Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike

No matter what or how you ride, read this book and remind yourself just how enjoyable cycling can and should be. Eben Weiss, author of The Enlightened Cyclist Just Ride is a revelation. Forget the ultralight, uncomfortable bikes, flashy jerseys, clunky shoes that clip onto tiny pedals, the grinding out of endless miles. Instead, ride like you did when you were a kid just get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it. A reformed racer who s commuted by bike every day since 1980, whose writings and opinions appear in major bicycling and outdoor magazines, and whose company, Rivendell Bicycle Works, makes bikes for riders ready to opt out of a culture overrun by racing, Grant Petersen shares a lifetime of unexpected facts, controversial opinions, expert techniques, and his own maverick philosophy. In 87 short, two-to-three page chapters, it covers: Riding: Count Days, Not Miles; Corner Like Jackie Robinson; Steer with Your Hips, Shift with Your Legs Suiting Up: The Shoes Ruse; Ponchos the Ultimate Unracer s Garment Safety: #1 Rule Be Seen; Helmets Aren t All They re Cracked Up to Be Health and Fitness: Why Riding Is Lousy All-Around Exercise; Saddles Don t Cause Impotence; Drink When You re Thirsty Not Before Also includes chapters on Accessories, Upkeep, and Technicalities, and a final chapter titled Velosophy that includes the essential, memorable thought: Your Bike Is a Toy Have Fun with It.Winner Silver Medal 2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards