Rough Ride

Rating:
Summary: for anyone who reads
Review: As a life-long cycling fan, this book shattered my view of cycling as a glamourous sport for the exceptional only. Kimmage reveals to us how drugs are not just an occasional mistake made by the more famous cyclists, but a part of everyday life for even the 'small' riders who are never mentioned. I had never heard of Paul until I read this and had never acknowledged that there are so many cyclists who have spent their whole lives waiting to reach the top only to be destroyed by drugs, without ever achieving their goal. Alternately hilarious and disturbing, I would recommend this book to anyone who can read. Lags slightly towards the end, but otherwise perfect.

Rating:
Summary: Not bad, a little dated
Review: If you enjoy the sport of cycling this is a brief look into it. I enjoyed the sections about the not-so-classic races that decent pros need to ride to earn a living; too often we only hear about the Tour or the Giro. If you are expecting great, edge of your seat writing, it won't be found here, you'd be better off with "The Rider" for that.

Rating:
Summary: A rough ride indeed
Review: Kimmage rode with some of the greats of cycling, but was only in the cold shadow of greatness in terms of ability. He details in the book the means taken by some cyclists to climb out of the shadows into the sunshine by taking drugs. His book was brave at the time, he was accused of 'spitting in the soup' and lost the friendship of many of his cycling peers for his writing about the drug taking. He was called a liar. But time has revealed through the 'festina affair' who were the liars. A good read, but leaves one feeling a little sad to think that sport in general, not just cycling, can be so diseased.

Rating:
Summary: very insightful, pulls back the glossy veneer
Review: Very hard to put down, even though I am strictly a recreational rider with no racing experience I found the story painted very vivid images. Paul Kimmage pours it all on the table, sometimes trying to be neutral, other times being very judgemental. The book feels very honest in presenting the history of drugs and cycling. I would definitely read more of his work.

Rating:
Summary: Many Questions Answered
Review: What happens when the talented amateur becomes the paid professional cyclist? This book answers that question in graphic and, occasionally horrifying, detail. To be sure, the author portrays himself as a stained saint of the sport. It does raise the question as to what we expect from all professional athletes.

With the backdrop of the 1998 Tour de France in our history the re-release of this book is a poignant reminder that these riders are not super men. Some, to compete in a grueling stage race, subject their bodies to horrific potential consequences. Most of them are not the leaders but the "domsetiques" who ride in support of the leaders. They lead them in their draft, carry water bottles back and forth, only to drop out just before the glory moments.

Why do they do it? Perhaps it is the sponsors. Perhaps the fans. Perhaps it is just the difference between the professional, to whom the team win is more important than finishing.

This book is a chilling look at all professional sport through the lens of professional cycling.

Rating:
Summary: Understand the pain & suffering of professional bike racing.
Review: Written in an easy to read, conversational style, Rough Ride highlights the experiences of one Irish rider as he joins the professional peloton. Although written in the 80's (with a recently added epilogue) the book is still topical, as he covers the temptations of doping to enhance performance.