Just the Two of Us: A Cycling Journey Across America

by Melissa Norton

Book by Norton, Melissa

Genres: Nonfiction

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jeff Rosendahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the most boring of the touring books I've read. Norton and her husband decide to do a cross-country bike ride in their 50s. She says in the book that she did posts to a webpage while on their journey, and the book reads like a compilation of the posts. Short paragraphs, not much detail. Unlike other cross-country cyclists, the Nortons decide to NOT camp, but stay in nice B&B's and Inn's instead. They also build in a tourism/laundry/chore day about once a week in their itinerary. Along the way she mentions some of the issues associated with middle-age biking, married biking, scenery, challenges, etc. But she never explores any of these issues in depth. We hear that there's a 7% grade on a certain hill, and that it was hard for her, but then she's at the top and is coasting down to the town where she'll grab a bite to eat and admire the mountain from the backside. It's a fast read, but at the end, I don't think I've learned much about her or her trip.

[Luigib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. First, as someone who aspires to follow in Melissa's footsteps, I had a keen interest. What made this enjoyable is that Melissa neither made this too bike-ish nor to touristy. I thought Melissa really captured the challenge, the boredom, the frustration, the exhaustion, and then the jubilation of having achieved personal fulfillment, and she blended it all together with the awareness that she was transitioning through a special time in her life. Well done!!!

[Bryan Mullalley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cycling across the US is very much an ambition of mine. I just need to get the time and money to make it happen! So, I enjoyed reading the diary of this couple's journey. They did it the tough way, by planning their own route and trip. I did enjoy the insights of how they manage their relationship through this difficult, but rewarding, journey.

[Janette Mcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with this cycle journey and the philosophies of the middle aged couple. Was this book full of over the top descriptions, no, was it full off over blown sentiments of success, no. This is well told journey through people and a look into a successful marriage. Highly reccmend to anyone who feels they are old or interested in an adventure. Remember you are only as old as you act!

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably 2.5 stars. An awe-inspiring adventure about a husband and wife in their mid-50s cycling across America. However, the actual writing was fairly tedious for me (though I am impressed with what they accomplished).

[Sahil Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice log of a couple's trip from Astoria, OR to Bar Harbor, ME on bicycles! Written from wife's perspective. Engaging.