One woman, one bike and one richly entertaining, perception-altering journey of discovery. In 2015, as the Syrian War raged and the refugee crisis reached its peak, Rebecca Lowe set off on her bicycle across the Middle East. Driven by a desire to learn more about this troubled region and its relationship with the West, Lowe's 11,000-kilometre journey took her through Europe to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, the Gulf and finally to Iran. It was an odyssey through landscapes and history that captured her heart, but also a deeply challenging cycle across mountains, deserts and repressive police states that nearly defeated her. Plagued by punctures and battling temperatures ranging from -6 to 48C, Lowe was rescued frequently by farmers and refugees, villagers and urbanites alike, and relied almost entirely on the kindness and hospitality of locals to complete this living portrait of the modern Middle East. This is her evocative, deeply researched and often very funny account of her travels - and the people, politics and culture she encountered. 'Terrifically compelling ... bursting with humour, adventure and insight into the rich landscapes and history of the Middle East. Lowe recounts the beauty, kindnesses and complexities of the lands she travels through with an illuminating insight. A wonderful new travel writer.' Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Serious skaters looking for unusual and innovative tricks will find them in this skateboarding instructional guide. The tricks run the gamut from classic old school to modern with an emphasis on diversification, creativity, and originality. Included are riding basics and tips for controlling fear, visualizing, and focusing. Sequential shots detail every move needed to successfully re-create the various skateboarding tricks. The mechanics of the sport are also covered, including types of boards available, and the various wheels, bearings, and skateboarding surfaces.

Up until about a century ago, wood had always been the only available material for the construction of the first bicycles, and it was as recently as the 1950s that wood was the only material used for bike wheels in all competitive cycling realms. These days, in opposition to the great industrialisation of steel manufacturing, wood and bamboo are increasingly being used to create a niche space in design within the industries of transportation, sport, art, culture and indeed modern lives in general. With the significant advances in technological research and application, wood and bamboo are increasingly being promoted as materials suitable for the construction of bicycle frames and individual bicycle components. Showcasing more than 250 designers from around the world, including craftspeople (many of them renowned bicycle makers), manufacturers and associated organisations, this book dedicates hundreds of pages to beautiful bike designs, illuminating the latest modern trends in specialist bicycle craftmanship. Set out with detailed, distinctive design dialogues from each craftsperson or manufacturer, we learn how wood and bamboo are being enhanced and developed as extremely durable, aesthetically appealing materials, and which are considered sustainable, ecologically viable, user friendly and dynamic across each application. Beautifully illustrated, with historical references and texts by experts in the trade, and backed up with technical engineering knowledge,

An entrancing, sun-drenched bicycle journey, from the beaches of southern Spain to solar temples in the Outer Hebrides. In this great feast of armchair travel, John Hanson Mitchell tells of his fifteen-hundred-mile ride on a trusty old Peugeot bicycle from the port of Cadiz to just below the Arctic Circle. He follows the European spring up through southern Spain, the wine and oyster country near Bordeaux, to Versailles (the palace of the "Sun King"), Wordsworth's Lake District, precipitous Scottish highlands, and finally to a Druid temple on the island of Lewis in the Hebrides, a place where Midsummer is celebrated in pagan majesty as the near-midnight sun dips and then quickly rises over the horizon. In true John Mitchell fashion this journey is interspersed with myth, natural history, and ritual, all revolving around the lure and lore of the sun, culturally and historically. The journey is as delicious as it is fascinating, with an appeal for all those who look south in February and are drawn to dunes, picnics under castle walls, spring flowers, terraced vineyards, Moorish outposts, magic and celebrations. In short, to everything under the sun. A Merloyd Lawrence Book

Hadrian's Cycleway is a 174 mile route from Ravenglass in Cumbria to South Shields. Also known as Route 72, this coast-to-coast route heads north up the Cumbrian coast to reach the Solway AONB before crossing northern England along Hadrian's Wall and into Northumberland. Suitable for cyclists of all abilities, the ride is usually completed over three days from west to east. The route allows cyclists to explore Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, visiting Roman forts including Vindolanda and Housesteads as well as milecastles, abbeys and historic towns. Other highlights include the Cumbrian coast, Tyne Valley and the famous Sycamore Gap. While the main route is described from west to east over three days, the guide provides plenty of information about other options. Advice is given at the end of each stage about how to complete the route from east to west, as the route can be used in connection with other coast to coast routes to create week-long round trips. Other itineraries include a two-day Wall Only ride from Bowness-on-Solway to South Shields, and a 'More Wall Alternative' to Day 2. The guide also features extensive listings of accommodation, bike shops and other cyclist-friendly facilities.

Jan Ullrich: The Best There Never Was is the first biography of Jan Ullrich, arguably the most naturally talented cyclist of his generation, and also one of the most controversial champions of the Tour de France. In 1997, Jan Ullrich announced himself to the world by obliterating his rivals in the first mountain stage of the Tour de France. So awesome was his display that it sent shockwaves throughout the world of cycling and invited headlines such as L'Equipe's 'The New Giant'. He went on to become Germany's first ever Tour winner, storming to victory in that edition by almost ten minutes, a result that was greeted as an era-defining changing of the guard. Everyone agreed: Jan Ullrich was the future of cycling. He was soon also voted Germany's most popular sportsperson of all time, and his rivalry with Lance Armstrong defined the most controversial years of the Tour de France. Now, Daniel Friebe - who has covered twenty-one editions of the Tour de France - has gone in search of the man who was said in 1997 would go on to dominate his sport for a generation, but never quite managed it. Just what did happen to the best who never was? This is a gripping account of how unbearable expectation, mental and physical fragility, the effects of a complicated childhood, a morally corrupt sport and one individual - Lance Armstrong - can conspire to reroute destiny. Daniel Friebe takes us from the legacy of East Germany's drugs programme to the pinnacle of pro cycling and asks: what price can you give sporting immortality?

Yorkshire Dales Mountain Biking features 26 rides between 10 and 43 kilometres in length in one of the UK's most MTB-friendly national parks. The routes make the most of the Dales' superb network of stone-based trails, rideable in all seasons. Classic loops take in the best of Swaledale, a tour of Ingleborough, big days around Whernside and Pen-y-ghent, quintessential Dales scenery near Malham and Kilnsey, and moorland riding above Pateley Bridge. A Bonus Section includes information about the Howgills, the easy-going Swale Trail and the Pennine Bridleway, as well as the riding at Gisburn Forest and Stainburn which lies just outside the national park. There are also top tens and a detailed appendix. Written by Dales local and experienced author Nick Cotton, each ride is described with easy-to-follow directions and is plotted on clear and easy-to-use Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 mapping. Also included with each ride are details of distance, timings and difficulty gradings, plus refreshment stops and local knowledge.

Neighbourhood Cycling Guide to Naarm - Melbourne is an essential, laidback and practical guide to exploring the city on pedal power. This is a fun, accessible guidebook for riders of all ages and levels, whether you zoom around the city on your fixie on a daily basis or if it's been a few years (or decades) since you've dusted off your rusty old bicycle. Throughout you'll find helpful tips and tricks on everything from basic bike repair to cycling etiquette. Featuring a number of easy-to-navigate itineraries with maps and illustrations, the book is divided into neighbourhood routes, cycling trails and daytrip trails. You'll be cruising down backstreets to get an authentic taste for Collingwood, Richmond, St Kilda and more - the characters, First Nations culture, the history, the best pubs, where to pick up picnic supplies, and what makes each ride unique. If riding on the road is a little daunting then this book might be more your cup of tea, taking you on dedicated bike paths through city bushland and along the bay. Once you've finished two-wheeling around Melbourne, jump on the train or pack the bike in the car to check out the daytrip trails in the Bellarine, Lilydale or the Bass Coast. So get out there and explore Naarm - Melbourne like you've never seen it before. As they say, it's just like riding a bike... Maps and illustrations by Alex Hotchin.

On July 8 2007 an estimated two million people lined the roads from Trafalgar Square to Canterbury to watch the Tour de France. It was the biggest peacetime mobilization ever seen in the Garden of England and the most dramatic event to hit Kent since the hurricane of 1987. It could have bombed. The author, who covered the race as the sports editor of the Kent Messenger, watched on in disbelief as a stage of the 2006 Tour of Britain, widely seen as a dress rehearsal and held on the same roads, turned into a farce. The riders got lost in Chatham dockyards, went on strike and then abused and spat at the local favorite when he tried to win the stage. As the day of the race grew near Jeremy Clarkson-worshiping Kent residents were revolting about road closures and the local media were running stories about people being 'trapped in their homes'. To make matters worse a series of drug scandals had eroded public faith in the race, to the point that one sports editor was threatening to ignore the Tour completely. But against the odds the Tour's visit to Kent was a triumph. The author followed the race from Trafalgar Square to the finish line on Rheims Way in Canterbury, in the company of Olympic bronze medal winning cyclist Ron Keeble. The race itself was packed with tension and drama, with Britain's David Millar attacking from the start, sprinting star Mark Cavendish riding the last ten miles in tears after crashing into a spectator and Australia's Robbie McEwen snatching a stunning victory just yards from the finish line. This book tells the story of this incredible day for the first time. It contains nearly 200 color pictures, many of them never seen before, the stunned reaction of the French media and the stories of local cyclists who flocked to the event. There are interviews with Millar, Cavendish, McEwen and Bradley Wiggins and the tale of a chance encounter with Ken Livingstone that nearly made the then Mayor of London vomit. Featuring the full story of how and why the Tour de France came to the garden of England, the scandals that threatened to derail the stage and the triumphant scenes when 2 million fans flocked to Kent's roads. Reactions from fans, officials, the French press and star riders including Bradley Wiggins, David Millar, Mark Cavendish and Robbie McEwen. Review coverage in local press and radio; Over 200 full-color photographs of the race.

