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Home > Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100
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Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100
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By Roy M. Wallack and Bill Katovsky
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 (36 Reviews)
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Publisher:
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Da Capo Press
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Published:
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December 31, 1969 |
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Binding:
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Paperback
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Pages:
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368
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Cycling is one of the most popular and fastest growing activities in the nation?today more than 56 million recreational cyclists bike regularly in the United States. Now leading cycling journalists Roy M. Wallack and Bill Katovsky have assembled into one essential resource everything cyclists needs to know to bike for a lifetime. These experts present groundbreaking information on medical research, training techniques, nutrition, and technology and equipment trends that impact the sport at every level. They also assess the risks and provide informative solutions to many bike-related conditions that have been overlooked, sensationalized, or are just emerging, including impotence, osteoporosis, weakened immune systems, sore backs, depression, and even fractured relationships. Also featured are a dozen in-depth interviews with cycling legends, such as Gary Fisher, Ned Overend, John Howard, Missy Giove, Eddie B, and Marla Steb. This authoritative guide to getting the most out of your bike riding will appeal to cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, and is a must-read for everyone who loves to get on a bike to compete, to keep fit and promote longevity, for fun, or simply to get from point A to point B.
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Customer Reviews:
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 A Must for All Cyclers, February 24, 2006
By Zorana Bakovic
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This is one the best book I have read about biking, and I actually still read it almost every day, checking out different aspects related to cycling - health issues, nutrition advises, and especially exercises and stretching before and after every ride. The book answers almost all of my questions, and considering the fact that I am a women and over 50, but still very ambitious to get better on the road, I find it so very useful - I could say necessary.
The only thing lacking in the book are photos or at least drawings in the chapters on exercises and yoga for cyclers. Maybe it is just me, but only reading the text-descriptions is not enough. Despite that, I would highly recommend the book to all cyclers, regardless of age. I learn enormously from it!
41 of 45 people found the above review helpful.
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 Lotta bang for the buck, November 19, 2005
By sportfit.com (los angeles, ca)
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Bike for Life reads like a lifestyle magazine, categorized by topics designed to pique interest but follows up with depth reserved only for the New York Times or National Geographic. The authors know how to take a position without turning it into religion. Completing a Century ride on your 100th birthday appears within reach, but maybe not if your only activity is cycling.
It's likely that if you're a cyclist or triathlete you've already read both authors, Roy Wallack and Bill Katovsky. Both have been fixtures in the publishing world for years. In fact, Katovsky started Triathlete and Inside Triathlon, and Wallack was one of Triathlete's premier editors. You'll likely recognize each of their distinctive literary voices from chapter to chapter, and feel a pleasant familiarity not unlike the sense you get when James Earl Jones's voice shows up in a commercial. At once you feel at ease.
Simply, Bike for Life posits that cycling is an integral part of longevity but not a panacea. While aerobic fitness can be maximized riding, even into our golden years, other aspects of fitness and bicycling must be addressed. Strength training and flexibility fill in the gaps of cycling's physiological deficiencies. The right bike fit solves the hand, wrist,neck, back, foot and numb nethers issues plaguing many of us, which, if ignored either kill the enjoyment or take us off the bike altogether. And, cycling related benefits notwithstanding, this book is a user's manual for us all, cyclists or otherwise, because it details a cornucopia of secrets to long term health and fitness. It's like having all of those pertinent articles that we read and wanted to save (but never did) compiled and organized for our periodic reference.
Not only, entertaining interviews introduce us to legendary, mature riders who, whether setting records or just climbing into the saddle, embody an ideal, inspiring confidence in our own future, by their achievement, while their peers sidle up to canes and walkers. The authors' personal experiences aim their book squarely at you and me, recreational riders and age-group competitors who want to milk as much fulfillment and adventure as we can from our time turning the cranks. For what it's worth, I took the 34 mile, 10,000 ft. Haleakela volcano (on Maui, HI) climb challenge right off the pages of Bike for Life, essentially at Roy's behest. Now I have indelible imprints of a 4 hour ride from Mayberry to Mars that'll keep me company long as my memory remains - at least 'til my 100th birthday.
There's at least one typographical error. Spinal erectors - those muscles running the length of our vertebral column - are mis-described as spiny erectors. This bothered me - one who's found errors in the Webster's Third International Dictionary (really) - but probably not anyone else.
Bike for Life is a great read, a great reference tool and a great gift - I've given away a half dozen copies so far. As a triathlon coach, personal trainer and avid reader I recommend this book.
Christopher Drozd
Beverly Hills, CA
[Disclosure: I'm featured in this book, but receive no compensation from the authors or publisher. I bought all of the copies I gave away. Further, it took me over six months to get around to writing any sort of review.]
41 of 48 people found the above review helpful.
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 not quite satisfying for real information..., February 22, 2007
By actual person (Los Angeles, USA)
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BUT there is a lot of good information. I think it was summed up by another reviewer who suggested there was too much fluff and too many longish interviews.
If there ever is a second edition to this book, and i think it'd be a great idea, might i suggest the following: more hard information about training (heart rate monitors and training levels receive very little if any mention), diagrams or pictures (imagine simply having yoga poses described to you with impercise language), and lastly, divide the interviews/inspiration stories of people who did inspirational rides into seperate sections.
to sum up, there is some good information and its presented in a congenial upbeat tone, but no illustrations and overlong interviews take away from its impact.
19 of 20 people found the above review helpful.
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CAN'T PUT IT DOWN, May 31, 2005
By Octavio Tortosa (SAN ANTONIO TEXAS)
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CAN'T PUT IT DOWN
I bought this book because I personally connect with its theme of "Ride a century when you turn a century." I am 42 and plan on another 50 or 60 years of hammering, so the longevity info interested me. That info is thorough, well-researched and, in some cases, groundbreaking. But more than that, it is AN INCREDIBLY FUN, READABLE BOOK THAT I CAN'T PUT DOWN. Just leafing randomly through the book, your eye catches on something and you end up reading for an hour without even knowing it. Why? A unique format. Bike for Life is actually TWO BOOKS IN ONE:
1) One of the best bike-training/longevity research books I've seen. Includes good descriptions of expected topics: climbing tips , anti-impotence tips, a strong case for cross-training. Particularly illuminating is some surprising, cutting-edge I hadn't heard of: the link between cycling and osteoporosis; using rapid-contraction weight-lifting to spur Human Growth Hormone production; the 5-to-1 "relationship ratio". Had I known some of the latter five years ago, it might have saved my marriage. Seriously.
2) Next, every chapter in Bike for Life is separated by a huge INTERVIEW WITH A CYCLING CELEBRITY; all are fascinating reads. The one with John Howard, the great US cyclist of the 70s, is riviting, as are those of Johhny G, the founder of Spinning, Mike Sinyard, the president of Specialized, John Sinabaldi, a 90-year-old former olympic rider of the 1930's who rides 30 miles per day, and one unknown, but strangely magnetic, fellow named Rich "The Reverend" White. (At first, I didn't like the idea of one of the authors, Roy Wallack, lumping an obvious friend of his with the stars, but it turned out to be a fascinating read. I want to meet the guy) Big names like Missy Giove, Ned Overend, Jim Ochowitz, Eddy B -- all great interviews that taught me a lot about fitness and riding. They alone are worth the [very reasonable] price of the book.
Each interview takes about 45 minutes to read, On top of those, Bike for Life is filled with other human stories, too; many personality profiles of average, extraordinary people infunny, dramatic, instructive stories of success and failure. That includes the two authors themselves, whose in-the-trenches stories of extreme rides they've done over the years actually made me laugh out loud a few times. Both are excellent writers. It was interesting to compare the sensitive, cerebral, vulnerable, weaker-riding Bill Katovsky with the aggressive, in-your-face, go-for-broke anecdotes of lead author Wallack, who supplies some surprisingly sensitive touches himself.
I've never written a book review before, but I could go on and on about Bike for Life. In summation: THIS IS A GREAT BOOK.
16 of 19 people found the above review helpful.
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CAN'T PUT IT DOWN, May 31, 2005
By Octavio Tortosa (SAN ANTONIO TEXAS)
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CAN'T PUT IT DOWN
I bought this book because I personally connect with its theme of "Ride a century when you turn a century." I am 42 and plan on another 50 or 60 years of hammering, so the longevity info interested me. That info is thorough, well-researched and, in some cases, groundbreaking. But more than that, it is AN INCREDIBLY FUN, READABLE BOOK THAT I CAN'T PUT DOWN. Just leafing randomly through the book, your eye catches on something and you end up reading for an hour without even knowing it. Why? A unique format. Bike for Life is actually TWO BOOKS IN ONE:
1) One of the best bike-training/longevity research books I've seen. Includes good descriptions of expected topics: climbing tips , anti-impotence tips, a strong case for cross-training. Particularly illuminating is some surprising, cutting-edge I hadn't heard of: the link between cycling and osteoporosis; using rapid-contraction weight-lifting to spur Human Growth Hormone production; the 5-to-1 "relationship ratio". Had I known some of the latter five years ago, it might have saved my marriage. Seriously.
2) Next, every chapter in Bike for Life is separated by a huge INTERVIEW WITH A CYCLING CELEBRITY; all are fascinating reads. The one with John Howard, the great US cyclist of the 70s, is riviting, as are those of Johhny G, the founder of Spinning, Mike Sinyard, the president of Specialized, John Sinabaldi, a 90-year-old former olympic rider of the 1930's who rides 30 miles per day, and one unknown, but strangely magnetic, fellow named Rich "The Reverend" White. (At first, I didn't like the idea of one of the authors, Roy Wallack, lumping an obvious friend of his with the stars, but it turned out to be a fascinating read. I want to meet the guy) Big names like Missy Giove, Ned Overend, Jim Ochowitz, Eddy B -- all great interviews that taught me a lot about fitness and riding. They alone are worth the [very reasonable] price of the book.
Each interview takes about 45 minutes to read, On top of those, Bike for Life is filled with other human stories, too; many personality profiles of average, extraordinary people infunny, dramatic, instructive stories of success and failure. That includes the two authors themselves, whose in-the-trenches stories of extreme rides they've done over the years actually made me laugh out loud a few times. Both are excellent writers. It was interesting to compare the sensitive, cerebral, vulnerable, weaker-riding Bill Katovsky with the aggressive, in-your-face, go-for-broke anecdotes of lead author Wallack, who supplies some surprisingly sensitive touches himself.
I've never written a book review before, but I could go on and on about Bike for Life. In summation: THIS IS A GREAT BOOK.
16 of 19 people found the above review helpful.
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 Male Dominated, October 20, 2008
By Frank O' (Roanoke, Virginia)
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The best title for this book should be, "Biking As a Lifestyle," not "Biking for Life." It is not concerned with long term biking so much as how to be the best kind of dude and where to compete. Much of the information is found in other cycling and exercise books. The chapter, "Rolling Relationships: Rules for Reconciling Significant Cycling and Significant Others" is where the authors show their colors and their testoserone levels. The general idea is that males rule cycling as a sport and as a way of life. Whatever they decide to do with their sporting life takes precedent over any personal relationship. Women are to be cajoled and bribed. To show their benevolence, males should consider giving women some significant role in their cycling world. Silly little boys!
There are other books with a balance approach to cycling and fitness. Give this a pass by.
14 of 34 people found the above review helpful.
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A must read if you love to bike!, August 11, 2005
By Jame Moore (Washington)
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I just logged in to Amazon to look for some Lance Armstrong books, and I bumped into this title. A fellow-cyclist got me this book from Amazon, shortly after it was published. WOW! What a read. I couldn't put it down. I don't know what's been better for my cycling these days taking my thor-plex or this book. Ok, taking my thor-plex has, but the book is right up there with it. Guys and gals get this one. It is loaded with important information and excellent tips. The health information will be of tremendous use to you - all the talk on the human growth hormone (HGH) convinced me to get YF-8 in my diet and to drink plenty of water.
Read the book and let us all know how you enjoyed it, as other have done here much more eloquent than I.
