Product Description

Graeme Fife has been riding a bike since he discovered, aged five, that escaping from home on two wheels was a lot faster and took him a lot farther than he could go on foot. He soon allied love of what was, admittedly, quite a humble version of the beautiful machine with a tenacious grip on independence. A French girlfriend introduced Fife to raclette, a broader perspective on life and thinking and the Tour de France and French cycling journalism. Since then, this passion has seeded books, articles, epic rides, acquaintance with some of the most illustrious men in cycling and many staunch friendships. This is bare-knuckle writing at its most punchy, rippling with wit and energy. It is a celebration of the bicycle and the joy, wonder, adventure, the good and bad times associated with it, and of the people who ride and with whom Fife has ridden. Here are explorations of all dimensions of the experience, on, round, with, via and about the beautiful machine.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58840 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

From the Publisher
A highly entertaining book from the bestselling author of Tour de France that explains what makes cyclists tick and why cycling inspires such passion

About the Author
Graeme Fife is a writer with several books published in the UK and the USA. A keen cyclist, he has ridden all the celebrated cols of Tour legend.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding
Fife has always been a cut above, and this is a belter, even by his high standards. The writing is crisp and articulate, but best of all it makes you want to ride. A very fine thing indeed.

Its all about the bike
I read the book in 3 days, as per other reviewers have said the book isn't an autobiography. I think the case Fife is trying to make is that despite his chaotic and turbulent life the one thing that has been stable and consistant is his love of cycling and his ability to use it as a liferaft and escape zone. His exploits are well described and its clear he is in love with the world of cycling.

I personally found it inspiring with regards to getting on my bike and his ability to describe the highs and lows of tacking the mountains makes you want to be there.

If you're tempted by a cycling holiday then read this...it shows you how and why people who love the sport do everything to keep the wheels turning....escapism without the saddle sores

I fell asleep!
I lost track of the point of this book half way through and gave up! There are far better cycling books out there!