Pedal and Path: Across the Continent Awheel and Afoot

"Pedal and Path: Across the Continent Awheel and Afoot" by George B. Thayer is a travel memoir written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the author's adventurous journey of over eleven thousand miles on a bicycle and on foot, traversing various states across America. Thayer reflects on the beauty and challenges of his travels while engaging with the people and landscapes he encounters, making it a compelling account for readers interested in exploration during a pivotal time in American history. The opening of the book introduces Thayer's desire to escape the monotony of a business routine through cycling. He recounts his early cycling experiences and how they ignited a passion for travel and sightseeing, leading up to his grand trip from Hartford, Connecticut, to San Francisco, California. As he details his preparations, including his packing and route planning, he paints a vivid picture of the landscapes and characters he anticipates meeting. Thayer shares his insights on the joys and difficulties of travel, setting the stage for a journey filled with personal reflection and observations of the world in which he travels.