Whether you’re an avid cycler, or just starting out, there are plenty of great stories, people, and ideas written in books that are sure to change the way you think of cycling. To many people, riding your bike is just an activity, or a method of transportation – but to others, it is a lifestyle or an adventure.

We’ve compiled some of the best books all about cycling – where to do it, how to train, incredible human feats, the history of the sport, and more.  Reading these will surely teach you, surprise you, and even inspire you to ride further.

1. The Man Who Cycled the World by Mark Beaumont

This is the story of how Mark Beaumont set the Guinness World Record of cycling the 18,000 miles around the world in 194 days and 17 hours.He tells stories of how he managed to beat the previous record while sharing some stories of his youth, and riding across Italy for charity.

2. Where There’s a Will: Hope, Grief and Endurance in a Cycle Race Across a Continent by Emily Chappell

This book shares the harrowing story of Emily Chappell, who pushed herself to the limits in trying to cycle across Europe unassisted.  She takes you through her journey of climbing and overcoming mountains, both literally and figuratively. 

3. Epic Bike Rides of the World by Lonely Planet

For those who are world travellers and adventurers, this book might inspire your next cycling trip. Lonely Planet offers 200 of the most amazing and scenic bike routes the world has to offer.

4. The Official History of the Tour de France by Serge Laget

If you’re a fan of the Tour de France or races in general, this insightful book gives you all the details of this incredible event and how it all started, from its early days to now.It also doubles as a great coffee table book with its plethora of photographs.

5. The Cycling Chef: Recipes for Performance and Pleasure by Alan Murchison

Any good cycler will tell you food and diet are imperative to good performance. Alan is a Michelin-starred chef who cooks for British Cycling athletes - he also happens to be a champion athlete himself. You’ll find 65 great recipes for tasty meals fit for the professionals.   

Here are some more if you are interested from bikeradar.com.

Happy reading and biking!

Cycling has been proven to not only improve your physical well-being – but also your mental health. Whether biking indoors or outdoors, we consistently see positive effects on your brain and body.  There are multitudes of benefits that can affect all parts of your life.

Exposure to the outdoors has often been prescribed to combat mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Cycling outdoors is no different!  Your brain positively reacts to the influx of blood flow and nutrients and enables greater performance.  Meaning, consistent cycling in your day-to-day life keeps your brain healthy and young in your later years.

Studies conducted on cycling have shown these are just some of the mental health benefits people experience:

-Decreases in depression and anxiety

-Greater well-being and relaxation

-Enhanced creative thinking

-Improved memory

-Improved moods

-Better sleep

Additionally, you can reap the social perks of this hobby by meeting like-minded people who also greatly enjoy cycling.  There are endless ways to connect to these groups: many are on social media like Facebook and Instagram, or even on cycling apps like Zwift and Strava.      

It is often recommended to cycle for about 30-60 minutes at a steady pace three to five times a week to enjoy those benefits.  This can be done on your way to work, around your neighbourhood, or anywhere else you like to bike. During the winter months, this can be especially challenging, but even getting on a stationary bike helps with your well-being and mental health.

So, next time you’re thinking of commuting to work or wanting to get outside, grab your bike (and helmet) and see the benefits for yourself!