Cycling: general and touring Books

Book SynopsisExperienced travel writer and cyclist Huw Hennessy takes you on 21 hand-picked bike rides across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. With routes from around an hour up to a full day, Cycling in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly is ideal for families and leisure cyclists - anyone who wants to get fit and enjoy the fresh air in some of Britain's most beautiful countryside. The rides connect the region's top attractions: beaches, fishing ports, stately homes, nature reserves and heritage sites, including many hidden, lesser-known gems. Several of the routes interlink or follow a circular loop, allowing more ambitious cyclists to build up more challenging rides. Visit world-famous sites such as Land's End, St Michael's Mount, the Eden Project and the Tresco Abbey subtropical gardens. Follow the Camel Trail, two connecting cycle routes on a disused railway line. Career around muddy trails in Cardinham Woods. Ride the off-road Pentewan Trail, visiting the Lost Gardens of Heligan en route. Explore the grounds of Lanhydrock, a National Trust property whose wooded trails are perfect for getting the most out of your mountain bike. But more than just a route-finder, the book is packed with cultural insights and the author's personal tips, gathered from over thirty years' experience. This is country rich with history, folklore and spiritual resonance, and Cycling in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly encourages you to enjoy the ride at your own pace while showing you what to look out for along the way.Trade Review"Packed with information and inspiration" Cycling UKTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION CYCLING: THE ESSENTIALS HOW TO USE THIS BOOK BUDE TO TAMAR LAKES LAUNCESTON LOOP SIBLYBACK LAKE CARDINHAM WOODS LANHYDROCK BODELVA VIEW TRAIL WHEAL MARTYN TRAIL THE CAMEL TRAIL: PADSTOW TO WADEBRIDGE THE CAMEL TRAIL: WADEBRIDGE TO DUNMERE GOSS MOOR TRAIL PENTEWAN VALLEY TRAIL ST PIRAN TRAIL MINERAL TRAMWAYS: COAST-TO-COAST TRAIL GREAT FLAT LODE LIZARD LOOP PENROSE TRAILS PENZANCE TO MARAZION PENZANCE COAST TO COAST LAND'S END LOOP ST MARY'S LOOP TRESCO LOOP ACCOMMODATION BIKE HIRE FURTHER INFORMATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INDEX

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore Europe’s most thrilling cycling routes with the latest installment in the Epic series from Lonely Planet. From dreamy getaways on sun-dappled Mediterranean Islands to challenging alpine crossings, bike enthusiasts share stories from the best road, mountain, dirt and trail routes across the spiritual home of cycling.Destinations suit a range of trip types and abilities, and each ride features stunning photographs, a richly-illustrated map and a toolkit of practical details so that riders can help plan their own trips. From some of the remotest corners of northern Scotland to mighty mountain passes in the pristine Pyrenees, you’ll explore some of the continent’s least-explored regions, as well as cities including Berlin and Copenhagen amongst many others. Rides feature adventurous bikepacking routes, classic race routes, must-do mountain biking trails, and family-friendly forays.Guest contributors include author Rob Penn, who cycled around the world in his late twenties, and Ned Boulting, a British sports journalist and television presenter who has reported on everything from the Tour de France to the Vuelta a Espana. So turn those pedals and enjoy the ride to over 50 cycle-loving destinations.About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks, and more.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“A truly inspiring journey that celebrates the healing power of adventure. A must-read.” – Levison Wood “Wonderfully relatable on so many levels. Simon’s wanderlust, mental roller coaster and reactions to a fast-changing world had me enthralled in his journey, but very much reflecting on my own over the past few years. A brilliantly crafted book which holds a mirror up to the world we live in.” - Mark Beaumont "Simon’s cycle ride around his own country is a fine demonstration that adventure and transformation begins on your own doorstep.” - Alastair Humphreys The remarkable and inspirational true story of how one man battled grief and anxiety, one pedal stroke at a time, on a 3,500-mile adventure around Britain In March 2020, as Britain entered its first lockdown, Simon Parker’s life fell apart; his travel journalism career vanished overnight and shortly afterwards he received the tragic news that a close friend had died. With a long-suppressed anxiety disorder starting to rear its head, he turned to the only therapies he knew and trusted: travel and exercise. Setting off on his bike from the northernmost point of Shetland with only a sleeping bag and a camping stove, Simon would end up cycling 3,427 miles around Britain. En route, he would meet hundreds of resilient Britons, who were all, in their own way, riding out the storm just like he was. Even in his gloomiest moments he began to see that a chink of light was never too far away. Riding Out is a story of optimism and hope, and a ground-level portrait of Britain as it transforms from a country in crisis to a nation on the mend. From Shetland to the Scillies, Dover to Durness, Simon learns that life’s sharpest corners are best navigated at the gentle pace of a bicycle.Trade ReviewIf you've recently bought a 'lockdown bike' and realise you've not been using it enough, this inspirational, down-to-earth and touching book may give you a few ideas. * Tom Chesshyre *Simon's cycle ride around his own country is a fine demonstration that adventure and transformation begins on your own doorstep. * Alastair Humphreys *[Riding Out is] both hugely inspirational yet still relatable... Simon's vulnerability at times will show many readers - myself included - that they aren't alone in feeling lost these past 18 months. How he has managed this vulnerability with humour throughout the book drew me in, as did his ability to capture the spirit of the people he met along the way. His ability to describe challenging moments with honesty makes it feel like you're hearing an old friend regale the trip over dinner. * Alex Outhwaite *A truly inspiring journey that celebrates the healing power of adventure. A must-read. * Levison Wood *In Riding Out, Simon Parker holds a humane mirror to a fractured Britain as it adjusts to a strange, isolated new world. * Jon Dunn, author of The Glitter in the Green *Wonderfully relatable on so many levels. Simon's wanderlust, mental roller coaster and reactions to a fast-changing world had me enthralled in his journey, but very much reflecting on my own over the past few years. A brilliantly crafted book which holds a mirror up to the world we live in. * Mark Beaumont *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFirst in a new series of cycle maps covering the whole country. The maps are all produced at a scale of 1:100 000 showing important features including the National cycle Network. Sections on road, off road and traffic free are all shown in differing colours along with their route number. Other roads and their classification are shown enabling you to link rides or explore sections and discover new routes at home or further afield. Facilities such as toilets, pubs, accommodation, bike shops, repair stations and railway stations are all shown. The mapping also has relief shading giving you a clear picture of the terrain (and steepness of any hills) you will encounter. Scale: 100 000 (10mm = 1 Km, 16mm = 1 Mile) Folded size: 163mm x 105mm Unfolded: 650mm x 800mm Tear and water-resistant paper Double sided

Read more less

Book SynopsisBikepacking England by Emma Kingston contains 20 great multi-day mountain bike adventures across England.Explore ancient holloways and hunt for fossils in Bridport and the Jurassic Coast, tackle the stiff climbs and spectacular singletrack of the Dark Peak, discover stunning coastal scenery on the Isle of Man or Exmoor or traverse the rolling countryside around the Ridgeway and Chilterns – every corner of England has a different experience to offer.Each route includes all the information you need to help you plan your ride, points of interest along the route, food recommendations and accommodation options, in addition to stunning photography and overview mapping. Downloadable GPX files of the routes are also available, including optional routes and shortcuts. This book is full of practical tips and advice for both experienced bikepackers and those who want to try it out for the first time, including lots of information on wild camping.Let Bikepacking England inspire you to get out there on your bike with your tent and enjoy the best bikepacking adventures that England has to offer.Table of ContentsIntroductionAcknowledgementsBikepackingThe routesPlanning your bikepacking tripWild campingHow to use this bookSafetySection 1: South West England01 Dartmoor National Park02 Exmoor National Park03 Bridport and the Jurassic Coast04 Isle of Purbeck05 Mendip Hills and Weston-super-Mare06 Bristol and ClevedonSection 2: South East England07 Isle of Wight08 Winchester and the South Downs09 The Ridgeway and Chilterns10 Surrey HillsSection 3: The Midlands11 Cotswolds12 Long Mynd and the Stiperstones13 Dark Peak14 White Peak and the Eastern MoorsSection 4: Northern England15 Isle of Man16 Windermere, Lake District17 Yorkshire Three Peaks, Yorkshire Dales18 Swaledale and Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales19 North York Moors20 Northumberland and the Cheviot Hills

Read more less

**THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**'As a chronicle of an extraordinary friendship between man and animal, and its unexpected consequences, it's entirely delightful' DAILY MAIL'This uplifting retelling of their adventures together proves a welcome tonic' THE SUN'Heartwarming and utterly charming' GUARDIAN'A heart-warming and captivating travelogue' THE i'A gorgeous book about their adventures, complete with photos that will melt your heart' Lorraine Kelly, ITV***Instagram phenomenon @1bike1world Dean Nicholson reveals the full story of his life-changing friendship with rescue cat Nala and their inspiring adventures together on a bike journey around the world.When 30-year-old Dean Nicholson set off from Scotland to cycle around the world, his aim was to learn as much as he could about our troubled planet. But he hadn't bargained on the lessons he'd learn from his unlikely companion.Three months after leaving home, on a remote road in the mountains between Montenegro and Bosnia, he came across an abandoned kitten. Something about the piercing eyes and plaintive meowing of the bedraggled little cat proved irresistible. He couldn't leave her to her fate, so he put her on his bike and then, with the help of local vets, nursed her back to health.Soon on his travels with the cat he named Nala, they forged an unbreakable bond - both curious, independent, resilient and adventurous. The video of how they met has had 20 million views and their Instagram has grown to almost 750k followers - and still counting!Experiencing the kindness of strangers, visiting refugee camps, rescuing animals through Europe and Asia, Dean and Nala have already learned that the unexpected can be pretty amazing. Together with Garry Jenkins, writer with James Bowen of the bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob, Dean shares the extraordinary tale of his and Nala's inspiring and heart-warming adventure together.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJobst Brandt (1935-2015) was a California cyclist and engineer whose passion and intellect changed the way we ride bikes today. Years before the evolution of mountain bikes and gravel bikes, his legendary 'Jobst rides' took riders and their bikes to places they hadn't gone before. Jobst spent almost fifty summers in the Alps, lightweight touring and adventuring over 2,000 miles each time, always carrying a camera to document his trip. He was also the brilliant mind behind many innovations such as the bike computer and smooth tires, and he even influenced the birth of the mountain bike

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Place Apart is a remarkable geographical and psychological travelogue that rises above history, politics, theology and economics. Created by a southern Irishwoman, cycling into the mayhem of Northern Ireland in order to try and sort out her own opinions and emotions about this troubled land. She came equipped with her own childhood experiences of murder and Republican martyrdom, but was otherwise unfettered by sectarian loyalties and armed with a delightful curiosity, a fine ear for anecdote, an ability to stand her own at the bar and penetrating intelligence. She travelled extensively through both town and country, frequently finding herself in horrifying situations, and sometimes among people stiff with hate and grief: but equally, she discovered an unquenchable spirit everywhere that refused to die. Other Dervla Murphy titles published by Eland. Original Hardbacks: A Month by the Sea: Encounters in Gaza, The Island that Dared: Journeys in Cuba, Eland Classics: Wheels within Wheels, Full Tilt: From Ireland to India with a Bicycle, In Ethiopia with a Mule, Where the Indus is Young: A Winter in Baltistan, Tibetan Foothold, The Waiting Land: A Spell in Nepal, On a Shoestring to Coorg.Trade ReviewGenial, tolerant and affectionate. It seems incredible that such a foul oyster should produce such a pearl. - The Times

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Great North Road is Britain’s Route 66 – we’ve just forgotten how to sing its praises In 1921, Britain’s most illustrious highway, the Great North Road, ceased to exist – on paper at least. Stretching from London to Edinburgh, the old road was largely replaced by the A1 as the era of the motor car took hold. A hundred years later, journalist and cyclist Steve Silk embraces the anniversary as the perfect excuse to set off on an adventure across 11 days and 400 miles. Travelling by bike at a stately 14 miles per hour, he heads north, searching out milestones and memories, coaching inns and coffee shops. Seen from a saddle rather than a car seat, the towns and the countryside of England and Scotland reveal traces of Britain’s remarkable past and glimpses of its future. Instead of the familiar service stations and tourist hotspots, Steve tracks down the forgotten treasures of this ancient highway between the two capitals. The Great North Road is a journey as satisfying for the armchair traveller as the long-distance cyclist. Enriched with history, humour and insight, it’s a tribute to Britain and the endless appeal of the open road.Trade ReviewAn enjoyable ode to a road that cyclists planning a trip will love, with entertaining nuggets of trivia and history for anyone who has ever hit the A1 for a long drive. Silk is a man on a mission, snaking alongside the main carriages on his winding passage by bike north via many a cafe and old coaching inn (many of which Charles Dickens visited, apparently). This journey may just give the lockdown Lycra brigade ideas. * Tom Chesshyre *I love this book. I love the idea of considering something as mundane and utilitarian as the A1(M) in a fascinating, historical context. Who knew that behind this seemingly endless snake of concrete and tarmac lies the makings of a fabulous journey of pilgrimage? It is a joy to learn about the background to Steve's journey and to follow him as he makes his way along his very own Great North Road. * Rachel Ann Cullen *I was going to ride the Great North Road and write about it... but in the light of this annoyingly good book, I won't. * Tim Moore *Weaving the history of the old road with the colour and the characters of today, Steve proves that any journey is an adventure if you know where to look. * Alastair Humphreys *

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘I rode back down the hill to the athlete’s village. Some of Team Scotland had been watching on the big screen and I arrived to hugs of congratulations. I went inside for a shower and ceremoniously dropped my heart rate monitor into the bin. It was the first day of the rest of my life.’ A little before 1.30 p.m. on Sunday 21 July 2013, Lee Craigie crossed the finish line at Cathkin Braes in the southern outskirts of Glasgow several minutes ahead of her nearest competitor to become the British cross-country mountain bike champion. Lee’s win was the culmination of seven years of training and sacrifice, but it marked the beginning of the end of her competitive career; less than a year later, at the same venue, this time representing her native Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, she crossed the line and quit professional bike racing for good. Lee Craigie is one of Scotland’s great bike racers, yet she has accomplished much more since retiring. In Other Ways to Win she tells her story of growing up near Glasgow and discovering the freedom of cycling – skipping French lessons and heading off into the Campsie Fells to see just how far she could ride. These teenage adventures established cycling as the thread which would run through her life – not only through her racing life and into a new life of two-wheeled adventure, but also through the positive impact she would have on the lives of others, particularly encouraging other women through her work with the Adventure Syndicate. Written with breathtaking honesty, she recounts epic adventures along the Tour Divide, Silk Road and the Highland Trail 550, and examines themes of friendship, loss, identity and the power of the outdoors – and, of course, cycling. Lee Craigie’s story is a welcome reminder that there is more than one way to win at cycling – and life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore 50 of the greatest, most thrilling road cycling routes the world has to offer, guided by the experts at the world's biggest road cycling magazine. Route maps, first-hand ride reports and truly breathtaking photography from the finest cycling photographers come together in this celebration of the world on two wheels.Covering the very best of Europe, from the twisting trails of northern Norway to the winding coast of southern Spain, this beautiful book also includes rides from as far afield as Vietnam, Ethiopia and Lebanon, as well as the USA.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom 2015 to 2017, Peter Sagan achieved the seemingly impossible: he won three road race World Championships in a row, ensuring his entry into the history books as one of the greatest riders of all time.But to look at Peter’s record in isolation is to tell only a fraction of his story, because Peter doesn’t just win: he entertains. Every moment in the saddle is an opportunity to express his personality, and nobody else has succeeded in making elite cycling look so much fun. From no-hands wheelies on the slopes of Mont Ventoux to press conference mischief with clamouring journalists, Peter exudes a passion for the sport and a lovable desire to bring smiles to the faces of his fans.So, for the very first time, you will have the opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes of Peter’s world. You will discover the gruelling training programmes necessary for success, and how Peter copes with the pressure of high expectation. You will feel that sense of elation when crossing the line ahead of the pack, and moments of desperation, like in 2017 when Peter realised he wouldn’t be allowed to challenge for his sixth Tour de France green jersey. But what better tonic than to ensure a third year in rainbow – an achievement which may never be repeated again.Trade ReviewSagan is not only one of the greatest riders of all time, he’s probably one of the most entertaining as well. His autobiography offers a glimpse behind the scenes and into his world of mischief -- Mildred Locke * Bike Radar, *Books of the Year* *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThere's little that can beat the perfect simplicity of a bike ride. There are many reasons why cycling has such enduring appeal. For some, it is the relaxation and freedom that biking offers – what could be better than pedalling away and leaving our troubles behind? For others, cycling is the perfect means of building strength and fitness. Indeed, it can be one of the most challenging sports on the planet – from amateurs testing themselves to the limit to professionals competing in some of the toughest races in the world.Packed full of wise, witty and inspirational quotes, The Little Book of Cycling is the perfect gift for cyclists of all levels. From the simple exhilaration of freewheeling downhill to the arduous challenges faced by the endurance cyclist, this is the ultimate ode to the love of two wheels.'Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring.' Desmond Tutu'I don't ride a bike to add days to my life. I ride a bike to add life to my days.' UnknownTable of ContentsOn Your Bike: Amusing anecdotes • Lean and Green: The science and the benefits • Changing Gear: It's not all about lycra • Town & Country: Beating the traffic, discovering the world • Pedal Power: The pain of winning • Saddle Up: Memorable quotes from famous cyclists.

Read more less

Book Synopsis=destination through a new lens by picking a ride that works for you, from just a couple of hours to a full day, from easy to hard. From rail trails to coastal pathways we cover the country with easy-to-follow trails for cyclists and E-bike riders. Inside Lonely Planet's Best Bike Rides FranceTravel Guide: Colour maps (including elevation charts) and images throughout Special features - on France's highlights for cyclist, kid-friendly rides, accessible trails and what to takeOur Picks… section helps you plan your trip and select rides that appeal to your interestsRegion profiles cover when to go, where to stay, what's on, cultural insights, and local food and drink recommendations to refuel and refresh. Featured regions include: The Pyrenees; the French Alps and the Jura Mountains; Provence; Central France; Corsica; Lille, Flanders and the Somme; Brittany and Normandy; Languedoc-Roussillon Essential info at your fingertips - ride itineraries accompanied by illustrative maps are combined with details about ride duration, distance, terrain, start/end locations (including bike rental options) and difficulty (classified as easy, easy-moderate, moderate, moderate-hard, or hard) Over 50 maps The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Best Bike Rides France, our most comprehensive guide to riding in France, is perfect for those planning to explore France on two wheels. Looking for more information on France? Check out Lonely Planet's France guide for a comprehensive look at what the country has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. ‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' New York Times ‘Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' Fairfax Media (Australia)

