Words James Ion - Photography provided by Adam Porter
As we wind down for the off-season what better time could there be to cosy up with a good book and to reconnect with family? From the creator of Morning Ride comes two new books for you and your family. I had a quick Q&A with author Adam J Porter.
GRVL Magazine: “So what has been happening since the release of Morning Ride, how was it received, and how did you feel it went?”
Adam J Porter: “Thanks for asking! Since the release of Morning Ride, we’ve had such a positive response from families and bike enthusiasts alike. The book has really resonated with parents looking to bond with their children over cycling in a new way. I’ve been thrilled to see Morning Ride spreading not only across the U.S. but also internationally! I recently heard from a family in Scotland whose little guy loves the book. Overall, I’m incredibly pleased with how the launch went. It's almost been a year since the book came out, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
GM: “The new book 101 Mile Race is now out—what was the inspiration behind it?”
AJP: “A big part of my goal in creating these books is to reflect the real-life experiences of cyclists for kids. 101 Mile Race is all about the adventure of participating in a bike race. Kids will experience elements that are true to gravel racing—bad weather, exhaustion, water bottles lost along the way, and, of course, the thrill of crossing the finish line! I have loved my experiences completing races and felt like it was a great subject for a kid's book. I’m hopeful that parents will love reading it and sharing stories of their own races with their kids.”
GM: “Does it count as a sequel to Morning Ride?”
AJP: “I wouldn’t call it a sequel. The hero of this story is a mom completing a race, with her husband and kids cheering her on. While it's not a direct continuation of Morning Ride, 101 Mile Race shares the same spirit. Both books celebrate cycling, but this one focuses on endurance and adventure. It's definitely in the same style and keeps the theme of family-centered biking alive. We did sneak the rider from Morning Ride into the race...so you will have to find that easter egg in the book :)”
GM: “The artwork is again amazing—how was the process this time around?”
AJP: “Working with Alyssa Whetstone continues to be fantastic! She does such an amazing job, and this book brought some unique challenges that she absolutely nailed. One of my favourite parts is how she captured the rain scenes—it’s so cool and really reflects what it feels like to race in the rain and mud. My first experience racing was at Unbound Gravel in 2022, where I got rained on hard, and that definitely inspired those illustrations!”
GM: “What can you tell me about the Our Bike Story journal?”
AJP: “Our Bike Story is an interactive journal for families to document their biking adventures together. It’s designed to help families not just ride, but reflect on those rides—whether it’s a casual neighborhood trip or a longer weekend adventure. It includes spaces for writing about the ride’s details, fun questions to spark conversation and room for keepsakes like photos. With five kids of my own, I know how much riding together creates amazing memories. The journal helps families capture those moments and turn them into stories that will last a lifetime.”
GM “Were you at Unbound again this year, and which classic Cannondale did you go for?” (Adam always races on classic Cannondales!)
AJP: “Yes! This year, I attended Unbound as a vendor, which was a blast. I loved connecting with so many cycling enthusiasts and sharing my books. As for my bike, I rode my 2001 Cannondale XS800—a classic cyclocross bike with the old-school Headshok. It handled the terrain like a champ!”
GM: “What is next in the pipeline for Bike Lane Co.?”
AJP: “I’m excited to attend a micro-school event soon, where I’ll be doing storytime and talking to kids about cycling! On a bigger scale, I’m just a few editing sessions away from sending my third kids' book off to Alyssa to be illustrated. It’s nearly done, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone—though no spoilers just yet!”
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