13 of 18 people found the above review helpful.
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The Woodward and Bernstein of cycling longevity, July 11, 2005
By Eric Greenfield (California, USA)
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Yes, this book is a superb, entertaining read and filled with a mind-boggling array of relevent information, as the previous reviewers have alluded to. And the interviews of the cycling celebrities and the numerous other profiles scattered throughout paint Bike for Life in such vivid colors that all other other cycling-health-fitness-training books seem grey by comparison.
But beyond that, the best part is really its hardcore, old-fashioned journalistic research. These guys, Wallack and Katovsky, are like the Woodward and Bernstein of cycling and longevity. They dig deep, uncovering a treasure-trove of "I didn't know that" information that can help anyone - cyclists and non-cyclists - live longer and stronger.
The best part of it is that everything they say is so logical and appears to have no ulterior motive. What I mean by that is that they are not coaches out to sell a program , like Joe Friel or Chris Carmichael; that leaves them free to quote the two aforementioned and dozens of other cycling experts. Instead of buying Carmichael's book, all you need to do is read a 3-page feature in Chapter 1 on a 45-year-old salesman who is going through the Carmichael program. Want to know about what it's like to get a bike fit from one of the nation's top bike fitters, Paul Levine? Read a 2-page feature about a top TV exec who was fit by him and seems to have gotten 20 years younger. The authors, two average but highly adventurous cyclists who have traveled the world by bike and collected a boatload of bylines and editorships in bicycling, triathlon, and fitness publications over the years, seem to have interviewed an endless parade of well-known experts in various fields: Bob Anderson in stretching, Steve Ilg in Yoga, to name a few - then threaded them all together with the latest bone and muscle studies into an all-encompassing super-program of ultra-life-long health. It is an impressive achievement.
And did I say that it is an exceedingly fun read?
10 of 14 people found the above review helpful.
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What a great book, May 29, 2005
By Book buyer (Nowhere)
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I have many, many cycling books that I have been collecting for years and this is easily one of the best. Highly recommended for any cyclist.
9 of 13 people found the above review helpful.
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A very inspiring book for serios riders, July 24, 2006
By Shiv (Santa Clara, CA United States)
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This book is very inspiring. It has some excellent interviews and gret tips for serious riders.
The things I like about the book -
1. How important is the fitting of the bike.
2. How important it is to warm up before getting on to the bike, and equally how important it is to strech after a long ride.
3. What it takes to bike for long distance. The authors have given inspiring facts and tips to take long distance bike rides for leisure and races.
4. How to be a good climber. This is one aspect in which I needed help.
5. How to prevent injuries
However, there are certain things the book was missing -
1. This is not a book for some one who rides a bike just for leisure. Only if you are serious biker you should read this.
I wish the book covered all the aspects for people who have just got into biking.
2. There are no diagramatic explanation for any of the exercises which are mentioned in this book. Some of the exercises look are hard to understand without this.
Over all I was very satisfied with the book. I completed the book within 3 weeks and still read it for getting solid inspiration and correct technique. Good Job!!!!
8 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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Surprisingly Great !!, May 9, 2005
By Robyn Cerritos
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I'm so impressed with Bike for Life that I bought another one. First, I bought one for my dad's birthday - he's 51, rides like he's 21, and always says he plans on living to 101. The longevity information is right up his alley, but this book is so packed with other great info and is so fun to read that I bent-up too many of the pages reading it and had to order a fresh one for him. Then I forced my bike-crazy husband to read the " Rolling Relationships" chapter #12, which was so illuminating and entertaining that it seems like it could be a book all it's own. Thanks to that, we're going to get a tandem.
There's more surprises throughout the book. I didn't know about that osteoprorisis problem, but now I'm going to the weight room-my husband, too.. Then the in-depth interviews--I never heard of Missy Giove before this, but now she's my hero. It's like the Bicycling magazine editor said: You simply don't expect to get something interesting in a mere bike book. But it is.
