Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike [Paperback]

In the same way that Michael Pollans slim bestseller Food Rules brought a gust of common sense to the everyday activity of eating, 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 kidjust get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it.

A reformed racer whos 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; Ponchosthe Ultimate Unracers Garment

Safety: #1 RuleBe Seen; Helmets Arent All Theyre Cracked Up to Be

Health and Fitness: Why Riding Is Lousy All-Around Exercise; Saddles Dont Cause Impotence; Drink When Youre ThirstyNot Before

Also includes chapters on Accessories, Upkeep, and Technicalities as well as a final chapter titled Velosophy that includes the essential, memorable thought: Your Bike Is a ToyHave Fun with It.