Motorists should enjoy “Bicycling San Luis Obispo”...

Motorists should enjoy “Bicycling San Luis Obispo” ($6.95) by Sharon Lewis Dickerson, as much as those who like to pedal. It’s not a large guide, but it does furnish a close-up of one of California’s scenic areas. The book outlines rides to Hearst Castle, wineries, two missions and more. The rides are rated from easy to “bunbusters.” Maps, detailed text and bits of history are included. As a companion to the guide a set of easy-reference “Route Slips” ($5.95) are available to clip to the handlebars. Both are available at selected bookstores and bicycle shops. With an additional $1 for handling, they can be obtained from E Z Nature Books, P.O. Box 4206, San Luis Obispo, Calif. 93403.

“French Country Welcome” by the Official Guidebook Federation Nationale lists 6,600 bed and breakfast places, including 760 that offer main meals. The accommodations vary from country manor to working farms that assure warmth and atmosphere at reasonable prices (Faber & Faber: $11.95).

“The Heart of Jerusalem” by Arlynn Nellhaus is not a guide, in the truest sense, but an excellent compilation of information. The guide is divided into four sections that delineate the many-faceted details of the Israeli city. The stay-and-eat information is sufficient, though clearly secondary when discussing a 4,000-year-old city (John Muir: $12.95).

“The Traveler’s Guide to Asian Customs and Manners” by Neven Chambers explains how to fit in and act like a native in 16 Asian/Pacific countries. It’s probably one of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use guides available. It could even help in understanding a next-door neighbor or new friend who just moved to this country (Meadowbrook: $7.95).

If you want to join the locals who enjoy outdoor activities, sporting events and arts, the “Marmac Guide to Houston and Galveston” by Dale Young will tell you all you’ll need to know about the two cities’ attractions, accommodations, history and much more (Pelican: $7.95).

“Cento Citta” by Paul Hoffman describes 100 older Italian cities and towns where life is leisurely and the population small. If you enjoy natural scenery, impressive architecture, cultural splendor and historic achievements, including dawdling over a glass of wine and chatting with a native, you’ll want this guide. The text is not cluttered with the where-to-stay-and-eat information (Henry Holt: $19.95).

Ray Riegert’s “Hidden San Francisco and Northern California” is filled with fact and fable about nude beaches, a winery inside a volcano, cafes with walls of deer trophies, wooden refrigerators and more. If you’re into quaint country inns, ocean-front lounges, historic hotels in redwood groves and feasting on California cuisine, the guide tells about some seldom-explored adventures (Ulysses: $12.95).

“Walks of the Rockies” by Gary Ferguson details 75 day walks in and around Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and New Mexico. Most of the walks are close to vacation centers where one can enjoy the sights and flora/fauna in places of history. Elevations, challenges and the best times to go are included (Prentice Hall: $12.95).

Of several above-average books on how to duplicate worldwide culinary delights while traveling, “The Guide to Ethnic Ingredients” by Diana and Paul Von Welanetz is one. More than 150 recipes are described, and information is included on buying, storing, preparation and use. The book has great tips and observations in its six cross-referenced sections for Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and regional America (J. P. Tarcher: $20.95 cloth, or Warner Books: $10.95 paper).

New York City has a sizable collection of public sculpture, and with the “Guide to Manhattan’s Outdoor Sculpture” by Margot Gayle and Michele Cohen a visitor can enjoy the offerings even more. The listings to more than 300 of such monuments include informative vignettes and photos that reflect the changes in style, content and technology during the past 1 1/2 centuries. The walking tours outlined easier with the cross-referenced maps (Prentice Hall: $15.95).