i think i saw around here somewhere a list of good books for new riders. do you ladies have any suggestions?
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i think i saw around here somewhere a list of good books for new riders. do you ladies have any suggestions?
I heard from a newbie on another site that the Cycling For Women book is pretty good. I haven't read any of the books personally.
I just got back from singing at a friend's house and she has a book called "Bicycling Bliss" - how to bicycle for wellness or something like that. I think I might have to get it - it's got chapters about yoga and breathing as well as the more usual "gear to get," and things to do if you've got unusual issues (lik ehaving had a broken neck, or poor balance). Found link:
http://www.bicyclingbliss.com/ (the website looks like it's self-published but the book didn't.)
What they thought was amazing was that the picture on the front looked strikingly like me ... a virtually identical smile and crinkling of the nose. I explained that yes, it was the bicycle that caused that expression :-) (the pictgure of the same person on the back of the book didn't look much like me at all, but she wasn't on the bike, then.)
I took a look at the Bicycling Bliss website and liked it a lot. I'm sure it won't be everyone's cup of tea but Portia seems to speak my language. I emailed her about falling and subsequent fear - she sent a very helpful answer the next day.
I also have a book called Chris Sidewell's Complete Bike Book, put out by DK publishing. I find it the language very clear, even to a total novice - and there are many good photos showing technique (often using women riders:) )
Not women-specific, but I just picked up Chris Sidwell's 7 Weeks to Cycling Fitness--it's basically just what the title advertises: a 7-week plan for developing cycling skills and strength, along with some suggestions for beginner weight training.
I like this book because it provides a fairly specific training schedule. On my own, I'm never sure what I should be doing to get better, other than just going out and piling on the miles at whatever cadence I feel comfortable with. But I know from reading the TE forums that there must be more specific kinds of things I need to do to build skills and power on the bike. Sidwell's book tells me what those specific things are. It provides good instructions, three levels for each workout--depending of current fitness level, and heart rate recommendations. Doesn't talk much about speed, but focuses on heart rate and TITS (time in the saddle).
If you're an accomplished or long-time cyclist, this book probably won't do you any good, but if you're new or re-learning, check it out. Also if you're new, you'll need to get more detailed info from somewhere else on bike fit and bike maintenance, but Sidwell gives you enough to get started.
I have just bought the book "The Female Cyclist" (based on recommendations from gals in this forum)... for someone to give me for my birthday
I haven't read it yet, cause obviously I don't know I am getting it as presents are surprises :p
BUT... if I had looked inside the cover ;) I would be able to tell you that the forward is impressive... at 34 she decided she wanted to become internationally competitive in her class, and at 39, despite loads of people telling her it was a silly thing to do, she was winning...
So I look forward to telling you how inspiring I find this book - right from the foreward - when I am given it and can read it :cool:
Hmm I guess it depends what information or level of information you want from your book.
I have the Female Cyclist and its Ok but for me I found a lot more info I needed from books like Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for cyclists or Bicycling Magazine's The complete book of Long Distance Cycling.
I know these are not women specific books but they provide lots of great info for both men and women.
Ooops nearly forgot another good read is Bicycling Medicine by Arnie Baker. This one was recommended to me by SadieKate and is jammed full of great info.:) :)
Pruitt and Baker are must haves. I've known about Pruitt seems like forever but I bought because of you, TH. I'm ever so glad I did.
I like the Female Cyclist only because of the hormonal/menstrual stuff she discusses. I haven't read it word for word the way I have Pruitt and Baker.
Yeah... Joe Friel's Bible and also "Cycling Past 50" are books I have read over and again... it will be interesting to see if I find the same thing with a "women specific" book...