great book on the road to pro cycling
933306
Great book on the road to pro cycling. Provided great Insight on the mechanism of cycling and knowledge on the American Way of this sport.

In addition the writer has an excellent sense of humor, and I literally ROFL'ed several times.
1387152
This was well written and has a lot of inside knowledge on both LeMond and Hinault.  I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about 2 of the greatest cyclists of all time.
1289359
The way Larry explains his experiences really shed some light on changes I needed to make to my own racing endeavor. In his step by step breakdown through the chapters, he explains the topic with detail and understands where the local "little guy" is coming from. In this book its not all about how much money you need to invest, but how and where to do so.  A Great Book, I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start or improve on there team / racing career.
4178929
I've been reading a lot of books about doping in the peleton recently. I started with Hamilton's 'The Secret Race'. This lead me to Walsh's 'Seven Deadly Sins' which, in turn, lead me to Kimmage's 'Rough Ride'. This seems to be one of the earliest English-language exposees of the doping culture in professional cycling. If you have read either of the previous books I mentioned, and enjoyed them, you should read this book too.

As one of millions of amateur cyclists I've been watching Le Tour since Indurain's last win. I got hooked watching the Spring Classics on OLN and have probably spent hundreds of hours working out during inclement weather while watching recordings of the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta. Lance broke my heart - it was so obvious he was cheating. Tyler and Floyd jumped up and down on the bits. So I determined to research the problem.

And it goes way back. And it is widespread. And only a few voices in the dark are prepared to admit the true scope of the problem. Paul was one of the first.

Now it's true that Paul comes over as a prudish Catholic Irishman who was offended by more than just his collegues' use of drugs. But he also comes over as honest and hardworking. The kind of person you'd lend money to without a second thought. Some reviewers have suggested that his crusade against drug abuse in the peleton is self-serving, that he used it to further his career in journalism. It doesn't seem that way to me.

The book doesn't even seem to be primarily about doping - it's a side issue. But that's what everyone focused on. To me, the book is more about what it's like to be a strong rider, but not quite strong enough to become a household name. It's an insider look into professional cycling and it's fascinating.

He doesn't accuse the big names of doping - certainly not the ones he rode with. It's just something that the lesser riders did to get through the stages and not be eliminated.

That seems to have changed. Tyler, Floyd, Lance, Jan, Bjarne, Pantani - all big names - all big dopers. Unfortunately only the last chapter of the book addresses these more recent events. I'm glad he added this extra chapter for this edition, but in truth he could have added five more chapters, easily. I understand this book is supposed to present the issue from the perspective of a second-string rider (forgive me, Paul) and it does that extremely well, but it does seem rather quaint with its description of amphetamine injections and caffeine suppositories. In an age of r-EPO, HGH, and steroids it's a bit old-news.

It's a fine read nevertheless and if Paul Kimmage ever finds himself in Southern California I would love to buy him a beer, or a whiskey.
3975497
If you are a cyclist this is a definite read. Helps you appreciate the pro's who do most of the work but get little recognition from the outside world.
3332005
Great book with great insight tongue world of professional cycling. No need to be a cyclist to get drawn into the story and enjoy it thoroughly.
2616167
I have a read a lot of cycling books over the years and some have left me immensely disappointed and the truth that eventually emerged. I trust, truly hope that Chris's account lasts the test of time.

The candid telling from an upbringing in Kenya to the 'peaks of Le Tour with all the warts, demons, highs, lows and learning along the way makes for an engaging read. Yes Chris grinds a few axes and points a few fingers but heck riding your way to the top would have plenty of man-made obstacles along the way and why not point them out.
3277113
A good read, giving a great insight into the life of  pro cyclists who are the "work horses" of their teams.
1905450
This i is a wonderful book to read.  What a man of integrity.  He is my favorite cyclist.  But even if you are not a cycling fan you would enjoy reading the book - a lot of very good advice backed by a great life as an example.
4438349
A great book for anyone that loves cycling and wants to understand the roots of USA Pro Cycling.  Great Fun
2398249
A great look at how cycling really works at the prime events and the work done behind the scenes for the few who make the limelight
1324930
This book is PACKED with information - Its great for the new rider and owner of an upper end bike as it gives you insight into tools and processes to the extent you can decide to tackle them yourself or take it back to the shop for a tune up. I especially liked the section on flat repair as I had no clue and wanted more piece of mind when I take a long ride from home. I suggest getting this book - you won't regret it!
1590622
If you love cycling this is a very interesting complete account of Anquetil's life and work.  His life was an interesting as his career - it is really a page turner - good book.
3060315
There are lots of great books on Cycling, but this one is the most comprehensive, and discusses everything from selecting the right bike, fitting your bike, cycling gear, different types of riding, basic maintenance, nutrition, stretching and fitness, how to train to reach your fitness goals and different parts of the world to travel to for some fantastic rides.  Beautiful Color Illustrations throughout.  I am very impressed, and will never need another book about cycling!  Add it to your cart, you won't be disappointed.
4966107
Joe Parkin has written a gem for cycling fans.  His book provides keen details from his days as an amateur and professional cyclist in USA and mostly in Europe.  He took his grit and determination to Belgium and gained cycling contracts and rode in many of the big European races, the exception being the Tour de France.  His book reveals the insiders experience of professional cycling in the 1980's and early 90's.  There are plenty of details that readers will find interesting and revealing about the sport.

Readers who do not have much interest in cycling or sports may find this book a bit dull, as the writing quality and narrative on their own do not carry the day.  He shares some personal memoir types of thoughts and anecdotes, but mostly he writes about cycling and being in the races and among the riders.

As he writes about the races, you will find yourself pulling for him and cheering him on.
39129
I really enjoyed this book and helped me understand the sport I love so much as amateur rider and racer.  It's more than just Tyler or Lance, it's about us crazy humans and how far we go to succeed and how deep we go to cover up our lies.  Funny how even bits of this book reflect on what the President's interests might be. Image is everything and us hum as will often go way too far to protect it.  Our world is a complex mess and Tyler having documented his darkest moments seems to have helped put him on track with a simpler humble life!  Great story and Tyler and all of the racers are incredible guys.  Dope or not, cycling is insane torture in all ways.  I still admire all of you, Tyler, Floyd, George, Levi, and even the brassy Texan himself.  It's clear, to be on top of anything, you have to be just that much more driven, that much more crazier and almost always that much more dishonest than the next human.

As for myself, I have watched even amateur bike racers ruin it all by over obsessing to be the guy who is faster than the next.  I have seen guys skip work, blow off their family, the whole thing.  Its a silly obsession this thing called life.  I've learned to enjoy a local race every now and then occasionally winning one at my local track, with my very locals fiends and keep my obsessions in balance.  I don't need to win the rat race, just need to enjoy the ride and enjoy the camaraderie of participating in it.  The winner is the one who is happy and healthy!

As for Tyler, Thanks for a great read yielding great insights and letting us all in on the behind the scenes we all kinda speculated about.

Tyler, You are a Great Guy!
1667963
Some of the information in this book may be a little out-dated, but I think it is still worth it for the beginning cyclist.  The chapter on sizing a bike is a must-read for all people who are beginners and may be seriously considering cycling.  I would buy the book again just for this chapter.  I think there are other books out there with more up to date information, but this one should be on every cyclists' bookshelf.