Book Report: Fall Extra
By Dan Meyer
Check out a special “periodical edition” of Book Report in the October/November 2017 issue of Adventure Cyclist.
Wheels of Wisdom: Life Lessons for the Restless Spirit by Tim and Debbie Bishop
Starting with their first cross-country tour as middle-aged newlyweds, the Bishops have traveled all over the U.S. This book takes the challenges they’ve faced on their tours and presents them as life lessons for the reader.
Ultra-Distance Cycling: An Expert Guide to Endurance Cycling by Simon Jobson and Dominic Irvine
Written by a professor in Sport and Exercise Physiology and one-half of the team that holds the world record for the Land’s End to John O’Groats tandem race, Ultra-Distance Cycling is aimed at those who want to compete in some of the toughest bicycle races in the world. But all their recommendations for diet, training, gear, and life balance could easily be extrapolated to those of us who just want to be in better shape and ride more efficiently.
The Quotable Cyclist: Great Moments of Bicycling Wisdom, Inspiration and Humor by Bill Strickland
Strickland, former editor-in-chief of Bicycling magazine, curates this collection of quotes from the great bicycle luminaries like Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Joe Breeze, and many more.
The Haywire Heart: How too much exercise can kill you, and what you can do to protect your heart by Chris Case; John Mandrola, M.D.; and Lennard Zinn
Written by three hardcore cyclists — bike guru Lennard Zinn, VeloNews magazine managing editor Chris Case, and cardiac electrophysiologist John Mandrola, M.D. — this book explores the recent phenomena of older endurance athletes with heart problems. The Haywire Heart is chock full of heavily researched information, case studies, and detailed illustrations (everybody likes pictures!).
The First Tour de France: Sixty Cyclists and Nineteen Days of Daring on the Road to Paris by Peter Cossins
Thoroughly researched and told in exquisite detail, this narrative of the origins of the world’s most famous cycling race is a must-read for anyone with even a passing interest in the Tour de France.
The Cycling Cartoonist: An Illustrated Guide to Life on Two Wheels by Dave Walker
Dave Walker’s whimsical cartoons explore the ins and outs of cycling in all its forms, from mountain biking to road racing to commuting. Highlights include a periodic table of cyclists, possible explanations for why cyclists shave their legs, and how to become a middle-aged man in Lycra (also known as a MAMIL).
The Art of the Cycling Jersey: Iconic Cycle Wear Past and Present by Chris Sidwells
Whether or not you’re passionate about road racing, you can’t deny the beautiful simplicity and iconography of the cycling jersey. Woolen shirts, polka dots, stripes, and green, pink, and, of course, yellow, Chris Sidwells takes you through the evolution of cycling attire from the high wheel era to today. This book is perfect for your coffee table and your pannier alike, with illustrations and stunning black and white photographs.
Bike Boom: The Unexpected Resurgence of Cycling by Carlton Reid
In Bike Boom, Carlton Reid explores the current state of cycling and cycling infrastructure in Europe and the U.S. by looking at historic cycles (see what we did there?) of boom and bust. Why, for example, did bikes suddenly become so popular in the U.S. during the 1970s, and why did they fall out of fashion so quickly? How is it that Amsterdam has more bicycles than people? And how can we get more people out of their cars and onto a saddle?
Dan Meyer is the Copy Coordinator for Adventure Cyclist magazine.
