From the earliest "velocipedes" through the advent of the pneumatic tire to the rise of modern road and track competition, this comprehensive history of the sport of bicycle racing traces its role in the development of bicycle technology between 1868 and 1903. Providing detailed technical information along with biographies of racers and other important personalities, the author examines the Golden Age of the bicycle as a precursor to the automobile industry.

Subways and yellow taxis may be the icons of New York transportation, but it is the bicycle that has the longest claim to New York's streets: two hundred years and counting. Never has it taken to the streets without controversy: 1819 was the year of the city's first bicycle and also its first bicycle ban. Debates around the bicycle's place in city life have been so persistent not just because of its many uses-recreation, sport, transportation, business-but because of changing conceptions of who cyclists are. In On Bicycles, Evan Friss traces the colorful and fraught history of cycling in New York City. He uncovers the bicycle's place in the city over time, showing how it has served as a mirror of the city's changing social, economic, infrastructural, and cultural politics since it first appeared. It has been central, as when horse-drawn carriages shared the road with bicycle lanes in the 1890s; peripheral, when Robert Moses's car-centric vision made room for bicycles only as recreation; and aggressively marginalized, when Ed Koch's battle against bike messengers culminated in the short-lived 1987 Midtown Bike Ban. On Bicycles illuminates how the city as we know it today-veined with over a thousand miles of bicycle lanes-reflects a fitful journey powered, and opposed, by New York City's people and its politics.

In 1996 Danish cycling legend Bjarne Riis won the Tour de France. Eleven years later he called a press conference and confessed to taking performance-enhancing drugs in order to achieve the ultimate cycling triumph. In Riis, his sensational autobiography - already an acclaimed bestseller in Denmark and Germany - the notoriously private Dane bares his soul. From the shy, young daydreamer who fell in love with cycling as an eight-year-old, to the hardened, regular user of banned blood booster EPO. While never shirking the seriousness of his actions Riis does attempt to explain the pressures and attitudes within cycling at the time that let him down a dark path that he now condemns. Brutally honest and as furiously fast-paced as one of his breakaways from the peleton, Riis is a powerful insight into the life and mind of one of the sport's key figures as well as a window into the world of professional road racing. There are not many people who have been involved in cycling to the extent that Riis has over the last 30 years and readers will be surprised by how open the normally taciturn Dane has been in his autobiography. If you liked Fignon's We Were Young and Carefree this book will certainly appeal to you.

Hidden in and around Denver are some great roads, trails, and bike paths that are fun to explore. Best Easy Bike Rides Denver describes 18 great rides in the metro area. With most rides between 5 and 30 miles-including road rides, rail trails, bike paths, and mountain bike rides-it's easy to find an interesting place to ride. Each route includes complete directions, a map, a text description of the area you'll be riding, and GPS coordinates of the start/finish point. Look inside to find: - Detailed maps and directions - Rides for everyone, including families - In-depth information about each ride, including length, terrain, traffic conditions, and road hazards - Interesting facts about each area

Explore 35 of the most notorious, gruelling cycling climbs the world has to offer, guided by the experts at Cyclist, the world's biggest road cycling magazine. Route maps, altitude charts, first-hand ride reports and incredible imagery from the finest cycling photographers combine in this tribute to the peaks, hills and ascents that every cyclist should try. Tracing the routes of the greatest rides across France, Italy, Spain and Belgium, this beautiful book also includes lesser-known climbs covering northern and eastern Europe and the USA - with every single ride tried, tested and conquered by the experts at Cyclist magazine. Climbs include: Monte Grappa, Italy Zoncolan, Italy Passo dello Stelvio, Italy Alto de l'Angliru, Spain Sa Calobra, Spain Koppenberg, Belgium Alpe d'Huez, France Col Agnel, France Croix de Fer, France The Trollstigen, Noway Mauna Kea, USA

Bicycling for Ladies is the trailblazing book that introduced women to bicycling and shocked a Victorian culture on its release in 1896. Today it remains comprehensive and useful, but also celebrates women's advancement in the sport and offers an inspiring, and amusing, look back. Maria E. Ward let the social norms and gendered expectations of the nineteenth century eat her dust when she wrote the groundbreaking guide to bicycling for women. In chapters such as Women and Tools, Dress, and How to Make Progress, Ward explains the function of wheels, gears, and spokes, gives instruction on how to safely and efficiently ride, and discusses optimal attire (layers and a stretchy corset, of course). Ward's detailed mechanical and physical instruction, paired with helpful images and charts, makes daunting ordeals like hill climbing, navigating traffic, and bike maintenance a breeze. In modern times, when so much is outsourced, automated, and unreliable, Ward's approach to transportation is refreshing. But while bicycling is rich with health and environmental benefits, male bicyclists still outnumber female riders, most competitive cyclists are male, and women are more likely to report feeling unsafe on a bike. Ward's text gives women the tools they need to claim their stake of the road. For seasoned cyclists or those just starting out, it is a timeless and relevant directive-ideal for today's woman who's ready to take the world by the handlebars. The photos and instructional images throughout Bicycling for Ladies are the result of a collaboration between Ward and Alice Austen, one of America's earliest and most prolific professional female photographers. The volume has an elegant new design and is small enough to ride with.

"South East Mountain Biking Ridgeway and Chilterns" - a compact guide to some of the best mountain biking in Southern England, west of London.The Chilterns and the area either side of the Ridgeway west of London are criss-crossed with byways and bridleways, allowing you to escape onto fine woodland tracks and out into big open chalk country, with panoramic views over the Vale of the White Horse and the Thames Valley.This guide contains 24 routes from 18 to 38km long, many of which can be linked to make much longer ridges. Each is described with easy-to-follow directions and details of distance, grade of difficulty, refreshment stops and is accompanied by specifically designed mapping.The Bonus Section includes top tens for climbs and descents, and suggestions for 'Mega Rides' with further information about finding places to eat, drink and stay. The routes are drawn up by Nick Cotton, author of over 30 cycle guides, plotted on bespoke maps and illustrated with stunning photography by Andy Heading.

Meet Gary Fisher. The maverick kid bike racer who cycled straight into the Acid Test scene and lit up the Grateful Dead gigs, the relentless tinkerer who transformed an industry and sold mountain biking to the world and the visionary who's still working flat-out every day to prove that bikes are the answer to a healthier, happier future for everyone. A collaboration with cycling writer Guy Kesteven, Being Gary Fisher and the Bicycle Revolution is an autobiography of sorts. It's also a mind-blowing trip of ingenious innovation, dogged determination and boundless energy. Get caught up in Gary's crazy tales and his lifelong mission to invite everyone to the greatest dance on earth.

Riding up hills is the ultimate challenge for a cyclist. This guide is a compliation of some of the best hills in London and the South East. It's not just a definite list of the Top 50 toughest climbs; instead, author Adrian Bond has selected some of the most iconic, the most thrilling, the most interesting, varied and, of course, toughest, hill climbs that this region has to offer. Hopefully, there's something here for everyone, whether you're a 'Weekend Warrior' or a serious road racer. Just get out there and enjoy the ride.

New revised 2020 version It's Christmas. Tammy and Chris, cousins and best mates, are both thrilled to get cool new bikes. Give or take the odd unworn cycle helmet everything is great... that is until one morning when Chris has a puncture and Tammy agrees to walk with him. They're late and in a hurry. They decide to race. Chris runs out across a busy main road and then flips open his smart phone to dare Tammy to do the same in front of a fast-approaching car... Chicken! has been performed 5,876 times, averaging nearly one performance a day since the original version was written in 1992. This new 2020 version includes many updated references, a brand-new foreword by Adrian New, of StopWatch Theatre Company, more funny lines and a new decision for the actor to make at the end! Suitable for: Key Stage 2 audience. Key Stage 3, 4, 5 performance, BTEC course as part of the TiE unit (a companion DVD/download showing the complete professional TiE programme is also available) Duration: 45 minutes approximately Cast: The play has 9 main characters: 4 male, 3 females and 2+ of either sex. It can be doubled by 2m 2f "A powerful play with a surprising twist." Charles Vance, Amateur Stage "[The] performance was lively, skilful, well-paced and enjoyable. Excellent participation, explored lots of issues pertinent to Year 7, including bullying and peer pressure as well as road safety." Mrs S Scantlebury, Head of Year 7, Chipping Norton School, Oxfordshire

The story of Lance Armstrong - the cyclist who recovered from testicular cancer and went on to win the Tour de France a record seven tmes, the man who wrote a bestselling and inspirational account of his life, the charitable benefactor - seemed almost too good to be true. And it was.

As early as Armstrong's first victory on the Tour in 1999, Sunday Times journalist David Walsh had reason to think that the incredible performances we were seeing from Armstrong were literally too good to be true. Based on insider information and dogged research, he began to unmask the truth. Cycling's biggest star used every weapon in his armoury to protect his name. But he could not keep everyone silent.

In the autumn of 2012, the USADA published a damning report on Armstrong that resulted in the American being stripped of his seven Tour victories and left his reputation in shreds. Walsh's long fight to reveal the truth had been vindicated. This book tells the compelling story of one man's struggle to bring that truth to light against all the odds.

