What do you think?
Rate this book
Middle Miles: Cycling from Canada to Mexico Along the Pacific Coast Highway
At fifty-something, Cory Mortensen set out to ride the Pacific Coast Highway—not to chase youth or set records, but to listen. To the wind, the waves, the road beneath him—and the quieter voice within.
Middle Miles is a memoir set against the rugged rhythm of the Pacific coast. From fog-draped Washington cliffs to sun-washed California stretches, Mortensen pedals through forgotten beach towns, to roadside cafes, and weathered motels—collecting stories, bits of history, and the strange trivia that only reveals itself to those traveling slowly enough to notice.
This isn’t a journey of reinvention or escape. It’s a cinematic, slow-burning reflection on the shape a life takes in its middle miles. Where have we been? What have we missed? And what, if anything, lies ahead that still stirs the soul?Authentic ■ Wistful ■ Unhurried ■ Timeless ■ PensiveEqual parts memoir, travelogue, and philosophical postcard, Middle Miles is an invitation to pause, to move deliberately, and to consider the beauty of not having it all figured out.
Middle Miles is a memoir set against the rugged rhythm of the Pacific coast. From fog-draped Washington cliffs to sun-washed California stretches, Mortensen pedals through forgotten beach towns, to roadside cafes, and weathered motels—collecting stories, bits of history, and the strange trivia that only reveals itself to those traveling slowly enough to notice.
This isn’t a journey of reinvention or escape. It’s a cinematic, slow-burning reflection on the shape a life takes in its middle miles. Where have we been? What have we missed? And what, if anything, lies ahead that still stirs the soul?Authentic ■ Wistful ■ Unhurried ■ Timeless ■ PensiveEqual parts memoir, travelogue, and philosophical postcard, Middle Miles is an invitation to pause, to move deliberately, and to consider the beauty of not having it all figured out.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2025
22 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Cory Mortensen
4 books200 followersBorn in the small town of New Prague, Minnesota, and raised amidst the sun-soaked landscapes of Scottsdale, Arizona, Cory Mortensen embarked on a unique journey that shaped both his life and literary career.
Choosing an unconventional path, his journey began with dropping out of college to immerse himself with a job on Wake Island, gaining valuable experiences that would later infuse his writing with a distinctive perspective. Returning to the United States, he started a dynamic career as a project manager for several prestigious architecture firms, coupled with a venture into real estate by flipping houses.
The allure of exploration took center stage when Cory made the bold decision to sell everything and traverse the globe for two transformative years. This period of travel not only broadened his horizons but also laid the foundation for a successful entrepreneurial endeavor. Cory established and grew a business into a multimillion-dollar venture, eventually selling it to pursue a shared dream with his wife, Kate.
Marriage to Kate marked the beginning of another adventure as the couple once again divested themselves of possessions to embark on a two-year journey through South America. During this time, Cory and Kate not only explored the breathtaking landscapes but also dedicated themselves to volunteering and trekking, fostering a deep connection with the communities they encountered.
In 2020, Cory Mortensen penned "The Buddha and the Bee," a captivating work that became a bestseller and earned acclaim with numerous book awards. This success was followed by the publication of "UNLOST," a top 100 bestseller and recipient of multiple book awards, further establishing Cory as a notable voice in contemporary literature.
Cory's writing seamlessly weaves together the threads of personal experience, cultural exploration, and a profound sense of purpose. Their work continues to resonate with readers worldwide, offering a unique blend of storytelling that transcends boundaries and inspires a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Choosing an unconventional path, his journey began with dropping out of college to immerse himself with a job on Wake Island, gaining valuable experiences that would later infuse his writing with a distinctive perspective. Returning to the United States, he started a dynamic career as a project manager for several prestigious architecture firms, coupled with a venture into real estate by flipping houses.
The allure of exploration took center stage when Cory made the bold decision to sell everything and traverse the globe for two transformative years. This period of travel not only broadened his horizons but also laid the foundation for a successful entrepreneurial endeavor. Cory established and grew a business into a multimillion-dollar venture, eventually selling it to pursue a shared dream with his wife, Kate.
