<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Mountain biking in Victoria
Review: Sven Klinge is the author of the most comprehensive cycling guide books in Australia. By combining cycling with walking treks, he has explored over 300 of Australia's National Parks and State Forests. Born in Sydney and educated at Sydney University, Sven now divides his time between accountancy and other writing projects. CYCLING THE BUSH: 100 RIDES IN VICTORIA contains detailed tracknotes for one hundred of the best bicycle rides in the state. The range of rides include short one 'dayers' around Melbourne to extended overnight mountain biking/walking expeditions in the rugged wilderness of Victoria's magnificent Alps, the coastal ranges of the Otways and Wilsons Promontory, the sandstone mountains of the Grampians, and many other locations. From mountain lookouts to fishing lakes, from pristine rivers to limestone caves, from secluded coves to ancient forests, all major national parks are covered as well as a selection of the most scenic state forests and other nature reserves between the rainforests of East Gippsland and the desert parks of the Mallee. Each ride incorporates data on distances, transport, access, track and ride grades, facilities, map references, and special equipment needed. Extensive information is provided on geological, biological, and historical aspects of natural, aboriginal, and colonial features along the rides. There are chapters devoted to the development, mechanics, and maintenance of the mountain bike, in addition to sections covering accessories, riding techniques, first aid, food, equipment, photography, and camping. In COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT FORMAT, this guide should be POCKET EQUIPMENT for every cyclist and bushwalker wishing to discover this exciting way of venturing into one of the most diverse park systems in Australia.
Rating: 
Summary: Beware inaccuracies!
Review: While good for general ideas of where to ride, this book is
littered with misleading information and inaccuracies. Clearly
the author has not done some of the rides, as distances are
double those quoted in some cases (In one case the recommended
map was listed with scale 1:25K, but the actual map available
1:50K. All distances / times were double those suggested.).
Some of the general mountain biking advice in the intro chapters
is questionable (eg: recommended shoes for riding, method for
descending steep hills, etc).The rides in the author's earlier book (NSW edition) appear
to be better researched (but still not flawless). Perhaps this
book is an attempt to 'cash in' on previous success? Books by this author are a running joke amongst numerous local
mountain bikers. Great for inspiration, but use with caution!
<< 1 >>
|