8 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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A lot of good information, April 30, 2008
By Philip J. Bohlken (Caldwell, Idaho)
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This book explains why it is necessary for older riders to stretch before riding and to avoid simple sugars. I am not sure knowing those things will make me do them, but reading the book does move me in the direction of better habits.
I really liked the interviews. I learned something useful in each one of them. They are also the sort of thing that inspires you to ride. Reading descriptions of how to do various exercises was not easy. Perhaps drawings or photos would have helped. Still, I would rather be riding than doing exercises, no matter how advisable it is to do the exercises.
This book will have an effect on my training and riding style. One of the most helpful sections was about using one's glutes more for added power in pedaling. I may not revise everything I do immediately, but I will read my underlinings again and again. In time I will be doing more of what this book suggests.
Several times I thought I would not be at all interested in a new chapter's topic. But, when I got into the chapter it was even more interesting than the previous chapter. Some of the topics were also vital, like watching out for osteoporosis.
The immediately most helpful thing I learned by reading this book was how to utilize and strengthen my 'glutes' for more power and more endurance. I can ride longer and faster with less soreness afterward now. That information alone was worth the cost of the book.
There is some good information on preserving and building relationships, but most of the people cited for their life stories were better examples of broken relationships. Cycling can be addictive and a non-cycling spounse is not always content to sit at home and wait for the cyclist to return home.
It is generally very enjoyable to read.
6 of 8 people found the above review helpful.
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Balance on two wheels, March 27, 2006
By spinstress (los angeles,ca)
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Bike for life takes on the ride of life. How to give and take in a sport which requires total indulgence. It's immensely entertaining - the interviews will inspire even the most fried bunch of couch potatoes to get up and get out there.
I cannot wait for Mr. Wallack and Katovsky's next book....??
6 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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Fantastic Book on Cycling can change your life!, February 26, 2007
By Ken (Charlotte, NC)
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I ran across this book completely by accident. I was in the bookstore perusing magazines and someone had left a copy on the rack. I picked it up, flipped briefly through the book, and decided to buy it. For a 49 year old that's just getting back into cycling after being off since the early 90's, this was a terrific book. It provides relevent information for every aspect (both mental and physical) of developing a plan for lifelong health and well being through bicycling and other exercise. I think the interviews are great and provide insight into the lives of some of cycling's pioneers and gives a glimpse of what we all deal with as we age. The information in this book can change your quality of life, if practically applied. 35 days after completing this book, I'm 11 lbs lighter and feel so much better!
5 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Bike for Life, February 29, 2008
By Multisport Athlete (Venice Beach CA USA)
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This is a most amazing book on many levels. It is a reference book, a book of interviews with the great names in the bicycling world, a book packed with fitness tips for all ages, interviews with people who have biked for years and years and still bike. Here's just on piece of advice I got from an interview: "Don't sit down for an hour after dinner" and "find a gear you like to ride in and just stay in it" and so much more. You really don't even have to be a bike rider to get alot out of this book.
4 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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This is an Excellent Book, June 27, 2007
By psyclepath (Beaumont, Texas)
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As a devoted cyclist, I found this book to be a valuable resource. I learned much about the best ways to ride, how to eat properly, make sure that you get the proper fit on a bike, and much more information. One slight criticism - it is too slanted toward mountain biking rather than touring, but that reflects the interests of the authors. This book is a real keeper.
4 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Great Cycling Book, April 3, 2007
By Jeff (Denver)
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I really enjoyed this book. It presented many cycling topics: general fitness, longevity, training, psychological aspects of the sport, and touring. I especially enjoyed the inspirational interviews like the one with a guy who raced bikes in the '20s, represented the USA in the '32 and '36 Olympics, and now in his 90s, he STILL rides 150 miles a week!
Great book.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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 A waste of time and paper, February 4, 2010
By Steve E (Fort Collins)
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Not only is this book filled with junk science and absurd recommendations, but the authors were apparently paid by the word, and are exteremely verbose. If you filter out all of the misinformation and hot air what remains would not be much of a magazine article much less a book. Truly lame.
3 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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Great Book - a little ahead of it's time, April 6, 2010
By td
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I'm very fond of this book. It's not your typical workout program - more like a healthy living guide wrapped around cycling.
