William,
I just saw this message today, but haven't seen any other replies, so here is some information. I believe the book you may be referring to is "Around the World on a Bicycle" by Thomas Stevens. He left California in 1884 and traveled around the world on his high-wheel bike, returning in 1886. His was the first transcontinental and first round the world trip on a bicycle. Original copies of this book, published in two large volumes are occasionally up for sale, but are very expensive ($500 to $1000 for a set). However, it has just been republished as a paperback. Here is the info: 2001, Stackpole Books; ISBN: 0811726533
It was also republished in abridged form about 10 years ago as "Around the World on a Penny-Farthing", and used copies of this may be around.
There are some other books which were published in the 1890's about transcontinental rides and around-the-world rides, so if this is not the book you were thinking of, let me know, and I can suggest a few other titles.
-Jonathan Botkin
Date: Wed, 2 May 2001 13:46:39 -0700 (PDT) From: w ed <airgel3@yahoo.com> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]See the USA on 2, 1800s
Hi wheelers, about 15 years ago, a buddy of mine (who is now deceased) had this really incredible book detailing the adventures of a gentlemen, who rode across the USA, in the 1800s, preceeding the luxury of paved asphalt. Id like to get a copy of it, it's fantastic reading ! - (i.e. barreling down the sides of Rocky Mountains out of control, etc) -
Anyone heard of it??? Title and author would be much appreciated.
thanks
William Edwards