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis guidebook describes a 240km cycle ride along the length of the Canal du Midi in southern France. Starting at Toulouse in the Haute Garonne and finishing at Sète on the Mediterranean Coast, the route is divided into five stages of about 50km. It is a flat, car-free and picturesque route mainly on the towpath, and is suitable for all abilities. The guide is written for those who want to explore the canal and visit attractions along the way. There are lots of optional detours to sites of interest near the canal, as well as six longer excursions including fortified Carcassone, Roman Narbonne, Vendres lagoon and the Portiragnes marshes. Detailed route descriptions are crammed with additional information about points of interest passed, and 1:200,000 scale maps clearly show the route for each stage of the way. Begun in 1666 the Canal du Midi is one of the world's most picturesque waterways and a World Heritage Site. This is 'La France Profonde', a region rich in history and culture, as seen in the grand homes and chateaux that grace the water's edge, and the fascinating Cathar strongholds of Carcassone, Lastours and Minerve.Table of ContentsMap key Overview map INTRODUCTION Regions of the canal History Wildlife Culture Cycling the Canal du Midi When to go Getting there and getting around Accommodation Food and drink Your bike What to take Cycling the towpath Health and safety Weather Maps Money and communications Using this guide THE CANAL DU MIDI Stage 1 Toulouse to Port Lauragais Stage 2 Port Lauragais to Carcassone Excursion 1 From Criminelle lock to St-Ferr#xe9;ol reservoir Stage 3 Carcassone to Homps Excursion 2 From Tr#xe8;bes to Lastours Excursion 3 From Homps to Minerve Stage 4 Homps to B#xe9;ziers Excursion 4 To Narbonne and Port la Nouvelle Stage 5 B#xe9;ziers to S#xe8;te Excursion 5 To Vendres salt lagoon Excursion 6 Across Portiragnes marshes to S#xe9;rignan Appendix A Stage planning tables Appendix B Accommodation Appendix C Useful information Appendix D English-French glossary Appendix E Further reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisFirst in a new series of cycle maps covering the whole country. The maps are all produced at a scale of 1:100 000 showing important features including the National cycle Network. Sections on road, off road and traffic free are all shown in differing colours along with their route number. Other roads and their classification are shown enabling you to link rides or explore sections and discover new routes at home or further afield. Facilities such as toilets, pubs, accommodation, bike shops, repair stations and railway stations are all shown. The mapping also has relief shading giving you a clear picture of the terrain (and steepness of any hills) you will encounter. Scale: 100 000 (10mm = 1 Km, 16mm = 1 Mile) Folded size: 163mm x 105mm Unfolded: 650mm x 800mm Tear and water-resistant paper Double sided

Read more less

Book SynopsisTraffic-Free Cycle Trails by Nick Cotton contains over 400 cycle routes in Great Britain. First published in 2004 and regularly updated ever since, it has become one of the country’s most popular cycling books, and this fourth edition published in 2020 features a large number of updates and revisions.Traffic-Free Cycle Trails includes a great variety of routes on former railway paths, canal towpaths and forest trails in England, Scotland and Wales – and every ride is away from traffic. For that safe and peaceful bike ride, increasingly the target of families and leisure cyclists alike, Nick Cotton’s guidebook has proven invaluable.Discover previously unknown local trails, plan fun rides for all the family, and travel to unfamiliar areas throughout the UK with quality routes. Presented in an easy-to-use format and packed with useful information in ten regional sections, it includes route descriptions of rides in every part of Britain. From novice riders looking to escape traffic to parents planning safe rides with children, let Traffic-Free Cycle Trails take the work out of finding the UK’s best cycling routes.Table of ContentsHow to use this guideFinding a grid referenceTowpath cyclists’ safety codeForestry code01 South-WestMountain bikingForestry Commission landNational Cycle NetworkThe trails02 South-East Mountain biking Forestry Commission land National Cycle Network The trails 03 East of England Mountain biking Forestry Commission land National Cycle Network The trails 04 East Midlands Mountain biking Forestry Commission land National Cycle Network The trails 05 West Midlands Mountain biking Forestry Commission land National Cycle Network The trails 06 North-West Mountain biking Forestry Commission land National Cycle Network The trails 07 Yorkshire Mountain biking Forestry Commission land National Cycle Network The trails08 North-East Mountain biking Forestry Commission land National Cycle NetworThe trails09 WalesMountain bikingForestry Commission landNational Cycle NetworkThe trails10 ScotlandMountain bikinForestry Commission landNational Cycle Network The trailIndex

Read more less

Book Synopsis**SHORTLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2023**''Full of delightful anecdotes and interviews and fascinating historical tales'' Mail on SundayA panoramic portrait of the wonderous vehicle whose passenger is also its engine.A toy, a tool, a liberator, or complete nuisance: the bicycle has been many things to many people over the decades, yet it endures as the most popular form of transport in the world. How has such a simple machine achieved so much?Combining history, travelogue and memoir, Jody Rosen reshapes our understanding of this ubiquitous vehicle from its invention in 1817 to its present-day renaissance as a ''green machine''. Readers meet unforgettable characters: women''s suffragists who steered bikes to the barricades in the 1890s, a Bhutanese king who races mountain bikes in the Himalayas, astronauts who ride a floating bicycle in zero gravity.By examining the bicycle''s past and peering into its fuTrade ReviewWhen I fell in love with riding a bike in New York City last year, what I found myself craving was a history-of the bicycle... that whoever wrote this history would find a way to make it personal and ruminative... Lo and behold: Jody Rosen has written that very book. My wish has come true and a door's been blown open. I got more than I knew I wanted * New York TImes *Two Wheels Good is full of interesting moments...and is often written with real verve... his [Rosen's] enthusiasm for what is sometimes described as mankind's "noblest invention" is infectious * Times Literary Supplement *The engaging tone of Rosen's memoir-travelogue-history is the grim cheerfulness of the urban cyclist. He gives a vivid sense of the cinematic pleasures of cycling through a city. * Spectator *A jovial historical narrative ... Rosen rightly get us to expand our narrow Western image of the bicycle to a global perspective [and] is skilled yet selective in navigating the complex and rich history of the bicycle, taking us across continents and through centuries ... a thoroughly enjoyable, and sometimes surprising read * Cycle *The bicycle has been loved and loathed... Rosen's vibrant history explores it all * BBC History Magazine *Comprehensive . . . [Two Wheels Good] often feels like a leisurely ride, full of spontaneous detours into unexpected delight. But what makes the book essential is its rigorous reporting * The Atlantic *The best thing I've ever read on a single subject... With curiosity, conscientiousness, and an exquisitely light touch, [Joden] makes a convincing case that the story of the bike is the story of modern life -- Lauren Collins, author of When in FrenchWide-ranging and inquisitive, Two Wheels Good is like an entire library of books on the bicycle -- Lucy Sante, author of Low LifeTakes us on a ride-across the centuries and around the globe, through startling history and vivid first-person reporting-offering not just a wry, rich, deeply researched meditation on the bicycle and our relationship to it, but the headlong rush of cruising on two wheels into the unknown -- Patrick Radden Keefe, author of Empire of Pain and Say NothingThe stores are filled with books on little things that changed everything, but Jody Rosen's new book offers us a real little thing-the simple bicycle-that really did change everything, from the shape of our streets to the inner life of our imaginations... this is social history as it ought to be written: funny, precise, surprising, anti-dogmatic and unafraid of following a story, brakes off, to wherever the tale might want to glide -- Adam Gopnik, author of Paris to the MoonLove for two-wheeled transport runs through every sentence in the book... anyone who goes about mostly on two wheels, in defiance of the ever larger, ever more numerous powered vehicles on the road, will enjoy this entertaining ride. * Economist *[A] complex cultural history. . . . The strength of Two Wheels Good is the journalist's eye [Rosen] brings to a basic technology that has had radically disparate identities at different times and in different parts of the world * Curbed *A lively biography of a tool central to the greening of urban spaces. It's also a fascinating, sweeping everyday explainer, moving from the bike's 19th-century origins to its importance globally * Chicago Tribune *Full of delightful anecdotes and interviews, and fascinating historical tales, Two Wheels Good will expand your understanding of what a bicycle is and what it can do * Mail on Sunday *An enthralling overview of a quiet transport revolution * History Today *A terrific book... Rosen covers all the aspects of cycling you could imagine * Reader's Digest *Excellent * Cycling Weekly *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe fascinating and unknown story of the Tour de France''s ever-changing relationship with money and power - and the enigmatic family behind it all.It started with a cash drop by an English spy in occupied Paris in 1944. Reserved for Resistance groups during the war, the money reached Émilien Amaury, an advertising executive, who was tasked to help France return to a free press once liberated. He soon launched a newspaper empire that - unbeknown to him - would own the rights to run what would become one of the greatest sporting events in history.Le Tour, once a struggling commercial phenomenon, began to rise in popularity across much of western Europe in the glum years after the Second World War, lifting the mood of the hungry and despondent French. But with the increased interest in the event, exacerbated by the creation of television and the internet, came several cultural threats to national heritage. Multiple attempts to wrest power and profits from the latest geTrade ReviewThe compelling story moves effortlessly from the empty boulevards of German-occupied Paris to the heart of the City of London, from a quiet house in Tring, Herts, to the 21 lungbusting hairpin turns on theascent to Alpe d'Huez. One of the best books you will read this year. * Daily Mail, Sports Books of the Year *Le Fric lifts the veil on the obscure family who run the world's most famous bicycle race, the Tour de France . . . Duff welds together the sporting and business worlds in a way that is always entertaining - like the race itself * Sunday Times, Sports Books of the Year *A rip-roaring read about war, money, politics and sport . . . The 300 pages flew by . . . Deftly covers the big stories and personalities without getting sensational, it's a page-turner but informative and well-sourced. Sports fans should enjoy it and anyone with an interest in media history in France would do well to read it too. * Inner Ring *Brilliant . . . a business history with the rhythm and suspense of a mystery thriller and plenty of curious revelations you will surely be repeating in conversation. * Stelvio *Rollicking * Times Literary Supplement *Le Fric brings new insight to the Tour de France . . . A welcome attempt to unravel the secretive business model and ownership of cycling's best-known event. * Road.cc *Sports book of the year * De Tijd *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Julian Sayarer learns the world record for a circumnavigation by bicycle has been broken, and that adventure has been bought by banks and big business, he leaves his job as a London bike courier and sets out determined to take it back. Riding an average of 110 miles a day and as much as 240, he lives six months on the road and on a daily budget of £8.84. His route leads him through Europe and Russia, east to Shanghai, before reaching the jungles of Malaysia, the hills of New Zealand and the deserts and plains of North America. Twenty countries pass beneath his wheels, rolling through hurricanes and alongside homeless cycling tramps. Life Cycles is not only an account of incredible physical endurance but also a roadside view of a changing world. From US trailer families to Chinese factories and Kazakh nomads, this thrilling tale of discovery and adventure is a reminder that the world is out there and waiting for us.Trade ReviewLife Cycles is On the Road for the Occupy generation. It's an adventure and a quest with a political heart, and the love of the world shines through (almost) all the encounters that the open road and Julian's own openness invite time and time again * openDemocracy *Sayarer's love of the open road and his ability to evoke the beauty of travelling by bike are a potent combination that makes you itch to go cycling ... A wonderful, vivid account of a record-breaking, 18,000-mile adventure * Cycle Active *This is a very inspiring tale that says alot about the human race, its hopes and expectations, and there is even a bit about the bicycle, especially spoke breakages -- Mike Burrows, Designer of Chris Boardman's 1992 Olympic-winning bicycle

