THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORT BOOK OF THE YEAR A retirement statement from a sports star rarely causes a flicker, but Nicole Cooke went out as she rode her bike: giving it her all. The contrast could not have been greater - as Lance Armstrong, a fraudster backed by many corporate sponsors and feted by presidents, was about to deliver a stage-managed confession to Oprah, so a shy, young woman from a small village in Wales took aim. She too had been a cyclist, the only rider ever to have become World and Olympic champion in the same year, and the first British cyclist to have been ranked World No.1, but as a woman in a man's sport, her exploits gained little recognition and brought no riches. She too had ridden through this dark period for the sport when drug-taking was everywhere. Nicole Cooke spoke up for those who had taken a very different path to Lance and his team-mates. In her frank and outspoken autobiography, Cooke reveals the real story behind British cycling's rise to global dominance. With a child's dreams of success, she left home at 18 to pursue her goals in Italy. Broken contracts, unpaid wages, a horrendous injury and drugs cheats were just some of the challenges she faced, even before she lined up to take on her opponents. The Breakaway is a book that will not only inspire all those who read it, but which also asks some serious questions about the way society regards women's sport.

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.

Tucked in the historic "Low Country" of South Carolina, Charleston has an abundance of bike paths, roads, parks, and trails that provide a wonderful cycling experience for the entire family. Best Easy Bike Rides Charleston, South Carolina includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty-one 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

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.

An ode to Alberic 'Briek' Schotte, the godfather of all flandriens. The heroes of the Tour of Flanders and the Paris-Roubaix are tough and determined. The Flemings specialise in riding on bad roads and in bad weather. This set of photos provides an intimate and emotional portrait of these legendary athletes, landscapes and the Flemish culture. Stephan Vanfleteren has been photographing cycling races in Belgium and its surrounding areas for more than 15 years already. With more than 100 images, carefully selected by photographer Stephan Vanfleteren.

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

If, as Wallace Stegner said, the national park is "the best idea we ever had," the rail-trail is certainly a close runner-up. Part transportation corridor, part park, the rail-trail has revolutionized the way America creates high-quality, car-free pathways for bicyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians, and more. It was only a few decades after railroad barons had run roughshod over America's economy and politics that they began to shed nearly one hundred thousand miles of unneeded railroad corridor. At the same time, bicyclists were being so thoroughly pushed off ever-more-intimidating roadways they came close to extinction. Through political organizing and lawyerly grit, an unlikely, formerly marginalized advocacy arose, seized on seemingly worthless strips of land, and created a resource that is treasured by millions of Americans today for recreation, purposeful travel, tourism, conservation, and historical interpretation. From Rails to Trails is the fascinating tale of the rails-to-trails movement as well as a consideration of what the continued creation of rail-trails means for the future of Americans' health, nonmotorized transportation networks, and communities across the country.

Contains books which provide directions; route profiles; GPS co-ordinates and local information.

With detailed descriptions of all maintenance tasks and repair situations, clearly illustrated with photographs and drawings, this guide will serve the need for a serious rider's manual.

The compelling story of Britain s best-ever cyclist one of the most enigmatic, complex and contradictory athletes in any sport and the unravelling of the puzzle surrounding his sudden and dramatic disappearance. Fully updated with new material on the enigmatic Millar.

Cyclist Robert Millar came from one of Europe s most industrialised cities, Glasgow, to excel in the most unlikely terrain over the high mountain passes of the Pyrenees and the Alps. He was crowned King of the Mountains during the 1984 Tour de France and remains the only ever Briton to finish on the podium of the world s toughest race.

In attitude and appearance he was unconventional the malnourished-looking young Scot with the tiny stud in his ear who could be prickly, irascible and unapproachable but to many followers he was the epitome of cool. Flying the flag for British cycling, this one-off original became a cult hero.

In Search of Robert Millar will follow the career of this other-worldly character, from his tough childhood on the streets of Glasgow in the 1960s to his move to France and success in the world s most brutal and unforgiving races, including the controversy surrounding his positive drugs test and his enforced retirement from the sport at the age of 36.

It examines what set Millar apart from all other British cyclists who tried, and failed, to make an impact in this most European of sports, describing his single-mindedness, his eccentricity and the humour and intelligence that emerged only towards the end of his career.

It also proffers explanations for his subsequent disappearance, which repeated a familiar pattern: he vanished from Glasgow and never returned; he left his wife and son and his adopted country, France. Now, it appears, he has turned his back on cycling (amid rumours that he had undergone a sex-change operation).

Through interviews with Millar s friends, acquaintances, cycling colleagues and ex-classmates, author Richard Moore helps to unravel the mystery of this maverick Scotsman, arguably one of the greatest enigmas in a sport full of remarkable characters."

For much of cycling's "Fabulous Fifties" it was Brian Robinson alone who flew the flag for Britain abroad - that is until three young men set out to emulate his success, starting from ground zero. This book tells the story of how, along with fellow Yorkshireman Vic Sutton and South Londoner John Andrew, the intrepid Tony Hewson set off to conquer the European racing scene, first off in an old, battered, converted ex-WD ambulance, then in an oil-leaking pre-war Wolseley with a caravan in tow. Variously mistaken for gypsies, terrorists, undertakers, even market traders, these were our original cash-starved, have-a-go pioneers, whose inspiration prompted Tom Simpson and succeeding generations of would-be stars to cross the Channel. It is an often hilarious sometimes sad but never bitter saga of daring-do that found the trio rubbing shoulders with Coppi, Anquetil, Van Looy and the other greats of the era. It tells of how Andrews won a place in the prestigious Mercier-BP trade team and of how Sutton conquered the headlines with a brilliant display of climbing in the mountaains of the 1959 Tour and its relates Hewson's own pickings of primes and placings in after-Tour criteriums.It also provides a wonderfully evocative insight into what life was like in France and Belgium back in that far-off era.

"Everything you ever wanted to know about bikes and cycling" Cycling Plus. Crammed with essential information and detailed photography on how to adjust your bike correctly, basic and advanced maintenance and repair advice, also includes instructions on riding techniques, fitness exercises and cycling safely. A must-have handbook for beginners and experienced cyclists alike.

Bikepacking takes you on an off-road adventure, cycling and wild camping some of Britain's most beautiful hidden trails and ancient trackways. Laurence McJannet sets off to find the 30 finest multi-day rides our island has to offer. From easy city-escapes with the family to epic trails in the Scottish Highlands, this ultimate adventure guide is filled with inspiring stories and packed with tips on kit, planning, camping and route-finding. All routes can be reached by train and are accompanied by downloadable maps and GPX files.In this ultimate guide to bikepacking the most beautiful trails of britain you will find the very bestEpic wilderness rides - With careful planning, and basic gear, you'll be surprised how far into the wild a mountain bike can take you and the distance you can coverFamily rides - Careful selection of trail and ride length means children can have an absolute blast, and they'll be planning their next adventure before you have even finishedTechnical trails - Testing your nerves and handling skills: these trails beg to be tackled at full speed and provide an exciting challenge on the longer ridesCoastal trails - There's nothing like the ocean and a beach to transform your journey and to provide a wonderful place to camp and build your fire Hills and mountains - Although it's tempting to steer a laden bike away from the steeper slopes, it's here you will find the most memorable experiences, the greatest descents and the headiest viewsWinter rides - Don't pack up your bikes for the winter; with some sensible additions to your kit bag there's every reason to carry on bikepacking right through the year

Triathletes spend a lot of time and money making sure they have the right gear, optimizing their training plans, and selecting their races. And part of that preparation for big race days is taking care of diet to be sure the body is properly fed to maximize athletic performance. Enter "The Complete Nutrition Guide for Triathletes, a" thorough nutritional guidebook tailored specifically for the three-sport athlete to reach his triathlon goals and to cross the finish line with the best nutrition plan possible. Dr. Jamie A. Cooper brings to the book her expert knowledge about nutrition and exercise combined with her extensive experience as an active triathlete. The book covers each essential nutrient, offers up tailored nutritional plans for Sprint, Olympic, and Ironman races, and troubleshoots nutrition-related issues specifically concerning the triathlete.

