San Diego has long been known for its outdoor offerings and is, in fact, why many of us live here. While there are several books dedicated to hiking paths or cycling routes in San Diego, unfortunately there is no single book that provides the reader with both cycling and hiking opportunities. To that end, San Diego Magazine columnist, Tom Leech, and writing partner, Jack Farnan, have put together a comprehensive collection of locations for hiking and biking in their forthcoming book, Outdoors San Diego.

Since this column regularly focuses on hiking, the emphasis this month will be on biking in San Diego as highlighted in Farnan’s biking sections in Outdoors San Diego.

At first glance, the bike routes in Outdoors San Diego may seem to be just another compilation of directions and locales. However, as you delve deeper into the journeys that Farnan has taken and read how he has made his trips not merely challenging but aesthetically appealing and family friendly, you begin to realize that this is not just some cardio-case spinning his wheels. He’s done his homework. From where to take the kids to where to see the best view of the downtown skyline to where to sample rustic breads from around the world, Farnan has endeavored to make this a book that appeals to every demographic.

Each chapter begins with a quote from a notable historical figure disclosing his view on bicycling. H.G. Wells is favored with two references and perhaps sums up Farnan’s own feeling about cycling with the observation that “Cycle tracks will surely abound in Utopia.”

The chapters are divided and subdivided first by region (Coastal — South) and then by location (Point Loma — The Peninsula Tour). Each location has one to four levels of difficulty ranging from Cruisin’ (bring the family) to Demanding (bring water) to Energized (bring determination) and for the really audacious, Challenging (bring Zen!).

Every ride begins with a suggested type of bike for the trip, namely road, hybrid or mountain bike. This often is the first indicator as to what kind of ride can be expected. Directions to the starting point are provided, beneath which Farnan summarizes the highlights of the ensuing journey. This gives you a little more insight into what you can expect and the highlights themselves are often subdivided into difficulty levels offering the reader insight into what they may see on each ride. This is also a great quick-reference guide for families who are more interested in a casual outing than a serious workout. Additionally, it provides traffic summaries for the more serious cyclists.

Now that all of the preliminaries are out of the way, the book gets you off and riding with a detailed description of where you are going, what you will see, what to be aware of, and where to grab a quick bite. This may include buying your grub onsite (as at Konos across from Crystal Pier on the Mission Beach to La Jolla tour) or bringing along your own provisions (to the waterfall and stream on the Peñasquitos Canyon tour).

The tours are often meditative, suggesting a locale that may be particularly worthy of pausing to absorb. Nature lovers, for example, may take refuge in the quiet comfort of the Peñasquitos Canyon tour. This ride has a little bit of everything for the contemplative soul: waterfalls, horses, rocky point views, canyon streams, even a ranch house. History buffs will be excited by the Mule Hill Trail/Pasqual Valley tour. Here you can find out how San Diego was involved in the Mexican War, who Kearny Mesa is named after and why American soldiers resorted to eating mules. For the parents, Farnan offers rides that provide distractions with which they can bribe their children into getting a little exercise, such as the Giant Dipper roller coaster in Belmont Park on the Mission Beach to La Jolla tour.

Rounding out this guide are two chapters dedicated to technical advice and local resources that cater to cyclists. Farnan gives tips on what equipment riders should have with them, from the obvious tire patch kit to the ubiquitous cell phone, which certainly cannot be beat for true emergencies. He also includes a little rundown of bicycle safety tips, which riders would do well to heed even if they think they know the rules of the road. Unless you’ve fallen, you may not appreciate the hazard that recessed train tracks can produce.

Finally, the book provides readers with a selection of clubs and groups that provide resources for both novice and veteran cyclists, not the least of which is a place to meet people who share common interests.

In addition to the biking and hiking sections, Outdoors San Diego also features a section on camping in San Diego, making this a truly inclusive resource for the outdoor enthusiast in San Diego. Pick up a copy at local bookstores this March.

Originally published in San Diego Magazine Online.