f you think the Midwest is nothing but flatlands covered with cornfields, then you need to hop on your bicycle and rediscover the startling diversity and beautiful scenery of the states of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Thanks to this indispensable book, you can select a B&B as your base of operations and set out to explore the countryside using the maps and cue sheets for at least two rides that begin right from each inn's driveway. From the unexpected highlands around Marietta, Ohio, to the beautiful emerald necklace of Cleveland's urban parks, from the woods and lakes of Michigan to the quintessential small towns of Indiana, there is a destination for you in Bed, Breakfast & Bike. The lodging choices run the gamut, as well. You'll find restored Victorian mansions, rustic lodges, sprawling farmhouses--even a vintage sternwheeler moored in the Muskingum River The authors have personally selected each of the 27 inns and B&Bs in these pages, and provide you with a thorough description of the accommodations and dining options. To help you remember your trip, there's a chapter full of recipes culled from the inns so that you can replicate that stunning breakfast that fueled you up the first hill.
While my big behind has never been balanced on a bicycle seat, I thoroughly enjoyed..and benefited from..my reading of Bed, Breakfast sand Bike Midwest, by Robert and Theresa Russell. The Russells have combined descriptive prose with precise information in their well researched work. When I visit the Midwest in the fall, I will be well armed with all the facts I need to make considered decisions in re: my accommodations. And, between now and September, should I be overtaken by the spirit of the winner of the Tour De France, (highly unlikely), I will be well apprised of routes to take, locations of bike shops, landmarks, sights to see, and all other information required to expedite a safe and engaging bike tour. On the other hand, should "the spirit" elude me, (highly likely), I will know just where to go to get a tasty breakfast of "Dutch Babies" and other goodies. All in all, a tasty read.
What more can you ask?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
How can you not like a book that inter-mixes snippets from Voltaire, Chief Tecumseh and the local innkeeper with nitty-gritty facts? The Russells thought of everything. They detail biking routes down to a tenth of a mile, grade them as to severity, even include dirctions to the nearest bike shop. The descriptions of inns and innkeepers reflect the differing personalities of the various lodgings. I've stayed at several; the Russells' reports are unerringly accurate; I can't wait to try the rest. In fact, the inns are sound so delicious that I bought a copy of the book for my non-biking but B & B-loving aunt!
Well Researched--Interesting and an Easy Read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
What a great book-- well researched and a very interesting, easy read. Not being familiar with the B & B's in the Midwest I spent a days beer allowance (in what I hoped would be a good investment) to learn about the area, the accommodations, and the trails. I can only imagine the voluminous research that went into the investigation of the various places mentioned in the book by the Russell's.For anyone considering biking or staying in a B & B in the Midwest do yourself a favor-buy this book-even if you have to give up a week's beer allowance.Thanks to the Russell's -write some more on other areas..
Hats off to Theresa and Robert!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I just picked up a copy of Bed, Breakfast and Bike Midwest and thought it was absolutely the best book on that subject I have ever read!! I was thrilled to have found it and recommend it to anyone wanting to know about B & B's and biking in the Midwest! I first heard of it from listening to "Travel World Radio" on WPBR in West Palm Beach and ran out immediately to find it. At first, I thought I'd just sit in the bookstore writing down notes but once I took a closer look at it, I bought it immediately and won't even loan it out!! As an avid biker and lover of cozy bed and breakfasts, I found the contents to be thorough, accurate, fun-filled and entertaining!! I used it to plan my Ohio vacation and had the best time in ten years!! Please...Robert and Theresa...write another one about another part of the world. I'd love to see one about biking and B & B's in Mexico!! Perhaps the Mexican Government would help you out with research or even fund part of it!! THey can definitely call me for a recommendation!! Congrats on a job well done!!
Inviting new B & B & B Guide
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Bed, Breakfast and Bike Midwest is a must have, attractive guide for anyone planning a bicycling trip in Indiana, Michigan or Ohio. But you don't have to be on a bike to use this book for B & B vacations. Theresa and Robert Russell offer their readers a well researched, diverse selection of home base lodgings, easy to follow maps, and useful data such as type of terrain, expected traffic conditions and nearby historic sites to look for enroute. Added plusses are locations of the nearest local bike shops and a final fun chapter highlighting recipes which the Russells culled from the many inns, mansions, B & Bs and farmhouses visited during their fact finding tour.
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