"For some, [biking] may mean grinding out 75 or 100 miles a day on a mountainous road, barely pausing to gobble an energy bar and down some water; for others, it may be a means to the end of tasting fine Pinot Noirs," writes Portland-based author Chris Santella. "Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die captures the spectrum..."

Santella spans the globe on two wheels in his newest book, the ninth in his bestselling Fifty Places series,  taking readers—and riders—from Italy to Iowa. Yes, Iowa, home of the seven-day Register's Annual Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), a 39-year-old tradition. Only one state gets three mentions, though: Oregon. A little hometown favoritism perhaps, but who can find fault with rides around Crater Lake, Eastern Oregon's Joseph County, and Portland?

Anchored by spectacular photography, Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die ($24.95) offers as much inspiration as it does information with tips on potential routes, when to go, and where to stay along the way. Santella taps locals and industry insiders to deliver an informed and beautiful book that will have you packing your sunscreen for Sardinia one minute and an extra layer for Alberta's Icefields Parkway the next.