What To Read

This time last year, was when I became enamored with all things cycling.  I just started connecting during the last week of the Tour de France.  I didn't have any understanding of who was doing what and I didn't get the lingo.  But, I'd finally found a sport I enjoyed following.  Thus began my investigation in the culture of professional cycling, and most especially road racing.  I watched all the movies and documentaries I could get my hands on.  I mean everything, from the French animated film Triplets of Belleville (trust me, it grows on you) to the German documentary Höllentour (Hell on Wheels), to Ride the Divide, to the cheesy Kevin Costner flick American Flyers.  Just so you, Breaking Away is the best movie.

Something about this film is addicting, I'm not sure what it is.

I read up online.  I borrowed books from the library.  I subscribed to magazines.  If I was going to be a fan of this sport, I needed to know the ins and outs, such as what the deal is with Eddy Merckx.   Needless to say, I still don't have a handle on the whole thing yet, but at least I know what embrocation cream is.

So, since the hot weather set in, I'm reminded of my nights on the trainer in front of the TV watching some cycling related movie and I'm having a hankering to revisit those days and my Netflix queue is stocked with some of my favorites.

I've also been known to carry some cycling publication around with me to have on hand for waiting rooms and the salon.  My very favorite is Peloton.  Why?  Well, a lot has to do with the paper.  Its a nice heavy matte.  But, where this new publication really shines is in the pages.  It has ads, but they don't overwhelm and dominate.  The articles are artistic and engaging.  Their selection of contributors always bring depth and understanding, and many, such as Heidi Swift, also have a knack for capturing a moment or a feeling perfectly with their words.  Of course, its not all about bikes.  For example, the current publication features articles on French cheese, French beer, and truffles.  But, my very, very, very favorite thing about Peloton are the historical articles.  Whether its a particular stage of the Giro or the entire career of a famous pro, their research and presentation of the the topic never ceases to fascinate.  Its in Peloton where the past glories of cycling are revisited and appreciated, in seamless clarity.  That, I think, is why this magazine stands apart.  Its not all about the latest and the most cutting edge, its also about where cycling has been.

For those of us that are just getting into the world of cycling fandom, Peloton is a well rounded place to begin.

The photography is rather splendid as well.