5 Books for Bikers

One advantage of having an ebike is that a quick pedal can bring riders to the perfect reading nook along a river or in a city park. Both people on vacation and people on lunch break can easily pack a book alongside a healthy lunch and create an afternoon that leaves them feeling refreshed and recharged. Here are some of our favorite books about biking.

1) Full Tilt: Ireland to India With a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy

This nonfiction read was published in 1965 and tells the story of Dervla Murphy’s 1963 bike ride through nine countries, including Yugoslavia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and New Delhi. Readers gain insight into unique cultural landscapes while also learning about the physical challenges of such a ride.

2) One Year on a Bike: From Amsterdam to Singapore by Martijn Doolaard

Another travel memoir style book is Doolaard’s tale of traveling 17,000 km through 18 countries. It is a story of self-discovery and spectacular visual imagery. The book was published in 2017 and pairs well with the stunning award-winning film available online.

3) The Rider by Tim Krabbé

An exhilarating quick read is found in this 150-page fictional account of a road race. The book was published in the Netherlands in 1978, and after becoming a biking book classic, was published in the USA in 2003. Reading the book is a chance to vicariously experience the technical details, physical challenges and emotional rushes of a cycling race.

4) The Comeback by Daniel de Visé

A biographical account of Greg LeMond, the only American to win the Tour de France, is sure to inspire beginner and expert cyclists alike. Published in 2018, the book relates the life of LeMond, his legendary race in 1986, and his inspiring comeback to another Tour de France title in 1989 after almost losing his life during a hunting accident.

5) Bike Nation: How Cycling Can Save the World by Peter Walker

This nonfiction book hit shelves in 2017 and explains why biking should continue becoming a standard mode of transportation. The well-researched and well-written account goes through the numerous health benefits of biking and how cities such as New York City and Copenhagen developed bike-friendly infrastructure.

Next time you need to get some fresh air, pedal out on your ebike to a favorite lake or bench and take time to read a book about biking. Who knows, it may inspire the next vacation or provide the motivation you need for a physically active lifestyle.