'A thoughtful exploration of humanity ... Fabes is great company and makes riding bicycles seem like the best way to see and understand the world' - Guardian They say that being a good doctor boils down to just four things: Shut up, listen, know something, care. The same could be said for life on the road, too. When Stephen Fabes left his job as a junior doctor and set out to cycle around the world, frontline medicine quickly faded from his mind. Of more pressing concern were the daily challenges of life as an unfit rider on an overloaded bike, helplessly in thrall to pastries. But leaving medicine behind is not as easy as it seems. As he roves continents, he finds people whose health has suffered through exile, stigma or circumstance, and others, whose lives have been saved through kindness and community. After encountering a frozen body of a monk in the Himalayas, he is drawn ever more to healthcare at the margins of the world, to crumbling sanitoriums and refugee camps, to city dumps and war-torn hospital wards. And as he learns the value of listening to lives - not just solving diagnostic puzzles - Stephen challenges us to see care for the sick as a duty born of our humanity, and our compassion.

The Great North Road is Britain's Route 66 - we've just forgotten how to sing its praises In 1921, Britain's most illustrious highway, the Great North Road, ceased to exist - on paper at least. Stretching from London to Edinburgh, the old road was largely replaced by the A1 as the era of the motor car took hold. A hundred years later, journalist and cyclist Steve Silk embraces the anniversary as the perfect excuse to set off on an adventure across 11 days and 400 miles. Travelling by bike at a stately 14 miles per hour, he heads north, searching out milestones and memories, coaching inns and coffee shops. Seen from a saddle rather than a car seat, the towns and the countryside of England and Scotland reveal traces of Britain's remarkable past and glimpses of its future. Instead of the familiar service stations and tourist hotspots, Steve tracks down the forgotten treasures of this ancient highway between the two capitals. The Great North Road is a journey as satisfying for the armchair traveller as the long-distance cyclist. Enriched with history, humour and insight, it's a tribute to Britain and the endless appeal of the open road.

30 mountain bike routes of mixed variety from 15km low level for family parties to plus 50km over high ground for the fit. Easy to follow route descriptions plus maps.

As the wildest of the northern coast-to-coast cycle routes, the Reivers Route explores the rich Border Reiving history of northern England and the Scottish Borders. Travelling 173 mile (280km) from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, this four-day cycle tour takes in the Cumbrian coast, northern Lake District, Northumberland National Park and North Tynedale, offering memorable off-road cycling through Kershope Forest and around Kielder Water. The route offers both on and off-road cycling, and is suitable for cyclists using touring or hybrid bikes. Places to stay overnight include Carlisle, Bailey Mill and Bellingham. The guidebook also offers the Borderers Ride, an alternative coast-to-coast ride along the England-Scotland border from Gretna to Berwick-upon-Tweed. This route joins up the fantastic middle section of the Reivers Route with a route heading north via Wooler and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne to finish at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Whether on the Reivers Route or the Borderers Ride, these cycle tours offer exceptional cycling on gated roads and quiet cycle paths as they explore rolling hillsides, remote forests and plenty of historic sites. This guidebook provides everything you need to enjoy a successful cycle tour on the Reivers Route or Borderers Ride. Each stage includes detailed 1:100,000 mapping, profiles and comprehensive route description containing insights into points of interest along the way. The introduction offers plenty of information about the area's history, as well as practical advice about suitable bikes, equipment, and transport to and from the route. The appendices feature useful contacts for bike shops and available accommodation.

North York Moors Mountain Biking - Moorland Trails is the fully updated second edition of the bestselling guide to some of the finest mountain biking in the North of England. Featured are over 20 of the best mountain bike rides in the North York Moors, between 10 and 76 kilometres in length, suitable for all levels of mountain bikers. The North York Moors National Park contains some of the most beautiful moorland scenery in the UK - sea views, hidden villages and valleys, wild and bleak moors. It also contains some of the country's best mountain biking with wild and fast moorland tracks, technically demanding singletrack and intricate and exciting forest riding. Researched, ridden and written by moors local Tony Harker, each route features clear and easy to use Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 maps; easy-to-follow directions; details of distance, timings and difficulty gradings; stunning action photography; refreshment stops and local knowledge. A Bonus Section includes information about the man-made trails at Dalby Forest and Sutton Bank, Top Tens and a detailed Appendix. Also included is a link to downloadable GPX files.

'I am blown away by the level of detail Phil Cavell brings to his work.' - Elinor Barker MBE, multiple world champion and Olympic gold medallist 'The Midlife Cyclist is a triumph' - Cycling Plus 'An amazing accomplishment... a simple-to-understand precis of your midlife as a cyclist - you won't want to put it down.' - Phil Liggett, TV cycling commentator 'Phil is eminently qualified to write The Midlife Cyclist. Well, he is certainly old enough.' - Fabian Cancellara, Tour de France rider and two-time Olympic champion Renowned cycling biomechanics pioneer, Phil Cavell, explores the growing trend of middle-aged and older cyclists seeking to achieve high-level performance. Using contributions from leading coaches, ex-professionals and pro-team doctors, he produces the ultimate manifesto for mature riders who want to stay healthy, avoid injury - and maximise their achievement levels. Time's arrow traditionally plots an incremental path into declining strength and speed for all of us. But we are different to every other generation of cyclists in human history. An ever-growing number of us are determined to scale the highest peaks of elite physical fitness into middle-age and beyond. Can the emerging medical and scientific research help us achieve the holy triumvirate of speed and health with age? The Midlife Cyclist offers a gold standard road-map for the mature cyclist who aims to train, perform and even race at the highest possible level.

2010 is the centenary of the introduction of the Pyrenees into the Tour de France route. It was a contentious decision at that time to send riders on their primitive bicycles into the high mountains. How Tour organiser Henri Desgrange was tricked by his assistant, Georges Steines, into agreeing to direct his riders over 2,000-metre cols is one of the great legends of Tour history. The 1910 race was won by the French champion Octave Lapize, who added to the controversy on the top of the Col du Tourmalet by shouting out to the Tour officials, 'Vous etes des assassins! Oui, des assassins!' - 'You are murderers! Yes, murderers!' For Lapize himself, this was his only Tour victory, but he was an outstanding one-day classics rider and also a fine track cyclist, winning a bronze medal at the 1908 Olympics. During the First World War Lapize, a fighter pilot in the French army, was shot down in June, 1917, and died in a hospital the following month. For all his initial misgivings, Desgrange had no hesitation in calling the Pyrenean venture a great success and those high cols immediately became an indispensable part of any Tour route. In the 100 years since Octave Lapize's first epic ascent the Tourmalet has figured 73 times. Author, Jean Bobet, writes: In the early 1950s, my brother Louison and I were living in the Eastern suburbs of Paris. Each time we went training, we would cycle past the Cafe Lapize in Villiers-sur-Marne. This Lapize seemed to follow us everywhere. At the time, Lapize toe straps were the only ones on the market. At the Montlhery motor racing circuit there was the famous slope known as the Cote Lapize, which determined the outcome of every race held there. Back in Villiers-sur-Marne, you couldn't find Octave Lapize at the cafe any more. We knew he had been killed in the war, the 1914-18 one. People even said he died a hero. The Cafe Lapize belonged to the champion's father. One day, I ducked under the arbour at the entrance and went inside. Across the large room, I came face to face with the great Octave Lapize, in a large pastel drawing on the wall, resplendent in his French champion's tricolour jersey. I was looking at the portrait of a true aristocrat. An inscription underneath read "Winner of the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix (three times), Paris-Brussels (three times).' I spent fifty years thinking about Octave Lapize. Then, one day, I decided to follow his tracks and tell his story. Thanks to him, I experienced the golden age of cycling at the beginning of the twentieth century. The Lapize years.

"Kent and East Sussex" 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 26 and 36 miles taking you along low-traffic or traffic free roads, tracks and paths. These visit the towns and villages of Kent's Garden of England, the Sussex Weald and Romney Marsh 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 11 and 17 miles explore the North and 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.

From the creators of the original C2C, this is a new cycle route through the Southern Uplands of Scotland, from coast to coast.Linking Annan on the Solway Firth and South Queensferry on the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh, the Scottish C2C is a 122 mile signed cycle route. It is a mix of country lanes, high quality cycle paths and seaside promenades with two challenging climbs, over the classic Devils Beef Tub and through the Moorfoot Hills before opening out onto a panoramic view of the Lothians, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. It finishes under the mighty Forth Bridge.This is the complete guide, including maps, directions, attractions along the way, accommodation and much more.

Pennine Bridleway is a guidebook to this National Trail taking you on a multi-day off-road cycling adventure from Derbyshire through the Yorkshire Dales to Cumbria, following the Pennine Hills. This big ride is split into four sections; each section includes detailed directions as well as information on points of interest along the route, bringing the history and landscape of the trail into context. There are also three loops, including the Mary Towneley Loop, which can be tackled separately or as part of the main trail. The guidebook is illustrated throughout with stunning action photography by professional photographer Joolze Dymond. Researched, ridden and written by mountain biking expert and freelance writer Hannah Collingridge, this guidebook features clear and easy to use Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 maps, easy-to-follow directions, details of distance, ascent and difficulty gradings, bikepacking hints and tips and local knowledge. There is also a comprehensive Introduction and a detailed Appendix, and a link to downloadable GPX files.

Traffic-Free Cycle Trails South East England by Nick Cotton and Kathy Rogers features over 100 great cycling routes across the South East, London and into Eastern England. A companion guide to Nick Cotton's much-loved and bestselling Traffic-Free Cycle Trails, this guidebook provides an additional 50 routes to discover across the south-east of England - all away from traffic. As well as more off-road trails for gravel bikes and the latest cycle paths, this book also includes a variety of routes on former railway paths, canal towpaths and forest trails, allowing you to discover previously unknown local trails. Presented in an easy-to-use format, this guide includes information on public transport, repairs and bike hire, as well as updated refreshments and parking details. From friends looking for a fun-packed day out on the trails to parents planning safe rides with children, let Traffic-Free Cycle Trails South East England take the work out of finding your next favourite cycling route.

This guidebook presents 60 routes covering some of the best day walks, scrambles, hut-to-hut walks, alpine mountaineering, sport climbing, via ferratas, mountain-biking routes, road rides, city and trail runs and family activities the Innsbruck area has to offer. Ideal for a multi-activity holiday or for the keen amateur seeking a summary of the local highlights, it includes suggestions to suit most abilities and ambitions, from gentle strolls to adrenalin-filled mountain adventures, suitable only for those with the appropriate equipment and experience. Nearly all the activities are accessible by public transport from Innsbruck and many take advantage of the region's fantastic network of alpine huts. Route descriptions are illustrated with maps, profiles and photo topos, and you'll also find practical advice on transport, accommodation and equipment. Long popular as a winter sports destination, Innsbruck also has much to offer the summer visitor, with many kilometres of paths and trails, sport climbing crags, via ferrata routes and engaging activity trails for children.

Conquer the cycle climbs, scratch off the map. An inspired fun gift!This Collect and Scratch print shows our selection of hill climbs ideal for cycling in the UK. Scratch off the hill climbs you have conquered and be inspired to climb more!Supplied in protective poster tube showcasing the product. Size A3 (297mm x 420mm).

Abounding in history and dotted with cols coloured by stories about the world's greatest cyclists, the Route des Grandes Alpes (RdGA) is a must for competent, hill-hungry cycle tourers. Covering some 720km from Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) to mediterranean Nice, the route is described across 14 stages and can be completed in anywhere from 7 to 14 days - depending on how you'd like to spread out the 17,000m of climbing. Six variants are also described, ensuring no holiday is compromised or cut short if a col on route is closed. Clear and concise route descriptions are provided for each stage (and variant), together with 1:150K mapping and extremely helpful gradient profiles. Also included is invaluable practical advise - everything from bicycle selection (including eBikes) and nutrition in the saddle, to logistical planning and accommodation options. Showcasing some of the world's best Alpine cycling, the RdGA takes in 17 major climbs, including the famous Col de l'Iseran (the highest paved pass in the Alps), the Col du Galibier (favourite climb of Tour de France founder, Henri Desgrange) and the Col d'Izoard (synonymous with cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet). It also passes through some of the most spectacular national parks in France, including the Vanoise, the Ecrins and the Mercantour.

From the original Mountain Bike Publisher, here comes a third and revised edition of the ever-popular "Mountain Bike Guide to Derbyshire & the Peak District" by local author Tom Windsor. This guide (as all future Ernest Press Guides will) features excellent design work from Graphic Designer Dean Taylor of "The Ride Journal". Dean's brief was to create a modern, easy to use and clean, uncluttered format which updates the Ernest Press guides enjoyed by riders over the past 20 years. With 29 routes covering the Dark and White Peaks, the revised "Derbyshire & the Peak District Guide" retains and updates iconic routes first introduced in 1991. A 'quickie' section has been added, consisting of five shorter routes - for when time is pressing. These complement the additional five full routes in this third and fully revised edition. Clear, attractive and accurate cartography and evocative photography assist the reader on their ride around some of the best UK Mountain Biking. The revised guide provides a wealth of information on bicycle choice and maintenance, the local bridleways, sources of local tourist information and ecological travel, where possible. This is the original mountain bike guide to this area, now in its third and revised edition. It is still the cheapest on the market.

Guidebook to cycle touring in Wales. Catering to just about any itinerary, it describes a 657 mile circuit of Wales - perfect for a two-week adventure - plus 6 cross routes, which range from 45 to 73 miles and can be completed as day/weekend rides, or used to create shorter versions of the main circuit. This guide includes all the information needed to plan and execute a successful tour. In addition to clear route description, 1:200K mapping and gradient profiles, there is advice on selecting a schedule, planning your trip, preparing your bike and organising logistics, such as accommodation, getting to and from the start, and ways to carry (or not carry) your kit. Also includes a handy cycle shop listing, a Welsh glossary and checklist of things to take. Showcasing mile after mile of stunning coastal scenery, quaint seaside towns, rolling marcher country, as well as an impressive collection of castles, industrial archaeology, churches, chapels and prehistoric sites, Wales is a veritable delight for the cycling enthusiast. Discover verdant green valleys, skirt wild mountains, soak up Pembrokeshire's salty sea air and boast of your pedal up the highest road in Wales.

This guidebook covers 20 mountain biking routes set throughout the length and breadth of the North Downs, from Farnham in the west to Dover in the east, as well as a route along the Downs Link, which joins the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way. They range from 18.5km to 59km in length and up to 90% off road. The routes, illustrated with OS map extracts and height profiles, are graded for difficulty (blue, red and black) and are suitable for mountain bikers with at least some experience and a reasonable degree of fitness. The guide gives practical information on recommended gear, preparation and safety, as well as details of accommodation and local bike shops.

Big Rides: Great Britain & Ireland is an inspirational guide to the most iconic, epic and popular long-distance cycle trails in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, including two excursions from mainland Britain to Northern France. The twenty-five featured routes showcase the best of Britain on two wheels. For those who prefer to pedal on-road, the routes take you along the historic Way of the Roses trail through Lancaster and York, as well as across Scotland's Atlantic perimeter on the Hebridean Way. The trails head off-road to Northern England's hills on the Sea to Sea (C2C) and past iconic monuments in Southern England on King Alfred's Way. Mountain bike enthusiasts will find plenty to challenge them in the Sarn Helen and through the Scottish Highlands on the renowned Highland Trail 550. The routes then head offshore, to Ireland's coast on the Wild Atlantic Way and from Devon and Dorset's Jurassic Coast to Normandy's alabaster cliffs on the Tour de Manche. Vertebrate Publishing's Big Rides books are designed to inspire big adventures. Rather than being carried along the route, this guide provides everything you need to plan and explore further, including a general overview of the trails, specific technical information, overview mapping, key information and stunning photography. As well as this, each route specifies approximate timings which allows for you to plan your adventure at your own pace. Whether you're completing routes at a leisurely speed or racing towards the finish, let Big Rides: Great Britain & Ireland be your guide.

Lake District Mountain Biking - Essential Trails is the full third edition of the bestselling guide to some of the finest mountain bike riding in the UK. Featured are over 20 of the best mountain bike rides in the Lake District, between 12 and 60 kilometres in length, suitable for all levels of mountain bikers. Explore classic rides around Walna Scar, High Street and Borrowdale, and discover several lesser-known gems. Ride moorland singletrack, tackle massive climbs and rattle along some of the rockiest trails you'll ever encounter on two wheels. Enjoy lakeside cruises, picturesque valleys and 360-degree panoramas. Researched, ridden and written by local riders Richard Staton and Chris Gore, each route features clear and easy to use Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 maps; easy-to-follow directions; details of distance, timings and difficulty gradings; and refreshment stops and local knowledge. A Bonus Section includes information about the man-made trails at Whinlatter and Grizedale, Top Tens and a detailed Appendix. Also includes downloadable GPX files.

Best Bike Rides Seattle describes 41 of the greatest recreational rides in Seattle. Road rides, rail trails, bike paths, and single-track mountain bike rides all get included. Most rides are in the 5 to 30 mile range, allowing for great afternoon outings and family adventures.

Bikepacking England by Emma Kingston contains 20 great multi-day mountain bike adventures across England. Explore ancient holloways and hunt for fossils in Bridport and the Jurassic Coast, tackle the stiff climbs and spectacular singletrack of the Dark Peak, discover stunning coastal scenery on the Isle of Man or Exmoor or traverse the rolling countryside around the Ridgeway and Chilterns - every corner of England has a different experience to offer. Each route includes all the information you need to help you plan your ride, points of interest along the route, food recommendations and accommodation options, in addition to stunning photography and overview mapping. Downloadable GPX files of the routes are also available, including optional routes and shortcuts. This book is full of practical tips and advice for both experienced bikepackers and those who want to try it out for the first time, including lots of information on wild camping. Let Bikepacking England inspire you to get out there on your bike with your tent and enjoy the best bikepacking adventures that England has to offer.