Ever felt stuck in a rut, staring at the rearview mirror wondering what's next? The Buddha and the Bee drops you right into Cory Mortensen's impulsive decision to bike across America—no map, no timeline, just a backpack and a burning urge to move. Starting in Chaska, Minnesota, he aimed for Truckee, California, tackling the vast Great Plains that blur to a vanishing point, the punishing Rocky Mountains, an unforgiving alkaline desert, and the towering Sierra Nevadas.
Don't expect sunshine and lollipops. Cory faced grueling headwinds that clawed at his face, equipment breakdowns in the middle of nowhere, and temperatures swinging wildly from freezing nights to blistering days. He pedaled that never-ending ribbon of asphalt, muscles screaming, mind wandering between doubt and determination. Along the way, 'unusual' characters popped up: sweet little old ladies with surprising vendettas, fellow wanderers sharing campfire tales, and even dangerous animals that turned routine miles into heart-pounding thrills.
What sets this apart from typical adventure memoirs? The humor shines through in absurd moments—like bargaining with locals for a shower or outrunning a storm on bald tires. But it's the deeper layers that stick: reflections on unrealized potential, the marvel of American engineering in forgotten roadways, and nature's raw genius. Cory emerges with technical savvy for ultra-endurance cycling, sure, but more importantly, a profound appreciation for solitude, gratitude, and that quiet peace found in the pedal's rhythm.
Grab your Kindle and ride shotgun—feel the backpack's weight, taste the alkaline dust, hear the chain's whir against silence. Ideal for anyone pondering a cross-country bike tour, craving solo travel inspiration, or just needing a story that blends adrenaline with soul-searching. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist mapping your Route 66 detour or an armchair explorer dreaming big, this book reignites that fire to chase forgotten roadways. It's not about the miles; it's about what you find when you stop planning and start rolling. (412 words)