Great British Gravel Rides pays homage to the very best gravel cycling across England, Scotland and Wales. Markus Stitz has curated a collection of 26 routes across Britain - each a favourite route of a passionate gravel cyclist. You can join round-the-world cycling men's record holder Mark Beaumont in East Lothian, experience a different side of East Anglia with ultra-endurance racers and GBDURO20 winners Josh Ibbett and Gail Brown, embark on a coast-to-coast trip across Scotland with round-the-world cycling women's record holder Jenny Graham, or see the best of the Scottish Borders with diversity in cycling champion Aneela McKenna. Each route gives an insight into what each cyclist loves about gravel riding - what inspires and motivates them - and why they believe it qualifies as one of Britain's best gravel rides. A detailed route description of the trail is then provided, including interesting information about the local area, exactly what to expect on the route, details on the best places and attractions to explore, recommendations for the best local cafes and pubs and a list of local bike shops, should they be needed. With inspiring photography showcasing some of the best gravel trails in the UK, as well as bespoke maps and downloadable GPX files for each route, this is the essential companion for any gravel rider. Whether you want a challenging pedal through the country's awe-inspiring landscapes or a more leisurely day out in the saddle, let Great British Gravel Rides help you explore the best gravel cycling of Great Britain - your adventure begins here!

This guidebook describes 21 mountain biking routes in central and southern Scotland. It includes the 7stanes trail centre in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as cross-country routes in the Campsie Fells, Pentland Hills and Lammermuirs, the Galloway Forest, Tweed Valley, Cheviots and Lowther Hills. The routes range from 17 to 66km and are graded from moderate to very hard. Taking between 2 and 7 hours to complete, they are intended for reasonably fit mountain bikers with at least some experience. Detailed route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, and the selected routes set out from various points across the area, including Greenock, Glentrool, Peebles and Milngavie, with good access from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The guidebook also gives an overview of what the region's MTB trail centres have to offer, including the famous 7stanes trail centre, along with advice on equipment, maintenance and safety. Southern and Central Scotland is renowned for its superlative MTB trail centres, but the region's rolling hill country is also traversed by an extensive network of tracks, paths, forest roads and other trails providing endless possibilities for 'free range' mountain biking.

Written by the author of London’s most popular cycling blog and using years of experience and contributions from readers, it offers more than 30 leisurely routes covering both inner and outer London. Each itinerary is described in detail with a series of points of interest also pinpointed on an accompanying route map. Boxed information with each route shows at-a-glance the start point, likely duration, and some suggestions for where to eat and drink along the way. The book also covers important practical information on cycling, such as choosing the right bike for your style of cycling; tips on urban cycling, social cycling, and cycling with children; and guidance on security and insurance as well as information on accessories and clothing. This best selling guide to cycling in London is completely updated with new routes, maps, and colour photographs. It also includes full details of Santander Cycles, London's public bike sharing scheme. 

'That would have been unnerving enough, but the shape of the thing convinced me it moved with a purpose. What I saw, just for a moment, was a dragon. Born of lightning and fire, it flew into the air, writhed in the pleasure of its freedom, and screamed in ecstasy as it flew toward me."

10,158 miles. Incredible thunderstorms, raging forest fires, dense smoke, hail, sleet, cops, a half-a-dozen paramedics, bears, and even a dragon or two.you know.the usual stuff.

Ride the Alaskan Highway all the way there and back again. It's 4365 miles each way, Dallas to Fairbanks.

The official guide to this superb National Trail, published in conjunction with Walk Unlimited. Whether you're an experienced long-distance walker or a weekend stroller, this is the only companion you need. The South Downs Way runs for 100 miles (160 km) over the chalk downland of Sussex and Hampshire, from Eastbourne to Winchester. This route is rich with beautiful views across the rolling hills, including the stunning Seven Sisters, to the majestic South Downs, and the countryside surrounding them, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1966 and a national park since 2010. One of only two National Trails that can be used not only by walkers but also by cyclists and horse-riders for its entire length, this is the complete official guide to walking, cycling or riding the well-loved and popular trail.

"Hampshire and the Isle of Wight" is one of 10 titles in the updated "Cycle Tours" series. The series has now been in continuous print for more than 15 years and with regular route revisions and updating the successful formula has gathered a large following. Each book in the series contains 20 routes all of which are either totally new or have been re-ridden and updated. There are 15 lane rides of between 23 and 37 miles taking you along low-traffic or traffic free roads, tracks and paths. These visit the beautiful villages and rolling countryside of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with suggested short cuts for shorter rides, and suggested links to other nearby rides for a full day out. The 5 off-road rides of between 10 and 20 miles explore the Hampshire Downs, the New Forest, the Isle of Wight and the South Downs. A unique feature of the "Cycle Tours" series is the superb Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger mapping showing the routes of the rides. The mapping not only gives the detail and clarity you need to follow the route with ease and safety, but allows you to plan short-cuts and detours, to look out for new places of interest, and to become truly involved in the landscape you are cycling through. Clear directions are given alongside the mapping and elevation profiles make planning the pacing of each ride an easy task. Extra information includes an introduction to the area of the route, nearest railway stations, places of interest with descriptions, guides to refreshment stops, and clear indications of distance, grade and terrain. The books are practically designed with a spiral-binding to make route-following as simple as possible.