Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent book for the bicycle science-geek
This is a great book in the same line of cycling science and high-tech cycling.

It's an collection of many scientif studies of several matters, like aerodynamics, powermeters, weight influence, hydration and other bicycle related subjects. They are in very clear language.

If you like physics and math, have the curiosity and ask many WHYS when riding your bicycle, you are going to love this book! When I finished reading it I felt like I wanted more!

I think it will be too scientific for most people.
It is written/edited by someone with a PhD, in a reporting style which may annoy some people. It is well-referenced, though I think most people will not care less for seeking out the various journal articles. For example, it often starts a paragraph in this manner: "one study shows that..."

A quote: "Our baseline modeling condition has used a coefficient of rolling resistance (Crr) value of 0.0032, which is representative of an average racing clincher tire (Martin et al. 1998). Kyle (1986) has reported the Crr for high-performance road-racing tubular and clincher tires to be 16 percent lower (0.0027) when measured on an asphalt surface. Some road-racing tubular tires, however, exhibit Crr values as high as 0.0059 (Kyle 1986).

Now what is the point of that? The findings (on whether tubulars or clinchers offer lower rolling resistance) seem to be inconclusive. It doesn't tell us which brand + model tubulars had the higher rolling resistance, so you'd have to look up the article by Kyle if you really wanted to know which tubulars to avoid. At the very least it can be gleaned that the chapter concerning equipment isn't much help.

This book creates a very small niche for itself, perhaps too small. It seems to be aimed at coaches or deadly serious cyclists. I can't imagine there are too many of those in the world. But if that is the case, why bother defining the terms "prologue", "criterium" and "stage race"?

I'll be honest -I haven't read the entire book- but I still didn't find the three chapters on body and machine very useful, nor the chapters covering performance assessment. The nutrition & recovery sections were of assistance, as was the chapter on training in extreme conditions (for me at least).

However, I was disappointed that two very important "tips" were not mentioned regarding training in extremely hot climates, namely: avoid black or dark clothes, as they absorb a LOT of heat; and consume icey cold fluids as they are absorbed into the body faster than tepid fluids. Furthermore, although hypothermia was discussed, there was no mention of the dangerous condition that may arise if extremely frigid air is rapidly inhaled by athletes - the trachea (i.e. your windpipe or whatever) freezes. Absolutely no mention of these important facts, in a book that purports to discuss training in extreme climates!! (...)>I just can't imagine that a large proportion of the considerable number ofamazon customers (229,000) of this book own their own hypobaric chambers (or else would have the time and money to train and live at separate altitudes), so I can't fathom how the chapter on altitude training is going to be beneficial to the majority of readers.

On the up side, the book contains many helpful graphs and tables throughout, and the end of each chapter also contains brief summaries.

I didn't buy this book to be able to improve at competition, I bought it to become a better cyclist. My advice, for what its worth: if you're not a scientist with a PhD like I've almost got, and you don't intend on reading a thesis to get some pointers, don't buy this book! Don't get me wrong, it is a helpful book (in its own way) I just think it could be a little more palatable for the average reader.

Performance Cycling for Elite Male Road Racers
Summary Conclusion

In High-Performance Cycling, 28 authors combine to review the science of modern-day cycling. The book is full of important and useful information. Considering the many authors, there is only modest overlap of material.

Although most of the information available in the book has been previously published-either in trade or scientific press, the book nicely brings the lay reader up-to-date with one package. There is also much to be gleaned by the savvy cyclist with a scientific academic background.

Subject Matter

The book is divided into five parts:
* Training
* Performance Assessment
* Body and Machine
* Nutrition
* Conditioning and Recovery

The book title may be misleading to some. The puff below the book's title promises to "give you an edge in technique, training, equipment, racing."

Although the book does touch on improving the reader's own performance, especially the last chapter, the book is principally about elite male road cyclists. There are a few references to track riders. There is little specifically about women, masters, mountain biking, BMX, ultra, or other cyclists.

The elite male road cyclist paradigm may put off some readers.
* "Most cyclists can reach peaks of up to ...1200 watts in a single sprint." The author means most high-performance cyclists, and is not referring to the general cycling population.
* "Most cyclists have small computers that display their speed." While many do, most overstates the overall cycling community.
* "In cycling competition there are two types of races: road race and time trails." What about BMX; ultras; mountain biking (many disciplines including cross country, short track, downhill), track racing (sprints, kilos, pursuit, points racing, Keiren)?

Editor's Organization

The organization and general editorial work of Asker Jeukendrup is good. He has organized and tied together the writings of his co-authors well. The editor prefaces each of the five parts of the books with unifying remarks. Only chapters 7 and 8 have appreciable overlap. Chapter cross-references are good. The final chapter, written by the editor, summarizes the book's material well.

There are occasional lapses in consistent terminology that will prove confusing to some readers. For example, the power that an athlete can generate in a sprint is referred to as maximum power. In the case of a top track sprinter this might be 2300 watts. The power that an elite athlete can sustain in a progressive (graded or ramped) test, about 500 watts, is also referred to as maximal power. It would be helpful to the reader to consistently have these values referred to as peak anaerobic power and maximal ramped aerobic power respectively.

Reader Level

As is frequently the case, readers will appreciate the information provided on different levels. Only sophisticated readers will understand some of the points being made. This is therefore a book for most readers to return to and reread as their general cycling experience and knowledge increases.
In some cases, prior knowledge is required and the author needs to be more explanatory.

For example, in Chapter 11, page, 138, we are told that "saddle height [should be] 98% of leg length." That perhaps sounds okay, until the reader tries to follow this advice. Is leg length determined by the book-under-the-crotch-against-the-wall approach? In stocking feet or wearing cycling shoes? How does one account for different cleat/pedal axle distances? Or is leg length determined by the common medical method-measuring the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus? Or perhaps (in elite athletes) by a scanogram X-ray? Is saddle height measured from the pedal or from the center of the crank axle? If measured from the pedal, is it with the crank oriented in the direction of the down tube or with the crank in the 6 o'clock (vertically down) position? Is seat height measured to the nose of the saddle or to where the rider generally sits? In other words "saddle height [should be] 98% of leg length" isn't likely to be helpful advice.

Another example, page 61: "Another method is the so-called Dmax method. The intensity is marked that has the minimum distance (d) from the lactate curve to a line connecting the first and last point of the graph." Unfortunately, the text does not describe any particular graph, no graph accompanies the text, and most readers will have no idea what the author is talking about.

Best and most up to date cycling book
This book is an extremely good and up to date book on the science in cycling. It discusses training, altitude training, nutrition, aerodynamics and many other relevant topics and experts who work with professional cyclists give their insights and advice. It truly is a high-performance cycling book! ... Read more

Book Description
An easy-to-use guide to bicycle rides in San Diego County. This third edition was completely revised and updated with eight new rides and maps, making a total of sixty-nine trips, plus GPS coordinates for all rides. Rides are planned and written to be usable by beginning or advanced bicyclists, and each trip listing includes level of difficulty, estimated time to complete, elevation and road conditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The cycling guidebook for SD
The origianl guide was written in 1986 andthis most recent edition is updated wih revised and added trips for all levels of cyclist. The included tours are reworked and include great little maps that covers both mileage and elevation. This is key so that one knows what one is getting into before one attempts a tour, nothing worse than to have a destination with a grade beyond one's abilities or training level ! I have three different bike tour books for San Diego county and find Shad's to becompact and the easiest to understand. The suggetions and recomendations are priceless. The star rating is helpfulwith one being flat like Lake Murrayto the more challenging Mt. Palomar climb being a four star ride. The rating system is not only based on grade but total mileage of the tour as well. Throughout the years I've used this book the most and break it out every now and then to get new motivation.You can even pack this one with you if so desired. With so many roads to ride in San Diego county it is convenient to have the book for reference . It is an inspirational colllection of rides from throughout the diverse landscape that will guarantee to get one out of the rut of doing the same rides. This is the guidebook that'll get you to places you've thought about riding, it's that extra push you've been looking for.Recommended for mountain and road cyclists of all ages and abilities as there is something for everyone in this handy little book. ... Read more

Book Description
The fourth volume in this acclaimed series, Road Cycling concentrates on the techniques of conditioning, road cycling biomechanics, nutrition and hydration, trauma, and the various medical problems encountered by the competitive road cyclist.

Edited by two of the world's leading authorities, this new book draws together expertise from contributors from The Netherlands, Italy, and the United States to present an authoritative reference for all those actively involved in the sport. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Mulholland knows his cycling history
This book on the history of cycling is a must read for cycling afficionados.Mr. Mulholland's passion for the sport and his knowledge are well diplayed by his writing.a very enjoyable read!

Must have for all cycling-lovers
This is exclusive book which all cycling-lovers must have. The best thing in it are fantastic pictures of past-time memorabilia, but author also in very fluid way tells interesting stories about past-time champions.

beautiful pictures
great book, especially for fans of the tour de france.i bought it for my husband for christmas and he has commented about how cool the book is.

Exceptional Historical Cycling Book
I bought this book for my husband who is an avid cyclist. He absolutely loved it! It has a great collection of memorabilia and stories about the great cyclists of the WWII era. The pictures are amazing!

Cycling's Holly Monsters
I found this book a trip back to vintage and historical era of heroism in cycling! You get to realize how much difficult was racing those days without today's technology of bike gear and support. The pictures are really good and I found myself ''lost'' back in those days. A valuable book for the cycling enthusiast. A return to our roots... ... Read more

Amazon.com
The French have a nickname for the bicycle: la petite reine, or the little queen. With the country's fondness for the queen of the road, its vast network of quiet back roads, magnificent scenery, and scrumptious eateries, it's the perfect choice for discovering the world on two wheels. Lonely Planet has created an excellent guide to touring in France, chock-full of itineraries, maps, information, and advice for those who want to get off the bus and set their own pace. They've mapped out the best rides in the country for neophytes, veterans, and off-roaders, with itineraries ranging from a few hours to two months. Here's a sampling: In Paris you can take the bike paths along the Seine or all the way to Monet's gardens in Giverny. The Loire Valley offers intimate excursions beside sandstone villages, magnificent châteaux, and scenic waterways. Take the tiny, winding roads of Provence to see perched villages and spectacular panoramas of the Cote d'Azur, or dip into Champagne for the terraced vineyards of Dom Perignon. For those up to the challenge, there's the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Massif Central, with its steep climbs and sweeping descents. The guide includes a chapter on the island of Corsica, with its rugged coastal scenery and prehistoric sites.

Traveling by bicycle calls for a plethora of information not found in the typical tourist guidebook. Lonely Planet has it all. "Facts for Cyclists" provides practical information on when to ride (based on the weather and wind patterns), a checklist of what to bring, information on buying or renting locally, a list of cycling events, and Internet resources. There are tips for senior, disabled, and gay and lesbian cyclers, and those riding with children, as well as lists of which airlines and which types of trains are bicycle friendly, and how to pack and transport your bike. The "Health and Safety" chapter explains the French rules of the road (including the confusing "Priority to the Right"), and gives tips for getting and staying fit, and treatments for common ailments on the road. Of course, there's the usual information on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see for a wide range of tastes, from camping to a night in a château. There's also a section on the history of cycling in France and a chapter on the Tour de France and its nuances. With the inclusion of the requisite chapter on bicycle maintenance and repair, you're ready to ride. --Lesley Reed Book Description

This essential guide steers you along France's best cycling routes, to the best patisseries, the friendliest places to stay and the most breathtaking scenery.Find a tour to suit you - a leisurely day trip, a week-long food and wine tour or an epic mountain climb.

• 135 days of France's best cycling - including Corsica
• on-the-road maintenance tips and a guide to French cycle-speak
• where to eat - from markets to cafes and restaurants
• where to stay - from camping to B&Bs and chateaux
• what to see and do, in and out of the saddle
• how to pack and transport your bike
• the Tour de France explained

Customer Reviews (5)

Loved it!
My husband and I used this book about five years ago to tour the Loire region. We have traveled a fair amount but never on bike before this trip. This book gave us a plan of how to do that. (Just the information about bikes on trains made the book worth getting.) We added a little cycling to the beginning of our trip and split some of the rides so we could sightsee more. It's emphasis on backwoods ways of getting into and out of towns was fantastic to help us avoid traffic. We loved seeing all kinds of places we would never have encountered if we hadn't picked up this book. We paired it with the Cadogan Loire Guide for interesting background about where we were visiting and the lodging section photocopied out of some other guide.

I wish they would update it. I tore most of the extra pages out of it (for areas we weren't going to) before our first trip. Glad I saved them. We will use it again this year in Brittany but not without a Michelin map as a back up since it's now so old.

This book sucks!
Sorry to be so blunt, but I spent the last 5 weeks cursing the authors of this book (and those that I met on the road with this book felt the same way). Do NOT waste your money on this thing. It is FIVE years old (I live in Seattle and met one of the authors before she left in June '99). The information is totally outdated and some of the campsites no longer exist! My advice is to get a good guide that is updated regularly, maybe get a good idea for a route from the Mountaineers and then get the Michellin map following the scenic (green) routes (or get the special bikes maps from any bookstore (librarie) while you are there). Cycling in France is a breeze. Enjoy France on the bike...there is no greater place to ride. Don't let McGuide mess with your fun. Live to ride...ride to live...

A Must Have Book for Cycling in France
Six of us used this book this past June for a nine day trip to the Dordogne region of France.The book is indispensable for do it yourself travel.It tells you everything you need to know regarding the nuts and bolts of putting a trip like this togethter.The suggested routes, restaurants, and hotels were all excellent.I would suggest another book to supplement this one as far as detailed information about the sites is concerned.

The best book available as of 2001
As of October 2001, this appears to be the best book available on the subject of bike touring in France.Neither Karen & Terry Whitehill's nor Jerry Simpson's books come even close to being as comprehensive as this book.The best thing about this book is all of the useful logistical information it provides.For example, the authors thoroughly document how to get out of Paris with your bike (both from Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports).They also explain the SNCF's fairly unfriendly policy with respect to bikes on trains.And in typical Lonely Planet fashion, they also document the myriad of important details for survival in France, such as how to make a telephone call and how much to tip.

With respect to the actual tour documentation, this book does a good job.There are tour choices in all regions of the country including Corsica.Routes are well documented and the road choices seemed pretty reasonable.Cue sheets are provided with good distance information between all intermediate points.Some tours have elevation profiles included.I would have liked to have seen a bit more information about food and lodging availability--particularly in the intermediate towns.

The truth about cyling in France is that the bike touring part is really easy.Unless you are worried about hills (in which case you should stay in the Loire), all you need is a Michelin map.The color scheme tells you all you need to know about route choices (seek out the white roads, and green highlights mean scenic routes).You can usually find some place to stay and eat in any town and if you can't, you can usually find another town a few kilometers down the road.All of France is wonderful for riding, so you really don't need a book to lay out a tour for you.What you do need is information telling you how to get around with your bike and how to survive once you are over there.This book does that exceptionally well.

your own tour de france
With this book, you find the most interesting roads to ride on. In addition, you will also find nice stories of professionals who ride these roads - experiences on what to do & what NOT to do. So, whether you come to france, or stay at home, with this book, you'll have your own tour de france in your room! ... Read more

Book Description
CYCLING THE BUSH is a comprehensive guide to off road cycling down under.The range of rides includes short one day trips around the states' capitals to extended overnight cycling/walking expeditions in remote and rugged wilderness areas.Almost all of Great Dividing Range's major national parks are covered.Other parts deal with the coast and beaches, pristine lakes and rivers, spectacular waterfalls and lookouts, as well as the great outback, our world heritage and rainforests.By combining cycling with walking treks, Sven Klinge has explored over 300 of Australia's National Parks and State Forests. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

It is simply the best there is!
This book is a great read to help you plan ahead for your adventure. Most importantly, it is easy to understand and gives you everything you need to know. It is difficult not to be enthusiastic or motivated after reading it.

Mountain Biking in Australia
Sven Klinge is the author of the most comprehensive cycling guide books in Australia. By combining cycling with walking treks, he has explored over 300 of Australia's National Parks and State Forests. Born in Sydney and educated at the University of Sydney, Sven now divides his time between accountancy and other writing projects. CYCLING THE BUSH: MOUNTAIN BIKING IN AUSTRALIA is a comprehensive guide to mountain biking and cycle touring down under. The range of rides includes short one day trips around the states' capitals to extended overnight cycling/walking expeditions in remote and rugged wilderness areas. Almost all of Great Dividing Range's major national parks are covered. Other parts deal with the coast and beaches, pristine lakes and rivers, spectacular waterfalls and lookouts, as well as the great outback, and our world heritage rainforests. Each ride incorporates data on distances, height variation, transport, access, track and rides grades, facilities, map references, and special equipment needed. Extensive information is provided on geological, biological, and historical aspects of natural, Aboriginal, and colonial features along the rides. In COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT FORMAT, this guide should be POCKET EQUIPMENT for every cyclist and bushwalker wishing to discover this exciting way of venturing into Australia's great national parks system. ... Read more

Book Description
U.S. Olympic cycling manager Ed Burke presents practical cyclist-to-cyclist advice on how the heart, lungs, and muscles work and how this knowledge can help any rider get the most out of the sport.This is the book for the cyclist who wants to know the why of training, not just how. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great for introduction to cycling...
This book is written for the "layman" in regards to the physiology behind the sport of cycling.As someone not familiar with VO2 max or heart rate training or even different methods of training, this book is perfect.

As someone with an Exercise Physiology background, however, this book was nothing more than a reveiw of everything I have learned.I was looking for something more physiologically based.

Great for introduction to cycling...
This book is written for the "layman" in regards to the physiology behind the sport of cycling.As someone not familiar with VO2 max or heart rate training or even different methods of training, this book is perfect.

As someone with an Exercise Physiology background, however, this book was nothing more than a reveiw of everything I have learned.I was looking for something more physiologically based.

Excellent Reference!
I will be reading this book several times. It's packed with information on how to maximize your training session, off-season training advice, nutitional info, how to cope with jet lag, ad infinitum. I recommend this book to all who take this sport seriously.

The scene behind cycling
I read Serios Cycling from Ed Burke and realized that there is more to cycling than mere racing. Being a "new" cyclist at the age of 43 I had great difficulty to match the "older" cyclists that havebeen cycling competatively for the last 25 years. This book helped me tosee what is all the preparation work behind the scenes. Mere fitness is notenough. You tend to hit the wall during training rides and feel confusedbecause you are still not there. The understanding of how muscles work andwhat they need to continue performing at extreme levels of endurance mademe to adapt my diet and pre-race preparation to ensure maximum energy,nutrition and oxygen are available to the working muscles to perform attheir best. It was a complete mind change but today, less than three monthssince I bought this book fellow cyclist are questioning if I use steriods.They could not believe the improvement! The book is well laid out toexplain the basic as well as the advanced detail of the body and mind andhow to overcome those stages where you seem not to progress at all. If youare serious about cycling, get this book. You'll see what I mean! ... Read more

Book Description
Are you just an ordinary person who has always dreamed of doing something extraordinary?

Then this is the book for you.

Russell Mendivil is a middle-aged dad, gardener and couch potato with a history of heart attacks who, after a medical scare with his oldest daughter, decides to ride his bike 585 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles to help raise awareness and money for AIDS services.

Despite the many physical and emotional struggles Russ faces in preparation for the ride, he remains inspired by the amazing people he meets along the way.

This very witty yet touching story serves to prove that if he can do it, so can you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

How to Have a Long-Distance Cycling Adventure--Witty, Practical, InspiringRead!
From the first glimmer of the idea--"Why not ride the entire coast of California on my bike?--!"to the practice rides and training, mishaps,the sign-up for--in this case--the AIDS LIfeCycle Ride, the fundraising, the day by day on the route, the apparel (what-- me worry about how I look in spandex?), the gear, the people--everything you need to know about taking on a long-distance cycling challenge in this practical, accurate, observant and witty memoir.Talented author Russell Mendivil's book is a how to--but so much more.Funny and fast-paced I couldn't put it down--except when I got out there on my bike!For anyone thinking about taking on a big physical challege (eg., the big birthday denial adventure) or anyone who knows someone who is doing the AIDS ride or anything similar--this book is a must read.Loved it! (Full disclosure:I'm not his wife; I don't even know him.).

I laughed, I cried...
I just finished the book and thought it was fantastic!In five weeks, I will be riding in AIDS/Lifecycle6 to L.A.This book was recommended by a ride leader, and it was worth every minute spent reading and every penny buying it.Russ is a great rider and he captures perfectly the emotional and physical process getting ready for the ride can be.I laughed so hard reading parts that I woke my husband.I also cried at the touching perspectives on why we are riding - to end AIDS!After the 80 mile 'Day on the Ride' (practice day for the real thing) last weekend, I met Russ and he is as genuine as they come.

...absolutely inspirational
I just finished reading Russ's book.Wow!I could not put this book down.He truly captures an experience of a lifetime -- riding your bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles for seven days to support people living with HIV/AIDS.He vividly describes the full range of people, places and happenings with wit and compassion.In the process he brings the reader into every phase of the AIDS Lifecycle event -- from the motivation to sign-up, the nervous jitters of the first training ride, the ups and downs of training, the thrill of the ride itself and the comaraderie of a community of fellow cyclists and roadies along the way.

As I read, I was moved to tears one moment, then a few pages later, I was laughing out loud.If you are looking for a book that shows you what human beings are capable of when they work together and support each other through tremendous challenges, then this book is for you.It is absolutely inspirational!A must read!

This book will inspire you.
Russ captures the difficulty of accomplishing something extraordianary with wit and wisdom.He shows us how something that seems impossibly difficult can be achieved with will and training.If you are in need of inspiration this is a must read.

Bert W. Shaw,ALC cylcist.

Inspirational to a new ALC cyclist
I read Russ's book which I bought on Memorial Day this year. I read it in about two days since I was going on this year's AIDS/Lifecycle5 Ride June 4th and wanted an up close and personal look at what I was going to experience as a first time rider. Not only was it great in capturing the experience but it was inspirational to me to feel like I could actually do the ride. I also identified with the author in the circumstances of being middle-aged, recently trimmed-down, and a recovered heart patient. The subtitle, "How to Ride Your Bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles Without Even Dying," was exactly the guidance I wanted!

His descriptions of cycling the 2005 training rides in the Bay Area were extremely true to my experiences cycling the same 2006 training rides. And now that I have completed every one of the 585 miles in the 2006 AIDS/Lifecycle 5 Ride, I will attest to the fact that the chapters about the Ride itself are also right on target, including descriptions of camp, interaction with the riders, and crazy things that happen along the way.

More than just a documentation of what happened, the book stands on its own as an entertaining and absorbing piece. Russ's humor comes through big time. His style is funny and down to earth. I thoroughly enjoyed the fluid pace and breezy delivery.

Whether or not you are a long distance cyclist, are planning on experiencing the ALC ride, or are just someone who enjoys upbeat experiences vicariously, this book is a great read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book!!
I love to read real-life adventure stories and when I picked this one, I could not put it down.Fun and easy to read.No long drawn-out details or facts but plenty enough to get the 'feel' of this cross-country bicycle trip with all its beauty, joy, satisfactions, dissatisfactions, happiness, sadness, trials, weather (good and bad), people met along the way (good and bad) etc, it has it all.

Sharing a cross-country adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Just the Two of Us", the real life adventure of a married couple who decided to challenge themselves, their fifty-something year old bodies and their thirty-something year old marriage by taking a cross country cycling trip.Bicycle travelogues can become tedious since long distance biking cycles through experiences relatively slowly, but Melissa's book maintains a good pace for the reader by distributing a variety of themes throughout - information about the equipment, the conditioning and the planning needed to attempt such a trip, a running commentary on the road conditions and scenery encountered, damage control as they run into the inevitable equipment failures, weather problems, and accommodation surprises, and most engagingly, an openness about how the relationship between two people who have been together for a long time can grow during such a long trip.Melissa does a good job in recounting anecdotes about the people and places that one meets traveling cross-country. This is a good read not only for distance cyclists who can find all kinds of useful information but for anyone who would enjoy sharing the experience of a cross-country trip up close and personal.I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Just the Two of Us", the real life adventure of a married couple who decided to challenge themselves, their fifty-something year old bodies and their thirty-something year old marriage by taking a cross country cycling trip.Bicycle travelogues can become tedious since long distance biking cycles through experiences relatively slowly, but Melissa's book maintains a good pace for the reader by distributing a variety of themes throughout - information about the equipment, the conditioning and the planning needed to attempt such a trip, a running commentary on the road conditions and scenery encountered, damage control as they run into the inevitable equipment failures, weather problems, and accommodation surprises, and most engagingly, an openness about how the relationship between two people who have been together for a long time can grow during such a long trip.Melissa does a good job in recounting antidotes about the people and places that one meets traveling cross-country. This is a good read not only for distance cyclists who can find all kinds of useful information but for anyone who would enjoy sharing the experience of a cross-country trip up close and personal.

Review by Richard L. Nolan
Review of Just the Two of Us

This is simply the best book I have read on cycling.From first-hand experience, Melissa Norton captures the essence of cycling: why people do it; how they do it; and what the experience is all about.

Just the Two of Us describes the process of a husband and wife team getting into cycling, building their cycling skills and experience by cycling over weekends.Weekend cycling extends to week long trips, and then to the ultimate: biking across the United States.

Bikes are unpacked at Astoria, Oregon overlooking the Pacific Ocean.The adventure begins with the thrill of watching fisherman reel in 4 foot sturgeons at the mouth of the Columbia River.Norton makes the reader feel as if they are vicariously biking along with Dave and Melissa: seeing what they see, working up the hills, and coasting down the slopes at exhilarating speeds.Each chapter is introduced with the cities to be visited and the miles to be rode for the week.From the sunrise on June 15, the reader cycles with the Norton's along the Pacific Ocean, over the Cascades at McKenzie Pass, through the rich agricultural fields on the high plateau of Oregon, over the Rockies, trekking the long expanse of the plains of the Midwest, into the finger lake region of New York, and returning to familiar New England.Finally, we triumphantly ride with them into the Atlantic Coast town of Bar Harbor, Maine.

By vicariously cycling with the Norton's, the reader meets the local people in the cities, their history, and the way they are.During the course of the trip, the reader learns a lot about cycling such as maintaining the bike, carrying gear, and safely riding among traffic.The pictures embedded in the book enrich the telling of the journey: landmarks are included, geographical perspective is integrated.I especially like the picture of the 13 percent grade sign shown on a steep "hill" in Vermont.

Just the Two of Us is an exciting read.I highly recommend it.And, I hope that this will be just the first book from author Melissa Norton in sharing her experiences and thoughts about a most accessible and enjoyable sport.

Richard L. Nolan
Lexington, Massachusetts
February 2002

Great for adventurous souls of any age
I loved reading Melissa Norton's account of traveling by bike across the US, while staying in luxurious bed & breakfasts, inns and hotels along the way. The book is chock full of unique and fun places to see and explore, as well as the rigors and rewards of adventure traveling. The book has inspired me while reassuring me it's not too late to do something that I thought only recent college grads did!

Well written and priced economically, this book is a must for anyone looking for a bit of adventure whether on two wheels, four wheels or by foot! ... Read more

Book Description
Clark and Hegmann write this book from their passion for teaching both novice and seasoned cyclists how to fuel their bodies to enhance performance. They combine their cycling experience and professional expertise to teach you what, when, and how to eat for good health, high energy, strength, and stamina. Whatever your cycling endeavors—recreational riding, touring, racing, or randonneuring—you'll learn what you need to know for optimal fueling so you can improve your riding, enhance your enjoyment on the bike, and reach your goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Really quite not very good
I had only just opened the package and was browsing the book (it's okay to do that with nonfiction) when I came across an interesting anomaly on page 117:There was no page 117.In fact, the book skipped right from 116 to 133.I took a very close look at the binding of the book, and the pages were all there, wedged closely together in the normal fashion; no pages had been torn out.The pages must have been misnumbered then, right?No, 116 definitely cut off mid-sentence.I searched the book, perhaps 117-132 had been simple misplaced, and not altogether lost? .. Alas, no.I can only assume that this was an error in publishing, and that the book you order would have this too.I imagine that no one else mentioned it before because they hadn't gotten that far in the book before they made their review.

As for the actual content of the book that was there, that can basically be summarized as this:make sure you get a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat -- bike slow for a long time if you want to burn fat, bike HARD and FAST if you want to build muscle.Eat vegetables, the brighter the color, the better.Just read the food pyramid, then increase portions if you are biking a lot and are still hungry.Nothing you don't already know, or couldn't figure out yourself.Oh, and this book is for endurance riders, century riders, and old people, not svelte, strapping, and handsome young 20-something year-old racers.

Go elsewhere for your nutritional advice
As a doctor who specializes in nutrition, I bought this book in the hopes of having a good resource for my cycling patients. Unfortunately, this book is not evidence or research-based, and for the most part regurgitates tired, debunked dietary myths.

The problems are too numerous to enumerate here. But a couple of examples are the authors' recommendation of fast-food joints as a source of nutritious meals, and their argument that organic food sources be avoided because they lack the nutritional content of processed foods.

If you are looking for a source of sound sports/cycling nutrition advice, I highly recommend you look elsewhere.

The Cyclist's Food Guide
The book is comprehensive, thorough and very readable. The information is applicable to every day activities - not strictly cycling.It's worth every penny!

You've got to get this book!
"The Cyclist's Food Guide" is alot easier to understand than our new food pyramid!I rode the MS Tour of Tanglewood Century last year and had a wonderful experience.True, this was not a timed event but I felt great before, during and after.Clark's knowledge helped me through that and I'm grateful.

How to eat well to ride
"The Cyclist's Food Guide" presents sound nutrition advice, even for the recreational cyclist. In particular, I really appreciated the section on Eating for Cycling where my husband and I followed the guidance given about preparing for the Event Week. By maximising our muscle glycogen with appropriate nutrition and tapering our training program, we were able to enjoy thoroughly a century ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast (Australia). So, if you are looking for a good nutrition text that targets cyclists from all walks of life then make sure you add "The Cyclist's Food Guide" to your collection.
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Customer Reviews (2)

A must for the tool box library
Zinn's "Road Bike Maintenance" is a handy guide to maintaining any road bicycle. His experience in physiology, mechanics and science gives him a unique take on wrenching a bicycle. Very concise and detailed.

Great bicycle book for beginners and experts
Zinn's brand new book (2004) is must have in any bike enthusiast's library. Building on his excellent maintenance books, which go into every detail of fixing and tuning your bike, the cycling primer is abundant with tips and tricks to improve riding skills.
Ok, I ride a Zinn bike and might be biased but he is a competent author who used to race internationally and who explores unorthodox ways to cater for special needs of tall (and short) people. The book goes into great detail on how to properly fit a bike, tune it and a good overview on training techniques. I enjoyed reading it and will keep consulting it.
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Product Description
The use of bicycles by police, EMS, and security personnel continues to grow along with increased awareness of the benefits of an extremely mobile team of first responders. While the reasons for implementing a bicycle unit may vary, the goal of each agency is the same: to provide assistance to those who need it as quickly, safely, and effectively as possible.In the past, officers and agencies seeking to get a public safety bike unit rolling had to look far and wide to assemble the necessary information.The Complete Guide to Public Safety Cycling is the single comprehensive source of in-depth information on starting a bike unit or enhancing an established bike unit with tactical and technical tips on everything from basic equipment needs to detailed insights on policy, maintenance, training, legal issues, and much more. ... Read more

Book Description
Power Pacing—one of the most popular programs in the fitness industry—is the ultimate in indoor cycling. Developed by the experts at Keiser Corporation, this program will help you get leaner and stronger. It will take you to a whole new level of aerobic fitness.

Power Pacing for Indoor Cycling—written by co-developer Kristopher Kory and master trainer Tom Seabourne—provides step-by-step instructions on how to build cardiovascular endurance and power through nonimpact, full-body workouts. Choose from 11 workouts and 30 drills that vary in intensity to develop a tailored program based on your personal fitness goals. Also included are 113 photos showing safe and correct cycling techniques, 48 strength exercises, workouts for cyclists, and mind-body training: a combination unique to Power Pacing.

Whether you're looking for a great full-body workout or to add variety to your exercise program, Power Pacing for Indoor Cycling has everything you need to know to reach your fitness goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

wanna buy a Keiser stationary bike?
The book is pretty basic and does a great job of pushing Keiser products. If I would have glanced through it in a bookstore instead of ordering it on-line, I would have had the jist of the material in less than 3 minutes and left the book on the shelf. There not enough focus on actual workout programs (I only count 7 in the book, 2-25 min, 3-40 min, and 2-1 hour plans) and a lot more focus on weight use ON the stationary bike. The title says "complete workout programs for high-level fitness" however my light/typical workouts are about 1 hour. Since there are only 2 programs for this duration, indoor training will get very dull, very quick. In short, look elsewhere for training programs.

M. McCormick
5-time ironman finisher
cycling instructor
collegiate cyclist

EXCELLENT
I have been a cycling instructor for three years and have enjoyed learning the different techniques from different companies. This book has just endless ideas and programs to use in my classes. I especially enjoyed thesection called "Cycle Sculpt" which is using the Kis Kory BikeBand with the bike. I've been using the concepts with my private clients.They just love it! Since I work at home I enjoy all the ideas to use on mystationary bike too. I never relazied there could be so much diversity on astationary bike. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (29)

the ride
agreat classic cycling book.I highly recommend it for those of us that love cycling!

The Rider - A must read for cyclists
This is not a long book but it really captures the experience of riding whether you are racing or just riding.Anyone who cycles can relate to this story.

A quick and somewhat interesting read.
I found this book a very quick easy read - and it kept my attention.There was a point where it was hard for me to put down near the end.Being new to road cycling this year (generally ride mountain - which I still prefer...) I found it an interesting view into what other riders may be thinking when dropping me on a climb.There is humor in the comments Krabbe makes and the manner in which he frames things.

Goes great with the Tour!
I read The Rider this year during the Tour de France. Not only was it a great piece of literature, it enhanced watching Contador battle through the final stages. One of the better reads lately!

masterpiece
More than twenty years ago Australian classics specialist Allan Peiper reported for Winning magazine his experience in racing the Tour of Flanders.His writing captured my imagination, drilling into my consciousness the essential core of the bike racing experience at the highest level.His article has stood for me, to this day, as the paradigm of race writing.

Yet what Peiper did in his race reports, Krabbe, I now learn, had done 10 years before in his fiction.The race he describes was June 26, 1977:"Tourists and locals are watching from sidewalk cafes.Non-racers.The emptiness of those lives shocks me."And so it begins.I was hooked.

In contrast to today, with so much attention paid to doping, so much emphasis on equipment, to the model of seeming effortless domination established by Indurain and perfected by Armstrong, the racing culture of 30 years ago, so well rendered by this book, offers an attraction which I could not resist.The focus is on the rider, his internal struggle against himself, his rivals, and the world around him.To not just resist suffering but to actively embrace it: "after the finish all the suffering turns to memories of pleasure, and the greater the suffering, the greater the pleasure.That is Nature's payback for the homage they pay her by suffering.... That's why there are riders. Suffering you need; literature is baloney."

Each bike race I have done is like an epic.How to capture one in words?Yet Krabbe has done so.Nobody who has raced can possibly read this book without feeling a deep resonance, a connection of understanding which goes beyond the text. The protagonist consumes figs instead of gels, struggles with his limited, relatively poorly shifting gears, and must mathematically deduce his speed from his perceived cadence and gear, but his essential being is the same.Bike racing is as it has always been, about confronting ourselves, beating back our fears, and finally, reflecting.Krabbe captures this to perfection.

The map and route profile from the race is available here:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Ronde-van-de-Mont-Aigoual
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Customer Reviews (3)

Good, but . . .
I have mixed feelings about this book -- there are sections which are extraordinarily helpful, and then he spoils it. The most useful sections, and ones which other touring books would be wise to emulate, are hisselections of helpful letters to various people (hotels, cycling shops,etc.) written in French for the linguistically challenged (like me).However, contrary to the remarks of the previous reviewer, my wife and Ifound that the selection of roads was not small country lanes -- even whenthey paralleled the route selected by Mr. Simpson.

We toured through theDordogne and Mr. Simpson's route both out of Bordeaux, and then later inthe trip the section from Cahors back towards Bordeaux were on major roadswhen wonderful alternatives were at hand. We found this inexplicable. Forthe first part of the book I rate it at 5 stars -- but as the routeselection is so marginal (at least where we tried to use it) I have todowngrade to 3. The best of both worlds was to use this book forpreparation, and then another for actual route planning. For that I highlyrecommend the Whitehill's book, 14 Tours Geared for Discovery.

Good, but . . .
I have mixed feelings about this book -- there are sections which are extraordinarily helpful, and then he spoils it. The most useful sections, and ones which other touring books would be wise to emulate, are hisselections of helpful letters to various people (hotels, cycling shops,etc.) written in French for the linguistically challenged (like me).However, contrary to the remarks of the previous reviewer, my wife and Ifound that the selection of roads was not small country lanes -- even whenthey paralleled the route selected by Mr. Simpson.

We toured through theDordogne and Mr. Simpson's route both out of Bordeaux, and then later inthe trip the section from Cahors back towards Bordeaux were on major roadswhen wonderful alternatives were at hand. We found this inexplicable. Forthe first part of the book I rate it at 5 stars -- but as the routeselection is so marginal (at least where we tried to use it) I have todowngrade to 3. The best of both worlds was to use this book forpreparation, and then another for actual route planning. For that I highlyrecommend the Whitehill's book, 14 Tours Geared for Discovery.

Best single book on biking in France I have seen
Jerry H. Simpson Jr. became interested in bicycling in France when he started touring France while part of the American Army stationed in France after WWII.While the book lacks glitz, the routes he has picked areextraodinarily good.Most of them utilize small, rural, lightly trafficedfarm road (tertiary roads) in excellent condition.While this waspublished in 1992, and Simpson does not plan a new edition, it, still, issimply the best ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

The heart is in it
Written by the people who walk and run the talk this book has transformed my cycling plan from going hard, going hard again then feeling unwell to now becoming more educated, healthy and faster for longer. I will see how I go at the world indoor track championships for the next 3 years in Sydney to see the fruits of this wise book.

Not bad, just not that good.
This book was a fairly interesting read, although I don't think it adds much that hasn't been said elsewhere.I've read a couple books about cycling and heart rate zone based training.This is a fairly simple and decent overview.It just seems a little light compared to the rest.Still, it covers all the basics.I recommend finding it at the local library.You can get through it in a couple of days.

(Heart Zones)
this is a great book.I am getting ready for an olympic tri.Great for work outs

12 step plan for cycling
I was really disappointed with this.I was looking for a book that would explain the use of heart rate zones and help me use it to improve my cycling.This is a 12 step program to zen cycling!It is overly complex and involved way too much "process."Almost every paragraph introduces a new idiosynchratic piece of jargon - microcycles, mesocycles, and macrocycles - give me a break!This book outlines an entire plan without detailing the plan!You must make a goal and write it down.You must decide whether you want to use "threshold" heart rate or maximum heart rate.You must calculate your zones.You must then periodize your training and then personalize the periodization (or maybe you personalize first and then periodize).It is simply too evangelical to be of any use unless you buy into the zen program.For someone who has a specific goal, this book may help you achieve it.If you just want to be a better cyclist, this is a waste of time.

Disappointing
Years ago I read Sally Edwards' first book on heart rate monitor training. Great book. Very helpful. However I loaned it to the wrong person and never got it back. So years later I buy a slighter fancier heart rate monitor to replace my bare bones one that died. I thought it would be a good idea to get this new book which is specific to cycling and which I expected would be updated with all the latest thinking from the last decade of research. Instead I discovered a poorly edited book which is unclear about its target audience. I expected a book for avid cyclists, not people who would need words like drafting and cadence defined in the glossary (which looks like a bunch of filler pages).Now that a whole industry has grown up around coaching amateur and recreational athletes (runners, cyclists, triathletes), this book seems more interested in recruiting customers for Ms. Edward's business than in sharing the up-to-date information. My recommendation is to try one of her earlier titles and hope for better luck. Heart rate training IS worthwhile, even if it seems a bit complicated at first, but this is not Sally Edwards at her best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice addition to your pack
This guide is right sized to fit easily into one of your touring packs.The pages are rugged, bright and easy to read.Lots of color, pictures and detail.The arrow coding of hills along the route is great.
Some recommended improvements include a better color coding system for showing routes, pavements, traffic, etc.The colored maps are great, but having most of the minor roads in white make them hard to find on the map since they blend into the background.The city map of Viareggio is deceptive since the map, signage and city limits don't seem in synch.The narrow vertical maps are sometimes difficult to use since they cut off perspective of the surrounding areas.A route from Siena to Cortona would have been nice.The route from Radda to Siena misses a lot of great stuff in the area. ... Read more