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis guidebook details the 137 mile sea-to-sea / C2C cycle route. This much loved short cycle tour across northern England takes you from Whitehaven or Workington on the west coast to Tynemouth or Sunderland on the east across 3 days. The ride is suitable for all bike types (including e-bikes) with detailed on and off road alternatives routes given. The guide contains easy-to-use route descriptions accompanied by 1:100,000 maps and useful gradient profiles. Facilities are given for each stage of the ride and a useful accommodation guide is included in the appendices. The ride weaves through the Lake District National Park, northern Pennines and County Durham, providing a balance of challenge and reward as you climb through the mountain passes of Whinlatter, Hartside Top and Black Hill. This cycle tour is a 'must have' on on any cycle tourers ticklist.Table of ContentsMap key Overview map and profile Route summary tables Introduction Why choose the C2C? How tough is the ride? How many days? Where to start and where to end West to east or east to west? What kind of bicycle? Unsurfaced off-road options Getting there and back Where to stay Before setting off on your bike Equipment Carrying your gear What to wear Maps and apps Signage Using this guide The C2C Day 1 Whitehaven to Greystoke Day 1A Workington to Greystoke Day 2 Greystoke to Allenheads Day 3 Allenheads to Tynemouth Day 3A Allenheads to Sunderland Appendix A Accommodation Appendix B Bike shops and other useful contacts

Read more less

Book SynopsisLonely Planet’s Best Bike Rides Italy is your passport to 40 day trips on two wheels. Use pedal power to see a destination through a new lens by picking a ride that works for you, from just a couple of hours to a full day, from easy to hard. From rail trails to coastal pathways we cover the country with easy-to-follow trails for cyclists and E-bike riders.Inside Lonely Planet’s Best Bike Rides Italy Travel Guide: Colour maps (including elevation charts) and images throughoutSpecial features - on Italy’s highlights for cyclist, kid-friendly rides, accessible trails and what to takeOur Picks… section helps you plan your trip and select rides that appeal to your interestsRegion profiles cover when to go, where to stay, what’s on, cultural insights, and local food and drink recommendations to refuel and refresh. Featured regions include: Italian Lakes, Campania and the Amalfi coast, Abruzzo, Tuscany, Sicily, dolomites and Stelvio, Sardinia, Umbria and Le Marche, Liguria Italian Alps.Essential info at your fingertips - ride itineraries accompanied by illustrative maps are combined with details about ride duration, distance, terrain, start/end locations (including bike rental options) and difficulty (classified as easy, easy-moderate, moderate, moderate-hard, or hard)Over 50 mapsThe Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Best Bike Rides Italy, our most comprehensive guide to riding in Italy, is perfect for those planning to explore Italy on two wheels.Looking for more information on Italy? Check out Lonely Planet’s Italy guide for a comprehensive look at what the country has to offer.About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. ‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.’ – New York Times‘Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.’ – Fairfax Media (Australia)

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Camino Francés or Way of St James) is among the world's most famous pilgrimages: Christian pilgrims have travelled to the shrine of St James in Santiago, northern Spain, since the ninth century. This guide provides all the information you need to successfully cycle the Camino. The Camino Francés is the most popular variant of the Camino, linking St Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French-Spanish border with Santiago via Pamplona, Burgos and León. The guide presents the journey in 18 stages. Two versions of the route are described, the first (770km) based closely on the walkers' route and suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes; the second (798km) a 'road route' for road and touring cycles. It can be cycled in around 10-14 days and is very well provisioned. Clear route description and mapping are accompanied by notes on local points of interest, as well as background information on Spanish history and the history of the Camino. The practicalities are also thoroughly covered, including travel to and from the route, accommodation, facilities, kit and how to qualify for and obtain your Compostela (pilgrims' certificate). Whether you're seeking a spiritual journey, a physical challenge or just a holiday, the Camino promises an unforgettable experience - from the beautiful landscapes, historic towns and rich culture of northern Spain to the famed camaraderie with other wayfarers. Blending information with inspiration, this guide is an ideal companion to cycling this UNESCO-listed route.Table of ContentsMap key Overview map Route summary table Introduction History The Camino The routes Natural environment Preparation Pilgrim credentials and information Getting there and back Navigation Accommodation Food and drink Amenities and services What to take Safety and emergencies About this guide The route Navarre and La Rioja Stage 1 St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles Stage 2 Roncesvalles to Pamplona Stage 3 Pamplona to Estella Stage 4 Estella to Logroño Stage 5 Logroño to Santo Domingo de la Calzada León y Castile Stage 6 Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Villafranca Montes de Oca Stage 7 Villafranca Montes de Oca to Burgos Stage 8 Burgos to Castrojeriz Stage 9 Castrojeriz to Carrión de los Condes Stage 10 Carrión de los Condes to Sahagún Stage 11 Sahagún to León Stage 12 León to Astorga Stage 13 Astorga to Ponferrada Stage 14 Ponferrada to O Cebreiro Galicia Stage 15 O Cebreiro to Sarria Stage 16 Sarria to Palas de Rei Stage 17 Palas de Rei to Arzúa Stage 18 Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela Appendix A Facilities summary table Appendix B Tourist information offices Appendix C Cycle shops Appendix D Pilgrim information Appendix E Useful contacts Appendix F Language glossary Appendix G Spanish architectural styles

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe official guide to this superb National Trail, published in conjunction with Walk Unlimited. Whether you're an experienced long-distance walker or a weekend stroller, this is the only companion you need. The South Downs Way runs for 100 miles (160 km) over the chalk downland of Sussex and Hampshire, from Eastbourne to Winchester. This route is rich with beautiful views across the rolling hills, including the stunning Seven Sisters, to the majestic South Downs, and the countryside surrounding them, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1966 and a national park since 2010. One of only two National Trails that can be used not only by walkers but also by cyclists and horse-riders for its entire length, this is the complete official guide to walking, cycling or riding the well-loved and popular trail.Table of ContentsHow to use this guide Key maps Distance checklist Part One: Introduction Pleasures along the South Downs Way • Downland wildlife • Geology • History of the Downs • Practical advice • Cyclists • Horseriders Part Two: South Downs Way 1 Eastbourne to Alfriston: footpath section 2 Eastbourne to Alfriston: bridleway section 3 Alfriston to the A27 Crossing 4 A27 Crossing to Pyecombe 5 Pyecombe to Upper Beeding 6 Upper Beeding to Washington 7 Washington to Amberley 8 Amberley to Cocking 9 Cocking to Buriton 10 Buriton to Exton 11 Exton to Winchester Part Three: Useful Information Transport • Accommodation and Tourist Information Centres • Cyclists • Walking and cycling holidays • Horseriders • Farriers • Horsebox parking • Vets • Local facilities • Local organisations • Other useful addresses • Guided walks • Bibliography • Ordnance Survey Maps Circular walks

Read more less

Book SynopsisCycling is a unique way to get to know a territory and has become increasingly popular in recent years. This book provides a collection of Europe’s most fascinating, evocative and iconic bicycle tourism itineraries, with technical data, information about the characteristics of the route, practical advice and curious facts and details about the area the itinerary travels through.Table of ContentsINTRODUZIONE 4 VIAGGIARE IN BICICLETTA 6 LA RETE EUROVELO 12 ITALIA Via Francigena 16 A.I.D.A. 22 Sentiero Valtellina 28 Abruzzo Bike to Coast 32 FRANCIA Ciclovia della Loira 36 Route des Grandes Alpes 42 Véloroute des Deux-Mers 48 Véloscénie 54 REGNO UNITO Ciclovia del Vallo di Adriano 58 The Cornish Way Cycle Route 64 Hebridean Way 68 Great North Trail 72 GERMANIA Ciclabile del Meno 78 Romantische Strasse 84 Percorso del Muro di Berlino 90 Weinstrasse 94 SPAGNA Cammino di Santiago 98 Vía Verde de Ojos Negros e Vía Verde Xurra 104 Gran Canaria Sud-Ovest 110 REPUBBLICA CECA Ciclabile Ohrˇe 114 POLONIA Green Velo 118 Ciclabile del fiume Dunajec 124 AUSTRIA Ciclovia del Danubio 128 Ciclabile del Salzkammergut 134 SVIZZERA Percorso panoramico delle Alpi 138 NORVEGIA Canal Route 144 PAESI BASSI Giro dell’Ijsselmeer 148 FINLANDIA Ciclabile del Lago Näsi - Karhunkaataja 152 SLOVENIA Trans Slovenia 01 156 PORTOGALLO Ecovia do Litoral 162 DANIMARCA Ancient Road 166 ISLANDA Ring Road 170 PERCORSI TRANSNAZIONALI ITALIA - SLOVENIA - CROAZIA Ciclovia Parenzana 174 AUSTRIA - ITALIA Ciclovia dell’Alpe Adria 178 GERMANIA - AUSTRIA - ITALIA Ciclovia dell’Amicizia Monaco-Venezia 184 FRANCIA - REGNO UNITO Avenue Verte 190 REPUBBLICA CECA - GERMANIA Ciclovia Oder-Neisse 196 GERMANIA - SVIZZERA - AUSTRIA Ciclabile del Lago di Costanza 200 NORVEGIA - SVEZIA - DANIMARCA - GERMANIA - PAESI BASSI - BELGIO - FRANCIA - REGNO UNITO Ciclovia del Mare del Nord Eurovelo 12 204 SVEZIA - FINLANDIA - RUSSIA - ESTONIA - LETTONIA - LITUANIA - POLONIA - GERMANIA - DANIMARCA Ciclovia del Baltico Eurovelo 10 210 NORVEGIA - FINLANDIA - SVEZIA - DANIMARCA - GERMANIA - REPUBBLICA CECA - AUSTRIA - ITALIA - MALTA Ciclovia del Sole Eurovelo 7 216 BIOGRAFIA - CREDITI FOTOGRAFICI 222

