Cross Country: A 3,700-Mile Run to Explore Unseen America

by Rickey Gates

In 2017, professional runner Rickey Gates ran 3,700 miles across the continental United States with just a small backpack and an anthropologist's curiosity to discover the divided America in which we live. In the book Cross Country, Gates documents this epic experience from South Carolina to San Francisco, sharing first-person essays, interviews, and over 200 photographs of the ordinary and extraordinary people and places he saw along the way.While Gates delivers unparalleled insight into the extreme athletic and mental challenge of this transcontinental run, running is not the core focus of Cross Country—it is a story of the remarkable people across the United States who we would otherwise never meet.• A photographic travelogue that follows along Rickey Gates's run across the country, and the individuals who live in it• Filled with portraits, landscapes, and collages of towns and communities that most people have never seen• From South Carolina to San Francisco, the five-month-long run covers 3,700 miles of hiking trails, rivers, and roads.Gates slept in the rain, carried meager possessions on his back, ran through the night, endured mental and physical challenges, and survived on a staple of gas station hot dogs and Pop Tarts. Delivering a patchwork portrait of America, Gates's captivating story captures the spirit of our country—that grit, determination, and compassion are qualities that can unite us all.• Perfect book for runners, hikers, and lovers of the outdoors, as well as fans of travelogues, photography, and photo-journalism• A great pick for those who loved Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton, The Oregon A New American Journey by Rinker Buck, and A Walk in the Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson.• A unique perspective of the United States

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Sports

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2020

Reviews

[Cinthia Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an odd gem of a book, and not at all the typical ultra-runner-I-ran-this-distance read. Instead, it's a clever blend of ultra-running, travelogue, photography and short glimpses of the salt of the earth people Gates meets during his five-month run across the country. I loved the voice, and I especially loved the photos of everyday people, and the small snippets of of their lives and conversations. The ending was especially poignant for me, I don't know why, but I actually had tears in my eyes.
I highly recommend this to runners and anyone interested in a view of America that we don't normally see.

[Francis Tapon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've walked across America four times (but north to south along the 3 mountain ranges) and not east-to-west like Rickey Gates.
Therefore, I know the effort he had to make.

I like the premise of the book.
Donald Trump had just won the 2016 election.
Gates was disappointed and surprised.
He walked across America partly to understand why Trump won.

I was hoping for a profound book with deep analysis.

Instead, it's a collection of anecdotes and good (but not AMAZING) photos.

I love that he walked through the South, but he hardly photographed or talked about any black people there.
That would have been interesting.
Yes, the white people are also interesting, but it's mostly short snippets - no depth.

I commend Gates for the monumental task of walking across the US.
I wish he had written a better coffee table book about it.

[Max Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a phenomenal man that looks like he really connected with a lot of people throughout the trip. The magnitude of the trip and the person he is probably hits harder in a video context, so it could be worth watching his docos on YouTube before reading this.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad I read this book, but I was hungry for more detail and reflection, mostly because the introduction foreshadowed a textured narrative arc that never completely actualized. The description on Goodreads for this book talks about an anthropologist’s curiosity; however, I almost wonder if the author was afraid to give his own analysis about his conversations in traditionally conservative parts of the country. Indeed, the most honest and biting reflection he offered concerned an interaction with ostensible liberals in the Lake Tahoe region. I as a reader was left wondering how did he feel after he finished the journey about the America he didn’t previously understand. Because the introduction alluded to this inquiry, I awaited for it till the very end without it appearing. I was hoping for him to speak from a brave space in terms of social and cultural reflection as he undertook this brave journey. On another note, the pictures are beautiful, the pithy recounting of parts of conversations as captions are fascinating, and the book itself is lovely. What an amazing journey - as a trail runner, I enjoyed imagining the travels he made by foot.

[Alison Naney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never write reviews but feel this book needs one. It’s the best running memoir I’ve read in years and I read a lot of them. I loved his perspective and thoughtfulness. What a worthy and inspiring trip, with great pictures. Get the hardback-it’s as much a coffee table book as one to read.

