephen Lord — Planning secrets and route ideas from a UK expert
- “Bikepacking: Exploring the Roads Less Cycled” by Laurence McJannet — A great intro to off-grid touring
- “Cycling the Earth” by Roberto Ghidoni — For long-distance cyclists preparing for everything
Conclusion: Turn the Page and Start Your Next Adventure
Bicycle touring can change you—and so can a good book. Whether you ride across town or halfway around the world, reading these books about bicycle touring can spark ideas, courage, and clarity. They show what’s possible when you follow a bike beyond your comfort zone.
Pick up one of the books above and let the journey begin. Share your favorite touring read in the comments or start mapping out your next ride!