Marriage to Kate marked the beginning of another adventure as the couple once again divested themselves of possessions to embark on a two-year journey through South America. During this time, Cory and Kate not only explored the breathtaking landscapes but also dedicated themselves to volunteering and trekking, fostering a deep connection with the communities they encountered.
In 2020, Cory Mortensen penned "The Buddha and the Bee," a captivating work that became a bestseller and earned acclaim with numerous book awards. This success was followed by the publication of "UNLOST," a top 100 bestseller and recipient of multiple book awards, further establishing Cory as a notable voice in contemporary literature.
Cory's writing seamlessly weaves together the threads of personal experience, cultural exploration, and a profound sense of purpose. Their work continues to resonate with readers worldwide, offering a unique blend of storytelling that transcends boundaries and inspires a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 21, 2025
Fun Read
An enjoyable read. Thanks for letting this arm chair traveler come along on your ride. Just enough travelogue, and plenty of humor. Keep traveling, and keep writing of the experiences. A wonderful trip down the coast of CA..
An enjoyable read. Thanks for letting this arm chair traveler come along on your ride. Just enough travelogue, and plenty of humor. Keep traveling, and keep writing of the experiences. A wonderful trip down the coast of CA..
August 10, 2025
Book Review: Middle Miles: Cycling from Canada to Mexico Along the Pacific Coast Highway by Cory Mortensen
Rating: 4.5/5
Cory Mortensen’s Middle Miles is a contemplative gem that transcends the typical travel memoir, offering a meditative exploration of life’s middle chapters through the rhythmic cadence of a solo bicycle journey along the Pacific Coast Highway. Mortensen, a fifty-something cyclist, eschews clichés of midlife reinvention, instead crafting a narrative that is authentic, wistful, and unhurried—a love letter to the beauty of slow travel and the stories whispered by forgotten landscapes.
Emotional Resonance & Thematic Depth
From the misty cliffs of Washington to the sun-bleached stretches of California, Mortensen’s prose is cinematic in its attention to detail, evoking a visceral sense of place. His encounters—with roadside diners, eccentric motel owners, and the ocean’s relentless roar—are rendered with such warmth that I found myself pausing to savor passages, as if absorbing the journey’s quiet wisdom alongside him. The book’s central question: What still stirs the soul when youth’s urgency fades?—resonated deeply, particularly in moments where Mortensen reflects on missed connections and the grace of uncertainty.
However, the memoir’s philosophical musings occasionally meander, and readers craving a structured narrative might find the pacing uneven. A tighter edit could have elevated its impact without sacrificing its lyrical spontaneity.
Constructive Criticism
-Strengths: Mortensen’s voice is refreshingly devoid of self-aggrandizement. His humility and observational wit (e.g., noting the trivia only revealed to those moving slowly) make the journey feel intimate and universal. The interplay of travelogue and memoir strikes a perfect balance, avoiding the pitfalls of navel-gazing.
-Weaknesses: Some historical anecdotes, while fascinating, disrupt the narrative flow. A deeper dive into the socio-cultural fabric of the coastal towns (beyond surface-level trivia) would have enriched the thematic weight .
How I would describe this book:
- A soulful antidote to the cult of productivity—Mortensen’s journey reminds us that the richest stories unfold at 12 miles per hour.
- Like Blue Highways meets Eat, Pray, Love—but with more grease-stained maps and fewer epiphanies. A triumph of quiet reflection.
- For anyone who’s ever wondered what the road might say if they listened closely enough.
Personalized Remarks & Gratitude
Reading Middle Miles felt like sharing a campfire with a storyteller who knows the value of silence. As someone who often races through life, Mortensen’s insistence on moving deliberately left me recalibrating my own pace. A heartfelt thank you to the publisher for the review copy via Goodreads Giveaways; the book’s understated cover—a washed-out coastal vignette—perfectly mirrors its unpretentious elegance.
Final Thoughts
Middle Miles is a rare memoir that celebrates the ordinary magic of the open road without romanticizing it. While its philosophical detours may test some readers’ patience, its core message—about finding wonder in life’s middle miles—is profoundly moving. Ideal for fans of Pico Iyer’s reflective travelogues or Cheryl Strayed’s Wild (but with fewer blisters).
