From Cycling Across America
…. To Living on a Sailboat and Crossing Oceans
Finding the Adventure in Life at Human Speed
…. And Sharing That Adventure in Words and Images
Best Selling Cycling Books:
Award-winning and best-selling Story of an epic American journey.
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- WINNER-National Indie Excellence Book Awards
- FIRST PLACE – Next Generation Indie Book Awards
- FIRST PLACE – Independent Publisher Living Now Book Awards
An inspirational story of journey, discovery, and place, told from the saddle of a bicycle, rolling down the highways of America. A pilgrimage of wonder and exploration pedaling across America. Pilgrim Wheels takes the reader up to the humid farmland east of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, while Pilgrim Spokes takes the reader from Medicine Lodge to Annapolis on the east coast.
“Perhaps the greatest line in bicycling writing was penned by this author, describing the time crossing through the American southwest desert. … Neil Hanson’s writing evokes the imagination that transports us all with such clarity. You feel the moment… I’m determined to meet this guy, shake his hand and say, ‘thanks for writing a damn good book!'”
Award-winning and best-selling conclusion of an epic American journey.
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- FIRST PLACE/GOLD MEDAL – 2016 Independent Publisher Living Now Book Awards
- WINNER – 2017 Book Excellence Awards
A cross-country bicycle adventure is the canvas for this tale of discovery along the winding backroads of America’s heartland. The second book in the “Cycling Reflections” series, Pilgrim Spokes tells the story of the eastern half of the trans-American trek, continuing the saga begun in Neil’s award-winning previous book—Pilgrim Wheels—which reconnoiters the western half of the journey.
“A blissful and captivating read”
“Neil shares…in an honest tone and, as great story teller’s do, allows us to not only share the adventure, but also feel that adventure along with him.”
A minimalist’s guide to ultra-light touring.
A complete description of the logistics, route, and details of a journey across America on a bicycle. ”The Pilgrim Way” is an essential guide for those planning long-distance touring in general, or a cross-country trek specifically.
Written for the cyclist considering unsupported long-distance touring without a mountain of gear, ”The Pilgrim Way” offers a minimalist approach to bicycle touring, focusing on the enjoyment of the ride more than the schlepping of gear.
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- Detailed route, directions, and descriptions
- Preparation and training
- Bicycles and gear
- Provisions and fuel for the body
- Riding alone
Cycling the Katy Trail Now Available
The definitive guide to a jewel of the American rail-trail system.
A wonderful hybrid of thorough trail guide and delightful journey story based on Hanson’s own experience riding the Katy Trail through Missouri on a tandem bicycle with his wife Christine. This book is more than a list of milestones and attractions—it is a fascinating tale of discovery that everyone will enjoy.
“A rich and nuanced perspective on the Katy Trail experience.”
~ Jim Sayer, Executive Director, Adventure Cycling Association
“Neil continues his bike touring adventures, this time with his new wife on a tandem bicycle. An entertaining, thought-provoking, caffeine-fueled trip.”
~David Buser, touring cyclist
Cycling Across America – The Combined Journey – Now Available on Kindle
The complete cross-country set now available
The complete cross-country “Cycling Reflections” set (Pilgrim Wheels AND Pilgrim Spokes) available now in electronic form only. Both books were award winning stories when they were published individually, and are available in this complete set, taking the reader all the way across America, from Monterey on the Pacific to Annapolis on Chesapeake Bay.
“One of the best books I’ve ever read. Made me want to ride my bike, and maybe even try what Mr. Hanson did to see what I would see and experience along the way.”
~ Patrick P.
The Pedaling Pilgrim – An Irregular Periodical
High Prairie Press published “The Pedaling Pilgrim” for a couple years, with yours truly as the Editor and Chief. (I just wanted to use that fancy title…) While the publication appears to be on long-term hiatus, back copies are available here free.
It’s a fun digital magazine aimed at the touring cyclist, in particular those who, like me, have a bit of a minimalist bent to how we like to tour. Check it out here, and sign up for High Prairie Reflections to get a free copy each time we publish it.
The Ultralight Style
An in-depth exploration of touring styles, focusing on the "ultralight" touring style in particular. Includes definitions and terminology, specific gear descriptions, and interviews with other ultralight touring experts.
The Heartland Route Across America
An informative article that describes the Heartland Route the Neil Hanson rode across America. Very detailed and specific day by day, turn by turn instructions for the cyclist looking for cross country route options.
Java in the Hut
Few things in life feel more wonderful than sitting in a warm hut at 11,000 feet, sipping on warm coffee, listening to crackling pine in the wood stove, and watching a new day wrap itself around the 14,000 foot peaks surrounding you.