A fantastic re-cap of the 1990 cycling season, this book is modeled after the famous year-in-review books offered in France, Italy, and Spain. Of course, the rise of the Internet has spelled doom for publications such as this, but this book takes one from Milan-San Remo when most of the big names were in the wrong half of a split in the bunch to the Giro when Bugno stamped his authority on the race to Chiapucci's rise to prominence in the stage one's four rider break at the Tour to the World Championships, which were held on the Utsnomiya course that is still used today for November's one-day Japan Cup.

 

Have you heard of Winning magazine? If not, you need to read these selections from its Off the Back columnist, Maynard Hershon. Hershon has written about everything from the drive to a race to Cat 4s grumbling about not getting enough sponsorship to driving in the caravan of the Tour de Trump to women driving blue Volvos. He still continues to write today.

For many years, Samuel Abt was the journalist who provided direct information to American cyclists about what had taken place in European races. Abt has written for The New York Times and The International Herald-Tribune. This book captures the story of the classic 1989 victory, which ranks up there with some of the greatest sports stories of all time as two former champions, LeMond and Fignon, fought for the Overall after years on the sidelines. Abt sprinkles this book, written just after the win, with stories of the '89 Giro, when LeMond almost quit the sport before learning that his iron counts were severely low, as well as with tales of LeMond's past. Whether you are a Greg LeMond fan or not, this book tells an important chapter of the history of American cycling.

 

For all of the MBAs that ride the HarperRide, Gary Erickson's very personal account of Clif Bar provides an interesting tale of an alternative way to run a business and be successful. Likewise, Erickson's story provides a unique window into the energy food industry as well as another perspective on corporate leadership. Throughout the book, Erickson shares anecdotes of his own experiences riding in Europe (that's him pushing his road bike up single track on the cover) as well as his involvement in the world of racing. Sadly for HarperRide cyclists, there is no significant commentary on Ken Labbe's role in the annals of Clif bar advertising.

 

Peter Nye is THE man who chronicles the early history of bike racing in the United States, and this book tells the story of all of the greats--Zimmerman, Kramer, Walthour, and Major Taylor, who is buried right here in Chicago. Peter Nye talks about the famed outdoor races of the day as well as six days at Madison Square Garden and the Chicago Stadium. This work is so important that there should be a weekly quiz question from this book before the HarperRide rolls out of the lot.

Graeme Obree's autobiography--just made into a movie... What else is there to say... This guy made himself (and his bikes). He further pushed the limits of aerodynamics without a team of experts, and he has battled his own mental health demons time and again. It's not a "fun" read, but it is absolutely riveting. While this book was only published in the UK, it is a must read!

 

Do you ride a bike? Do you speak English? Read this book. Amazing. (Also published in England. Get on a plane, and get a copy.)

Ralph Hurne's novel from the early 1970s was ALMOST made into a move starring Dustin Hoffman as the aging professional bike racer. Warner Brothers even spent a bunch of money gathering footage in pre-production. Even though Bicycling Magazine said it, it is true. This is the best novel ever written about bike racing. It has been recently re-published in the United States, and it is now fairly easy to purchase, particularly through online book sellers.