"Cycling Days Out - South East England" is an informative and vibrant guide to the traffic-free family and leisure cycling in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Written by Deirdre Huston - a keen cyclist and co-author of the popular Cycling in Sussex, "Cycling Days Out" explores tourist trails, country parks, forest riding and much much more. Each area is written up with a detailed introduction, together with comprehensive visitor information, including how to get there - by public transport or car, where to eat and drink, and places of interest. The routes are complemented with a mix of Ordnance Survey and bespoke mapping, together with easy-to-follow directions. The book is finished with stunning action photography throughout. Vertebrate Publishing is one of a new breed of independent publishers, dedicated to producing the very best outdoor titles. We have award-winning and bestselling titles covering a range of activities, including; mountain biking, cycling, rock climbing, hillwalking and others. Our autobiography of British rock climber Jerry Moffatt won the Grand Prize at the 2009 Banff Mountain Book Festival - one of the biggest prizes in publishing in the outdoors, environment and adventure genres.

'A master psychologist - cycling's answer to Brian Clough.' MARK CAVENDISH The inside story of Mark Cavendish's Rainbow Jersey Winning World Title of 2011 Twenty five years ago, British road cycling was in the doldrums: today it is at the top of the world thanks to Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and the sprinter who has bridged all their careers - the Manx Missile, Mark Cavendish. British cycling has become that rare beast, a story of sporting success built from the bottom up. Project Rainbow is the story of this sport's meteoric rise, told by one of its key figures, culminating in Cavendish's world road race title in 2011. As GB Elite Road Coach and former Team Sky Performance Manager, Rod Ellingworth was one of the most important men behind this incredible rise. Here, one of the chief architects of this amazing journey, tells the inside story of both teams' advance to the top. With an introduction by Mark Cavendish.

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.

This is the third in a series of local biking guides, joining Aire Valley Biking Guide covering the neighbouring area down towards Keighley and Bradford. This new title deals with Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, based on the popular visitor centre of Grassington. The six selected runs average a modest 8 miles each, and concentrate on quality of terrain and surroundings in preference to quantity and 'head-down' mileage. Places visited include Linton, Mastiles Lane, Bolton Abbey and Appletreewick. As much of the routes as possible are off-road, and surfaced sections are largely on quiet country lanes. All have been checked for accuracy and legal access. There is relative ease of accessibility from the West Yorkshire and East Lancashire towns to this favourite valley of the Dales. Concise route descriptions and sketch maps are complemented by background information and illustrations capturing the flavour of the surroundings. The rides have easily located starting points and wherever possible feature refreshment halts along the way. The author's many years of walking in the district have served as a useful pointer to the best biking routes.

For All Levels of Performance. This book covers all aspects of training. It shows readers how to assess their fitness, set up their own training plan based on their individual skills and needs. Provides well-founded instructions for mountain bike training while always taking scientific principles of training and discipline-specific criteria into account Cross Country, Marathon, etc..

The gripping and revealing autobiography of one of Britain's most successful international cyclists of the modern era 'Getting in a break was my one chance of winning. The hard part was working out, again and again, how to make that chance count' Sharp, resourceful and a permanent outsider; for nearly 20 years Steve Cummings determinedly blazed his own winning trail in international cycling. A maverick who defied the dominant teams, to record a sequence of gloriously improbable victories, he has lived and raced with legends of the sport - Cavendish, Wiggins, Froome, Thomas and others - about whom he has strong views and untold stories. This autobiography of one of Britain's most successful international riders of the modern era takes the reader from Steve's earliest days as a junior, pounding across the flatlands of the Wirral, through his love-hate relationships with the British Cycling track cycling squad, to his series of top-level breakaway victories in the Tour de France, Tour of Britain and Vuelta a Espana and - rather than standout physical talent - how developing his own strategies and training techniques enabled him to succeed against the odds. The Break will be the first full-length account of the life and times of, in the words of ProCycling magazine, a 'universally popular and respected rider in the cycling world'.

The first book on cycling which provides any rider with the tools to see, identify with certainty, and solve the problems of high performance cornering. Riders who use this information will discover the ART of cornering. The techniques address aspects of riding which everyone has to deal with, no matter what their skill or experience level. The material will change the way you look at cornering your bicycle, road or dirt.