It’s a fact: for all intensive purposes, books on cycling can be boring.

You’re constantly bombarded with fitness and training advice. The others are all about maintenance.

While these things are important, it’s sometimes good to step away from the technicalities and enjoy a book about cycling as much as we enjoy cycling itself.

(disclaimer: at least one of these books fits the fitness/maintenance category. . )

Here are 5 picks:

Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne

Bicycle Diaries chronicles the fascination of former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne as he cycles across the world. In the book he gives insight and thought about places such as Sydney, Australia; Manila, Philippines; San Francisco; and New York. He shares his thoughts on the good sides and bad sides of bicycle transportation as well as everything from urban planning to art. His love of cycling stems from the freedom you feel and have on two wheels, which has caused him to become very active in bicycle advocacy in recent years.

The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund R. Burke

I warned that not all of these were as care free as I would have you think in the first paragraph. This is the only one, however, so don’t stop here.

As its name suggests, The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund R. Burke is a comprehensive guide put together by two of the country’s top cycling experts. Learn how to achieve the strength, skill, and strategy you need to bike long distance. Discover how to cycle efficiently, choose the right gear, and train for a ride of any length.

The Rider by Tim Krabbe

The Rider delivers a single bicycle race, kilometer by kilometer. The book bares the sport to its essential, causing you to feel like you are actually a part of the race. As far as the book is concerned, it is the race.

Cycling’s Greatest Misadventures by Erich Schweikher

Twenty-seven true stories. In this book both pros and amateurs share freak accidents, animal attacks, sabotage, idiotic decisions, eerie or unexplained incidents, and other strange occurrences. Check out the wild, unpredictable side of cycling in this book. You won’t be disappointed.

The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st-Century America by Robert Hurst

Robert Hurst covers everything there is about riding a bike on America’s modern streets. His piece-by-piece account of cycling will make you want to ditch your car. His practical tips and insights share not only safety, but how-to and cultural interpretation. See the big picture of riding in America.

These are just 5 of the many books out there. What are some of your favorites?

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