Book Recommendations for Christmas Presents

[jaybee66]

Leaving it till the last minute as usual but has anybody read the following books and do you think they would be suitable for a mildly enthusiastic cyclist - the ones I am looking at are Kings of the Road: A Journey into the Heart of British Cycling by Robert Dineen https://ebay.to/3nf5FBB and Velopedia: The infographic book of cycling by Robert Dineen https://ebay.to/37cadDh

Thanks in advance.

J

[rmurphy195]

I haven't read any of those, but have recently read the road headed west by leon McCarron, and also the Brompton book David Henshaw's "Brompton Bicycle" both of which I enjoyted

[mumbojumbo]

Christmas Carol by Thackeray.

[Jdsk]

Christmas Carol by Thackeray.

Dickens? Thackeray wrote a famous review of "A Christmas Carol"...

Jonathan

[yostumpy]

'Full Tilt' by Dervla Murphy, c. mid 50's, if you can find a copy. An excellent read, combining cycling, adventure, personal stuff. etc or
' Johnny Gingers last ride', by Tom Freemantle , an even better read.

[JakobW]

Leaving it till the last minute as usual but has anybody read the following books and do you think they would be suitable for a mildly enthusiastic cyclist - the ones I am looking at are Kings of the Road: A Journey into the Heart of British Cycling by Robert Dineen https://ebay.to/3nf5FBB and Velopedia: The infographic book of cycling by Robert Dineen https://ebay.to/37cadDh

Thanks in advance.

J

I remember Kings of the Road being decent enough; it's a mix of potted bios/histories of more of less well-known British cyclists from the 40s to the 90s, before the sporting renaissance kicked off, and Dineen's own attempt to ride the Etape sportive. The latter's nothing special, but he's a decent enough writer and has some interesting interviews.

The Velopedia is IIRC again competent enough; nothing particularly new in there if you know your cycling history, but reasonably well presented.

For a 'mildly enthusiastic' cyclist, my personal recommendation would be something that's about more than just the cycling itself, so something like one of Tim Moore's travelogues; yes, they're a bit samey if read in close succession, but they're generally hilarious. Max Leonard's book Lanterne Rouge is nominally about the last cyclists in the TdF, but is also a beautifully-written philosophical exploration of competition and sport.

[mumbojumbo]

For the overweight and optimistic

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fat-Man-Bicycl ... 0718120728

[Pneumant]

'The Year' by Dave Barter, Vertebrate Publishing, 2015. ISBN 978-1-910240-43-4
A fascinating look at the endurance cyclists who were brave enough to challenge the year cycling mileage record including, of course, the great Tommy Godwin. Dave Barter is a very good writer and this is one of those books which, for me, is a keeper. Be prepared to be awed by the daily distances, times covered and bicycles used.

[pedalsheep]

'The Year' by Dave Barter, Vertebrate Publishing, 2015. ISBN 978-1-910240-43-4
A fascinating look at the endurance cyclists who were brave enough to challenge the year cycling mileage record including, of course, the great Tommy Godwin. Dave Barter is a very good writer and this is one of those books which, for me, is a keeper. Be prepared to be awed by the daily distances, times covered and bicycles used.

Seconded. That is an excellent and inspiring book.

The 'Lost Lanes' series by Jack Thurston make nice presents especially if the recipient lives near the areas covered. I already have South East, South West, and Wales and Santa is bringing me Northern England this year.

[jaybee66]

Thanks for all the suggestions - managed to pick some up for myself from amazon !

Merry Christmas

J