Rating: 4.5/5 (Docked half a point for occasional narrative drift, but a must-read for contemplative travelers.)
Rating: 4.5/5
Cory Mortensen’s Middle Miles is a contemplative gem that transcends the typical travel memoir, offering a meditative exploration of life’s middle chapters through the rhythmic cadence of a solo bicycle journey along the Pacific Coast Highway. Mortensen, a fifty-something cyclist, eschews clichés of midlife reinvention, instead crafting a narrative that is authentic, wistful, and unhurried—a love letter to the beauty of slow travel and the stories whispered by forgotten landscapes.
Emotional Resonance & Thematic Depth
From the misty cliffs of Washington to the sun-bleached stretches of California, Mortensen’s prose is cinematic in its attention to detail, evoking a visceral sense of place. His encounters—with roadside diners, eccentric motel owners, and the ocean’s relentless roar—are rendered with such warmth that I found myself pausing to savor passages, as if absorbing the journey’s quiet wisdom alongside him. The book’s central question: What still stirs the soul when youth’s urgency fades?—resonated deeply, particularly in moments where Mortensen reflects on missed connections and the grace of uncertainty.
However, the memoir’s philosophical musings occasionally meander, and readers craving a structured narrative might find the pacing uneven. A tighter edit could have elevated its impact without sacrificing its lyrical spontaneity.
Constructive Criticism
-Strengths: Mortensen’s voice is refreshingly devoid of self-aggrandizement. His humility and observational wit (e.g., noting the trivia only revealed to those moving slowly) make the journey feel intimate and universal. The interplay of travelogue and memoir strikes a perfect balance, avoiding the pitfalls of navel-gazing.
-Weaknesses: Some historical anecdotes, while fascinating, disrupt the narrative flow. A deeper dive into the socio-cultural fabric of the coastal towns (beyond surface-level trivia) would have enriched the thematic weight .
How I would describe this book:
- A soulful antidote to the cult of productivity—Mortensen’s journey reminds us that the richest stories unfold at 12 miles per hour.
- Like Blue Highways meets Eat, Pray, Love—but with more grease-stained maps and fewer epiphanies. A triumph of quiet reflection.
- For anyone who’s ever wondered what the road might say if they listened closely enough.
Personalized Remarks & Gratitude
Reading Middle Miles felt like sharing a campfire with a storyteller who knows the value of silence. As someone who often races through life, Mortensen’s insistence on moving deliberately left me recalibrating my own pace. A heartfelt thank you to the publisher for the review copy via Goodreads Giveaways; the book’s understated cover—a washed-out coastal vignette—perfectly mirrors its unpretentious elegance.
Final Thoughts
Middle Miles is a rare memoir that celebrates the ordinary magic of the open road without romanticizing it. While its philosophical detours may test some readers’ patience, its core message—about finding wonder in life’s middle miles—is profoundly moving. Ideal for fans of Pico Iyer’s reflective travelogues or Cheryl Strayed’s Wild (but with fewer blisters).
Rating: 4.5/5 (Docked half a point for occasional narrative drift, but a must-read for contemplative travelers.)
November 7, 2025
Middle Miles by Cory Mortensen is one of those rare books that quietly sneaks up on you, not with drama or speed, but with the calm, steady rhythm of a well-paced journey. It’s a book that doesn’t shout for your attention; instead, it invites you to slow down, breathe, and listen, to the sound of the wind, the ocean, and the thoughts that only surface when life finally gives you space to think.
At fifty-something, Mortensen takes to the Pacific Coast Highway on his bicycle, not to conquer it, but to coexist with it. There’s no racing, no grand finale waiting at the end, just a beautifully honest exploration of what it means to be in the “middle miles” of one’s life. Through his eyes, the reader experiences the raw, unfiltered beauty of the Pacific coastline, from misty Washington mornings to the endless sun of California, and all the forgotten beach towns, quirky roadside diners, and fleeting human connections in between.
Mortensen’s writing feels like a conversation with an old friend, authentic, unhurried, and deeply reflective. There’s humor tucked into the dust and sweat, wisdom hidden between the raindrops, and a quiet courage in the way he embraces uncertainty. His observations about people, places, and time itself are often simple, yet profoundly moving. It’s not a book about cycling as much as it is about being alive, about noticing the small details we so easily rush past when life gets loud.
What truly stands out is the book’s tone, equal parts memoir, travelogue, and meditation. Mortensen doesn’t try to reinvent himself or “find” some hidden truth. Instead, he allows the journey to speak to him. There’s something deeply comforting in that humility, in the acceptance that the middle of life isn’t about chasing something new, it’s about appreciating what’s already here, and what remains to be discovered when we slow down long enough to notice.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of the open road, or the quiet ache of wondering what’s next, Middle Miles will resonate deeply. It’s a reminder that our most meaningful adventures often happen not at the beginning or the end, but somewhere in the middle, when we finally stop trying to prove anything and simply start to listen.
Beautifully written, evocative, and rich with soul, this book isn’t just about a bicycle ride, it’s about the long, winding journey of life itself. A must-read for anyone craving perspective, peace, and the inspiration to move forward, one thoughtful mile at a time.
At fifty-something, Mortensen takes to the Pacific Coast Highway on his bicycle, not to conquer it, but to coexist with it. There’s no racing, no grand finale waiting at the end, just a beautifully honest exploration of what it means to be in the “middle miles” of one’s life. Through his eyes, the reader experiences the raw, unfiltered beauty of the Pacific coastline, from misty Washington mornings to the endless sun of California, and all the forgotten beach towns, quirky roadside diners, and fleeting human connections in between.
Mortensen’s writing feels like a conversation with an old friend, authentic, unhurried, and deeply reflective. There’s humor tucked into the dust and sweat, wisdom hidden between the raindrops, and a quiet courage in the way he embraces uncertainty. His observations about people, places, and time itself are often simple, yet profoundly moving. It’s not a book about cycling as much as it is about being alive, about noticing the small details we so easily rush past when life gets loud.
What truly stands out is the book’s tone, equal parts memoir, travelogue, and meditation. Mortensen doesn’t try to reinvent himself or “find” some hidden truth. Instead, he allows the journey to speak to him. There’s something deeply comforting in that humility, in the acceptance that the middle of life isn’t about chasing something new, it’s about appreciating what’s already here, and what remains to be discovered when we slow down long enough to notice.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of the open road, or the quiet ache of wondering what’s next, Middle Miles will resonate deeply. It’s a reminder that our most meaningful adventures often happen not at the beginning or the end, but somewhere in the middle, when we finally stop trying to prove anything and simply start to listen.
Beautifully written, evocative, and rich with soul, this book isn’t just about a bicycle ride, it’s about the long, winding journey of life itself. A must-read for anyone craving perspective, peace, and the inspiration to move forward, one thoughtful mile at a time.
September 4, 2025
I'm always interested in a challenging trip, and especially a fan of bicycle journeys. This one was especially appealing since I'm familiar with all the coastal areas from Oregon to California. I loved it when he was describing the journey and experiences on the road, but the digressions to other parts of life and history lessons got a little distracting. At the risk of sounding shallow, he made a few errors in location names at the beginning of the book, such as going to Mt. Hood and visiting the "Stanley Hotel." While he is correct in saying it was featured in the movie The Shining, the Mt Hood hotel is actually Timberline Lodge; the Stanley Hotel is in Colorado. Then in Portland, he said they went to "Jack's Grill," which should have been "Jake's Grill." Too picky? You make the call...
All in all, it was a fast read, and the author has an appealing style of writing, but if I were to recommend a book about bicycling the West Coast, I would recommend Jedidiah Jenkins's "To Shake the Sleeping Self" and Barbara Savage's story of her worldwide bicycle journey, "Miles from Nowhere." For a bike journey from the POV of a middle-aged man, Bruce Weber's "Life is a Wheel" is excellent.
[Full Disclosure: I read an advanced digital copy, and I couldn't view the photos as they wouldn't download. Also, the location errors I mentioned may have been corrected in the print version, but even though I requested my local library purchase the print version, they were unable to do so.]
