Books

Book Review – The Cyclist’s Tale – Kevin R. Haylett

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I like short stories, and I like cycling, so we’re off to a good start. I’m busy, so my reading time is snatched moments of self-indulgence amongst the endless list of things I’m supposed to be doing. So to read a whole story in these moments suits me just fine. A short story should be a simple point; something funny, witty inspiring or thought provoking. I first read this book two months ago and I can honestly say I can remember every story. They’ve stayed with me and that says something really doesn’t it?  Continue reading →

Book Review – Wheeler by Sara Butler Zalesky

~ superadmin ~ 1 Comment

“First you shave your legs, and now you’re reading romantic fiction? What has happened to you?” My fiancée politely asks. “It’s about cycling really, the romance bit is just… erm a bit of it” I protest. I’m reading Wheeler, a fictitious tale about an elite female cyclist’s racing season. Or more accurately it’s about her life on and off the bike throughout the season. Continue reading →

Book Review – The Rider by Tim Krabbé

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I first became aware of this book when I was reading Bert Wagendorp’s Ventoux. As the main character describes how his cycling obsession began “The urge to sit on a racing bike again came back later. That was after I had read The Rider by Tim Krabbé. I was 15, read it at one sitting, and knew instantly what I had to do.” With both books being originally written in Dutch I suppose it was inevitable that the later would mention the original Dutch cycling classic. Continue reading →

Roads Were Not Built For Cars by Carlton Reid – Book Review

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You may recognise the name of the author from his popular website ipayroadtax.com. I stumbled upon this particular website when looking for the facts about road tax after being  shouted at from a white van (like most cyclist will have been at some point) about cyclists not paying road tax. As I’m sure you’re aware there is no such thing as “Road Tax”, if however this is news to you, may I suggest you visit the aforementioned website before reading the rest of this book review.

Road tax is just one of the many modern myths or misunderstandings that surrounds road use today, and this book sets out to set things straight, starting with the title!  Continue reading →

Book review – Ventoux by Bert Wagendorp

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A work of fiction about cycling? With plenty of real cycling tales being told is there room for cycling fiction? With fictional novels being very subjective I’ll try my best to give an idea of the story’s appeal without spoiling the plot – if it appeals, read it. Personally; I wasn’t sure at first, but I have read it and I have to say, for me it was a bit of a page turner. I was engrossed. If I was to sum up what it’s about I’d say friendship and growing up, but it’s also contains sex, drugs, poetry and cycling.  Intrigued? I thought you might be.  Continue reading →

Book review – Alpe D’Huez, cycling’s greatest climb by Peter Cossins

~ superadmin ~ 4 Comments
AlpeDRabbit
Rabbits have nothing at all to do with cycling or Alpe d’Huez, they just really like books.

Cycling has a rich history and the history of the Tour de France has to be the most frequently referenced of it all. History is respected in cycling, and the Tour de France loves to publicise it, so it stands to reason that as obsessive cyclists we could do to know at least a little about cycling history. Continue reading →

Book Review – The World of Cycling According to G, by Geraint Thomas

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The rabbit is of no relevance to the book’s content. She just really likes books

The peloton’s most straight talking cyclist has written a book, and it’s very entertaining. It’s not the usual autobiography that you might expect from a successful cyclist, but a collection of thoughts on every aspect of road and track cycling and life on the road. Though inevitably the book does cover Geraint’s own experiences and anecdotes, so there is some degree of biography present. With no story line running through the book, and short sections/chapters it’s really easy to fit into a normal busy day. Making the “Be with you in a minute, just let me finish this chapter” challenge quick and easily achievable. Continue reading →