Wednesday 1 August 2012 will live forever in the memory of all those who witnessed Bradley Wiggins's stunning Time Trial gold at the London 2012 Olympics. And this less than 10 days after his sensational Tour de France triumph, when he became the first Briton to top the podium. But Wiggins is not just famous for winning. His personality and style - his sideburns are so famous that tabloid newspapers were providing cut-outs for fans to wear on the morning of the Olympic race - have earned him the status of national hero. Wiggins is no overnight champion. He has been at the top of his sport for over a decade and this new illustrated book celebrates the life of this great man, who is now Britain's greatest-ever Olympian and road racer. As a kid, while his friends had posters of footballers on their bedroom walls, Wiggins idolised the great Spanish cyclist, Miguel Indurain, setting the scene for a career in the saddle. The book details every aspect of his rise to the top of his game, alternating between the twin disciplines of the velodrome - where he dominated the Pursuit events at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics - and the world of professional road racing, culminating in the magical summer of 2012. It looks at the hours of training, the great cyclists he has competed both against and alongside, life at Team Sky and the family life he now enjoys. Along the way, the full character of this most unusual of sporting champions is revealed in pictures, narrative and quotes. His outspoken comments on doping, his love of mod fashion and his witty, quietly spoken persona all combine to provide the complete story of a man who is already a legend.

San Francisco has an abundance of bike paths, roads, parks, and trails that provide a wonderful cycling experience for the entire family. Best Easy Bike Rides San Francisco includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty easy-to-follow rides. Look inside for: One-hour rides to half-day adventures Rides for everyone, including families Mile-by-mile directions and clear trail maps Trail Finder for best rides for foliage, waterfalls, and great views GPS coordinates

The Northeast provides some of the most exciting cycling in the United States: sweeping vistas, seaside towns, fall colors, and more. With this comprehensive guide, New Hampshire local David Sobel offers up rides in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. No matter the state, there's a ride here for everyone, with a range of mileage and difficulty level so both beginner and experienced cyclists can enjoy. Take in the scenery and stop for surf and turf on a moderate 17-mile trip through Mystic, Connecticut. Challenge yourself on hilly vistas and cool off in Cold River while biking Walpole, New Hampshire. Or take it easy while travelling back in time through Concord, Massachusetts. In addition to detailed directions, each route features annotated maps, charming photography, elevation profiles, and suggestions for entertainment and dining along the way. This is a must-have guide to discovering New England's hidden gems on two wheels.

From the flat roads in Erie to the urban streets of Pittsburgh and the rural byways and mountainous terrain of the Southern Alleghenies, enjoy the dramatic diversity of Western Pennsylvania on two wheels. Grab this guidebook, put on your helmet, and hit the road for fifty-four carefully designed tours, which range in length from 11 miles to 101 miles, and cover a wide range of abilities and fitness levels.
Inside you'll find: complete information about each ride, including directions, length, terrain, and traffic conditions; vivid descriptions of points of interest; brief listings of restaurants, accommodations, bike shops, and restrooms along the way; detailed maps and elevation profiles.
Whether you are an experienced cyclist, an emerging enthusiast, or someone looking for a perfect family ride, you'll find routes in Western Pennsylvania that are ideal for your ability and interest.

New from the publishers of the Cool Camping and Wild Swimming series' comes Escape Routes; a unique cycling guide that's less about the destination and more about enjoying the journey there - and back. Matt Carroll maps out 60 unforgettable rides across England, from an easy 5 mile-meander to a 20-mile day trip, with something for every level of cyclist on every kind of bike. Enjoy the rush of freewheeling down a hill with the beautiful English countryside gliding by. Get up close and personal with England's most gorgeous coastline. When you're out on your bike you can go where you want, when you want - all in your own sweet time. Combining inspirational photography, beautiful hand-drawn maps, engaging writing and essential practical information - including where to hire bicyles en route - this stunning book will guide you through England's most breathtaking cycle rides. And, when you're ready to give your legs a rest, there's a detailed list of cracking places to eat, drink, and sleep. Hop on to your bike and enjoy the ride.

Eat Bike Cook brings together 40 delicious easy recipes created to meet the energy demands of cyclists, with tips, hacks and food diaries from women cyclists, both professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. There are quick, up-and-at-'em breakfast ideas to charge you up pre-ride, energy-boosting back pocket picnics to keep you going strong while you're on the road and wonderfully restorative main meals to share with friends once you've crossed the finish line. With stunning food photography and illustrations by Kitty Pemberton-Platt, whose drawings have lit up Instagram with their honest visualisations of what female cyclists really eat. As well as providing inspiration on easy and tasty ways to fuel for days on the bike, Eat Bike Cook is a celebration of the female cycling community: of the great chat in a cafe mid-ride, of the handful of Haribos that gets you through the last 25km and the shared beer and burger at the end of the day.