Read more less

Book SynopsisGuidebook to the Way of the Roses, a 170-mile coast-to-coast cycle route across Lancashire and Yorkshire. The three-day journey (alternative two, four and five day itineraries are also outlined) begins in Morecambe and finishes in Bridlington, linking scenic country lanes, minor roads and traffic-free cycle paths. Six excellent day rides, located in the vicinity of the main route, are also described. Clear and concise route description is accompanied by 1:100K mapping and gradient profiles, guaranteeing problem-free navigating. Also included is handy advice on practicalities such as preparation, equipment, accommodation and travel logistics to and from the start and finish of the route. A challenge within the reach of cyclists of all abilities and a satisfying traverse across country, the Way of the Roses takes in idyllic villages such as Burnsall, Pocklington and Settle, castles and cathedrals including York, Ripon abbey and prehistoric sites, along with stunning natural features such as the Three Peaks, Brimham Rocks and Flamborough Head.Table of ContentsMap key Overview map and profile Route summary tables Introduction Why do the Way of the Roses? How tough is it? Logistics - getting there and back How many days? Cycling the route east to west Where to stay What kind of bike? Equipment What to wear Maps and apps Signage Cycling dos and don'ts What's in a name? Cycling in Roses country Using this guide The Way of the Roses The three-day ride Day 1 Morecambe to Burnsall Day 2 Burnsall to York Day 3 York to Bridlington Day rides Route 1 Arnside and Silverdale tour Route 2 The Way of the Dales Route 3 Brontë country and the dark satanic hills Route 4 Otley and Knaresborough round Route 5 Around the Wolds in a day Route 6 Bridlington to Scarborough extension Appendix A Accommodation Appendix B Useful contacts

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith a new Afterword.Lance Armstrong won a record-smashing seven Tour de France yellow jerseys after staring down cancer, and in the process became an international symbol of resilience and courage. In a sport constantly dogged by blood doping scandals, Armstrong seemed above the fray. Never had cycling - or any sport-boasted such a charismatic and accomplished champion. Then, in the summer of 2012, the legend imploded. The rumors that had long dogged Armstrong began to solidify. Buried evidence surfaced. Hushed-up witnesses came forth. Armstrong''s Tour victories were stripped from him. His sponsors abandoned him. In January 2013, Armstrong finally admitted doping during the Tours, and in an interview with Oprah, described his mythic, perfect story as one big lie. But his admission raised more questions than it answered. With over three years of extensive reporting, deep sourcing, and interviews with nearly every key player, including Armstrong, Reed Trade ReviewCaptivating * The Economist *A detailed account of Armstrong's eventual descent into disgrace * Guardian *

Read more less

Book Synopsis"A deeply thoughtful, gripping and scrupulous book told in Sayarer's trademark style from the saddle and the roadside" CAROLINE EDENBy a winner of the Stanford Dolman Award for Travel Writing"The best travelogues should make you question your preconceptions of a place and force you to engage with what the author is saying. Türkiye succeeds on both fronts" Cycle Magazine"We need writers who will go all the way for a story, and tell it with fire. Sayarer is a marvellous example" HORATIO CLAREOn the eve of its centenary year and elections that will shape the coming generations, Julian Emre Sayarer sets out to cycle across Türkiye, from the Aegean coast to the Armenian border.Meeting Turkish farmers and workers, Syrian refugees and Russians avoiding conscription, the journey brings to life a living, breathing, cultural tapestry of the place where Asia, Africa and Europe converge. The result is a love letter to a country and its neighbours - one that offers a clear-eyed view of Türkiye and its place in a changing world. Yet the route is also marked by tragedy, as Sayarer cycles along a major fault line just months before one of the most devastating earthquakes in the region's modern history.Always engaged with the big historical and political questions that inform so much of his writing, Sayarer uses his bicycle and the roadside encounters it allows to bring everything back to the human level. At the end of his journey we are left with a deeper understanding of the country, as well as the essential and universal nature of political power, both in Türkiye and closer to home."A persuasive corrective to western views of a place he loves" GuardianTrade ReviewA persuasive corrective to western views of a place he loves * Guardian *The best travelogues should make you question your preconceptions of a place and force you to engage with what the author is saying. Turkiye succeeds on both fronts. * Cycle Magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAt twenty-five, Emily Chappell took up cycle couriering while she searched for a 'real job'. Eight years on, she is still riding. As she flies through the streets of London, dancing with the traffic, Chappell records the pains and pleasures of life on wheels: the dangerous missions; the moments of fear and freedom, and ultimately the simple joy of pedalling onward.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore 35 of the most notorious, gruelling cycling climbs the world has to offer, guided by the experts at Cyclist, the world's biggest road cycling magazine.Route maps, altitude charts, first-hand ride reports and incredible imagery from the finest cycling photographers combine in this tribute to the peaks, hills and ascents that every cyclist should try.Tracing the routes of the greatest rides across France, Italy, Spain and Belgium, this beautiful book also includes lesser-known climbs covering northern and eastern Europe and the USA - with every single ride tried, tested and conquered by the experts at Cyclist magazine.Climbs include:Monte Grappa, ItalyZoncolan, ItalyPasso dello Stelvio, ItalyAlto de l'Angliru, SpainSa Calobra, SpainKoppenberg, BelgiumAlpe d'Huez, FranceCol Agnel, FranceCroix de Fer, FranceThe Trollstigen, NowayMauna Kea, USA

Read more less

Book SynopsisPush until it hurts, then push some moreEven by the standards of a sport that requires enormous stamina and capacity for suffering, Jens Voigt is in a class on his own. Beloved by cycling fans for his madcap one-man breakaways as much as his sense of humour and quotable catchphrases, Jens is one of the most popular personalities in cycling.Jens was born near Hamburg, and came up through the East German system before the Wall came down. He got into the national team through the German army, before signing for his first big team. In many ways he is cycling’s anti-star; despite arguably spending more time at the front of the Tour de France than any other rider he has only worn the yellow jersey twice as his efforts have always been in the service of others.Jens embodies the best of cycling’s qualities – loyalty to his team, sacrifice, and devotion to the sport. He says, ‘I’m not a head person, I’m more of a heart and guts guy. That’s how I race.’ Shut Up Legs is a funny, insightful and entertaining look at the tough realities of professional cycling, told in Jens’s trademark irreverent and inimitable style.Trade ReviewVoigt defied age, logic, and, regularly, common sense, to craft magical, against-all-odds stage wins * Velonews *Cycling's beloved superfreak * Wall Street Journal *Suffering and Voigt are inseparable … but the man is much more than a catchphrase * Cyclist.co.uk *One of the most recognisable and loved riders in the peloton thanks to his fearsome attacks, irrepressible good humour and memorable sound bites * Cycling news *Classic ‘Jensism’ “Shut up legs!” titles a book that appraises the nuts, bolts, and uncharacteristic German sense of humour behind of one of cycling’s most complex and charismatic characters. * GQ *