The authors take an interesting perspective - not that of the experts, but of the searchers. There is so much information in this book directly from pro's, coaches, and other respected people in the cycling industry. Lots of interviews, techniques, commentary. It's like being plugged in to the best of what's going on, not just the questionable experience of one person.
The other thing that makes this book valuable for a person like me is that it focuses on cycling longevity. How to enjoy your sport and your life for years to come, not just how to shave a couple minutes off your race time. In a world where everything promises faster results and more bang right now, this longer perspective seems ahead of it's time. I'm only 26, but I've noticed the things that develop the foundations of good athleticism and overall health are also the greatest accelerators for competitive athletes. This book reminds you what the foundations are and how to keep them in your program, and then builds on that with the high-end work you need to be on top of your game.
Topics covered include everything from detailed bike-handling techniques to cycling yoga to nutrition. Because of the way the book is organized with a chapter to a topic, we use the book like a cycling textbook at with clients (I run a small fitness center and we work with a dedicated group of endurance athletes).
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Inspiration for Life, December 28, 2007
By D. Low (Honolulu)
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This book got me fired up about cycling. Having fought a lifetime battle with weight and health demons, I have recently lost 80 lbs by swimming, cycling and running. However, I need constant inspiration to maintain my current level of fitness.
Through their own awe-inspiring cycling achievements, along with other amazing cycling personalities, the authors have written a book that entertains, educates and inspires. I have placed it on my "top shelf" where it is accessible for future reference along with all of my favorite books.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Nice book, July 24, 2007
By Martins Kemme (Latvia)
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Right now I have half-read this book and I would like to say that I enjoy it very much. Since I have been a MTB enthusiast for years already this book is right for me. The reason why I like this book are topics covered and the unique approach how authors address them. For example, typically you can read about how to train for better bike riding, but here you will find a topic on how to train to recover from biking. And there are more unique topics and interesting interviews.
This definitely shouldn't be the first book that bicycle addict should read, however for a seasoned rider this book is a "must read".
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Bike for Life : How to Ride to 100, August 9, 2005
By Jodi L. Fabrizio-clontz (Gaithersburg, MD)
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EXCELLENT!!!! Highly recommend it...
2 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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A Somewhat Stale and Slanted Read, December 31, 2010
By Alltone (The West Coast)
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The last 5 years have seem some profound changes and evolution in thinking about biking, this book misses all of that. Although the magazine style of the book captures an impression amount of information and opinion, most of it has been talked about ad nauseum on the web and in forums. But I certainly can't fault the authors for this; when written it may have been the best compendium on training, endurance, lifestyle, etc. out there.
The first half of the book reads like it should be entitled "Race for Life, How to Maintain Your Addiction to 100". Lots of telling observations, like the difference between being a "cyclist" and just a bike rider. Or startling revelations like "And then I realized, RAMM was just a race!", "I don't have to win a race to prove myself anymore.." Like Yeaha.. some of us realized this early on, got advanced degrees, careers, families and think being addicted to perpetual training and racing is somewhat weird.
But the book delivers in the later chapters with a little bit better balance, not unlike someone aging. Still, it's old news.
It needs to be re-written, and the endurance, race junkie stories are best left for a different book. I will never do a PBP or 24 hr solo, and I don't feel I'm missing anything. Call me a avid "bike rider"; so sorry to disappoint.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Very interesting book about many bicycle subjects, July 9, 2009
By Constance, loves dogs & books, in no particul... (California)
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Very interesting read. Includes all sorts of subjects, including using biking to battle depression, groin pain and its cause, nutrition and knee pain. You will need another book for some hard training, but this is a very good read and reference to cycle all your life.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Great Resource, March 24, 2008
By USCF Racer
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This book really delivers on it's promise. Not only does it go over a lot of questions that cyclist have it actually gives detailed answers on how to address those questions. I can see myself using this book for a long while.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Wide scope but not very specific, May 21, 2010
By BillJitsu (SF Bay Area)
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I recently got back onto the bike after many years of only the occasional ride and too many nights on the couch. I thought it would be a good idea to get a book that covers basic cycling training to give me a good idea of how I can get myself into good cycling shape for the upcoming summer and to meet my goals of losing at least 20 pounds and being able to ride in at least one cycling event this year of approximately 30-40 miles.
