Written by: Rebecca Heaton
Posted: Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Get up to speed for this year's Tour de France and get in a roadie state of mind with the following cycling reads.
Death-defying rides, bare-faced cheating, blind passions,
double dealing—the Tour de France is the greatest show on wheels. For more than
a century, the Tour has captured the world’s imagination as the ultimate test
of man’s strength and willpower. Blazing Saddles: The Cruel and Unusual History
of the Tour de France spins a riotous tale of the inspiring and sometimes
astonishing history of cycling’s most famous race, its whimsical mishaps and
astounding feats. $25.95. Velopress.com
Ever wonder why cyclists shave they legs? Or what they eat
during those six-hour Tour de France stages? And what’s up with those
ridiculous jerseys? Answers to these mysteries and more are revealed in Jamie
Smith’s hilarious Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer. Written to
entertain road racers and educate their befuddled friends and family members,
Roadie offers a comprehensive and comic look at the world of competitive
cycling. $21.95. Velopress.com
Delve into the mind of Johan Bruyneel, the winningest team
director in cycling history and the mastermind behind the success of seven-time
Tour winner, Lance Armstrong, in his new book We Might as Well Win. Written
with Bill Strickland, executive editor of Bicycling magazine, this book takes
readers behind the scenes of Bruyneel’s history in the sport and his recipe for
winning. $25. Houghtonmifflinbooks.com
In the spirit of this election year, as candidates local and national are out campaigning and the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Denver end of this month, we decided to check in with busy politicians around our active state to hear how they stay fit and healthy. 
