It’s February and outside it’s cold, icy, unbearable, at least that’s how it feels. While I can “fortunately” still rely on my protective layer of extra winter fat, Jana struggles with the low temperatures and the desire to get on the bike seems to be a long way off.
But hey, don’t worry! We still have a plan to distract us from the gloomy weather. Because last year, we got a taste for new destinations and adventures through our bikepacking trip on Vestkystruten. And what better way to do that than to daydream in the freezing cold with inspiring books about bikepacking and cycling?
We’ve collected a few of our favorite books and will feature them in this blog post. 13.5 kg full of inspiration that will make you pedal as soon as the sun shines again.
Cycling Through A Pandemic
“Cycling Through A Pandemic” is a 350-page hardcover book that features the stories and photographs of cyclists* around the world, who escaped the never-ending news cycle during the COVID-19 pandemic by escaping into the vastness and tranquility of nature on their bikes. These are the stories of women cyclists who took adventures during the pandemic.
This book is about people who were looking for a break from the corona crisis and the constant news. They take advantage of the gaps between lockdowns, or the easing of restrictions, to escape briefly into the vastness and tranquility of nature on their bikes. The stories and photographs in Cycling Through A Pandemic show how bicycling was a way for many people to cope and relax under the strain of the pandemic.
Be inspired by the amazing stories and dive into the world of bikepacking during a global crisis. You’ll see how cycling can be not only a sport, but a means of coping and relaxation. “Cycling Through A Pandemic” is a must-read for those who are passionate about bikepacking and adventure, but also for those who are simply looking for inspiration to start their own adventures on a bike.
Format: 29 cm x 22,5 cm x 4,5 cm
→ Buy book
Orbit 360
Our friend Nils Laengner has published “Orbit 360”, an inspiring 268-page hardcover coffee-table book that shows how diverse and adventurous bikepacking and gravel riding can be in Germany.
In the book, Nils accompanies various riders on the routes of the Orbit360 series. He shows what makes the rides special, from tense muscles on the mountain to the unbridled joy of a completed stage finish. The great photos show not only action shots, but also magical landscapes in which you almost disappear. The protagonists’ accounts of their experiences are intended to encourage readers to dare their own adventures.
At the beginning of each chapter, the characteristic points of the route are presented. With the QR code at the beginning and end of the book, you can go directly to the Komoot Collection by Orbit360. There is also a chapter about bike essentials, which presents important bikepacking products for one-day and multi-day tours. With the information in the book, you can go on a big ride with confidence.
Format: 21.0 cm x 27.0 cm
Right Ride – One
“Right Ride” is an inspiring book that focuses on feeling rather than performance. It combines inspiration, motivation, photography and design with enthusiasm for entertaining (road) bike rides and intense stage tours in great areas that are not far from your doorstep. As a special highlight, we have also contributed two routes in this book that you can follow immediately by simply scanning them or starting them on your smartphone.
The book offers you destinations, landscapes, cafés, gastronomy, sights and accommodation for your perfect road bike tour. With over 4,200 km to follow, tips on cafés, restaurants and sights, and routes with QR codes to start directly, you’ll always be motivated for your next adventure.
This deluxe edition of the book is bound in a high-quality linen cover and contains more than 165 photos as well as portraits of 20 athletes who take you on their favorite routes and show you where they relax, recharge and enjoy. 40 rides are waiting for you in Germany and Austria. Meanwhile, two more books from the series have already been published.
Format: 16 × 21 cm
→ Buy book
While the first three books presented were all self-published, the next books are all from the renowned design publishing house and are promising a captivating read for anyone who is passionate about travel, adventure and cycling. Those who are familiar with gestalten Verlag know that you can always expect high-quality photography and text here. With the next books to be featured, you can look forward to a breathtaking combination of inspiring stories, fantastic landscapes and unique snapshots.
Nordic Cycle: Bicycle Adventures in the North
You can experience a breathtaking bicycle journey through the Arctic landscapes with “Nordic Cycle: Bicycle Adventures in the North” by Gestalten. Co-authored with mountain biker Tobias Woggon, the book offers both practical instructions and stunning photographs and stories of bike trips in Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and the Nordic countries.
Experience the fabulous snowy landscapes where civilization seems to be non-existent and combine radical touring, camping and cooking with the best that local nature has to offer. Be inspired by this journey of discovery through the Nordic landscape and explore some of the most popular bike trails and terrains.
“Nordic Cycle” is an exploration of regions, people, and food on a mountain bike, with stunning photography and aerial views. Discover illustrated maps and routes, follow the path of Tobias Woggon on his adventure, and learn 16 recipes with step-by-step instructions that pay homage to regional cuisine in the Nordic countries.
Unfortunately, I have to mention that for us as vegans, there is not really something there. But it’s actually about cycling and discovering the world, not about the recipes. Still, you can get inspired by the breathtaking landscapes and adventures.
