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latest release

middle miles.

Cycling from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Middle Miles follows Cory Mortensen's 1,800-mile cycling adventure down the Pacific Coast Highway, exploring endurance, aging
Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

27

DAYS

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

1,648

MILES

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

11,643

FEET CLIMBED

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

Canada

TO MEXICO

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

3

STATES

ABOUT THE BOOK

At fifty-something, Cory Mortensen set out to ride the Pacific Coast Highway—not to chase youth or set records, but to listen. To the wind, the waves, the road beneath him—and the quieter voice within.

Middle Miles is a memoir set against the rugged rhythm of the Pacific coast. From fog-draped Washington cliffs to sun-washed California stretches, Mortensen pedals through forgotten beach towns, to roadside cafes, and weathered motels—collecting stories, bits of history, and the strange trivia that only reveals itself to those traveling slowly enough to notice.


This isn’t a journey of reinvention or escape. It’s a cinematic, slow-burning reflection on the shape a life takes in its middle miles. Where have we been? What have we missed? And what, if anything, lies ahead that still stirs the soul?

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Authentic â–  Wistful â–  Unhurried â–  Timeless â–  Pensive

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Equal parts memoir, travelogue, and philosophical postcard, Middle Miles is an invitation to pause, to move deliberately, and to consider the beauty of not having it all figured out.

RECOGNITION

“A poignant, engaging, often humorous account about a Pacific Coast journey to the Mexican border.”

 

— Kirkus Reviews

 

“An eclectic and engaging travel memoir narrated with perspective and perseverance.”

 

— Foreword Reviews 

 

“A thoughtful, often funny travel memoir... the real reward lies in the ride itself.”

 

— Indie Reader

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

An enjoyable read. Thanks for letting this arm chair traveler come along on your ride. Just enough travelogue, and plenty of humor. Keep traveling, and keep writing of the experiences. A wonderful trip down the coast of CA..

Anne

I've read all of Cory's books, and hope he is busy writing another book.

I love his humor and style of writing. Never boring. I've learned much from him about history and quirky asides.

What a guy!

Susan Boychuk

I've read all of Cody's books & they've all been good, but none have been as good as Buddha & the Bee (IMHO). This is my second favorite of his books. It reads a lot like Buddha, but a little more mellow. Kind of like you'd expect the 50 year old version of the 20 year old rider in Buddha.

 

Great book & a quick read.

mk313

Cory does a great job of telling stories of his life. I felt like I was there! Definitely a great read!

JoetheBroFESSor

I'VE READ ALL HIS BOOKS. I LOVE HIS SENSE OF HUMOR AND I'M WITH HIM ALL THE WAY ON HIS JOURNEYS. I DO HOPE HE WRITES ANOTHER BOOK. I FEEL I KNOW THE COAST OF CALIFORNIA VERY WELL AFTER FINISHING THIS BOOK AND THE BEST PART IS I FEEL I KNOW CORY BETTER. THIS MIGHT BE MY FAVORITE OF HIS BOOKS BUT I MAY CHANGE MY MIND WHEN HE WRITES ANOTHER!! PLEASE !!

Elly

I loved this book! I feel like I experienced his adventure with him, enjoying all the history, descriptions of each town, motel, and interesting people he encountered along the way. I admired his spirit and perseverance throughout his journey.

RD Nelson

ROUTE MAP

The full route from Canada to Mexico

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen
DOWNLOAD FULL GPX

equipment List

BIKE:

     2023 Pivot Vault

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TOOLS:

     TOPEAK pump

     Wolf Tooth multi-tool

     Wolf Tooth Chain tool

     Tyre plug kit w/Slime (3 bottles)

     

​WARDROBE:

     Twin Six cycling bibs (2 pair)

     Socks (2 pair)

     Cycling jersey (2)

     Cycling Jacket

     Outdoor Research gloves

     HOKA shoes w/deck petals

     Casual shorts

     Casual tshirt

     Flip-flops

 

TECH:

     Garmin 1040

     Heart rate strap

     iPad w/bluetooth keyboard

     iPhone

     Shockz headset

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book clubs & resources

Everything you need for your reading group.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

Thought-provoking questions for meaningful conversations.

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

JOURNEY NOTES

Route details, historical context, and behind the scenes stories.

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

AUTHOR Q&A

Frequently asked questions about the book and the journey.

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

COMPANION READING GUIDE

A guide for deeper exploration of themes and takeaways.

MIDDLE MILES
Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

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STAY IN THE LOOP

New books. Travel stories. Films.​ Behind-the-scenes notes from the road.​   

One email once in a while.

BOOKS CLUBS & RESOURCES​

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Discussion Questions

 

Journey Notes

 

Author Visits

 

Speaking​

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Films

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Maps​

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GPX Routes

SHOP

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Signed Books

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Photography

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Live Wrong

LEGAL

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CORY MORTENSEN

AUTHOR • CYCLIST • WANDERER

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© 2026 Cory Mortensen Author.  All rights reserved. Website by Cory Mortensen​​

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