Somewhere in a German forest 200 years ago, during the darkest, wettest summer for centuries, the story of cycling began. The calls to ban it were more or less immediate.
Re:Cyclists is a beautifully written account of the following two centuries. It tells how cycling became a kinky vaudeville act for Parisians, how it was the basis of an American business empire to rival Henry Ford’s, and how it found a unique home in the British Isles.
The Victorian love of cycling started with penny-farthing riders, who explored lonely roads that had been left abandoned by the coming of the railways. Then high-society took to it – in the 1880s the glittering parties of the London Season featured bicycles dancing in the ballroom, and every member of the House of Lords rode a bike.
Twentieth-century cycling was very different, and even more popular. It became the sport and the pastime of millions of ordinary people who wanted to escape the city smog, or to experience the excitement of a weekend’s racing. Cycling offered adventure and independence in the good times, and consolation during the war years and the Great Depression.
Re:Cyclists tells the story of cycling’s glories and also of its despairs, of how it only just avoided extinction in the motoring boom of the 1960s. And finally, at the dawn of the 21st century, it celebrates how cycling rose again – a little different, a lot more fashionable, but still about the same simple pleasures that it always has been: the wind in your face and the thrill of two-wheeled freedom.
Win a copy of RE: Cyclists
We have a copy of RE:Cyclists to give away. To enter the draw simply leave us a comment at the bottom of the page and we’ll pick a winner next week.
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Alan Anderson
2 wheels of freedom
steve
I am a great fan of Dr Hutch, so am sure this will be highly entertaining.
Gill Watling
I would love one of these please. Thanks so much to ETA for this opportunity.
MARK
I am sure that 200 years of cycling would fly by with Michael Hutchinson’s gift for writing!
Mark
Craig
Nice form of winter training
Stephen Davies
Hope this goes to a true cycling nut, like me
Rebecca Collings
Let’s keep those wheels spinning!
Phil
Simple pleasures – cycling and reading. What could be better?
Rob
Looks like a good read!
Lance Woodman
Here’s hoping
mark
In bike we trust !
Dave Sharpe
Looks like a good read
inge
perfect for winter sofa riding 🙂
Richard Scrase
A volcano, no summer, no grass, no horses, invent a bicycle!
Anna Green
I love books about cycling and the history of cycling. That reminds me, I must dig out my copy of ‘All About the Bike’ again 🙂
Chris
Hope he’s included lots of “Acts of Cycling Stupidity”!
Steve K
Looks like a good read!
Mike
A double century re-cycle, I bike that!
Mike
A double century re-cycle, I like that!
John Davidson
I’ve been riding a bike for over 50 years (not the same one, of course) so I’d love to read about the 150 years of bike history prior to me getting on one.
Raf
This will make a great gift for a friend who recycles cycles!
Mary Fisher
It would be worth learning to read to have this book!
John Mullen
In Britain we need to realise that, like in Holland and Scandinavia, cycling requires a roadster not a flash bike ridden in Lycra and speed is not the object of the ride.
Alison Holmes
Imagine if we could encourage every memeber of the House of Lords on to his or her bike to promote cycling!
Mark B
I’d love a copy. I’ll read it and then I’m off to Paris!
Stu Downie
Looks an entertaining and worthwhile read.
Frank Lee
My friend is a Burlesque dance performer – I’d like to give this book to her!
Alastair Seagroatt
Be great to learn more about the history of the activity 8
love.
Alastair Seagroatt
Whoops, should have been activity I love.
Darren C
Looks like a very interesting read, another great prize from ETA!
Matt blackmore
A good read would be much appreciated when I’m not on a bike I can learn more!
Mike Croker
Pedal on!
wesley
Sounds like a great ride of a read.
Al Reed
Every member of the House of Lords riding a bike, heady days!
Charlotte
This would be a perfect present for my dad! Once I’d read it first, of course 😉
Christine Davies
Great post ride recovery treatment
Elspeth
Thanks ETA!!
Philip Thompson
Yes please.
Anna D.
Looks like a lovely prize for someone
Bryn Peter
Michael Hutchinson is one the very best cycling authors, highly readable. Thanks to ETA for this one.
Luminita
🙂
Gavin
I would welcome Dr. Hutch’s book… it’ll would save me the cost of purchase. Thank you.
David Hunt
Great writer. I’d love a copy!
Colin
Looks like a fascinating read. Good luck to all
Jonathan Hunt
Sounds like a perfect topic for me. Great writer too. I sincerly hope I win!
Roger
Me please!😋