Just Ride: Racing 2,725 Miles to Mexico

This was an easy read and gave a candid account of what it is like to ride the Tour Divide. The thing I enjoyed most is how many experiences and perspectives could be applied to life in general. I am not an avid cyclist but was intrigued to learn more about someone’s experience succeeding at such an endeavor. I found the book easy to read, interesting, and full of treasures to contemplate. Definitely recommend it!

I have read many TD biographies and race summaries . This is my favorite. The author shares his successes and failures. As a researcher, he provides analysis of what worked and what didn't. He also adds real life testimony of a DNF from the previous year. He provides the insight that racing the TD is not for the faint of heart, nor the tourist. It is brutal work, mixed with moments of euphoria. There are light years of difference between a 17 day completion and 23 days or more!

This is a good book for someone who likes reading about non-fiction experiences and I would especially recommend this book for anyone who has ridden or has interest in riding the Tour Divide. I enjoy short, fairly easy bike rides, but I liked reading about Hopkins's ride. The writing is simple and the chapters are short, but that's all I needed to appreciate the adventure.One big plus for this book is that it comes with an appendix that includes details on Hopkins's equipment, his diet, and the effect the ride had on his overall health. As a professional scientist, the ride was more than a goal, it was also an experiment. Admittedly, I just skimmed the appendix, but for someone else with that interest, I believe the information would be very beneficial and interesting. I did buy the book for my husband who would like to do this race someday, but I got my hands on it first.

Things I loved about the book:-Well-written, entertaining, and easy to read (I’m not a biker or bike-packer but I loved it.)-True story that held my attention throughout and left me wondering how he would get through all of his perils-I appreciated the author’s expertise as an exercise scientist, so he was objective in his thoughts and riding process as he steps outside of himself to explain what he’s thinking, feeling, doing.-It was super interesting to read the scientific discoveries made from the data he and his colleagues collected-Wonderful parallels can be made from Ty’s experience of “just ride” to our everyday life. In other words, it was a great motivational read!

Great insight on training and mental preparedness. If you’re looking to do any ultra event this is a great resource.

Going deep and wide, Hopkins lays it all out there like no other TD author before him. If you are planning to race the TD, read this book, then re-read it. You will learn more here than in all other sources combined. Simply outstanding.

I enjoy reading about people’s adventures especially now that I can’t do much because of age and physical problems.

May be more by people familiar with cycling and endurance events. That said the story is riveting. Ty is able to tel a story of what had to have been a mind numbing trip into an interesting read.The pain and struggle will have you shuddering in a few places.The summary of the scientific analysis at the end of the book was interesting although not the highlight.Hard people doing hard things. Great story

There have been some great books written about the Tour Divide. Two Wheels on My Wagon by Paul Howard inspired me to participate in 2012. Be Brave, Be Strong by Jill Homer is another rich account. Compared to these, I found Just Ride to be rather one dimensional. The focus is on the physical and mental suffering of the author, for page after page. I found this to be repetitive and in the end, rather tedious.

A brilliant account of an incredible ride. Very well written, with loads of supporting information.