"More than a travelogue, or even the "adventure" promised in it's subtitle, A Ride Across America is Studs Terkel by way of endurance sport."-- Robert Isenberg, Pittsburgh Review of Books "From overheated bras to over doctored coffee, America's charming oddness summed up in a blast of entertainment and information. A wonderful companion to America, thoughtful, fun and always willing to be surprised by a nation of dizzying complexity."-- BBC "What sets Simon Parker's book apart is his motivations, more specifically his desire to see whether the America he envisioned as a teen really exists. This makes it so much more than a merely observational book, he's genuinely determined to take a deep dive into today's USA. In doing so, he also provides a fascinating insight into the workings of tourism across the pond."-- Independent "Fabulous book. Simon Parker's cycling odyssey takes you to the heart of modern America.
"--Express "Parker magnificently chronicles the America he encounters, a divided, disfranchised collection of states he fears for but comes to love for their generosity, community spirit and sense of hope'."--Ben East, Observer 'An absolutely brilliant book! Our book of the week. And one of the best books I've read all year'--Paul Ross, talkSPORT 'I am in awe of his achievement, and by that I do not mean the long, difficult days of riding. What truly amazed me was the breadth and diversity of the encounters he relates, often verbatim; the journalism that weaves in the voices of the unhoused, migrants and marginalised with whom he shares the road. What Parker has managed with this book is a journalistic and a physical feat: it is the book I wish I'd written'--The Tablet 'The most entertaining travel writing book I've read in quite a while, and an enthralling portrait of an enormously diverse country we routinely over-simplify'--The Bookseller Praise for Simon Parker's previous book, Riding Out 'A truly inspiring journey that celebrates the healing power of adventure. A must-read.'-- Levison Wood 'Simon's cycle ride around his own country is a fine demonstration that adventure and transformation begins on your own doorstep.'-- Alastair Humphreys.