

27
DAYS

1,648
MILES

11,643
FEET CLIMBED

Canada
TO MEXICO
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?
​
Authentic â– Wistful â– Unhurried â– Timeless â– Pensive
​
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
equipment List
BIKE:
2023 Pivot Vault
​
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
​
book clubs & resources
Everything you need for your reading group.

COMPANION READING GUIDE
A guide for deeper exploration of themes and takeaways.
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