The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is one of the finest long-distance cycle rides in England and tackling the route over four days is a marvellous mini-adventure that should appeal to all sorts of cyclists. Every stage of this 205-mile long cycle route, from Southport on Merseyside to Hornsea in East Yorkshire, is described by author Nicolas Mitchell, including fascinating accounts of its rich industrial heritage and details of many opportunities to explore its glorious natural history. This new book icnludes detailed route maps to help you keep on track; full-colour and archive photographs of all the sights along the way; detailed listings of accommodation, places to eat and drink and local bike shops and advice on how to prepare yourself and your bike for the trip.

Cycling in London is booming! Everywhere you look cyclists are zipping around the city; commuting to work, visiting friends or just riding for the pleasure of it. This book is written for anyone looking to ride new and interesting paths through the city. Detailing 50 beautiful rides that will charm and inspire you and indeed help you discover the city anew, "Where to Ride London" is the ultimate guide for recreational cyclists either native Londoners or riders visiting from abroad. There are 5 kids specific rides, great for youngsters and learners - and a further 21 tagged as 'kid friendly' for fledgling riders, helpful information for parents looking to get the family out and about on two wheels. Along with brilliant text from Nick Woodford, author and contributor to many other travel books like Rough Guides and Alistair Sawdays, there are around 180 evocative colour photos that capture the essence of life on two wheels in London. Crammed full of information on the history, culture, and people of London there is also loads of practical help on how to prepare and what to take with you.

Orange County has an abundance of bike paths, roads, parks, and trails that provide a wonderful cycling experience for the entire family. Best Easy Bike Rides Orange County includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty easy-to-follow rides. Look inside for: One-hour rides to half-day adventures Rides for everyone, including families Mile-by-mile directions and clear trail maps Trail Finder for best rides for foliage, waterfalls, and great views GPS coordinates

This practical and highly accessible guide, written by British Cycling’s Lead Psychologist, will explore the importance of psychology in achieving peak cycling performance. The book will transfer the sport psychology strategies used to win Olympic gold and equip individuals with the psychological skills to pursue performance excellence in cycling and in daily life.

For the last three Olympic Games the Great Britain Cycling Team has dominated the Velodrome events and is regarded as one of the most successful elite sporting set-ups in Olympic history. The emergence of sport psychology as a critical aspect of the Great Britain Cycling Team’s success has sparked wide interest in the psychological skills required to perform. This book will transfer the sport psychology strategies used to assist elite cyclists to win Olympic gold to individuals seeking to improve their own performance and psychological wellbeing on and off the bike.

The Cycling Mind will take the reader through the key stages of an athlete’s pathway, from training through to competition, and provide guidelines to developing the psychological skills to compete at their best. In addition the strategies explored in the book can be applied across all high-pressure performance environments, including business and daily life.

Experienced Footprint author Chris Moran (co-author of Mountain Biking Europe and Snowboarding the World) brings you the definitive guide to mountain bike riding in Britain. Mountain Biking Britain takes you cross-country, scoping the best trail centres from Golspie and the Kyle of Sutherland trails in the north of Scotland, down through the Seven Staines in Scotland and all the way through to the Mineral Tramways Project in Cornwall. The book features the most picturesque rides in South Wales, where to find the best northshore rides and the top bikeparks of England. Whether you prefer downhill, XC (cross-country), or freestyle/freeriding, there something for everyone. Detailed coverage of the UK's high profile centres All the essentials: top tips, local media and websites, the scene, secret spots and must-sees The best rider-friendly places to eat, sleep and drink 'Riders tales' sections include lots of hints and tips from pro-riders and experts in the mountain-biking scene

The story of an obsession. When cycling commentator Ned Boulting bought a length of Pathe news film featuring a stage of the Tour de France from 1923 he set about learning everything he could about it - taking him on an intriguing journey that encompasses travelogue, history and detective story. In the autumn of 2020 Ned Boulting (ITV head cycling commentator and Tour de France obsessive) bought a length of Pathe news film from a London auction house. All he knew was it was film from the Tour de France, a long time ago. Once restored it became clear it was a short sequence of shots from stage 4 of the 1923 Tour de France. No longer than 2.5 minutes long, it featured half a dozen sequences, including a lone rider crossing a bridge. Ned set about learning everything he could about the sequence - studying each frame, face and building - until he had squeezed the meaning from it. It sets him off in fascinating directions, encompassing travelogue, history, mystery story - to explain, to go deeper into this moment in time, captured on his little film. Join him as he explores the history of cycling and France just five years after WWI - meeting characters like Henri Pelissier, who won the Tour that year but who would within the decade be shot dead by his lover using the same pistol with which his wife had killed herself. And Theophile Beeckman - the lone rider on the bridge.