Read more less

Book SynopsisGuidebook to the River Rhone Cycle Route, an 895km bicycle ride from the Alps of central Switzerland to the Mediterranean Sea, near Marseille, France. The route - which is mostly downhill, except for an optional 15km climb to the start point at Furkapass - is divided into 20 stages (averaging 45km per stage) and can be completed by most cyclists in 12-14 days. The route uses two waymarked national cycle trails: the Swiss R1 Rhone Route and the French ViaRhona, which together have been adopted by the ECF (European Cyclists' Federation) as EuroVelo route EV17. The guide provides detailed route descriptions and 1:150,000 mapping for each stage, as well as two route options along either the north or south shore of Lake Geneva. It also includes plenty of practical advice such as preparing for the journey, transport options there and back, what to take, accommodation en route and a French/German glossary.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'A thoughtful exploration of humanity ... Fabes is great company and makes riding bicycles seem like the best way to see and understand the world' - Guardian They say that being a good doctor boils down to just four things: Shut up, listen, know something, care. The same could be said for life on the road, too. When Stephen Fabes left his job as a junior doctor and set out to cycle around the world, frontline medicine quickly faded from his mind. Of more pressing concern were the daily challenges of life as an unfit rider on an overloaded bike, helplessly in thrall to pastries. But leaving medicine behind is not as easy as it seems. As he roves continents, he finds people whose health has suffered through exile, stigma or circumstance, and others, whose lives have been saved through kindness and community. After encountering a frozen body of a monk in the Himalayas, he is drawn ever more to healthcare at the margins of the world, to crumbling sanitoriums and refugee camps, to city dumps and war-torn hospital wards. And as he learns the value of listening to lives - not just solving diagnostic puzzles - Stephen challenges us to see care for the sick as a duty born of our humanity, and our compassion.Trade Reviewa thoughtful exploration of humanity ... Fabes is great company and makes riding bicycles seem like the best way to see and understand the world -- Guardiana poignant, funny memoir... Fabes is a winning storyteller * Star Tribune *The pages, and the turns, are a constant surprise and a wonder... Fabes writes beautifully, poetically, transportingly, about his journey * Life in the Fast Lane *an intrepid cyclist and doctor recounts an epic journey... A brisk, panoramic view of peoples and lands. * Kirkus Reviews *Witty and wild, intrepid and inspirational, the book chronicles two parallel journeys: Fabes' physical cycling tour of many countries and his look at health across the globe ... An entertaining and epic chronicle of a journey of extremes. * Booklist *Signs of Life is the kind of book we need right now. It is heart-warming. It is hopeful. It shows us that despite all the guns and guerrillas the world is also full of people who press presents and hospitality on travellers. It is also a very readable travelogue, a thoughtful one. * The BookBag *A dizzying, headlong, hilarious grand tour... deserves to become a classic. -- Gavin FrancisAn inspirational journey of humanity and humility. Fabes has redefined the medical memoir. -- Nathan FilerA clever and entertaining book, never veering too far from either the practicalities of bike-touring or Fabes's work as a medic and often using metaphors that connect the two * TLS *A charming, human story of resilience, adversity and compassion, all told with a good dose of dry British humour -- Lois Pryce author of * Revolutionary Ride *'I absolutely loved this book - a six-year, wheel-spinning, page-turning pedal around the world. Full of rich, vivid descriptions of people and landscapes, interwoven with wisdom, compassion, humanity and a playful Panglossian humour... he allows us to see how everything is connected. If Stephen is half as talented a doctor as he is a writer, then lucky patients I say. A worthy addition to the cycle-touring canon -- Mike Carter

Read more less

Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Wales Book of the Year Non-Fiction Award 2020 'Chappell is a gifted storyteller' - Observer In 2015 Emily Chappell embarked on a formidable new bike race: The Transcontinental. 4,000km across Europe, unassisted, in the shortest time possible. On her first attempt she made it only halfway, waking up suddenly on her back in a field, floored by the physical and mental exertion. A year later she entered the race again - and won. Where There's a Will takes us into Emily Chappell's race, grinding up mountain passes and charging down the other side; snatching twenty minutes' sleep on the outskirts of a village before jumping back on the bike to surge ahead for another day; feeding in bursts and navigating on the go. We experience the crippling self-doubt of the ultra distance racer, the confusing intensity of winning and the desperation of losing a dear friend who understood all of this.Trade ReviewEmily Chappell is one of the most inspiring athletes on the planet. Humble, tender and alive with unimaginable grit, this book makes us see just how much is possible. -- Chris Cleave, author of The Other Hand and Everyone Brave is ForgivenHer descriptions of what goes on in a rider's head in the middle of a race are on a par with Tim Krabbé. Lyrical writing and compelling reading - a real treat. -- Isabel Best, author of Queens of PainA first class cyclist and an even better writer -- Robert Penn, author of It's All About the BikeFor What Goes Around: Chappell is a marvellous writer, and the book reads rather like a bike ride with its succession of turns and unexpected discoveries ... The joy of cycling is at its heart, however; if any book could make you consider chucking in your desk job and throwing on some Lycra, this could be it. * DIVA *Fascinating * New Statesman *This memoir of a cycle courier and her love affair with the capital delivers the goods in style...Chappell is a gifted storyteller. She deftly weaves in a plotted history of couriering, from the explosion of the industry in the late 1980s...through to its gentle decline at the hand of email attachments, file sharing and electronic signatures...In and out of all this, fine words flow on the simple but profound pleasure of floating through the city on a bicycle - of the "strange sense of stillness", and "the energy of sheer motion itself. * Observer *Emily Chappell is one of the most inspiring athletes on the planet. Humble, tender and alive with unimaginable grit, this book makes us see just how much is possible. -- Chris Cleave

Read more less

Book SynopsisMatt Seaton’s critically acclaimed memoir about his obsession for cycling and how that obsession was tamed. For a time there were four bikes in Matt Seaton’s life. His evenings were spent 'doing the miles' on the roads out of south London and into the hills of the North Downs and Kent Weald. Weekends were taken up with track meets, time trials and road races – rides that took him from cold village halls at dawn and onto the empty bypasses of southern England. With its rituals, its code of honour and its comradeship, cycling became a passion that bordered on possession. It was at once a world apart, private to its initiates and, through the races he rode in Belgium, Mallorca and Ireland, a passport to an international fraternity. But then marriage, children and his wife's illness forced a reckoning with real life and, ultimately, a reappraisal of why cycling had become so compelling in the first place. Today, those bikes are scattered, sold, or gathering dust in an attic. Wry, frank and elegiac, ‘The Escape Artist’ is a celebration of an amateur sport and the simple beauty of cycling. It is also a story about the passage from youth to adulthood, about what it means to give up something fiercely loved in return for a kind of wisdom.Trade Review'As poignant an elegy as I have ever read. I finished the last chapters of this book just before I went to sleep, and in the morning, with a swoop of grief in my guts, it was the first thing I thought of.'Toby Clements, Daily Telegraph ‘Thoroughly tragic and almost brilliant. The Escape Artist is an achingly sad account of what Seaton now refers to as 'my former life.'Robert MacFarlane, Observer 'A heart-stopping examination of how, why and for what we push ourselves to the edge. I never thought I'd cry about bikes and cycling. It is one of those rare books you could give to absolutely anyone – and one you'll want to keep by you and read again and again.'Julie Myerson ‘This book is, above all, about passion and loss. It's about the passion of life at the very edge of athletic and mechanical achievement that is eventually lost to love of a wife and children, which in turn gives way to the loss of the wise and mother herself. I read and relished this book.'Jon Snow, Guardian

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis guidebook covers the northern stages of the Pennine Bridleway, through Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria, a dedicated and waymarked mountain biking and horse-riding trail that opened in 2011. Using part of the Mary Towneley Loop, the route is described for mountain bikers from Summit, just outside Rochdale all the way to Ravenstonedale in Cumbria, in about 176km. 11 circular day mountain bike routes are included for those who do not wish to ride the whole route as a linear trail. It splits the main bridleway into rides of 8 - 16 miles in length. A grand total of 384km of trail are covered, mapped using OS map extracts and illustrated with profiles, photographed and described in enough detail to suit all levels of navigational ability. Appendices also offer information on local facilities, accommodation, bike shops and other useful contacts for planning your days out or longer trip along the Bridleway, and information provided before each route description includes distance, ascent, grading, estimated time and percentage of route off-road, as well as maps needed and pubs and cafes en route.Table of ContentsOverview map Introduction Where to start? Getting there Who is this guide for? When to go Accommodation Safety How far can I ride in a day? What type of bike will I need? Waymarks and access Using this guide What to take Section 1: The Mary Towneley Loop Summit to Hurstwood (anti-clockwise) Section 2: A linear description of the Pennine Bridleway The Lancashire Link Part 1 Hurstwood to Barnoldswick Part 2 Barnoldswick to Long Preston The Yorkshire Dales Part 1 Long Preston to Horton-in-Ribblesdale Part 2 Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Garsdale Head Part 3 Garsdale Head to Ravenstonedale Section 3: Day loops off the Pennine Bridleway Route 1 The Settle Loop Route 2 Giggleswick, Wharfe and Catrigg Force Route 3 Clapham, Crummack Dale and Feizor Route 4 Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Helwith Bridge and Sulber Nick Route 5 Ribblehead to Ling Gill and Horton-in-Ribblesdale Route 6 Ribblehead to Dentdale, via The Craven Way Route 7 Cam High Road and The Ribble Way Route 8 Arten Gill, Dent Head Viaduct and the Driving Road Route 9 Garsdale to Dentdale, via Dandra Garth Route 10 Lady Anne’s Highway Route 11 Ravenstonedale, Pendragon Castle & High Dolphinsty Appendices Appendix A Route summary tables Appendix B Local facilities Appendix C Useful contacts Appendix D Accommodation Appendix E Bike shops