[Wayne]

Rickey Gates was the inspiration for my first solo road trip back in 2010. I was tired of waiting to find travel companions and Rickey was traveling around the west in a van running whatever trail looked cool. I decided to stop waiting and go. That first trip took me to the Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. I remember running the trail to Delicate Arch and hearing people say I was crazy. Maybe it is crazy, but it's certain way to see the world and it's life changing. That's the vibe you get from a journey like Rickey's.

When I placed the order for this book I was expecting it to be more of an epic story of the trip and not so much a coffee table book filled with moments in time from the journey. It was physically much larger than I expected when it showed up on my doorstep mid-Coronavirus lockdown. There is an overarching story being told. I enjoyed the many moments and short stories told. You get a feel for places he was visiting and the different cultures along the journey. I'm sort of amazed at the number of people that would stop him for a conversation on the side of the road. This is an experience hardly encountered living in cities, where there's too many people, and when most encounters are just someone asking for money.

I enjoyed the journey and the invitation to reflect on life and travels.

[Jacquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cross Country by Rickey Gates is the story of his run across America. I really was looking forward to this as ultra running fascinates me. The pictures are very vivid and clear and would go nicely along with the text so i'm hoping in the final print they are more integrated within the story. I enjoyed how he described the road and his struggle.

I did not enjoy the need to explain his political views or the sex with his girlfriend. None of that was relative to the story and was off-putting. It seems he was angry for most of the story but maybe that is just the writing style. I would have enjoyed it a bit more if more was included about the people he met. Right now they seem one-dimensional. Rickey's descriptions seems like he disliked everyone & wanted to show their bad side,

I appreciate NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the advanced copy. All opinions above are my own.

[Jen Heininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I just LOVE Rickey Gates; have for a long time. He is one of my favorites (if not my very favorite) ultrarunners. I love the way he sees the world and the humans in it and I especially love his sense of adventure. This book is more like a coffee table book (Rickey is an excellent photographer as well as writer) and you can easily read it in a day.... lots of great pictures with commentary under many of them. He launched on this project after the 2016 elections I think in an effort to more objectively understand the current make up of the U.S. He meets some characters to be sure and his perspective on the folks he meets is beautiful and often super comical. Would recommend this book to all.

[Steve Chilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting window into the experience of running across America. Many excellent photos of down-home Americans and each a snapshot of the place he is passing through. Gates really seemed to want to meet the ordinary Americans on his travels. It is worth looking out his video of the trip too for further insights.

[Tim Kropp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got no insight from this and it's not clear if the author did either. It was simply like looking at someone's vacation album. No processing of events etc. On top of it all, he doesn't seem all that likable either.

[Matthew Jeung · Rating 4 out of 5]

During an uncertain and challenging portion of Rickey Gate’s life, he decides to run across the country (U.S.A.). On his journey, he has a basic plan, but with limited funds and a wide-variety of terrain, environments and people, there are many uncertainties and challenges. I guess his journey is analogous to life; we will always face uncertainties and challenges, however it is up to us what we attempt, how we proceed in life and how we treat others that ultimately determines the life we lead.

As a runner, cautious adventurer and a person who appreciates the freedoms and bonds that make us Americans, I enjoyed this book and related to many of Rickey’s reflections and observations, such as: the overlooked monotony of most great adventures, the unknowns and uncertainties of the attempt and the extraordinary nature of his journey but the ordinary nature of himself.

I could only speak for myself, but I think this is a good book with interesting characters and insights. It’s a very quick read with many pictures so you can probably go through it in one sitting.

[Perri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like Humans of New York, American Hillbilly Edition with way less pathos and way more repetition. I wanted this to be good. I wanted to like it. But it fell flat for me. The photos were mostly great (could have done without the roadkill montages) but most of the stories didn't give you enough to hold onto and feel like you knew the characters (exceptions were one like the woman who hugged him when he looked like he needed a hug before he was inexplicably kicked out of the gas station). Also, a lot of things he wrote in his text-only pages were repeated in the photo captions, which was pointlessly redundant. It only took three hours or so to read so don't feel that cheated of my time, and again, some nice photos and a few standout stories, but by and large would skip this book. Also, we get it, you made love to Liz.

[Aude Hofleitner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pretty excited with this book telling the journey of Rickey Gates running across America. I really enjoyed the setting. How he decided to go onto this journey, the political climate at the time (election of Trump) which made him realize that he needed to explore the country to understand its division and diversity, his personal emotional and relationship challenges.
Unfortunately, I find that the following chapters are a bit shallow and I didn't get as much out of them. It was still enjoyable to follow the journey, the mind and the random encounters in this incredible mental and physical adventure.
One aspect that stuck out is how the adventure can both feel lonely while having so many encounters with other people.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disillusioned by the results of the 2016 election, Gates set off to run across the US. Through his journey beginning in Folly Beach, SC in winter and ending in San Francisco on August 1, he recounts the stories of some of the people he met throughout his run, paddleboard and more. These were (mostly) neither Trump, nor Hillary supporters. They were just people whose photos & stories he shared as he found "America". Along the way he spent time on some of the old trails, including Trail of Tears, AT, Route 66 and Leadville. Only wish I read this in a format with color photos.

[JaumeMuntane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encantan las carreras de ultradistancia, los viajes y la fotografía. Por esto no podía perderme este magnifico libro del corredor Ricky Gates y de su reto de cruzar Estados Unidos de costa a costa - 3.700 millas-. Un libro que responde perfectamente a la filosofía con la que Ricky Gates emprendió este reto, más que un reto deportivo, una voluntad de conocer mejor su país y la gente. De esta forma, Ricky da voz e imagen a muchas personas que se va cruzando por el camino y por la vida. A destacar la magnifica edición, con abundantes fotografías.

[Sofija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, I thought the book was brilliant! Though Gates's trans-American run was nothing less than epic, he gives the reader just enough to imagine being there right beside him yet leaves room for the reader to fill in the blanks. Would make for a good documentary.

I do appreciate his humble attitude on his skill and capabilities and love how the book was laid out. I also liked the pictures and I think those that he chose also tell a story about his quirkiness and views on his journey and encounters.

I definitely recommend this book to runners and non-runners alike!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I came for the pictures and stayed for the words. This absolutely delightful coffee-table book just took me across a cross-country trip that was raw, real and eye-opening. I appreciate Rickey’s tender observations and insights not just about his physical but also his inner journey. He tells both the pleasant and the off-putting, which lends a balances and thoughtful perspective to his narrative.

[Dagautier · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Down the coast of Marin and over the Golden Gate Bridge, friends and family joined me. They thought I had something to say. I, too, thought I had something to say, but deep down I really just wanted to sit, be quiet, and enjoy the bird songs and crashing waves.”
[...]
“A Mostly-Human who secretly prays for the zombie apocalypse, because I’m pretty sure I’d make it.”
CROSS COUNTRY - Rickey GATES

[Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. I read this book as slowly as I could. Every page was a pleasure. This IS the book for you if you suffer from the quarantine blues, the anxiety of politics, and a loss of faith in America. Magic.

[Kevin Menzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing and photography. Ricky Gates is such an inspirational person in his writing, running, and open mindedness. It’s no wonder just about anyone he meets engages in conversation - which in turn makes for an incredibly compelling book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a phenomenal story. The audiobook was read by the author and there’s a documentary film too, which he narrates and is, I think, identical. Can’t wait to watch it bc this is a book that deserves the scenes to go with the words.

[Guitarranalongmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rápido de leer se trata de una colección de anécdotas relativamente dispersa pero interesante y conectada lógicamente por el viaje. Al final contarlo todo todo sería largo y tedioso, pero en este formato se hace muy ameno.
Para los que queden con ganas de más, no os perdáis el documental :)

[Chris Simerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will go down as one of my favorite books ever! It restores my faith in humanity so much! Rickey Gates is the real deal of a human being!

[David Lopez Valero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice documentary with the highlights of the adventure. Inspirational and motivational

[Keith Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's mostly just neat pictures. There is a brief narrative, too. I'm jealous of Rickey Gates' journey!

[Mary Emerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised that I liked this...as I am not a runner. However Mr. Gates tale of his cross America run was compelling. It was nicely illustrated with photos of his journey.

[Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short little book to accompany the documentary - its pretty good!

[Andrew Wetterer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is an enjoyable read about Rickey's run across America and the people he meets. It's a photo journal of his travels one mile at a time.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, if a little short.

[WaiYen Jas Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brave expedition... to discover, uncover the myriad facets of America.