Under The Tree - Books and DVDs for Cyclists

As the evenings draw in and the comfy armchair beckons, why not settle down with a cycling related book or film; it's the end of season and most of us can afford a few evenings rest a week. And/or for those keen turbo trainers, DVDs provide a great distraction from the sweating and pain that prevails on the stationary bike.

This is another Christmas Themed Blog: This time with ideas for books and DVDs that would make great gifts to cycling fans everywhere.

'Racing Through The Dark' David Millar  

This book has had some stunning reviews from fellow Tweeters. The autobiography follows Millar's life from his young, exuberant days of living as a teenage racer in France, to his fight with doping and his return to the sport as one of the most successful British cyclists in history. It is a "full and frank" account of his experiences, providing "compelling reading". Certainly on my wishlist!

'Chasing Legends' DVD 
I've seen this film many times now, and it really is fantastic - I wrote a blog post on it when I first saw it and everything I said still stands: this is no ordinary bike film - it is a work of art.

Blog Post: Review of Chasing Legends

It is quite a price for a DVD, but for those that haven't seen it before, I highly recommend it.






'100 Greatest Climbs: A Road Cyclist's Guide to Britain's Hills' Simon Warren

One of my training buddies at home showed me this great little book last Christmas when he got it under the tree.
It very nicely documents the diverse range of climbing that Britain has to offer - from the short, sharp 30% gradient killers, to the lung burning drags that go on for a good few miles.
Britain may not have Alpine peaks to offer, but Simon Warren demonstrates that if you are looking for an up-hill challenge, you don't need to venture to the continent. Every keen cyclist seems to have heard of this pocket sized guide, and it is in the back of most of their masochistic minds that they would like to cross off as many names as possible from the little list of pain.

'Slaying the Badger: LeMond, Hinault and The Greatest Ever Tour de France' Richard Moore  

Another great that I haven't got round to reading yet - it is a tale of the most famous challenges in the Tour de France - the battle of LeMond and Hinault.

Richard Moore's writing is renowned for being exciting and engrossing.

This book features on almost all of the "Top Ten Cycling Books" collections - it is part of cycling history, a true classic.

'Mountain High: Europe's 50 Greatest Cycling Climbs' Daniel Friebe

A new book to the market, and not widely reviewed yet. This account from Daniel Friebe, with photography from Pete Goding promises to provide some interesting reading for any cyclist, like myself, who is a sucker for a good mountain.
I'm sure I could cross off a few of the named peaks in this book, and I expect it would leave me yearning for the mountains and another lung burning climb like The Col du Tourmalet or Alp d'Huez.








'It's All About the Bike: The Pursuit of Happiness On Two Wheels' Robert Penn 
A great little book that I got given last year about Robert Penn's journey around the globe to build his dream bike - it offers a captivating insight into the inner workings of the bike industry and artisan manufacturers.

It might be short, but you won't be able to put it down - well worth a read.