Good Read #3

In 1996, young cycling phenom Armstrong discovered he had testicular cancer. In 1999, he won the Tour de France. Now he's a grateful husband, a new fatherAand a memoirist: with pluck, humility and verve, this volume covers his early life, his rise through the endurance sport world and his medical difficulties. Cancer "was like being run off the road by a truck, and I've got the scars to prove it," Armstrong declares. Earlier scars, he explains, came from a stepfather he casts as unworthy; early rewards, from his hardworking mother and from the triathlons and national bike races Armstrong won as a Texas teen. "The real racing action was over in Europe": after covering that, Armstrong and Jenkins (Men Will Be Boys, with Pat Summit, etc.) ascend to the scarier challenges of diagnoses and surgeries. As he gets worse, then better, Armstrong describes the affections of his racing friends and of the professionals who cared for him. Armstrong is honest and delightful on his relationship to wife Kristin (Kik), and goes into surprising detail about the technology that let them have a child. The memoir concludes with Armstrong's French victory and the birth of their son. The book features a disarming and spotless prose style, one far above par for sports memoirs. Bicycle-racing fans will enjoy the troves of inside information and the accounts of competitions, but Armstrong has set his sights on a wider meaning and readership: "When I was sick I saw more beauty and triumph and truth in a single day than I ever did in a bike race." Agent, Esther Newberg.

Good Read #2

The fixed gear bicycle is the simplest of human powered machines, and legions of riders have discovered the joy of the “fixie.” To those in the know, 42 x 12 is a gear ratio, and a demanding one at that, but this isn’t a book about equipment, rather an attempt to get under the skin of riders risking life and limb in pursuit of their passion.

42 x 12 — The Cult of Fixed examines the global repercussions of fixed-gear and single-speed bicycle culture. Through contemporary observation and the collaboration of those on the inside from Taiwan to New York, London to Tokyo, 42 x12 gives a unique insight into what’s going on at ground level.

Features within 42 x 12 include: The Tweed Run, as distinguished gents bring style and sophistication to the streets of London; messenger and alley cat racing, requiring the need for more than just speed in an urban environment; indoor and keirin racing, eyeballs out at 150 Revolutions per minute.

Good Read #1

According to statistics compiled by the League of American Bicyclists, more than 57 million Americans rode a bicycle in 2005. Of these, more than 9 million describe themselves as "active cyclists" -- weekend riders, off-road riders, commuters, and amateur and professional athletes. These 9 million face the daily hazards of commuting in traffic, overenthusiastic dogs, faulty roads, harassment, road rage, and bicycle theft. This book was written for them. Bicycling and the Law is designed to be the primary resource for cyclists faced with a legal question. It provides readers with information that can help them avoid many legal problems in the first place, and informs them of their rights, their responsibilities, and what steps to take if they do encounter a legal problem. This useful guide makes the law both entertaining and comprehensible, presenting an accurate and thorough explanation of the laws governing bicycles and the activity of bicycling.

From the Publisher

Now cyclists everywhere can use Bicycling & the Law as a resource for protecting their own right to the road.--Lance Armstrong

This book should be read, digested, and practiced by cyclists and motorists alike. It should be a part of driver education and bicycle safety programs. Bicycling & the Law has one further, rare quality: it is eminently--and delightfully--readable.--Rep. James L. Oberstar (MN), Chairman, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Cycling can be a tough job, whether you're riding to work or training for a race. Bob Mionske sets the record straight on cyclists' rights. If you love to ride, you should know what's in this book.--George Hincapie, Discovery Channel Cycling Team

Bob Mionske's superb Bicycling & the Law has filled a critical gap on our bookshelf, synthesizing essential information on the legal rights and responsibilities of cyclists into a coherent, comprehensive, and engaging volume. Anyone who rides a bicycle in the United States, whether commuter, roadie, tourist, messenger, or joy rider, should have a copy of this book at hand. It works beautifully as both a reference and a very readable narrative--pick it up anytime for fascinating tales of bicycle code and culture, and zoom in on the specifics and particulars as you need them.--Andy Thornley, Program Director, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Knowing the rules is a key to safe bicycling. Bob Mionske sheds light on our complex legal system and arms bicyclists with the knowledge to make smart decisions to protect their rights.--Dan Grunig Executive Director, Bicycle Colorado

Big gains require real effort, and Bob Mionske has done the heavy lifting for all cyclists. Bicycling & the Law is a huge step forward for our rights on the road. In fact, everyone who rides should have a copy of this book.--Chris Carmichael, Carmichael Training Systems

Bob Mionske's book should be a must read for all cyclists to educate and inform them on their rights and responsibilities. We all hope that accidents won't happen to us, but common sense, common courtesy, and safe riding procedures are things we should all understand and follow. Cyclists should never leave the house without a rain jacket, a frame pump, a spare tire, and basic knowledge of this book.--Bobby Julich, Olympic medalist, Team CSC cycling team

Bicycling & the Law will promote cycling as a fun and affordable means of transportation and help create healthier, more livable cities. Mionske sets a positive example for both cyclists and drivers on how to share the road.-- Dorcas Adkins, Director of Education Programs, Washington Area Bicyclist Association

What an exciting book to read for all cyclists. The information here will only enhance your riding as you will be aware of your rights as a legal road user. It is a must read.--Bill Lazenby, Co-President, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

Anyone who has ever spent much time riding on the road knows how vulnerable it can feel to be a cyclist sharing the roads with cars, SUV's and trucks. This book is a fantastic resource to arm cyclists with basic information that will both educate and empower them.--Brad Tucker, ColoBikeLaw.com

A comprehensive and up-to-date guide to virtually all aspects of the legal system as they affect bicycling. Although directed at cyclists, this volume is also an important reference for law enforcement officers, attorneys, and judges.--Bicycle Transportation Institute

Everyone from the serious cyclist to the person thinking about dusting off the long-neglected bike in the garage will benefit from reading this book. Cycling instructors, avid riders, beginning cyclists, bike messengers, parents concerned about the perceived dangers of cycling for their children, those who are charged with providing suitable accommodations for cyclists, those charged with protecting the rights of cyclists, should at least scan Mionske's book.--Bob Chauncey, PhD, National Center for Bicycling & Walking