Reviews
…skillful writing…her book is a worthy read. RECOMMENDED rating. (The US Review of Books, March 2021)
Pedal Pushers is a fun mix of adventure, high anxiety, humor, and friendship. The book is a good lesson in seeing detours not as just as disappointment but as a chance to see the value of such changes–in the form of family and friends pulling together. The photographs add another layer; so interesting to see the terrain along the way and some of the extreme weather conditions. (Dree H.)
Two thumbs up for Marianne Worth Rudd’s Pedal Pushers Coast-to-Coast. I found her book and style of writing extremely enjoyable to read. Clearly, Marianne is an accomplished writer. The details and emotions that she incorporates can give a reader a feeling of being along with her, if only vicariously. People of all walks of life would find her book worth reading. For me, a fellow trans-USA bike tourer, her book was especially fun to read, because Marianne included many thoughts and descriptions with which other cyclists could be thoroughly in tune. Lastly, her story is about a long desired, grand adventure of hers, with compelling situations that kept me reading more and more. In fact, a few plans of mine got delayed because I wanted to read on and find out “what happened next”. If you want a very enjoyable and entertaining read, read Marianne’s book. (Jon C., California)
Pedal Pushers Coast-to-Coast is thoroughly enjoyable. It made me feel as though I was “along for the ride”, without having to pedal! The author’s delightful personality comes through on every page, with descriptions of the passing terrain, her pondering on life as the miles pass, and interactions with people along the way. The kindness of strangers added so much to the experience. It’s a wonderful “read” for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. (Carol Dickson, Tigard, Oregon)
While reading Marianne Worth Rudd’s Pedal Pushers Coast-to-Coast, I was awed by the human capacity to rebound from both major and minor set-backs when life-goals are at stake. I am grateful to the author and her husband for taking this journey. Their tenacity and their tenderheartedness shone through at every turn. Their trip is a gift for a seeker like myself, reminding me that journeys are always there–and here–for the taking. (Laura Seter, Executive Director, Region 2 Arts Council, MN.)
This is a fantastic story told in a wonderfully heartfelt way. It’s truly an opportunity to experience what life is like on the cycling road for Marianne Worth Rudd and her husband, Terry Rudd. I started to read the book and literally could not put it down. It’s such a feel-good story, an affirmation that all across our country, humanity is still kind, great, generous and caring. The author (Marianne)fills the pages with honest candor, weaving local lore and historical nuggets into her writing, so in addition to sharing her on-the-road stories, I also learned so many fun and quirky facts about the USA! I’ve read the book twice now, and highly recommend it to other readers. This one will stay on my bookshelf as a reminder to explore, be adventurous and always, always be kind! (Debra M. in Oregon)
I loved reading this story of two non-professional bike riders trekking from the Pacific to Atlantic Ocean. Marianne is inspiring as she describes with detail her and her husband’s triumphs and challenges on their 4500 mile journey. I felt like I was riding along as she chronicled the heat, cold, hills, dangerous traffic and fatigue. I was most inspired with the generosity and caring of strangers and their random acts of kindness. This is a great read; one will not be disappointed! (Anonymous)
I’ve been blessed to have known Terry and Mari for several decades. These two don’t let the dust settle under their feet! I’m excited to see Mari finally putting one of their adventures into print. In Pedal Pushers Coast-to-Coast, you will see these two overcoming numerous obstacles. Be it a mechanical failure, a broken arm, Hurricane Sandy, or Pecker the Rooster, they refuse to wander off course. Sprinkled with nuggets of wisdom and belly laughs, you won’t want to put it down. This is pure Mari! What you read is who she is. If you’re an experienced touring cyclist, you will relate. If you’re a newbie, you will learn. My only question is: when is the next book coming out? (Paul M.)
Pedal Pushers Coast-to-Coast is a testimony. It is the story of a woman pushing to make her dream come true. Remaining realistic, Rudd writes of not all dreams ending as one wishes; “Pedal Pushers” provides its share of obstacles, but in the end, resilience wins out, and that is part of what makes this book so readable. Both the mountains and valleys are represented. “Pedal Pushers” delivers an enjoyable ride, from cover to cover, coast to coast. (A.F.)