While this seems like a good overall book, I was disappointed in the lack of attention paid to training and nutrition.
For example, the book describes LSD (long slow/steady distance) training, but never actually defines what is meant by a "long, steady/slow distance" ride. A "long ride" to me is probably a lot different than an experienced rider. Am I supposed to stay out there for two hours? Do I measure "long" by the number of miles I ride, or is it just important to keep my heart rate up for an extended period of time?
While the answers to these questions may be second-nature to an experienced cyclist, for someone new (like me) a few specifics would be helpful. Or at least a way to gauge my own level of fitness and develop an appropriate training program.
After this frustrating section, the book then moved right on to Yoga for cyclists. As another reviewer mentioned, this section desperately needs illustrations instead of a text description of certain poses. It's also odd that more attention was paid to yoga than actually cycling.
There's a lot of information in this book, but if you're looking for something specific to training, look elsewhere. While it covers a vast majority of info and has some interesting interviews, it doesn't delve into a whole lot of depth into any of the things I was most curious about. It's part inspiration, a dash of training tips, and (unfortunately) a lot of filler.
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Really great, thoughtful book, August 7, 2007
By Andrew H. Stone (Salt Lake City, UT USA)
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Alternates between being inspirational and educational. Plan to get it for my biking friends when they hit 40 or 50. Lots of useful information and a good read.
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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A great gift..., December 15, 2005
By Dr. Mitchell Thrower
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Fantastic book, motivating, inspiring and fun to read. Invaluable insight, a GREAT holiday gift for anyone with a bike.
-Mitch Thrower
Author of "The Attention Deficit Workplace: Winning Strategies for Success in Today's Fast-Paced Business Environment"
1 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Just 100 ?, April 15, 2010
By Hagen Wenzek
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Just 100 ?
Life does not come easy and health is not free. What might sound rather obvious is not accepted by most people. They want to live the easy life and do take their health (or lack of thereof) for granted.
Bike for Life - How to ride to 100 by Roy Wallack and Bill Katkowsky does not try to come up with the easy way out like the mountain of books with titles like "perfect body in just 10min per day" lure you into believing. Roy and Bill expect you to kick it hard. But then you get rewarded with an immense level of fitness for many years to come.
There are few sports where no matter how old you are yourself, you might get beaten up by somebody a decade older - and get an inspiration out of it. And I am not talking about those sports where technique and experience are the primary differentiator, like golf, but where strength, fitness and endurance (in combination with the right technique) is the name of the whole game. Riding a bike is such as sport. Somewhere on a long hill you might notice a breeze in your back and suddenly left in the dust by a pair of calves that belong to a 70 year old man. That does not happen to me in the pool. That does not happen to me on the track. But it does on the bike.
Wallack and Katkowsky make the case for riding a bike until you are 100 years old. And they do it with passion, precision and the help of a lot of witnesses. Usually, these books do not tell you anything new, but tell stories to keep you motivated - sometimes better, sometimes (most times ...) useless. This one has it both: it spans the whole spectrum from insight about how to ride a bike, how to ride it in a group, how to ride it in a race to what you need to do to compensate for negative effects of focusing on bike rides alone (lack of impulse, lack of impact on your muscles etc.). Most of the insight is very relevant, meaningful and was often (too often ...) news to me. And I am a rigorous athlete: swimming, cycling or running nearly every day each week, continuously looking at my technique, stretching after each workout. But still the book has excellent ideas and warnings of what to do and what not. The only point to critisize is the lack of graphics or pictures, especially to help you visualize the exercises for stretch and strength.
And then, besides all the deep insight, the stories from famous or not so famous people bring the book to live. The stories about being a great rider, failing badly at highly anticipated events or being brought down by injuries, and then slowly getting back on the bike and retrieve the passion. Or the little stories of how to make the next hill, keep the rear wheel, overcome the headwind. And they do not stop at the sensitive topics that keep some from cycling at all, e.g. the impact on your love life (net: positive).
