Book Description

Customer Reviews (18)

Dry and flavorless
I, too, am pure tifosi and really, really wanted to enjoy this. I remember my own racing days and can talk for hours on end, telling story after story: "Remember that time when..."

Michael Barry either cannot or chooses not to.

There's a pretty good description of the malaise experienced by a professional cyclist mired in a 3-week tour at the end of the book. There are momentary bright spots and little tidbits of trivia that may bring a smile. Unfortunately, the majority of the book is taken up with a spectator's view of Lance Armstrong. Mr. Barry drags us through the 2004 Tour de France from the comfort of his television set; he wasn't on the team that competed that year. And this is the core of the book.

Overall, the book has SO much potential, but Mr. Barry cannot bring it to fruition. Bike racing is fun and funny, and full of wonderful stories. This book is not. It is as dull and subdued as the colors of the racing team it follows.

Meh.

Not A Lance Book Alone
Okay...it's more like a 3.5 star book.

First and foremost, the fact that a professional European cyclist can write a book that is easily read is a miracle.Actually if you go to his Michael Barry's website, you can tell that he is quite intelligent.

This book actually is a very good read.One sees the day to day detail of what a procyclist is like.I particularly enjoyed the episodes that had really nothing to do with racing, but just life in general on the team.Julien DeVriese's love for the Lakers, Luc Verloo, the bus driver, being dragged by a car in the middle of the night, Roberto Heras sitting on the toilet in his pajamas drinking coffee so he wouldn't wake Barry.These are what really makes the book.

The reason I gave it only 3.5 stars is that it is at times dry.And the end tends to drag on...maybe it's like the cycling season at the end of the year.That along with the fact that if you are not into cycling, this may not be a very inspiring book, especially if one was anticipating tons of Lance stories.I enjoyed it as I am a cycling enthusiast...

Yep...3.5 stars...good book...just not great.

A Great Account of Life In and Out of the US Postal Bus
Forget about all the negative reviews about this book!!! They are completely wrong. I can't believe those people didn't get more out of this book. First, it's called "Inside the Postal Bus". Sure it has Lance in the SUB-title, but that doesn't mean this book is "all about Lance". If that's what they wanted, they obviously can't read a title let alone a sub-title, and they should stick to books that have a hugh pictures of Lance on the cover so they don't get so confussed.

For TRUE cycling fans (and NOT the-Lance-bandwagon crew) this is one great cycling book. Michael Barry does give plenty (yes plenty) of accounts of what went on in the US Postal bus. He also gives accounts of stays in hotels, in European cities that are hubs for non-European born cyclist, and plenty of road racing. A real insider's view.

O.k., Barry didn't race in the Tour de France alongside Lance, but the title doesn't say he did. A true fan would know that there is life outside of the Tour de France and the US Postal Team has more than one rider. And such a fan would also want to know about other races and riders.

Barry gives plenty of stories about other riders (George Hincapie, Floyd Landis, Dave Zabriskie, and plenty more) and also US Postal Team staff. Great stories-and well told. This is an easy to read, enjoyable book about life in and out of the US Postal bus, the glory, the pain, and the triumphs of wins both big and small. I'm glad I happened to catch Michael Barry signing copies of his book at the final stage of the inagural Tour of California.

A great informal look Inside the Postal Bus.
I truly enjoyed the way Michael Barry delivered the 'inside scoop' on what goes on inside and outside the Postal bus before, during, and after race events. The personal sacrifices these riders make in order to be a part of a professional race team were brought forth in an amusing and heart felt way.

Nice Read for a Cyclist - But Barry Wasn't on the Bus with Lance in France
The title of this book is a little misleading for cycling fans. Like other reviewers, I really wanted to like this book. However, it just doesn't come through with the goods.

Like most riders/fans who look for good books on cycling, I eagerly looked forward to Michael Barry's take on life in the pro ranks. Barry is, of course, a world-class rider with world-class experience riding for the phenomenal Postal and Discovery bike teams. I expected Barry to come through with some fascinating insider scoop on life in the Postal bus. While Michael certainly shares some interesting anecdotes, like the importance of the expresso machine on board, I'd be less than truthful if I didn't give the reader a heads-up - this book isn't so much about Michael Barry as about Lance and the Postal efforts to win the 2004 Tour de France. To me that smacks of hopping on the Lance bandwagon in order to make some extra cash. There are plenty of books about Lance - we want to hear about the rest of the team. George Hincapie, Floyd Landis, etc. are great riders as well - tell us what they are like!

Make no mistake - this book is pretty much a collection of Barry's diary entries already published on [...], fleshed out with the aforementioned accounts of Lance and the Postal boys. (In case it sounds like I'm griping - let me point out that Barry recounts the Tour de France in quite a few chapters but didn't actually ride the 2004 Tour). There is no problem with Barry's writing - he does a nice job of capturing the atmosphere surrounding bike racing. However, whoever edited this book forgot to point out to Barry that it might be nice to have a logical transition between chapters instead of the haphazard manner in which each chapter fits together.

Basically, the book follows the US Postal Cycling Team through the 2004 season. The first few chapters were exactly what I had hoped for - background on Michael Barry, details on what the Postal Bus was(!) really like, and interesting notes on Michael's teammates. Yes, the detail was a little sparse, but there were interesting anecdotes here and there. About a third of the way in to the book we get a blow-by-blow description of Lance's heroic win in the 2004 Tour de France... There's only one problem - Barry wasn't actually on the Postal bus or team during the 2004 Tour. I wanted to read about Michael's experience - not Lance's (there are plenty of books detailing Lance's heroic antics during the Tour(s) elsewhere).

I wanted to hear what Barry does and sees on the team, not what Lance did (I've already read all that on [...]! Bottom line - this book is nothing more than a poorly edited collection of Michael Barry's Rider Diary submissions that you can read for free at [...]. I put the book down wondering if Michael didn't see this as a way to supplement his team salary for the year. Its a shame because you can see some real promise in Michael's writing. If he had stuck to writing about himself and his own experiences on the "B" team, I think it would have been a great read. Borrow a copy or just log on to Velonews for Michael's great diary entries...for free! ... Read more

Book Description

Cycling is fast, cheap, green, and healthy. Richard Ballantine wrote the world-famous Richard's Bicycle Book and founded Bicycle Magazine. City Cycling is his distilled expertise on the techniques and pleasures of cycling as an urban lifestyle.

Book Description
A tour guide for bicycle touring along one of the historically and scenically most interesting routes in Europe. Linking the North Sea coast in Holland with the heartland of Germany, France, and Switzerland, this route provides an easily accessible cycling tour.

Detailed route descriptions with route maps and information about the places visited, including accommondations and excursions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

How honest is the preview web page
Of course I think this is a great book - I spent a number of years researching and writing "Cycling the Rhine Route".I had so much information that I had to edit out two-thirds of the original manuscript to fit in with the publisher's requirements and I still had to persuade him to make the book longer than originally planned. So I had to make informed choices about what to leave in and take out, and after having cycled the route quite a few times, in all seasons and weathers, I feel that I have done my best within the constraints placed upon me.
The bibliography contains book titles that are either unobtainable nowadays, or out of print, and it seems that whoever built the Amazon web page has replaced those titles with others which are available.I don't think this is honest, and I have told Amazon this, but with no result. This shouldn't prevent you from owning a book which will give you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful journey along one of the oldest routes in Europe. Best wishes and happy cycling. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Landscapes of Cycling
Fantastic collection of competetive cycling images from around the World by Graham Watson.

Even for non-cyclists the scenery is spectacular and a great book for the coffee table. ... Read more

Amazon.com
If you want to learn how to reach peak cycling performance, listen carefully to Davis Phinney and Connie Carpenter. Phinney, a two-time Tour de France stage winner, was named the winningest racer in U.S. history by VeloNews, and Connie Carpenter, an Olympic gold medalist, is no slouch either. Together they have compiled a comprehensive guide to cycling that will not disappoint. Chapters include specific instructions for everything from basic training to cycling nutrition to the nitty-gritty of racing tactics. The guide is written in the first person, and because it is authored by two people, this can sometimes lead to confusion. But when milking the gurus for knowledge, a little confusion will seem well worth it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book gave insights and time saving experiene!
I enjoyed this book's insights into the world of Pro and Amerature bicycle racing.This book is wonderful for someone who wants to improve their cycling beyond just riding.Connie and Davis share their numerousfacinating experiences that can save you valuable time by not having tolearn them the hard way.I especially enjoyed the chapter on juniorracing, because I am one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent guide -- a cycling tool box "must" while in Japan
Bryan and other contributors did a great job in capturing the sights, energy and flavor of riding in Japan.I have had the book for several years, and for one living in Japan it has proved in-dispensable.More thanjust routes and places to stop, it covers such topics as taking your bikeon the train, lodging and food secrets, repair shops and cyclingorganizations.And lastly, you can learn a little Japanese cyclinglanguage!

Comprehensive guidebook on cycling anywhere in Japan.
Well written and entertaining narratives covering dozens of bike trips throughout Japan; several hours to several days.Well organized by region with detailed maps of routes with 2-3 pages of information regarding terrain, points of interest, accomodations.Invaluable and extensive introduction covering language, map usage, gear to take, food/meal suggestions, lodging and camping, and cycling psychology. I personally used this unique, one of a kind book to prepare for a 3 week/1,000 mile solo trip of both Shikoku and Kyushu Islands (Japan's 3rd and 4 largest) and thouroughly enjoyed myself and found rural Japan to be a fascinating and enchanting place to travel.The dozens of Japanese people I encountered were extremely helpful and courteous and Japan lived up to its reputation of being one of the safest countries in which to travel.And, surprisingly, rural Japan was no more costly that touring in the U.S.; I enjoyed a budget trip.I highly recommend both the book and cycling in Japan. --Tom Crossland (June 1997) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Useful, even if you don't stay on route
Last summer my brother and I went to Ireland.Using this as our only guide we were able to easily get around.The maps were good, the adivce was great, and I'm planning on going back next summer with the same book(unless they release a new edition).

Lonely Planet Cycling Ireland
I bought this for my sister who reports to me this guide is excellent.
Very informative, well laid out and a great guide.

very helpful
This book gave a great overview and some routes through Ireland via bicycle.As I still have not totally planned my trip, I cannot tell how the recommendations are, but Lonely Planet guides are usually been excellent, in my experience.I wish it had more information on choosing between a guided and a DIY tour, as I am now trying to decide whether to do all the work in carrying luggage, making reservations and finding bikes B&Bs myself, or spending a little extra.It has good information about bicycles and the gear to bring along as well. ... Read more

Book Description
Over highways and byways and converted railway roadbeds, Biking to Blissville gives maps and precise directions for about forty bicycle rides through the most scenic areas of Maritime Canada. Most of the trips are loops. Each leads from a country inn, motel or campground through uncrowded countryside, and author Kent Thompson has tested them all for fun, safety and degree of difficulty. Thompson also suggests accomodations that fit cyclists' tastes and purses, and the vagaries of the weather, from rustic campgrounds to opulent country inns, from old-time sporting camps to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Much more than a guide book
My wife & I used this guidebook on a very casual bike trip to Nova Scotia a few years ago. It combines very readable and enjoyable commentary by the author along with faily decent maps and excellent ride suggestions. I only wish that more guidebook author's would follow Mr. Thompson's format. In summary - it'sthe only guidebook I've ever read cover to cover! Highly recommended !! ... Read more

Book Description
Four years ago, discouraged and depleted from his illness, Lance Armstrong traveled to Boone, North Carolina, in a last-ditch effort to get his cycling career back on track. Through fog and chilly rains, Armstrong attacked the rugged hills of the High Country. After a grueling climb to the top of Beech Mountain, Armstrong knew he was back.

In his autobiography, It's Not About the Bike, Armstrong said, "Boone began to feel like the Holy Land to me, a place I had come to on a pilgrimage. If I ever have any serious problems again, I know that I will go back to Boone and find an answer."

If you've biked in the Blue Ridge High Country, it's no surprise that the mountains helped turn Armstrong around. Here, road cyclists can find natural beauty, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents, if they know where to go. Road Cycling the Blue Ridge High Country now makes this information available for everyone.

In this guide, Murphy gives detailed descriptions of more than 25 routes that cover six mountain and foothill counties in the northwestern corner of North Carolina as well as counties in southwestern Virginia and northeast Tennessee. The terrain on these rides varies from nearly flat to almost wall-like. Elevations on the rides range from 5,500 feet above sea level down to 1,000 feet.

With each tour, you'll find a short synopsis of the ride, an in-depth description of what you'll encounter, detailed directions, information about road characteristics and cautions, elevation details accompanied by an elevation chart, a map of the route, a list of food and services along the route, and other options for outdoor activities nearby.

Whether you're a visiting cyclist looking for routes suitable for your abilities or a resident cyclist in search of some new favorites, Road Cycling the Blue Ridge High Country is the perfect guide to an area that Bicycling magazine says offers "some of the best road riding in the world."

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent overview of the NC High Country
I live in the area this book covers, and was curious to see if the book was a good overview of this area's riding.I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to quickly discover some of the road ride gems in the NC High Country.A great, and more efficient, alternative to asking at bikes shops or lurking on local internet biking forums. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

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Weenie No More
I bought this book soon after I bought the first bike I've owned and ridden in 16+ years. Alot has changed since then, including the whole macho-ization of the sport. It was kinda scarey getting started. But this book explains things well, is spiced with nice, believable stories about people's biking experiences and it has a sense of humor -- something really necessary if you're gonna saddle up and get out there on the road with all the yahoos and gonzos. I especially liked the advice on essential clothing. Certain items really WILL make your rides more pleasant. (And I always thought 'bike clothes' were an affectation!)Weaver really loves her sport and it shows -- she wants to win converts and she's got me hooked. The streets of Dallas will never be the same, now!! ... Read more

Book Description
Chris Carmichael has trained many of the world's best cyclists, and now he offers his invaluable training tips, cutting-edge workout programs, and state-of-the-art exercises to help readers find their ultimate ride. In this book, he gives riders of all abilities an insider's guide to getting fitter, faster, and on to the champion's platform.

With photographs and illustrated exercises, The Ultimate Ride helps build a strong foundation for incremental leaps in fitness, times, and techniques. Nutritional advice, goal-setting methods, and mental exercises complement the physical training tips, to make this the only cycling fitness book an enthusiast will ever need. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Better than "Lance Armstrong Performance Program"
Chris Carmichael did a better job in this book than "Lance Armstrong Performance Program". I think that "The Ultimate Ride" has more details, and does not use the "maximum heart rate" padron of training, but "lactate threshold", as found in Joe Friel's "The Cyclist Training Bible".
However, its much easier to create an anual program with "The Cyclist Training Bible", since the "The Ultimate Ride" is a little bit haphazard in this issue.
The best book of bike training still is "The Cyclist Training Bible"; "The Ultimate Ride" is the second best.

Outstanding
Chris Carmichael has shared the knowledge he gained through his life of coaching great cyclists.His presentation makes the whole training process smarter and easier to move on.The build up and all the necessary work is all right there and there are even alternatives.

As a person who studies and writes about motivation and discipline, I found this book a strong influence.Even on the very hard rides, knowing that it works and it works because... makes the whole thing really go smooth.

Thanks Chris, keep them coming.

Great bookif you want to be Stronger and Faster on the bike
Some people have said this book is too general but if you read it and re-read the relevant sections about your workout focus it's pretty clear what you need to do.Not only does he give a sample workout routine for all of the different training periods but he explains why they're designed the way they are, so you can make your workout YOURS.

Pros:
1) Very clear explanation of each workout and its benefits
2) Emphasis is put on the diet and a reasonably good explanation about eating toward a good recovery.
3) The sample plans are based on 5 or 6 day per week workout regiments so there's some flexibility when it comes to the real work cyclist trying to fit it in his/her weekly schedule.
3) Carmichael is good motivational writer

Cons:
1) Carmichael says "recent studies" a lot but never actually references them.It raises a question on how valid the studies really are.
2) Carmichael emphasizes power as a means of measuring effort.He gives heart rate criteria as well, but he flat out states that power is a better measure of performance.This means you either need an expensive power tap or a trainer with the power data at a given speed or range of speeds.

Great way to learn how to train and ride faster
This is a great book for someone looking to improve their performance on a bike. It's different from other cycling training books in that it really shows you how you can get better, not only through workouts, but also through improving the way you ride. I really liked the parts about ways to save energy in pacelines and when climbing hills, what to eat and drink and when, and how to set up your bike so it fits and is comfortable. It's refreshing to see someone who's interested in teaching people how to train, as well as how training works together with nutrition and hydration, recovery and mental preparation to get "100% Ready". I have book shelves full of cycling training books, including Friel's and Juekendroop's, and Burke's, yet I really feel like Carmichael's offers a fresh perspective on training and preparation in cycling. It's easy to read, and speaks to me as a guy who's really into cycling and wants to get better, but isn't going to race the Tour de France anytime soon.

Good but Friel is MUCH better
I wish that I had read D. Snell's review before buying.After reading The Ultimate Ride, I learned about the The Cyclist's Training Bible by Joe Friel from my local bike club.I agree wholeheartedly with D. Snell's comments.The Ultimate Ride is good, but it is Friel-Lite and lacks a lot of details found in Friel that are helpful in putting together your own periodization training plan. ... Read more

Book Description

Cycle the best of Australia, with 31 tours along great beaches, across the High Country and through quiet country towns. Find a tour to suit you: explore Sydney's famous harbour; enjoy a few days of wineries and B&Bs; or spend a month riding beautiful Tasmania.

• 139 days of Australia's best riding
• East Coast Ride - Melbourne to the Gold Coast in 31 days
• where to stay - quiet camping, cozy B&Bs or comfortable hotels
• where to eat, for cyclists on every budget
• what to see and do, in and out of the saddle
• maintenance tips and bike shop contacts

Amazon.com
Neil Peart cycles his way through West Africa and brings us along with him, dysentery and all. The Masked Rider details his physical and spiritual journey, through photographs, journal entries, and tales of adventure. Peart's "masks" are the masks that we wear--culture, psychology, labels, expectations--and his book reveals how traveling in a very foreign land allows us to peer behind them.Book Description

Customer Reviews (115)

Breathtaking.
Breathtaking.Artful.Thoughtful.Funny.Sad.Shocking.

Neil's craft with theme and prose is as precise and thrilling as his drumming.I enjoyed The Masked Rider more than all of this other books, and I enjoyed them a lot.Neil muses how masks in Africa, and in all societies and people (himself included) reveal as much as they conceal.

As usual, his insights into his own character and those of his companions are humorous and without self-indulgent narcissism.The ending is cathartic, and his concluding thoughts after the trip aren't what one would expect.Written before the crippling losses of his wife and daughter, I relished the innocence of the `old Neil', with his boundless hope and shaking-his-fist-at-the-sky verve.You will remember a sweet little girl that changes a bad day he had with two words, and the way he greets his wife when the journey is over.

Ashea, Neil, Ashea.

Shrek would like it
I decided to revisit this book after reading "Travelling Music." Even if you are not a Rush fan this book has many layers; from the writer being one of a five person group, where the squeaky wheel is also the least competent, to the daily adventures of cycling through Africa and dealing with its inhabitants and (sometimes)hostile enviroment. Peart attempts a level of objectivity, trying to win the reader over with views he considers clear, but is he guilty of sharing the same level of nearsightedness as those he criticizes (only he's on the other end of the scale)? I really enjoyed reading this book since it covers more than, "next stop, so-n-so, average 'rice with junk in it.'" Peart lets you borrow his senses and mindset for a voluntary cyclist bootcamp. Is it the beat or the time between the beats that matter? You really need both for things to work.

A great story about a great adventure
I am always interested in good real life adventures.This story is about Neil's perspective on his adventure through a remote part of Africa that most westerns would never have the courage to try.I am personally a person that has traveled most places of the world, including Africa, but exposing myself to the elements the way Neil and his other five cycling buddies did is something I wouldn't dream of doing..... or at least until I had read this book... which makes me now believe I have been missing an entire part of my traveling adventure.

Pick this book up!You will enjoy it!I enjoy Neil's honesty about his traveling companions and the people he interacts with during the trip.A great story about a great adventure.

A Masked Readerrates The Masked Rider
My purpose in picking up this book was simple. I recently renewed my lifelong love affair of that wonderfully efficient and simlplistic machine, the bike, and wanted a book to get some info on a good bike to buy and techie tips/advice from a 'name I can trust' (given that I'd read a few of Neil Peart's books and enjoyed the music of the band he plays for.)


What I found was an unassuming gem.To give a brief background, I found some of Peart's other books (Ghost Rider & Roadshow) 'tough' reads. That is to say, they were informative, and certainly engrossing, but they chronicalledarduous times and tasks. Ghost Rider was painful at a similarly bad time for me and no matter how much I enjoyed being the reader and riding 'shotgun' the experience did not alleviate my own pain vicariously. At the risk of sounding like a self help guru, I think everyone has to experience and learn to heal in their own way. Or asForrest Gump said, "that's all I have to say about that ..."

Roadshow is a tough read as a Rush fan. It is one of those delightfully entertaining books that i want to read in a single day, but with that reading comes the price of knowing the other side of the velvet rope, and a casualty of that knowledge is the innocence of a lifelong fan. It is also an education that makes a true fan of a casual one, and an appreciative one at that. Perhaps it is not so much an appreciation, as it is an acknowledgement of all of the 'other stuff' that comes along with the exhibition of an art form. Aw heck, lets forget acknowledgement, and call it an acceptance. Peart discloses his intimate feelings as a visceral reaction to the most unnatural act of shuttling from one locale to another while trying to discern the handful of extremist worshippers amid the seas of respectful fans. The breakneck pace of the tour made this a hard read as a fan, who if he had it his way would invite the guys to 'his' little corner of the world, show the guys around 'his' hometown,and make sure they had a homecooked meal and sit on the porch and listen to crickets. Yeah right .. that would make an exciting book entry - huh! It was funny to see Peart caught up in the coatails of the whirlwind of a tour and scurring from one national park to another as a diversionary quest on the tour - sometimes only stopping long enough to get an admission stamp at the ranger's office and high tail it out. I felt bad for the guy, really! But the journey's the thing here. So in that light it was tiring as a reader, but a good kind of tired. I feel for ya, buddy!

So much for a short background, but that's history for you. There's always more behind you than you think. Or at least I'd like to think there's more ahead than behind. But unlike this review, life is short so let me get to the point, eh?

As I said a lifetime ago, I picked up Masked Rider with the intent to hopefully glean some equipment, riding and otherwise technical tips from a respected writer andmusician. Sort of like going to your plumber to get tips on your car or something, but to me its about people, I trusted Peart as a writer. As it turns out there was little if any of what I had hoped for in the book, but on the bright side there was a whole lot of 'other stuff' that I really liked. Which brings us to the here and now.
Where are we? Oh yeah...

I loved this book. The 'mask' is a metaphor that Peart used to describe the roles or facades that we use to find our comfort zones, hide behind or avoid conflict. Those masks obfuscate, inveigle and deceive and often the wearer is the bearer of those consequences. Like the old twilight zone episode, the people become the masks and vice versa.

This book is really interesting in that the setting is a country of what one perceives to be differing norms, beliefs, customs, languages, infrastructure, commerce and countless other nuances that can make or break one's illusion of a good day.Of course, humility, patience, endurance amid diareah, thirst,conflict & corruption make for a good read especially from the comfort of home.

The traditional use of tribal masks among African cultures is certainly well documented in the western world, but here we find 5 North American travelers on the other side of the world wearing their own masks.

The beauty of the country , the people - especiallythe kids or the people saying welcome, or the old timer taking a nap in the woods
made me feel like the world is my home. Africa was always my dream destination as a kid. I will remember these images.

