Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration

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Science, nature, and adventure come together in Sara Dykman's riveting account of her solo bike trip along the 10,000 mile-long migratory path of the monarch butterfly. Outdoor educator and field researcher Sara Dykman decided to do something no one had ever done before - pedal along with monarch butterflies over the entire length of their 10,201-mile migratory journey. She did it alone, on a hand-built bicycle, through three countries. In Bicycling with Butterflies, Dykman recounts her incredible journey and the adventurous ups and downs of her ride - follow her along through a Midwestern thunderstorm, a field of zombie corn, and multiple trips across the border. Along the way, we meet a cast of characters that includes devoted citizen scientists, skeptical bar patrons, farmers, and fellow bicyclists. Dykman weaves a tale full of humility and grace, all while sharing the science that underlies the urgency of saving the monarchs and why we all should care. Bicycling with Butterflies deftly combines memoir, travel, and popular science. It is a must-read debut if you are looking for an uplifting story filled with optimism, energy, and hope. AUTHOR: Sara Dykman divides her time among seasonal amphibian research, outdoor education, and adventures. She created beyondabook.org to connect students to her adventures in order to foster lifelong learners, boundary pushers, explorers, and stewards.

Reviews

"An extraordinary story in which Dykman seamlessly weaves together science, a real love of nature and the adventure and hazards of biking with butterflies from Mexico to Canada and back. They share an epic journey and encounter hardships, but they do not give up. The book is a lament for our thoughtless destruction of nature and at the same time a celebration of the beauty that remains. The migration of the monarch butterflies is one of the wonders of the world--we must save it for future generations." --Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute U.N. Messenger of Peace

"On this improbably adventure, Sara Dykman followed the extraordinary monarch migration by bicycle, and came back to write about it. She has recorded it well. Her almost incredible account captures the animal itself, the continent it crosses, and its plight with style and deep connection." --Robert Michael Pyle, author of Chasing Monarchs and founder of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

"What a wonderful idea for an adventure! Absolutely inspired, timely, and important." --Alistair Humphreys, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and author of The Doorstep Mile and Around the World by Bike

"Told with a writer's eye for detail and a biologist's sensitivity to the fragile nature of the systems that support wildlife and humans . . . a keen observer of the human condition, Sara draws attention to some of the patterns in our society that are in conflict with the greater good. Her narrative is an important wake-up call for the need to stay connected to nature." --Dr. Orley Taylor, director of Monarch Watch, Kansas Biological Survey

"People have long been fascinated by the monarch butterfly's migration across the North American continent. Thanks to this book, readers have a better idea of what that incredible journey entails... Dykman's enthusiasm will motivate others to be more thoughtful about their decisions." --Library Journal

"The book is just as much a poetic travelogue as it is informative about monarch butterflies. Dykman's research keenly supplements her experiences on the road...it may be one singular bicyclist's word, but represents a collective cry for climate action."--Booklist

"Dykman's transformation as she follows the kaleidoscope of butterflies is a wonder to observe as it unfolds... Her writing is frank, uplifting, informative, and gorgeous." --Alphabet Soup

"Dykman deftly interweaves science with adventure...I can't recommend this book enough." --The Reporter

Author Bio

Sara Dykman divides her time among seasonal amphibian research, outdoor education, and adventures. She created beyondabook.org to connect students to her adventures in order to foster lifelong learners, boundary pushers, explorers, and stewards.