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis guidebook shows the vast range of activities available in the mountains surrounding Chamonix. With routes for several different pursuits including walking, trail running, mountain biking, road cycling, via ferratas, rock climbing, mountaineering and bouldering, it is a comprehensive collection of everything this popular region has to offer. All the routes and activities range in difficulty, from easy strolls for all abilities to moderate rock climbs and glacier hikes, which require either technical skills or a professional guide. Families, groups of friends and mountaineers looking for a 'rest day' or a change to what they're used to will all find something to whet their appetites here. Chamonix has long been a dream destination for mountain adventures and its environment is ideal for such a varied list of activities. This guide allows you to enjoy its spectacular views and renowned summits in many different ways or by mixing and matching your favourites.Table of ContentsMap key Map of walks and Alpine mountaineering routes Map of trail running, road biking and mountain biking routes Map of rock climbing, bouldering and via ferrata routes Chamonix town map Introduction The region Glaciers Flowers and animals How it all started Mountain adventures Other activities When to go Getting there and getting around Accommodation Tourist information Language Health and safety Using this guide 1 Walks Classic Walks Route 1 Mont Joly Route 2 Le Prarion Route 3 Aiguillette des Houches Route 4 Montagne de la Côte Route 5 Lac Cornu and Lacs Noirs Route 6 Plan de l'Aiguille to Montenvers Route 7 Grand Balcon Sud: La Fl#xe9;g#xe8;re to Planpraz Route 8 Aiguillette des Posettes Route 9 Lac Blanc from the Col des Montets Route 10 Mont Buet by the Normal Route Family Walks Route 1 Lac des Ilettes Route 2 Lacs Jovet Route 3 Chalets Miage and Truc Route 4 Charousse Route 5 Lac du Br#xe9;vent Route 6 Argenti#xe8;re via the Paradis des Praz Route 7 Le Chapeau Route 8 Montroc-Col des Montets-Vallorcine Route 9 B#xe9;rard valley and Sur le Rocher Route 10 Dinosaur tracks Hut Walks Route 1 Refuge de Plat#xe9; Route 2 Refuge de Tr#xe9;-la-T#xea;te Route 3 Refuge Moëde d'Anterne Route 4 Refuge Bel Lachat Route 5 Refuge du Lac Blanc Route 6 Refuge Albert Premier Route 7 Refuge de la Pierre #xe0; B#xe9;rard Route 8 Refuge de Loriaz Adventure Walks Route 1 Pointe Perc#xe9;e Route 2 The D#xe9;rochoir and D#xe9;sert de Plat#xe9; Route 3 Aiguille du Belv#xe9;d#xe8;re Route 4 Mer de Glace Balcony Trail Route 5 Tr#xe9;-les-Eaux Circuit Route 6 Loriaz to Emosson Route 7 Mont Buet by the North Ridge Route 8 Cheval Blanc Trail Running 2 Alpine Mountaineering Route 1 Champex to Le Tour Route 2 Grand Montets to Lognan Route 3 Aiguille du Midi to Helbronner Route 4 Petite Aiguille Verte Route 5 Aiguille Crochues Route 6 Aiguille du Tour Route 7 The Cosmiques Ar#xea;te Route 8 Mont Blanc 3 Mountain Biking Route 1 Les Contamines: Truc Miage circuit Route 2 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains: Prarion circuit Route 3 Pipeline descent: Saint-Gervais to Le Fayet Route 4 Tour des Ay#xe8;res Route 5 Promenade de l'Arve Route 6 Petit Balcon Nord: Chamonix to Le Tour Route 7 Montroc to Chamonix along the Arve Route 8 Col des Montets to the chocolate shops Route 9 Vallorcine-Col des Posettes-Le Tour-Montroc Route 10 Vallorcine to Martigny Descents and airtime 4 Road Biking Route 1 Chamonix to Sallanches Route 2 Col des Montets Route 3 Emosson Lake Route 4 Col de la Forclaz Rides outside of the Chamonix valley 5 Rock Climbing and Bouldering Rock climbing Area 1 Les Gaillands Area 2 The Index Area 3 La Joux Area 4 Les Ch#xe9;serys Area 5 Aiguillette d'Argenti#xe8;re Area 6 Vallorcine Slab (Rocher de la Saix) Area 7 Barberine Bouldering Area 1 Col des Montets Area 2 Pierre d'Orthaz Area 3 Les Bossons Area 4 Le Coupeau Area 5 Le M#xe9;donnet 6 Via Ferratas Route 1 Le Mont, Sixt-Fer-#xe0;-Cheval Route 2 La Curalla, Passy Other routes in the Haute Savoie region Route 3 La Yves Pollet Villard, La Clusaz Route 4 La Roche #xe0; l'Agathe, Thônes Appendix A Useful contacts Appendix B Useful French words and phrases Appendix C Further reading Appendix D Glacier travel and rescue techniques

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisAcross the UK, into Europe and further afield, these are the training rides, races and journeys closest to his heart. From one-day classics in the Peak District and Snowdonia to the rolling roads of Tuscany and the wide-open vistas of New Zealand's South Island, these are the routes you'll want to ride alongside Britain's favourite cycling superstar.We ride out with him from his winter home in the south of France, and around his old Tuscan training base as a GB Olympic hopeful at the very start of his career. We take in the valley roads of the Tour de Suisse (overall winner, 2022), and the sinuous coastal roads of Milan - San Remo.We go long in Mallorca and bounce along the short cobbled secteurs of Belgium; we take in the vineyards around Adelaide and the bright blue skies of southern California.And we have guest rides too: from world champion Remco Evenepoel and his favourite winter training ride in Calpe, Spain; around Yorkshire, with Olympic mountain bike champion, world cyclo-cross champion and newly crowned winner of Strade Bianche, Tom Pidcock; in the wilds of western Ireland from champion sprinter Sam Bennett.Twenty rides, twenty adventures you'll never forget. All of this in a small-size hardback that can slide just as easily into your hand luggage as the back pocket of your jersey.

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Byrne comes across like a post-punk Michael Palin.'' Sephen Dalton, The Times''An engaging book; part-diary, part-manifesto.'' ObserverDavid Byrne, co-founder of the group Talking Heads, has been riding a bicycle as his principal means of transportation since the 1980''s. When he tours, Byrne travels with a folding bicycle, bringing it to cities like London, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Manila, New York, Detroit and San Francisco. The view from his bike seat has given Byrne a panoramic window on urban life all over the world. An enchanting celebration of bike riding and of the rewards of seeing the world at bike level, this book gives the reader an incredible insight into what Byrne is seeing and thinking as he pedals around these cities.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Cycling Bible by renowned cycling author and journalist Chris Sidwells is a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of cycling, whether you go road cycling, gravel riding, mountain biking or enjoy any other kind of two-wheeled fun.Based on the author’s extensive experience and research, this book collates the knowledge you will need to specifically train for the technical, physical and mental aspects of cycling training. It includes riding positions, strength and conditioning, endurance training, the psychological side of training, tailoring nutrition to your goals and bringing it all together to create your own training plan. It also deals with choosing the right bike for you, making essential safety checks and carrying out maintenance.Extensively illustrated and packed full of action photos, The Cycling Bible will help and motivate you to improve and develop as a cyclist and find even more joy in this fantastic sport.Table of ContentsIntroductionCHAPTER 1 A MANIFESTO FOR CYCLINGCHAPTER 2 GETTING STARTEDBuying the bikeBuying second-handAdditional kitWhat to wearExtras to considerCHAPTER 3 THE WORLD OF CYCLINGCycling disciplinesRoad cyclingOff-road cyclingEbikesCHAPTER 4 BIKE FIT, RIDING POSITION Fitting your bike to youRiding positionEssential skillsCHAPTER 5 PERFORMANCE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUETechniquePerformanceOff-road performance skillsThe importance of aerodynamicsCHAPTER 6 FITNESS: GENERAL PHYSICAL PREPAREDNESSCycling fitnessStrength and conditioningA word for over-fortiesDiaphragm breathingRepetitions and progressionThe Cycling Bible’s strength and conditioning sessionRunning for cyclistsCHAPTER 7 FITNESS: SPECIFIC TRAINING FOR CYCLINGSpecific areas of cycling trainingPerformance capacitiesSpecific training sessionsCHAPTER 8 CREATING YOUR OWN TRAINING PLANSetting yourself up for successTraining for cyclosportivesUltra-endurance trainingTraining for road racesTraining for time trialsTraining for cyclo-crossTraining for cross-country, mountain bike and gravel racesOther disciplinesCHAPTER 9 EFFECTIVE NUTRITIONThe basicsEating before, during and after trainingFood supplementsLosing weightCHAPTER 10 TRAINING THE MINDThe psychology of performanceCHAPTER 11 BIKE CARE AND MAINTENANCEBasic bike checksMaintenanceGlossary

Read more less

Book SynopsisGreat British Gravel Rides pays homage to the very best gravel cycling across England, Scotland and Wales.Markus Stitz has curated a collection of 26 routes across Britain – each a favourite route of a passionate gravel cyclist. You can join round-the-world cycling men’s record holder Mark Beaumont in East Lothian, experience a different side of East Anglia with ultra-endurance racers and GBDURO20 winners Josh Ibbett and Gail Brown, embark on a coast-to-coast trip across Scotland with round-the-world cycling women’s record holder Jenny Graham, or see the best of the Scottish Borders with diversity in cycling champion Aneela McKenna.Each route gives an insight into what each cyclist loves about gravel riding – what inspires and motivates them – and why they believe it qualifies as one of Britain’s best gravel rides. A detailed route description of the trail is then provided, including interesting information about the local area, exactly what to expect on the route, details on the best places and attractions to explore, recommendations for the best local cafes and pubs and a list of local bike shops, should they be needed. With inspiring photography showcasing some of the best gravel trails in the UK, as well as bespoke maps and downloadable GPX files for each route, this is the essential companion for any gravel rider.Whether you want a challenging pedal through the country’s awe-inspiring landscapes or a more leisurely day out in the saddle, let Great British Gravel Rides help you explore the best gravel cycling of Great Britain – your adventure begins here!Table of ContentsIntroduction – Why a book about gravel riding in Britain?AcknowledgmentsWhat is a Great British gravel ride?Prepare your own adventureThe bikeGetting to a routePrepare your bikeChoose your clothingOther kitSafetyLegalities and accessSCOTLAND 01 Coast-to-coast gravel adventure JENNY GRAHAM02 In search of gravel on the Monega Pass NAOMI FREIREICH03 A tour of Highland Perthshire RICHARD PEARSON04 Maelstrom gravel STEVEN GROOM05 Lomond Hills gravel LOUISE CHAVARIE06 Gravelfoyle KERRY MACPHEE07 Clacks gravel WALTER HAMILTON08 Explore Your Boundaries: East Lothian MARK BEAUMONT09 Mòr Tweed Valley gravel ANEELA MCKENNA10 Raiders gravel ESTHER TACKE AND WARREN SAUNDERSNORTHERN ENGLAND 11 Tyne and Wear gravel OLLY TOWNSEND AND FRANCIS KING12 Lakes gravel JAIMI WILSON13 Buzzard loop GUY KESTEVEN14 Packhorse gravel EMMA OSENTON15 Pannier gravel STEFAN AMATOSOUTHERN ENGLAND16 Further East JOSH IBBETT AND GAIL BROWN17 Windmill gravel GRANT WILDMAN18 Cotswold gravel EMMA KINGSTON19 London gravel DALILA LECKY20 Not the South Downs Way! RORY HITCHENS21 Mint Sauce gravel JO BURT22 Jurassic gravel CHARLIE HOBBS23 A taste of the East Devon Trail KATHERINE MOOREWALES24 Twmpa gravel tour ANDY DIX25 A Gritfest in the Cambrian Mountains MATT PAGEBONUS ROUTE26 Deer Island gravel MARKUS STITZReading listWebsitesEventsGuided gravel rides