All in all, it was a fast read, and the author has an appealing style of writing, but if I were to recommend a book about bicycling the West Coast, I would recommend Jedidiah Jenkins's "To Shake the Sleeping Self" and Barbara Savage's story of her worldwide bicycle journey, "Miles from Nowhere." For a bike journey from the POV of a middle-aged man, Bruce Weber's "Life is a Wheel" is excellent.
[Full Disclosure: I read an advanced digital copy, and I couldn't view the photos as they wouldn't download. Also, the location errors I mentioned may have been corrected in the print version, but even though I requested my local library purchase the print version, they were unable to do so.]
November 5, 2025
Middle Miles is one of those rare books that feels less like reading and more like taking a quiet journey beside the author. Cory Mortensen doesn’t just describe the miles he travels, he invites you to feel them. Every page carries the rhythm of the road, the salt in the air, and the kind of stillness that only comes when you finally slow down enough to listen.
What I loved most is that this isn’t a story about chasing adventure or proving something; it’s about reflection, presence, and rediscovery in life’s “middle miles.” The way Cory weaves humor, history, and honest introspection made it easy to connect with his experiences, even if you’ve never been on a bike.
It’s beautifully written, thoughtful, and quietly inspiring. A book that lingers with you long after the last page, reminding you to breathe, look around, and simply be.
What I loved most is that this isn’t a story about chasing adventure or proving something; it’s about reflection, presence, and rediscovery in life’s “middle miles.” The way Cory weaves humor, history, and honest introspection made it easy to connect with his experiences, even if you’ve never been on a bike.
It’s beautifully written, thoughtful, and quietly inspiring. A book that lingers with you long after the last page, reminding you to breathe, look around, and simply be.
August 23, 2025
An interesting musing on Contemplative travel and the ability to really take in your surroundings and appreciate them when travelling at a slow pace.
Great descriptive passages - give a welcome visual sense of the journey.
I love that the author is neither bashful nor boastful- you get the sense that whilst the story is heavily filtered through his personality that you genuinely know something him through reading this- he’s not trying to prove anything to anybody or even himself- just telling a story you might find interesting, and I did.
More details on places visited would be interesting.
I really enjoyed the daily messages from Cory’s mate.
Loved the laidback style, the combination of intelligence and relative lack of guile, and the gently presented egalitarian politics.
Great descriptive passages - give a welcome visual sense of the journey.
I love that the author is neither bashful nor boastful- you get the sense that whilst the story is heavily filtered through his personality that you genuinely know something him through reading this- he’s not trying to prove anything to anybody or even himself- just telling a story you might find interesting, and I did.
More details on places visited would be interesting.
I really enjoyed the daily messages from Cory’s mate.
Loved the laidback style, the combination of intelligence and relative lack of guile, and the gently presented egalitarian politics.
November 26, 2025
Middle Miles is a captivating memoir that blends travel, reflection, and personal insight. Cory Mortensen’s journey along the Pacific Coast Highway invites readers to experience the landscapes, small towns, and quiet moments that shape a life lived deliberately. His vivid descriptions and thoughtful reflections make this more than a travel story it’s an exploration of memory, place, and the human experience.
What stands out is Mortensen’s authentic voice and the way he balances adventure with introspection. Middle Miles resonates with readers who appreciate slow, meaningful journeys and stories that encourage reflection. This is a beautifully written memoir that inspires both wanderlust and thoughtful contemplation.
What stands out is Mortensen’s authentic voice and the way he balances adventure with introspection. Middle Miles resonates with readers who appreciate slow, meaningful journeys and stories that encourage reflection. This is a beautifully written memoir that inspires both wanderlust and thoughtful contemplation.
July 29, 2025
Have you ever met someone who says things like "I had the craziest dream!" and then when they tell you the dream it's not at all crazy but more like "I went to the post office and my grandma was there and she had a dog and it wagged its tail"...? This book is like that.
June 20, 2025
Reading Mortensen's books is like talking to an old friend about his trip. Interesting historical facts are interspersed through out the book and a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews