One challenge with writing a book on cycling, is finding something new to say. There really isn’t much mileage in writing a new guide to cycling in a straight line, wear a helmet and don’t forget to pump up your tyres. When I buy a new book on cycling, I’m always looking for a new [...]

  Ned Boutlon, the presenter for ITV4′s tour de France coverage has brought out a new e-book - How Cav Won the Green Jersey - dispatches from the 2011 Tour. For those who enjoy Ned’s commentary and recent book How I won the Yellow Jumper this looks another humorous look at the Tour de France from Ned’s perspective as [...]

I have been reading Cycling’s craziest stories by Les Woodland. I really enjoy it. I’ve read quite a few cycling books, but many of these stories sounded new. Some stories like the famous ‘baron’ who rode the tour de france with two ‘valets’ I had heard about, but here there was more detail about the [...]

“I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn’t it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer. We are getting soft… As for me, give me a fixed gear!” – Henri Desgrange, Founder of the Tour de France, L’Equipe article of 1902 [...]

Cycling back to happiness by Bernie Friend has received many excellent reviews. It tells one man’s story of how a bitter life was drastically improved by taking a long cycle tour. I skipped through some of the early passages as I didn’t particularly want to read all his rants and depressing observations. But, when the [...]

On Your Bike by Matt Seaton Matt Seaton is one of the best known cycling journalists, often writing for the Guardian. On Your bike seeks to cover all the essential aspects of cycling from its earliest history to modern day racing, commuting and bike maintenance. The problem with these kind of all rounder books, is [...]

- Chris Hoy and Britain’s Track Cycling Revolution. Heroes, villains and velodromes is a fascinating insight into Chris Hoy and the emergence of Britain as a great track cycling nation. Considering his Olympic medals and success at World Championships, Chris Hoy has a relatively low profile in British sport. The book helps to portray the [...]

I have begun reading “This Island Race” by Les Woodland which covers the chequered but fascinating history of British cycle racing. (thanks to Ed, for lending) The history of British cycling is one of many missed opportunities. In a nutshell British cycling was never allowed to develop like continental cycling because road races were outlawed. [...]