Every Woman's Guide to Cycling

[Jiffer]

I just bought this book and thought I'd tell you ladies about it. Every Woman's Guide to Cycling: From Buying Your First Bike to Winning Your First Race, by Selene Yeager (Bicycling magazine's "Fit Chick").

I just got it a couple of days ago and have been jumping around reading different parts, but intend to read every page. It's a perfect book for beginners, but is great for many levels. I have been riding for two years and know a lot of the stuff in the book, but certainly not all of it. She's also very inspirational, so you not only learn information, but you are motivated and inspired by her own stories and the stories she shares about other women, mostly every day women of all ages, who decided to take up cycling.

The book just came out this year. Here's a link.

http://www.amazon.com/Every-Womans-Guide-Cycling-Everything/dp/0451223047

[Miranda]

I didn't realize this book was a new release when I bought it this summer. I've jumped around in it too, but have enjoyed reading it thus far. Lots of stuff I know, but just wanted it because of her as an author. I know she writes a montly piece in Bicyling mag every month. Other than that, I didn't really know that much about her. I like her writing in the book better than the bike mag. I think she's very practical. I also like a lot of her personal stories of getting into cycling. It almost reminds me of reading a little piece of TE:).

[redrhodie]

Thanks for the recommendation. I just requested a copy from my library. While browsing the library's online catalog, I also saw a book called "Bicycling for Ladies" from 1896, which I also ordered. I wonder when the last time they loaned that one out was?!

[gingerale]

I'd like to second that recommendation! I got the book this past summer and it has so much wonderful information.

[Zen]

I got the book this past summer and it has so much wonderful information.
Which one?
"Bicycling For Ladies"?
;)

[wildhawk]

I will put that on by cycling book list. I just received a book I ordered on Amazon.com: Bike for Life - How to Ride To 100 - great info in that too. I think one of you recommended it on a thread about training for a century.

[Jiffer]

I also saw a book called "Bicycling for Ladies" from 1896

That is SUCH a crack up! I told my husband about this and he said, "I want to read that book!" And I said, "I know! I do too!"

So, I guess I should see if MY library has it. You must share with us some of the interesting tidbits you learn about cycling from a book written in 1896. ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I also saw a book called "Bicycling for Ladies" from 1896

It's not easily found for sale. I saw one copy for sale for about $200.

[Biciclista]

Yeah, I tried to buy that book a few years ago, but like you, Lisa, i found no copies that i could afford to buy.
But that's an interesting idea. I'll try to find it on Interlibrary loan.
Red Rhoadie, let us know how that book is!

[Zen]

It's not easily found for sale. I saw one copy for sale for about $200.

I got an out of print book - not that one- from Powell's books.
Tell them what you're looking for they can probably get it.

[Biciclista]

Buying out of print books has changed, Zen, with the internet. you'd be real lucky to find this book at a reasonable price.
but hey, check this out:

http://www.bicyclingforladies.com/?p=4

http://artslibrary.wordpress.com/2007/10/19/the-veiled-monologues-and-bicycling-for-ladies/

[Biciclista]

Google books has The Common Sense of Bicycling - Bicycling for Ladies!!

[Tuckervill]

abebooks.com will give you the current price on almost any book.

I have a book written in 1905 entitled, What a Young Housewife Ought To Know. It is really a hoot.

Karen

[Zen]

This appears to be a book review-
http://books.google.com/books?id=WsQEAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA200&lpg=RA1-PA200&dq=Bicycling+For+Ladies&source=web&ots=QDb1yEqZ3Y&sig=VXc96FtsLCzKv62iS76k0nvvUsE&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result

[Biciclista]

no, I'm reading the book now, on line, free. It is really funny!
Lots of illustrations!

[redrhodie]

Wow, I wonder if they'll really lend it out. I had no idea it was so valuable.
I love the library!

[Zen]

The link I referenced is an actual review from 1896, isn't it?

[Biciclista]

The link I referenced is an actual review from 1896, isn't it?

here's the link to the book. Sadly, it ends on page 197! (in the middle of a sentence) I love the photos, advice, etc.

http://books.google.com/books?id=GYs3AAAAMAAJ&printsec=titlepage&dq=bicycling+for+ladies

quote: "The beginner usually exerts too much pressure
on the pedals, and has to pull correspondingly hard
on the handles to correct the falling tendency of the
machine. This is very hard work, and stiff arms and
shoulders and blistered hands may be often thus accounted
for; they are the result of badly balanced
pedaling. To be able to sit comfortably at work,
and to feel that it is not so hard after all, is a great
advance.
Now, the question of that other foot. By this time
which "the other foot" is will have become quite
evident; it is always the foot to which attention for
the moment is not directed, and which consequently
may meet unexpected disaster — a lost pedal, perhaps,
with its accompanying inconveniences."

[arielmoon]

Going back to Every Woman's guide

This caught my attention:

- Why guys who work in bike shops act the way they do

:rolleyes:

[Jiffer]

Going back to Every Woman's guide

This caught my attention:

- Why guys who work in bike shops act the way they do

:rolleyes:

Yes, I found that especially comical myself. ;) I haven't read that part in the book yet. Lucky for me, however, the guys who work in my LBS are strangely all very friendly and helpful no matter the gender, cycling level or amount of money you're spending. They seem to make everyone feel important and appreciated for their business. (Which is why we go there instead of the much closer and more convenient shop.)

But I do look forward to reading her comments on the subject. :)

[sundial]

it is always the foot to which attention for
the moment is not directed, and which consequently
may meet unexpected disaster — a lost pedal, perhaps,
with its accompanying inconveniences."

LOL! That's a classic. :D :D

[bluebug32]

Selene Yeager has a really cool blog on Bicycling's website too

http://fitchick.bicycling.com/

[kacie tri-ing]

I love her blog! I have been following it for a while!

It has followed her Ironman training for a while! So impressive!

[gingerale]

Which one?
"Bicycling For Ladies"?
;)

Sorry, been gone the past couple of days. I got Yeager's Every Woman's Guide to Cycling.

[redrhodie]

I got my library books today! "Bicycling for Ladies" is so beautiful. The cover is embossed with a picture of a lady on a bike. The back cover has a dog chasing her! Some things never change.

The contrast between it and "Every Woman's Guide to Cycling" is fantastic. I'd like to post pics of the two together, but I don't want to infringe on any copyright laws. Anyone know if this would be a no-no (to post pics of the covers)?

I haven't read much so far, but I really get the sense of how much harder bike riding was to learn, on roads rutted from carriage wheels and the like, while wearing dresses and petticoats, and shoes with heels. Still, they did it. I don't know if I would have tried. I hope I would have.