Award Winning Global Tri-Sport Shop
There are countless wool-jerseyed, Sidi-shoed, drop-bar racer types zipping around the lanes of Surrey, or Yorkshire, imagining that they're a Belgian cobbled Classics star from yesteryear. And the images in Rouleur magazine do little to play down the romantic image of the hard-working, but little known riders who make up 90% of the peleton. But what is it actually like to move to Belgium, with little more than fast legs, a bike and a phone number of a friend of a friend who might have a spare room? Joe Parkin moved from the States, fresh out of school, to Belgium to become a bike racer. And, unlike many, he stuck at it, learning Flemish and becoming (almost) accepted into the peleton on equal terms. His book is one of the most entertaining written, down to earth looks at the world of the European road scene that I've read. Nothing is glossed over as we learn about the long days of training in the rain, the euro racers' dislike of open windows and air conditioning, the fixed races, the drugs, the daily grind of having to get out there and turn the pedals.Yet rather than being written in a 'look at me, I'm rock hard' way, it's accessible enough that you can see how it can be done – albeit only by talented and determined riders.
A great read for any fans of cycling. Should be a compulsory purchase with every Rapha jersey.
This handy little book of knowledge is designed to be a complete guide to the best places to ride in Britain.With more than 220 venues covered you get in-depth info on how to get there, what to take with you and local information such as accommodation and cycling clubs. There are helpful hints from the pros too.It quickly becomes obvious that this book was written by a rider for riders. The information is frank and honest, and it's a fantastic resource if you're planning a roadtrip with your mates.We especially liked the local riders' testimonials. There's no better way to get a feel for a place than talking to someone who rides there week in, week out.Some of the trails listed are on private land, though, which could potentially land you in hot gravy. The photography is a bit dated too. Despite these shortcomings, this is the sort of book that you'll end up coming back to again and again.
A great little guide to British riding, for all styles and ability levels