Read more less

Book SynopsisBikepacking Wales by Emma Kingston contains 18 great multi-day mountain bike adventures. For such a compact country, Wales has a fantastic variety of trails to explore. Explore the world-class tracks around the remote Elan Valley, traverse the long, grassy ridges of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), enjoy the stunning coastal bridleways along the Gower peninsula, tackle the popular Trans Cambrian Way across Mid Wales, ride the heather-lined singletrack in the Clywdian Hills, and take a tour around the highest mountain in Wales and England – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – including an optional route to its summit. The trails aren’t the only draw though; these routes take you under towering castle walls, through huge slate quarries and past some of the country’s prehistoric monuments so you can better appreciate Wales’s rich culture and heritage. Each route includes all the information you need to help you plan your ride, including points of interest along the route, swimming spots, food recommendations and accommodation options, in addition to stunning photography and overview mapping. Downloadable GPX files of the routes are also available, including optional routes and shortcuts. This book is full of practical tips and essential advice for both experienced bikepackers and those who want to try it out for the first time. Let Bikepacking Wales be your companion as you take to the trails to experience the finest bikepacking adventures that Wales has to offer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWales Mountain Biking – Beicio Mynydd Cymru is a collection of 20 classic Welsh mountain bike rides, between 12 and 50 kilometres in length.Split into three sections, South Wales, Mid Wales and North Wales, this book includes classic mountain bike loops such as The Gap Road in the Brecon Beacons and Pen Trumau in the Black Mountains, routes in Pembrokeshire, and the Gower, the Elan Valley in the Cambrian Mountains, Moel Famau in the Clwydian Hills and classic routes in Snowdonia – including options for the awesome ascent and descent (!) of Snowdon itself.Written and illustrated by Mountain Bike Rider magazine's Wales-based routes expert Tom Hutton, each route is described with easy-to-follow directions and is plotted on clear and easy to use Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 mapping. Also included are details of distance, timings and difficulty gradings, plus refreshment stops and local knowledge.A Bonus Section hops over the border into England, to give the full lowdown on the classic Long Mynd circuit, featuring the legendary Minton Batch singletrack.Trade Review"Vertebrate Publishing has made a name for itself with a series of glossy, highly polished and well researched guidebooks to some of the UK's favourite riding spots." Mountain Bike Rider (MBR) Magazine "I'd say the best Mountain Bike Guide I've seen to date." Planetfear.com on Yorkshire Dales Mountain Biking - The South Dales"Table of ContentsIntroductionAcknowledgementsHow to Use this BookRights of WayThe BikeEssential KitGeneral SafetyIn the Event of an AccidentRules of the (Off) RoadPlanning Your RideMaps & SymbolsThe Welsh Language (Cymraeg)Section 1: South Wales & Brecon BeaconsSouth Wales & Brecon Beacons IntroductionSouth Wales & Brecon Beacons Area Map & Route Finder1 The Blorenge – Abergavenny Peaks2 Black Mountains Classic3 Mynydd Llangorse – Black Mountains4 The Gap Road – Brecon Beacons5 Sarn Helen & Fforest Fawr6 Rhossili and The Gower7 Preseli Hills – PembrokeshireSection 2: Mid WalesMid Wales IntroductionMid Wales Area Map & Route Finder8 The Doethie Valley – Llandovery9 Irfon Forest – Llanwrtyd Wells10 Llanbedr Hill – Border Country11 Claerwen Valley – Elan Valley12 Elan Valley – Rhayader13 Radnor Forest14 Foel Fadian – MachynllethSection 3: North Wales & SnowdoniaNorth Wales & Snowdonia IntroductionNorth Wales & Snowdonia Area Map & Route Finder15 The Foothills of Cadair – Cadair Idris16 Pont-Scethin – Rhinogau17 Berwyn Hills18 Snowdon19 The Carneddau – Snowdonia20 The Clwydian Hills – Vale of ClwydSection 4: Bonus Section – The Long MyndBonus Section Introduction21 The Long Mynd – ShropshireAppendix

Read more less

Book SynopsisGreat British Bike Rides is a celebration of British road cycling.Author Dave Barter brings together 40 of the best road rides in England, Scotland and Wales, searching out the country's most celebrated routes, toughest climbs and most scenic roads.The rides are challenging, they are adventurous, and they are quintessentially British – tackle the classic Fred Whitton in the English Lake District; pit yourself against fearsome climbs inspired by the Dragon Ride in Wales; and feast upon Scotland's stunning scenery following wild roads through Assynt and across Skye.Already a fanatical cyclist, author Dave Barter packed in his job and hit the road, embarking on a 9000-mile tour of Britain to bring together the best riding the country has to offer. His cycle routes are devised specifically for this book, enchaining unforgettable climbs, quiet roads and stunning scenery.Each ride is accompanied by detailed route information, bespoke mapping and a statistical breakdown including every detail the committed cyclist requires. The book is complemented with a set of downloadable GPX files to further aid navigation.Join the cycling revolution and discover the best road cycling in Great Britain.Trade Review'A well thought out and presented guide to some of the best cycle routes in the UK.' – road.ccTable of ContentsPreface Introduction Acknowledgements Riding a Great British bike ride Making your own Great British bike ride How to use this guide The Dashboard Key SOUTHERN ENGLAND Cornwall Dartmoor Exmoor Cheddar & the Flatlands Wiltshire’s White Horses Dorset New Forest Isle of Wight Surrey Hills & Richmond Park Ashdown Forest Chilterns The Captain’s Cotswolds Lanes NORTHERN ENGLAND Telford, the Wrekin & Long Mynd Rutland & the Lake Norfolk Lincolnshire Wolds Cheshire Highlights Tour of the Peak District West Yorkshire Lancashire – Bowland Beast North York Moors Lake District Passes The North Pennines WALES Homage to the Dragon Ride The Gower Peninsula Pembrokeshire Brecon Beacons & the Black Mountains Elan Valley – Rhayader Llangollen & Denbigh Snowdonia SCOTLAND Scottish Borders Glentrool & Ayrshire Glen Finart & Loch Fyne Isle of Mull Circuit of Loch Rannoch Aviemore & Cairn Gorm Loch Ness Isle of Skye Applecross & Torridon Lochinver & Assynt Great British Bike Rides – Vital Statistics

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten by the author of London’s most popular cycling blog and using years of experience and contributions from readers, it offers more than 30 leisurely routes covering both inner and outer London. Each itinerary is described in detail with a series of points of interest also pinpointed on an accompanying route map. Boxed information with each route shows at-a-glance the start point, likely duration, and some suggestions for where to eat and drink along the way. The book also covers important practical information on cycling, such as choosing the right bike for your style of cycling; tips on urban cycling, social cycling, and cycling with children; and guidance on security and insurance as well as information on accessories and clothing. This best selling guide to cycling in London is completely updated with new routes, maps, and colour photographs. It also includes full details of Santander Cycles, London's public bike sharing scheme. Trade Review"The best cycling guide I have used and a must have for all those who wish to explore London by bike.” Cycle magazine * Cycle magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe charming and joyful follow-up book from the nation's taster in chief,' Felicity Cloake.If there's one thing that truly unites Britain, from Aberdeen to Aberystwyth, St Ives to St Pancras, it's an obsession with breakfast.We all have an opinion on the merits of brown sauce versus ketchup on our morning bacon sarnie. In this eagerly awaited follow-up to One More Croissant for the Road, the nation's favourite taster-in-chief Felicity Cloake sets off on a cycle trip of condimental proportions to investigate and celebrate the legendary Great British Breakfast. Travelling the length and breadth of the UK to establish once and for all what makes a perfect fry-up, she rates them on criteria from the crispness of the bacon to how long they keep her pedalling. But a woman cannot live by All Day Breakfast alone, so as well as recipes for the Savoy''s Omelette Arnold Bennett and proper Scottish porridge, she lavishes her attention on the regional specialities she encounters along the way, fromTrade Review‘As a greedy woman who loves cycling around the country in search of double and even triple breakfasts, I was delighted by this book about a greedy woman, cycling around the countryside, looking for several square meals a day. In an era when too many fully grown adults munch through instant microwave oats, overpackaged biscuits or simply skip eating altogether, Cloake is making the case for a cooked, regional, calorie-packed kick off, both as a treat for your senses and as a way of supporting smaller, traditional food producers…funny, enlightening and evocative.’ Nell Frizzell, The Guardian ‘A bible for breakfast lovers.’ The Scotsman Praise for ‘One More Croissant for the Road’ ‘Joyful, life-affirming, greedy. I loved it.’ Diana Henry ‘Wonderfully written.’ Anna Jones ‘Felicity Cloake’s Tour de France is a triumph. It is full of greed and wit, jam packed with priceless practical information, and peppered with a sense of adventure and wonder. I love it.’ Yotam Ottolenghi ‘From start to finish, this book is a joy: the perfect antidote to a world of diets and bad news.’ Bee Wilson

Read more less