Format: 26 cm × 21 cm × 2.5 cm
→ Buy book (affiliate link)
Bikepacking – Exploring the roads less cycled
“Bikepacking – Exploring the roads less cycled” is the ultimate book for all cyclists who want to take their adventure on two wheels to the next level. It was voted one of the best cycling books in 2021 and, as already mentioned, is published by the renowned gestalten Verlag.
In this book, you will find an insight into the world’s most famous cycling routes, which are a paradise for bikepackers. On a tour on two wheels, driven only by your own motivation, you can explore new terrain on little-traveled paths and let yourself be enveloped by a feeling of freedom.
The book’s 288 pages are packed with practical tips and tricks that will help you plan your own expeditions. Whether you’re already experienced or just an occasional weekend bike rider, authors Robert Klanten, Andrea Servert, and Stefan Amato have carefully compiled background information and inspiration to help you have an unforgettable reading experience.
With stunning photos, inspiring information, and great tips, this book will inspire you to get right on your bike for a multi-day tour. The illustrated maps and routes will help you plan your adventure, and you’ll be thrilled by the stories and experiences you discover on every page.
Format: 22.5 × 29 cm
→ Buy book (German Version) (Affiliate Link)
→ Buy book (English Version) (Affiliate Link)
One Year on a Bike – From Amsterdam to Singapore
“One Year on a Bike – From Amsterdam to Singapore” is an absolute dream for all adventure lovers on two wheels. Martijn decided to leave the comfort of his car and the stress of everyday life behind and go on an intercontinental bike trip. On his way from Amsterdam to Singapore, he left the routine behind and set out on a slow and unforgettable journey.
The book takes you on a journey through the eastern European fields with their yellow rape and the welcoming culture and community in Iran. “One Year on a Bike” is a colorful chronicle of what can happen when you leave your normal path and embark on extraordinary self-discovery and breathtaking landscapes. Martijn shares not only his equipment and knowledge, but also his passionate love of adventure that led him on this journey.
Spanning 368 pages of great images and profound entries that explore cultural experiences, the beauty of an ever-changing landscape, trusting strangers, and much more, “One Year on a Bike” is a visual adventure. It documents not only the good times, but also the challenges, inspirations and everything in between. A must for those seeking adventure!
Format: 24 cm × 32 cm
→ Buy book (English Version) (Affiliate Link)
Two Years On A Bike – From Vancouver to Patagonia
“Two Years on a Bike – From Vancouver to Patagonia” is the sequel to the just mentioned successful travel book “One Year on a Bike – From Amsterdam to Singapore”. Martijn Doolaard once again got on his bike and embarked on another epic journey, this time taking him from Canada to Patagonia in Argentina. This book is a real treat for anyone inspired by impressive feats and planning their own bikepacking adventures.
In “Two Years on a Bike” Martijn shares his unforgettable experiences and authentic feelings with us. He describes his ups and downs, his friends and emotions, his lovers and heroes. The accompanying photos are breathtakingly beautiful and add an extra dimension to the story.
Martijn shows us what it means to travel by bike while being at home in the world. Through his minimalist life with only the most necessary things in his saddlebags, he explores the world in an exceptional way. The tips and tricks he learned on his journey can also be helpful for other adventurers.
With “Two Years on a Bike” you get a wonderful book that offers a perfect balance of visual beauty and experiential storytelling. It’s a book that will take up a permanent place on your coffee table because it’s just too beautiful to put away. The book itself is of high quality and when you turn the pages it feels more like a dive into Martijn’s journey than a simple book.
Martijn has given us an unforgettable insight into his world with this book and allowed us to experience his memories, his thoughts and his incredible journey of two years on the bike. We can only thank him for sharing with us his unforgettable images, his reflections and two years of his life.
Format: 24 cm × 32 cm
→ Buy book (German Version) (Affiliate Link)
→ Buy book (English Version) (Affiliate Link)
Grand Bikepacking Journeys: Riding Iconic Routes Around the World
“Grand Bikepacking Journeys – Riding Iconic Routes around the World is a comprehensive guide to the world’s most iconic bike routes, which are a bikepacker’s dream.
In this book, the follow-up to the successful (and aforementioned) “Bikepacking,” Stefan Amato suggests must-ride routes around the world, such as the Iditarod in Alaska, the Trans-Pyrenees between France and Spain, or the Cross Cape Route in South Africa.
Stefan describes the history and geography of each route along with hidden treasures (no, not gold treasures) and provides practical tips for planning, equipping, and overcoming the unique challenges along the way.
And the best? Our friends Sabina and Robin aka Farawayistan from Sweden have already explored two of the routes and their photos are featured in the book: the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Pamir Highway route.
At 272 pages, this book is a must-have for anyone ready for their next adventure.
Format: 22.5 cm × 29 cm
→ Buy book (English Version) (Affiliate Link)
We hope …
… that our recommendations for bikepacking books have excited you as much as they have us! There are so many inspiring stories and adventures out there to be had by bike. Whether you’re looking for new routes, practical tips, or just inspiration, these books have everything your bikepacking heart desires. So what are you waiting for? Put the winter blues aside and let yourself be infected by the fascination of bikepacking. See you next time!