In compact and suggestive prose, Fournel conveys the experience of cycling—from the initial charm of early outings to the dramas of the devoted cyclist. An extended meditation on cycling as a practice of life, the book recalls a country doctor who will not anesthetize the young Fournel after he impales himself on a downtube shifter, speculates about the difference between animals that would like to ride bikes (dogs, for instance) and those that would prefer to watch (cows, marmots), and reflects on the fundamental absurdity of turning over the pedals mile after excruciating mile. At the same time, Fournel captures the sound, smell, feel, and language of the reality and history of cycling, in the mountains, in the city, escaping the city, in groups, alone, suffering, exhausted, exhilarated. In his attention to the pleasures of cycling, to the specific “grain” of different cycling experiences, and to the inscription of these experiences in the body’s cycling memory, Fournel portrays cycling as a descriptive universe, colorful, lyrical, inclusive, exclusive, complete.   Purchase the audio edition.

    Here, he makes his years of experience available to all cyclists. He describes the sport's most common ailments, identifying the symptoms and causes as well as treatments that keep athletes on the road. Written in an accessible, straightforward manner, the book tackles everything from personal training programs to biomechanics, from aging to riding through illness. Finally, riders learn how to make important adjustments to bike fit, leading to increased comfort, power, and efficiency.

    Includes sections on:--Setting up your bike--Routine maintenance--Bicycle repair--Troubleshooting--Easy-to-follow repair procedures for road, mountain, hybrid, cruiser and BMX bikes--How to make improvised repairs when you are stuck out on the road

    So he works very hard, collecting firewood and mushrooms in the rain forest and selling them in the village market. He saves his money in a clay pot, and finally he has enough to rent a bike! But is he really ready to ride? Set in western Nigeria, this sunny tale portrays the zigs and zags -- as well as the bumps and thumps -- of an occasionally irresponsible but always irresistible bike lover.