The guy is an ex-racer and he wrote this book for us non-racers. It’s about enjoying your bike like you did when you were a kid. Remember what that felt like ?
Three-speed hub, jeans and sneakers, a milk crate tied to the handlebars, meeting up with mates. No worries at all. Just be home when the street lights come on.
Then we grew up. Our bikes got bigger and more expensive. Triple cranks, disc brakes, and a helmet. Still riding in sneakers and casual clothes, but the milk crate became racks and panniers. And there’s a head light now too. Still fun.
Grant also talks about the influence of the racing industry on everyday biking. Difficult to do without offending someone. Somehow in the recent past it became the big media influence on cycling everywhere. Skin tight clothing. A light-weight bike. Competing with cars for riding space. The latest high-tech gear. Lots of dollars. New models every year. Using a car to carry your gear. The standard to live up to. And only then would you be a real cyclist. Nope, not fun, and not real.
This is not about bashing the racing industry, they have a lot to be excited about. What Grant has actually done here is remind us that we’re allowed to have ordinary everyday fun and not get lost in all the bling and bullshit.
PROS :
- Chapters are short, only 2 or 3 pages each.
- A practical guide to everyday cycling topics.
- Written for an everyday mindset instead of an elite racing mindset.
- Honest about the racing industry’s negative influence on everyday cycling.
CONS :
- It’s a tall narrow book so a hardcover might not fit easy on your bookshelf.
- . . . . and I don’t recall any other cons.
The book is definitely worth reading , definitely worth keeping on your bookshelf , and definitely worth gifting to that everyday-cyclist in your life.
It seems to me there is a genuine lack of reading material for those of us who simply enjoy a healthy active lifestyle and use our bikes for transport, exercise, and to carry gear. Most of us probably don’t need or want tips and strategies to reach a level of peak athletic performance.
And that point of view is what makes this book refreshing. It’s informative, people friendly, and easy to read. Buy a copy today for your favourite cyclist.
BUY IT HERE FROM AMAZON
Just Ride, a radically practical guide to riding your bike
by Grant Petersen
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