This book was a handbook on group dynamics, human behaviour, cultural sensitivity, communication, tolerance and compassion among others.The really interesting thing is that I am talking about the interractions of five North Americans among themselves - not with Africans. Peart delves into what makes people tick (including himself) and it is thoroughly enjoyable. It is also informative and offers practical lessons going forward. (People are all nuts!) Having been there, I found myself laughing out loud when Peart was still pissed off at the others and unable to sleep after discovering basic fundamental differences in beliefs and rationales during a conversation with the group. Still we try ....

Peart seems to make the observation as he makes his journey that, people - can't live with them and can't live without em. As I like to say
"Your damned if you do and damned if you don't - I'll be damned."
In other words, I'd rather be damned without regrets so If I am really waivering on a decision I'll usually err on the side of the affirmativeand learn if nothing else. I am glad I read this book.<-(gratuitous affirmation)...

Thank you.


PS. The book didn't have any gear tips, but it was good to read at night on the early days of getting back into riding (with sore legs). Lots of empathy. Now I ride whenever I get the chance and I remember that Peart described one of the best things about cycling is that is done at "people speed".

A ride with Neil
What a rush!Ok...sorry for the pun.Mr. Peart surprised me with his eloquent writing style and description of his journey.I could almost taste the grit and feel every bump he encountered along the way.Mr. Peart was able to convey adroitly the incredible poverty these people in Cameroon live with on a daily basis.I liked his insight into the young people there when he said something to the effect of how they wanted things 'given' to them rather than to 'earn them'.His expereinces with local govenrment officials and soldiers were quite interesting.He seemed to handle it all with a good sense of humor and an appropriate amount of respect for the customs and values of the country he was a guest of.It is refreshing to read a book by a well known musician without them tooting their own horn regarding their profession or politics.Mr. Peart comes across as some one you could sit down and have a nice cold one with and never know what he did for a living. ... Read more

Book Description

You're no idiot, of course.You learned how to ride a bike when you were a kid, have watched the Tour de France, and even know to shift in to a lower gear when the terrain gets steep. But when it comes to enjoying all the advantages of real, grown-up cycling, you feel about as behind-the-times as your old Schwinn with the banana seat.Don't let the air out of your tires just yet!The complete Idiot's Guide to Cycling is the perfect companion to get you back in ths saddle again whether you want pointers on getting the most aerobic benefit from a spin around the neighborhood or are training forsomething more ambitious, like a fund-raising bike-a-thon or all-out race.In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you'll get:

Customer Reviews (4)

good start for the very beginner
I'm a 30-something adult getting into cycling for the first time, and I found this book to be a very good starting point.

It's written in a very accessible, friendly tone that makes it easy to pick up and start reading anywhere in the middle.I found myself going back to this book first whenever I pondered a new cycling topic.The breadth of coverage in this book is quite good: I found answers to most of my questions here.

Informative sections:
. discussions of the different types of bikes
. in-depth description of the different parts of a bike + maintenance procedures
. introductory information on a broad range of topics, including some tips on riding, rules of the road, nutrition and hydration, and finding the right size for a bike

Very useful sections (for the beginner):
. discussion of gears
. lists of must-have equipment

Cons:
. some missing topics (nitpicking example: nothing much on racks for your bike).I also found myself looking for more on city street riding tips.
. goes on a bit about cycling history at the beginning. (This may be a "pro" to you.)

If you're a complete newbie, you'll find about 85-90% of your immediate questions answered here, and I would heartily recommend this book.If you're going to take up cycling, you should at least know what's covered in this book.

If you're a seasoned cyclist, then you don't need this book.

Keep it simple, stupid
The complete idiot's guide to cycling is really appropriate for, well, a bicycle idiot.That's me.I buy my bikes at WalMart andTarget.I like the cool basket on the front with the flower.I don't change gears, gears are for people who can put chains back on.That is all behind me now!I know what the different sized Chain Rings (lingo alert!) do, and which ones I want the chain on while I'm gasping up some hill.I adjusted the seat!Now my knees don't slap me in the chin on the upswing.And I bought a helmet and started wearing it, IMMEDIATELY.Survival of the smartest don't you know.If you are like me, and you want to be like Lance, this is a good place to start, along with your local professional bike shop...and some bucks!

Disappointing and misleading
If you are completely, totally new to cycling, (duh Mark, that's who this book is aimed at...) this book is better than absolutely nothing....but I strongly recommend you put off buying this book and head to either --your local bicycle shop (LBS), --or local library before you spend money on this book.
At the LBS, look for bicycling books from Bicycling magazine, Greg LeMond, or Gene Sloan.Ask a salesperson what book they would recommend, (dont worry - most will not push you into buying a bike, but if they do, leave and go someplace else!).Borrow a few from the library, esp. Greg Lemond's books, and then determine what you need to learn more about.THEN, go hunting for a book addressing that topic.Better yet - GO RIDING with a local club, you will learn more on your first 25 mile ride than all the books in the world can tell you!
(You are not ready for Chris Carmichaels books, wait until you have done your first century or your bikes odometer shows 500-1000 miles.)

As an experienced cyclist, but one that *never* forgot what is was like to be a newbie, I read this book out of curiosity, hoping I could recommend it to the various people who ask me for advice on what bike to buy, whether to ride mountain vs road, what clothes and accessories are essential and what can wait, etc.I found several errors, including bad labels for parts in diagrams.I found the advice weak and general (a little too much common sense passed off as specific advice on starting out).I kept finding myself saying "...ok and what is the conclusion, what are they recommending?"and "...that's bad advice or out of date...".
This book is not in the same league as "The Idiots Guide to Running" which was written by an expert athlete who knew how to address the issues of newbie's.

Greatest "How-To" Bike Book
This wonderful book cover every aspect of bicycling---from which bike to buy to becoming an expert racer and everything in between. It leads the reader through getting a bike at a fair price, to how to ride it and enjoyonce they have it.

Just five months ago the only thing I knew aboutbicycling was that I envied the people I saw on the local trails and bikepaths; they were obviously having fun and I wanted to join in. This bookhelped me through the process of visiting the local bike shop to choose abike without feeling like, well, an idiot. It also made it very clear thatthe bike itself was only the beginning, that the array of accessoriesdisplayed around the bike shop really could make my bike experience saferand more fun.

Thanks to this book, the riders of the local Sundaymorning "bagel & coffee crew" have welcomed me to the fold.And my skills and knowledge have progressed to where I'm confident enoughto help out the newcomers.

All in all it helped me to advance from trulybeing an "idiot" about bikes, to being able to call myself a"cyclist." ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (11)

Good, but not great
This is a fine book and tells some cool thing about bicycle powermeters. It introduces some usefull concepts, like the normalized power, TSS. You'll understand some capabilities of the limit-less tool called powermeter. It shows how to use an powermeter beyond the ordinary. You'll learn some nice stuff.

But the author doesn't give away their gold. It looks like their real secret - the training sessions - are kept away. They begin to show some exercise sessions for some kind of purpose, but they don't show you a lot. I felt like they were writing an teaser, not the full movie.

They also tell a lot about the Cycling Peaks software, which is good, but not all that great. I prefer to combine the Cycling Peaks with the original SRM or Powertap softwares to get the most juice.

They tried to keep this book from being an big ad and they pretty much accomplished that. I didn't get angry, nor got crazy to go buy their software after reading the book.

Cycling with power effectively
Simply the most comprhensive book out there on the subject.A little biased in favor of "TrainingPeaks" software but still very, very good.If you are looking for simple answers about training effectively you might want to look elsewhere.Training with power takes a little thought and consideration.

Usful training guide for novis power meter owner
This book clearly explains training based on power meter data & has been especially useful to me as a novis to power meter use in triathlon training. The book outlines training zones based on individual abilities & self testing, plus their effect on training stress. Most usewful & highly recommended.

The user's manual for training with power
If you are looking for the rosetta stone to unlock the mystery of wattage data and what it can mean to your training then this is the book for you.

The Benefits of a Power Meter
Cyclists who train with a power meter must have this manual.It's the first of its kind, and you can learn everything you need to know to get started with this new trend. ... Read more

Amazon.com
While Britain is one of the world's most densely populated nations, with a bicycle it's easy to leave the crowded main roads behind and find yourself in an idyllic country setting. The country maintains an astonishing complex of minor roads that links thousands of cities, towns, and villages. It's only a short pedal to the nearest pub, café, or guesthouse. Britain is also a land of many hills but few mountains, which makes it easy to take in the graceful scenery and rich history or meet the locals. As Britain claims to be the birthplace of the bicycle (a Scottish blacksmith built the first self-propelled bike), you can also visit several collections of bicycle memorabilia. The Lonely Planet guidebook has a wide range of itineraries and tours for riders of all abilities, with detailed maps and excellent directions for each, from a Sunday ride past London's best-known sites to a ten-day journey through the Highlands, islands, and quiet roads of Scotland.

Lonely Planet provides in one book all the information a cyclist will need for a tour of Britain, including Wales and Scotland. "Facts for Cyclists" provides practical information on when to ride, a checklist of what to bring, information on buying or renting locally, a list of cycling events, and Internet resources. There's a detailed introduction to the British cycle-touring scene, with tips on how to get to and from Heathrow Airport and how to use the excellent rail network to cover more of the island. There are tips for senior, disabled, and gay and lesbian cyclers, and those riding with children, as well as lists of which airlines are bicycle friendly and how to pack and transport your bike. The "Health and Safety" chapter explains the British rules of the road, and gives tips for getting and staying fit. It discusses treatments for common ailments on the road, and even explains how to avoid the "bonk." As well, there's the usual information on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, and photographs (though the latter are on the small and skimpy side). With the inclusion of a chapter on bicycle maintenance and repair, this is one excellent, all-purpose guide. Be sure to make room for it in your pannier. --Lesley ReedBook Description

This essential guide steers you along Britain's best cycling routes, to great pubs and attractions and the coziest places to stay and eat.Find a tour to suit you - a leisurely day trip, a week-long tour or the epic 20-day Land's End to John o'Groats ride.

• 120 days of Britain's best cycling
• where to eat - from pubs to cafes, curry-houses and restaurants
• where to stay - from camping to B&Bs and luxury hotels
• on-the-road maintenance tips and recommended bike shops
• what to see and do, in and out of the saddle
• how to pack and transport your bike

Customer Reviews (1)

Good reference for planning a tour of Britain
This is a great book for planning a cycle tour of Britain.It has strengths common to all the Lonely Planet series, such as advice on getting to and from Britain and using rail and air travel to get to the various touring routes.There are also sections on bicycle maintenance and pre-tour fitness training that might be useful to potential tourists.

From the perspective of using this book as an actual road guide, there are many shortcoming.This book is very much a "townie's" guide, with the majority of route description focusing on where to spend your money on food and accomadation rather than discussing on-the-bike route navigation.The route maps printed in the book are of minimal detail, with many towns and roads omitted.The routes themsevles are descibe by lists of verbal cues and arrows, for example "--> At unisigned road."The combination of these factors means that it is very easy to miss a cue, get off-route, and wind up on a part of your map with no description.

I would recommend supplementing the book with at least the 1:250,000 scale Ordnance Survey Travelmaster maps.The book itself also recommends this, but the editorial review claims the book is a stand-alone guide.Also, many of the descibed routes coincide with the Sustrans National Cycle Network (NCN) in Britain.One might do well to use this book in planning a tour of Britain, then acquiring the detailed cycle route maps from Sustrans. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Dead Air, Dead On
This review is long over due.I read Dead Air many months ago.I'm just now coming down from the exhilaration of another fine Moody murder mystery novel.Moody once again blends the two things he knows best...cycling and TV.He has written one of the finest and most exciting fight scenes I've ever read.If you think you know how this one ends....think again.

Hang on to your cycling shorts!
Greg Moody's books are a fun habit. If you have any interest whatsoever in professional cycling (and who doesn't after Lance Armstrong's feats) read Greg's books. You'll get an inside, albeit wild and crazy look at the peloton. You definitely should read the books in the order written (this is the fifth in the series), to understand the history of Will Ross, a washed-up bike racer who has years of European pro cycling under his belt, but always manages to get in one last ride, or one last season, in each of the books. In the latest, he is on staff at a Denver TV news station, and is sent to cover a ride through the Rockies. Mayhem predictably follows, and Will must try to clear his name, find and outwit a mad-bomber, get along with his mobster in-laws, and take yet another ride-of-his-life. Hang on to your cycling shorts!

Must read...
...as a followup for Deadroll. It extends the previous book which seemed to end abruptly without proper ending. The writing style of Greg Moody is very natural, so the book reads very fast. So read the Dead Air and learn bomber's fate.

Another Great Read from G. Moody
Fans of Will Ross will not be disappointed with this much anticipated followup to Deadroll. My only problem is I read the book too fast. I guess I'll have to start over with book 1 and read the whole series. Long live Will Ross!

Moody Sends Us on Another Great Ride!
Dead Air is another challenging mystery by Greg Moody. I so enjoyed getting to know new characters as Moody peels away the layers of their personalities, but I was also glad to encounter familiar old characters from his previous novels. The book flows with glimpses into the insanity of the villain and the T.V. Station! Along with the prose are gritty descriptions of life on a bike. Reading a book by Greg Moody is like choosing between plain vanilla ice cream or a hot fudge sundae... he makes you work a little harder than a "canned formula" mystery, but the satisfaction is well worth the effort!!! This is a great read and should be added to your summer book list! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

Beginners or novice cyclers
This is a great book for those wanting to improve their cycling, whether a beginner or a novice. A lot of great ideas and information on workouts and cycling in general.

This book fired me up... and should fire you up also...
In fact, I referenced it in my book.As a serious adventure racer, I wanted to learn what Lance did.As a business coach I wanted to learn what Chris did.I urge you to read this book! Doug Gray, PCC, author of Passionate Action, 5 Steps to Creating Extraordinary Success in Life and Work (2007)Passionate Action: 5 Steps to Extraordinary Success in Life and Work

excellent information
I found this book to be an excellent source of information on biking.I am a recreational cyclist, but found the information in not just centered on professional cycling.I am reading it for the second time.

The Cyclist's Handbook
Whether you've been cycling for years, or you're just starting, this book has some great exercise programs that will get you where you want to go.

a good read
A valuable resource with lots of useful tips and guidelines for beginners starting out and for the more serious riders looking to step up. ... Read more