CYCLING PIONEER BY LON HALDEMAN
Second Edition Signed Paperback
In 1981, a young, unknown cyclist from Illinois set out to ride, not just across the U.S., but across the country and BACK, from New York to California and return. In an era when running a marathon or riding a hundred miles were considered ultra-endurance challenges, Lon’s epic journey redefined the meaning of endurance. In this story of grit, determination, and overcoming adversity, Lon tells of his groundbreaking ride, on primitive equipment, navigating with paper maps, and with family and friends as his crew.
Second Edition Signed Paperback
In 1981, a young, unknown cyclist from Illinois set out to ride, not just across the U.S., but across the country and BACK, from New York to California and return. In an era when running a marathon or riding a hundred miles were considered ultra-endurance challenges, Lon’s epic journey redefined the meaning of endurance. In this story of grit, determination, and overcoming adversity, Lon tells of his groundbreaking ride, on primitive equipment, navigating with paper maps, and with family and friends as his crew.
Second Edition Signed Paperback
In 1981, a young, unknown cyclist from Illinois set out to ride, not just across the U.S., but across the country and BACK, from New York to California and return. In an era when running a marathon or riding a hundred miles were considered ultra-endurance challenges, Lon’s epic journey redefined the meaning of endurance. In this story of grit, determination, and overcoming adversity, Lon tells of his groundbreaking ride, on primitive equipment, navigating with paper maps, and with family and friends as his crew.
If you ever wondered how Lon Haldeman won the Great American Bike Race in 1982 and the Race Across AMerica in 1983 so easily, as told on ABC TV’s Wide World of Sports, reading this story will answer your questions. You will also be amazed by Lon’s memory of his decision, preparation, organization, and obstacles just to get to the start line in New York City.
Reading and reviewing this book is an honor and a pleasure for me to relive our 1987 Tandem Transcontinental Record ride, which followed many of the same roads, passing landmarks that would start another story from Lon... about the campsite, what Mom made for dinner, what the weather was like, how he felt... and more.
Since this epic ride, Lon and his wife, Susan Notorangelo, have turned their passion into a successful business that has led more than 2,000 people across the country. He has also taken cyclists to Peru and Ghana, where the group has helped build schools, provided bikes, and befriended even those who kidnapped him and his group on the Amazon River. I’ve read Lon’s short story about that one. After you read this, I’m sure you will want more. I know I do.
Enjoy the ride.” --Pete Penseyres, 1984 & 1986 Race Across America Winner and multiple tandem transcontinental record holder
“Lon Haldeman is an American original in every sense. He pioneered long-distance bicycle racing in the modern era as a key figure in the coast-to-coast Race Across America. He is one of America’s greatest living athletes and has spent a lifetime giving back to the sport. With his wife, Susan Notorangelo, also a world-class ultra-distance cyclist, he founded PAC Tour, which has helped thousands of cyclists realize their dreams of pursuing long-distance cycling.
Along the way, he led cycling groups to Peru and Ghana where they have helped build schools, donated bicycles, and spread the joy of cycling.
No one could have told this story other than Lon Haldeman, and when you read his wonderful book, you’ll be thankful he did.” --Stuart Stevens, Adventure travel author, television political analyst
What Readers Are Saying:
“Started reading your Cycling Pioneer. And didn't put the book down. Kept me so captivated. I didn't want to stop reading. Very exciting so far. Really really enjoying your writing. Can't wait to read on.” -- Lara S.
“The publishing quality of the book looks great and I am excited to vicariously enjoy the experience. The forewords are great; I particularly enjoyed the Grant Petersen contribution.” -- Kevin S.
“Just read your book for the second time. It is a great story but what really stands out is the quality of the writing. Very difficult to pull off and very impressive.” -- Stuart S.
“I am *thoroughly* enjoying reading it and love how it is written in 'your voice'. It's almost as if I can hear you just telling the story. The photos are also wonderful -- not only of you, but also your parents, fellow cyclists, and others around the world whose lives you have affected (Peru, Ghana...). And I love how your sense of humor pops up out of the blue (that you were a Harvard PHD student but...; that you could have had any girl you pleased but...). And of course, reading about what you have accomplished is amazing, not only on the double TransCon, but in so many other things as well.” -- Susan B.
“Just finished reading your book, I enjoyed it. There were a couple of interesting things I had never heard before. Didn’t know there was a double transcontinental record before, who knew? The chapter written by Michael Shermer was interesting, gave some interesting insights into what the pack behind you were thinking.” -- Jim H.