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Bike Stories for Bike Lovers
It's always a good time for a bike ride with inspiring bios, fiction, and fitne
Published on August 1, 2022
Le Tour: A History of the Tour de France
Geoffrey WheatcroftGet pumped for the Tour de France with this definitive history of cycling’s grandest and most challenging event. From the race’s start as a publicity stunt in 1903 to the fall of Lance Armstrong, “Le Tour” chronicles over a hundred years of monstrous climbs, resilient riders, and scandalous cheats.
Slaying the Badger: Greg LeMond, Bernard Hinault, and the Greatest Tour de France
Richard MooreJust as Alpe d’Huez is the Tour’s most legendary climb, “Slaying the Badger” is the definitive inside story of cycling’s most epic rivalry. Did five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault stab his teammate, rising star Greg LeMond, in the back during the 1986 Tour? Or was the Badger actually helping LeMond by attacking his rivals?
The World's Fastest Man: The Extraordinary Life of Cyclist Major Taylor, America's First Black Sports Hero
The World's Fastest Man: The Extraordinary Life of Cyclist Major Taylor, America's First Black Sports Hero
Michael KranishTake a look back at the fascinating, and tragic, history of one of the fastest cyclists ever. Major Taylor — the Jackie Robinson of cycling — drew adoring crowds and won a world championship during the Jim Crow era, while also suffering racial hostility like brutal beatings and sabotaged races.
We Begin Our Ascent
Joe Mungo ReedIn between watching stages of the Tour de France, dive into Reed’s gripping novel. This fictionalized account deals head-on with the sport’s recent scandals, tracing a doping scheme that unfolds over the course of the 23-day race. “We Begin Our Ascent” captures the visceral thrill of competition that drives elite athletes to keep their wheels spinning at any cost.
The Invisible Mile: A Novel
David CoventryBased on actual events in 1928, this gritty novel places readers on the wheel of the Tour’s first English speaking team. The narrator might not be a contender to win, but he is determined to finish, spurred on by the surging crowds and the era’s illegal performance-enhancing drugs. Can he escape haunting WWI memories and the race’s mounting crashes?
The Velocipede Races
Emily June StreetPrepare to burn your corset in this feminist steampunk YA novel. Emmeline Escot’s twin brother has the hopes of the family riding on him due to his hot streak winning velo races. Emmeline wants to race, too, but it’s the Victorian era, so she’ll have to break every societal rule it takes to do it. This novel is sporting good fun.
Spin: A Novel Based on a (Mostly) True Story
Peter ZheutlinEvery year the Tour de France captures the world’s attention as scores of men ride 2,000 grueling miles in 23 long days. But in the 1890s, one young mother jumped on her bike and spent 15 months pedaling her way into history. This fictionalized account of Annie Londonderry’s daring adventures becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the globe on her bike is the high-spirited inspiration the rest of us need to fuel our next ride, whether it’s around the world or around town.
The Cycling Mind: The Psychological Skills for Peak Performance on the Bike - and in Life
The Cycling Mind: The Psychological Skills for Peak Performance on the Bike - and in Life
Ruth AndersonYour legs can’t get you to the top of an epic climb on their own. It’s your mental game that powers you through the burn. In “The Cycling Mind,” a sports psychologist teaches you the effective mental techniques used by the pros so you can perform at your peak.
Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the World
Lonely PlanetIf the Tour’s gorgeous scenery has you ready to hop on your bike for a two-wheeled adventure abroad, let Lonely Planet be your guide. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely, family-friendly path or a climb that could challenge a pro peloton, this handy guide has tips on 200 rides all around the world.