Re Cyclists

'As if Bill Bryson had taken to two wheels' - FT Somewhere in a German forest 200 years ago, during the darkest, wettest summer for centuries, the story of cycling began. The calls to ban it were more or less immediate. Re:Cyclists is the tale of the following two centuries. It tells how cycling became a kinky vaudeville act for Parisians, how it was the basis of an American business empire to rival Henry Ford's, and how it found a unique home in the British Isles. The Victorian love of cycling started with penny-farthing riders, who explored lonely roads that had been left abandoned by the coming of the railways. Then high-society took to it - in the 1980s the glittering parties of the London Season featured bicycles dancing in the ballroom, and every member of the House of Lords rode a bike. Twentieth-century cycling was very different, and even more popular. It became the sport and the pastime of millions of ordinary people who wanted to escape the city smog, or to experience the excitement of a weekend's racing. Cycling offered adventure and independence in the good times, and consolation during the war years and the Great Depression. Re:Cyclists tells the story of cycling's glories and also of its despairs, of how it only just avoided extinction in the motoring boom of the 1960s. And finally, at the dawn of the 21st century, it celebrates how cycling rose again - a little different, a lot more fashionable, but still about the same simple pleasures that it always has been: the wind in your face and the thrill of two-wheeled freedom.

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

"From traffic-dodging-bike messengers to tattooed teenagers on battered bikes, from riders in spandex to well-dressed executives, ordinary citizens are becoming transportation revolutionaries. Jeff Mapes traces the growth of bicycle advocacy and explores the environmental, safety, and health aspects of bicycling. He rides with bicycle advocates who are taming the streets of New York City, joins the street circus that is Critical Mass in San Francisco, and gets inspired by the everyday folk pedaling in Amsterdam, the nirvana of American bike activists. Chapters focused on big cities, college towns, and America's most successful bike city, Portland, show how cyclists, with the encouragement of local officials, are claiming a share of the valuable streetscape."--BOOK JACKET.

For a longer, healthier and more successful cycling career, follow Phil and Martin's strength and conditioning plan. Phil Burt and Martin Evans have worked with the world's best cyclists, including the Great Britain Cycling Team, devising and implementing highly effective off the bike training plans. Now, in Strength and Conditioning for Cyclists you can benefit from their wealth of knowledge and experience and apply it to make you a stronger, faster and more robust cyclist. Use the self-assessment, inspired by the Functional Movement Screening used by the Great Britain Cycling Team, to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Discover the mobility and strengthening movements that are most applicable to your needs, maximising effectiveness and avoiding wasted time. Learn how to devise your own personalised and progressive off the bike training plan, how to schedule it into your year and combine it most effectively with your cycling.

Discover the joys and benefitsof riding a bike Whether you're looking to join the Lycra brigade, tear down mountain bike trails or simply teach yourself — or your child — how to ride, this practical guide covers all your needs, from choosing the right bike and accessories to hitting the road and trails. Improve your health and fitness, reduce your carbon footprint and have fun along the way! Pick the bike and equipment that suit you — determine whether a road bike, mountain bike or something in-between is best for you Find the time to incorporate cycling into your lifestyle — start commuting to work and plan your cycling schedule Understand your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist — know the regulations that apply in your local area Stay safe in traffic and off-road — be seen and heard, and feel confident when dealing with potential dangers and hazards Train to improve — adopt programs to improve your speed and endurance on the road, or your fitness and skill for mountain biking Prepare yourself and your bike for touring — research your route and transport options, get your bike ready and know what to pack Get your kids on a bike — add a child to your bike, pick the right bike for your older child and teach your kids to ride the easy way Maintain yourself and your bike — prevent or ease cycling ailments and learn how to repair and service your bike Open the book and find: How your bike should be adjusted to fit you Advice on the easiest way to get on a bike and start pedalling How to avoid dangers presented by cars, trucks, dogs and birds Tips for riding with other people Pointers on incorporating cycling into the school run Guidelines for eating and drinking before, during and after cycling The ten best rides in Australia and New Zealand Ten great tours and races from around the world Learn to: Choose the right bike for you and your lifestyle Select the best gear to keep you looking good and riding well Obey the road rules and stay safe Find your riding style, from off-roading to cycling with kids

An entertaining social and cultural history of cycling in post-war Europe seen through the eyes of a veteran racing cyclist.

Women are built differently, ride differently, train differently, burn different macronutrients as fuel, and have a different relationship with their bikes than men do. It's only natural they should need their own comprehensive cycling book. The Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Women is an instructional manual geared specifically toward women. It breaks down the sport of cycling into easily digestible sections, beginning with the history of women's cycling and progressing into equipment, lifestyle, technique, training, and fitness goals. The book also includes a women-specific section that covers cycling while menstruating, cycling while pregnant, how menopause affects training, and how specific parts of the female body are uniquely affected by cycling. The Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Women will serve as an indispensible, lifelong guide for every female cyclist.