The Ride
How to Bicycle Across America is a solo tour of the southern United States, over 2,800 miles (4,541 kilometers) from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, taking 32 riding days to complete. The journey was broken into five stages over five years. Flying in and out of each start and finish point, then cycling five to seven days to complete a section that would range from 450 to 700 miles. The book is a “how-to-guide” that covers all the details - equipment, training, maps and elevation charts.
If you have ever had the urge to do a long distance bicycle tour or just learn more about the southern United States, then come and take your time traveling the back roads through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Discover the uniqueness of each state, “tasting” the various local flavors while gaining a true appreciation for the country and people.
Read how the ride became a focus on people, pain, and persistence. Experience the various challenges and the rewards along the way. Enjoy the funny stories and lighthearted entertainment from an Aussie’s perspective. Be inspired to maybe start your own adventure.
The Route
San Diego, California to Saint Augustine, Florida - distance 2,820 miles/4,541 kilometers - 32 days of riding
1. San Diego to Phoenix - May 5-10, 2011 - 437 miles/703 kilometers - 6 days
2. Phoenix to El Paso - May 30-June 4, 2012 - 430 miles/692 kilometers - 5 days
3. El Paso to San Antonio - May 2-8, 2013 - 619 miles/966 kilometers - 7 days
4. San Antonio to New Orleans - September 20-26, 2014 - 653 miles/1,051 kilometers - 7 days
5. New Orleans to St Augustine - November 1-7, 2015 - 681 miles/1,096 kilometers - 7 days
The Book
The Reviews
• Succinct and witty observational humor. – Joe (London, United Kingdom)
• Most enjoyable reading. Entertaining, to the point, and I can picture being there as you’re describing things. …. I laughed out loud on the part “you rode from Australia?” – Linda (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• GREAT READ! “If I was with you we would have stopped in Bayou La Batre” – Robbie (Phoenix, Arizona)
• A road trip on a “pushy” is the best way to truly experience a journey. Reading your touring cycling yarn has inspired me to start planning my next ride. – Darryl (Sydney, Australia)
• Loved all the stories of the character’s met along the way. And a great way/incentive to get fit. – Peter (Toronto, Canada)
• You’ve done a nice trip and I like the way you write your story, you’ve got a good sense of entertaining us with what is characteristic of the day. Very inspiring. – Pierre (Montpellier, France)
• A great read. I’m living vicariously through your stories and may get the courage to get off my couch because of you. – Andreas (El Paso, Texas)
The Author
Shane Hannan moved to the United States in 1997. He met his wife in Whistler, Canada, on a snow skiing adventure. They have a son and a daughter. Shane is a true entrepreneur and loves meeting people as he travels for business. Since 2003, he has owned a software company in Scottsdale, Arizona, developing software solutions that are marketed and sold through distribution partners worldwide. He enjoys the outdoors and the warm climate of the Sonoran Desert. Previously he lived in Seattle for three years and prior to that lived in Sydney, Australia, growing up on the beaches of Cronulla, in the Sutherland Shire.