Potomac Heritage


Book Description




Thousand-Miler


Book Description

In thirty-six thrilling days, Melanie Radzicki McManus hiked 1,100 miles around Wisconsin, landing her in the elite group of Ice Age Trail thru-hikers known as the Thousand-Milers. In prose that’s alternately harrowing and humorous, Thousand-Miler takes you with her through Wisconsin’s forests, prairies, wetlands, and farms, past the geologic wonders carved by long-ago glaciers, and into the neighborhood bars and gathering places of far-flung small towns. Follow along as she worries about wildlife encounters, wonders if her injured feet will ever recover, and searches for an elusive fellow hiker known as Papa Bear. Woven throughout her account are details of the history of the still-developing Ice Age Trail—one of just eleven National Scenic Trails—and helpful insight and strategies for undertaking a successful thru-hike. In addition to chronicling McManus’s hike, Thousand-Miler also includes the little-told story of the Ice Age Trail’s first-ever thru-hiker Jim Staudacher, an account of the record-breaking thru-run of ultrarunner Jason Dorgan, the experiences of a young combat veteran who embarked on her thru-hike as a way to ease back into civilian life, and other fascinating tales from the trail. Their collective experiences shed light on the motivations of thru-hikers and the different ways hikers accomplish this impressive feat, providing an entertaining and informative read for outdoors enthusiasts of all levels.










Bike Snob


Book Description

“Equal parts critical manifesto and tender mini-memoir about a boy and his bikes” from Eben Weiss, blogger and author of The Enlightened Cyclist (GQ). Cycling is exploding in a good way. Urbanites everywhere, from ironic hipsters to earth-conscious commuters, are taking to the bike like aquatic mammals to water. BikeSnobNYC—cycling’s most prolific, well-known, hilarious, and anonymous blogger—brings a fresh and humorous perspective to the most important vehicle to hit personal transportation since the horse. Bike Snob treats readers to a laugh-out-loud rant and rave about the world of bikes and their riders and offers a unique look at the ins and outs of cycling, from its history and hallmarks to its wide range of bizarre practitioners. Throughout, the author lampoons the missteps, pretensions, and absurdities of bike culture while maintaining a contagious enthusiasm for cycling itself. Bike Snob is an essential volume for anyone who knows, is, or wants to become a cyclist. “This is a social manual that should be bundled with every bike shipped in America.” —Christian Lander, author of Stuff White People Like “I like to think I know a thing or two (or three) about being ruthless and relentless—either trying to win the Tour or fighting cancer. The Snob knows it too. Keeping us dorks in line is tough work. I take pleasure in getting picked on by the Snob, slightly more pleasure in reading his writing, but take the most pleasure punishing his ass (my payback) on the bike either in Central Park or on 9W/River Road. Long live the Snob.” —Lance Armstrong




The National Trails System


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Broken Promise


Book Description

With the 1968 National Trails System Act, Congress created a system of national hiking trails. The first, the popular Appalachian Trail, had been granted eminent domain. However, the other 10 trails since then were not provided this critical provision, and none is complete today. This plight can be remedied by Congress, with the urging of nature lovers. This book contains the solution to fixing the incomplete system of America's footpaths. Let's make the trails secure and continuous for our enjoyment and that of future generations.




National Trails Guide


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60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Washington, D.C.


Book Description

From in-town urban hikes and walks to scenic suburban forays to world-class area wilderness hikes, Washington, D.C. offers great opportunities for nature-lovers. This book guides locals and visitors to the wealth of possibilities here for every season, including a ridgetop trek on Massanutten Mountain, a leisurely walk through Prince William Forest Park, and a breathtaking tour of the 7.5-mile U.S. National Arboretum with its dwarf conifer forests, dawn redwoods, and Fern Valley. Detailed profiles of each site help readers determine the best hike according to length, time needed, difficulty, and scenery. The book covers special interests too -- hikes that are sure to please children, wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, waterfall watchers, and much more.