Hello, Bike Forum Folk

I'm new the site, and like what I see coming from cycle tourists from all points. Here's my story: starting in 1996, I worked for Discovery Channel Online, making the first online cycle trip from Darwin to Lake Eyre, Australia. Over the next six years I completed my tours of the lowest point on six continents - places like the Dead Sea and Death Valley. This summer, Sierra Club Books published my account of the journeys, Into Thick Air, and I've been promoting the book via a book tour, and now Bike Forum. You can check out one cyclist's opinion of the book at https://alaskabikeblog.blogspot.com/2...thick-air.html. The GreenGlobetrotter gave me a review, too: https://greenglobetrotter.blogspot.co...thick-air.html. Natually, I've a website, www.IntoThickAir.com, where you can link to photos from the trips.

The book is not so much about my bike as the pleasure of being outside, on a bike, and free to go where I like and camp where I please. That's why I ride. But I'm happy to field questions on bike touring, especially for those considering a ride to far-away deserts where the info is might scant. Just drop me a line at IntoThickAir@yahoo.com.

Yours,
Jim Malusa
Tucson, Arizona

Hi Jim,

I bought the book the day it was released! It was an interesting read. In fact I did recommend it here on Bike Forums when someone was asking for good adventure books to read on holiday.

I am sure your advice will be most welcome on Bike Forums, as you have been to places many others wouldn't dare to, and those who would dare may be very grateful for your advice. However you may need to read the "rules" of the forum and edit your post given the recent hullabaloo over the Down the Road pair's promotion of their book. You can promote your book in your signature.

I'm pleased you have joined the forum as it is always beneficial to get the input of those who have actually been out there and done some very hard yards, as opposed to those who passed by a McDonalds or three every day and then have the temerity to advise someone planning to cross a desert that they only need to carry two litres of water!


regards

Dear cycotourer,

You were absolutely right about plugging my book. The site adminstrators quickly informed me of my violation, but were gracious enough to see that I was merely dumb, not greedy. They left up my posts, and I've since signed up for "premium service" (without being sure of what that means) and hope that folks start asking me about my trips to the pits, including Lake Eyre, Australia (somehow I've got the impression that you're from Australia....)

Thanks again for the advice.

Yours,
Jim

Welcome to the forum Jim. I recently purchased your book and am just getting started reading it. Since I don't get the opportunity to tour as much as I'd like, I truly enjoy reading other's accounts of adventure.

Thanks for providing us the opportunity to contact you with questions and comments on your book.

Hey Jim, a Tucson Native here... Moved away to England, and now DC... which is 'the pits', but alas, not dry! A while back my parents had sent me a clipping from the weekly (I think) about your book, since they know two of my favorite things are bikes and the desert; I had forgotten to pick up the book, but I will swing by the bookstore on the ride home to look for it. Thanks for the reminder and send my regards to the Catalinas.

Dear Positron,

I'm happy to hear that you haven't let Tucson slip from your memory. Despite the constant influx of newcomers, it's better than ever for cycling, largely because the efforts of the Tucson/Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee are favorably received by the head of the Tucson DOT, Jim Glock. We've got new crossings (with lights) across many major roads, so my kids can pedal to the park and never have to ride on a busy street.

I visited DC on my book tour, and was on the Kojo radio show; he was very curious about my habit of packing a beer into my sleeping bag, and chewing khat with the natives in Djibouti. You can still hear the interview on my web site.

One more thing: it rained 2.5 inches last night. The summer storms are here, and Sabino Creek is a river.

Yours,
Jim