All these elements are scattered nicely throughout the whole book so one can actually read a chapter each night before going to bed or recapping the "anti-aging game plan" sitting on the sofa when this nasty rain storm prevents you from the bike ride and the falling branches make it dangerous to run on the trail and the lightning closed the pool.
The authors, many interviewees and I truly believe you can stay fit into highest ages. And riding a bike has the potential to be the best sports to keep you motivated until your 100. But what do you do then?
Roy M. Wallack and Bill Katovsky, Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100 (Da Capo Press, 2005).
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Bike for Life isgreat, May 9, 2011
By Charlie (Ohoi)
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This book tells it like it is!
If you want to Bike or Golf for a long time you must exercise to keep the body working.
The author says it well.
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A great resource., August 23, 2010
By Chancho
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I found this book full of practical advice and vital information for cyclists of all ages. I loved reading the life stories of various well known and famous cyclists. I was so impressed with this book that I have bought an extra two copies to give to friends.
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Excellent pointers for long term biking, July 30, 2010
By Benedict Woolley
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This book was just what I needed to help change my perspective on biking. I really like biking but needed to take it to the next level. This is a really nice book on many perspectives. It is a helpful reference book, a book of interviews with the great names in the bicycling world, a book packed with fitness tips for all ages, interviews with people who have biked for many years and still bike. Here's just on piece of advice I got from an interview: "Don't sit down for an hour after dinner" and make your self comfortable by wearing the right clothes and so much more. You really don't even have to be a bike rider to enjoy the benefit of this book.
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Excellent gift for an athlete, July 4, 2010
By lois
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Ultra complete comprehensive readable book on the biking and fitness category that gives a super emotional twist intertwining personal stories as you learn about how to bike to 100. I've given this book to many people and they have thanked me profusely. Bill Katovsky and Roy Wallach make a great tandem.
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Just 100 ?, April 15, 2010
By Hagen Wenzek
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Just 100 ?
Life does not come easy and health is not free. What might sound rather obvious is not accepted by most people. They want to live the easy life and do take their health (or lack of thereof) for granted.
Bike for Life - How to ride to 100 by Roy Wallack and Bill Katkowsky does not try to come up with the easy way out like the mountain of books with titles like "perfect body in just 10min per day" lure you into believing. Roy and Bill expect you to kick it hard. But then you get rewarded with an immense level of fitness for many years to come.
There are few sports where no matter how old you are yourself, you might get beaten up by somebody a decade older - and get an inspiration out of it. And I am not talking about those sports where technique and experience are the primary differentiator, like golf, but where strength, fitness and endurance (in combination with the right technique) is the name of the whole game. Riding a bike is such as sport. Somewhere on a long hill you might notice a breeze in your back and suddenly left in the dust by a pair of calves that belong to a 70 year old man. That does not happen to me in the pool. That does not happen to me on the track. But it does on the bike.
Wallack and Katkowsky make the case for riding a bike until you are 100 years old. And they do it with passion, precision and the help of a lot of witnesses. Usually, these books do not tell you anything new, but tell stories to keep you motivated - sometimes better, sometimes (most times ...) useless. This one has it both: it spans the whole spectrum from insight about how to ride a bike, how to ride it in a group, how to ride it in a race to what you need to do to compensate for negative effects of focusing on bike rides alone (lack of impulse, lack of impact on your muscles etc.). Most of the insight is very relevant, meaningful and was often (too often ...) news to me. And I am a rigorous athlete: swimming, cycling or running nearly every day each week, continuously looking at my technique, stretching after each workout. But still the book has excellent ideas and warnings of what to do and what not. The only point to critisize is the lack of graphics or pictures, especially to help you visualize the exercises for stretch and strength.
And then, besides all the deep insight, the stories from famous or not so famous people bring the book to live. The stories about being a great rider, failing badly at highly anticipated events or being brought down by injuries, and then slowly getting back on the bike and retrieve the passion. Or the little stories of how to make the next hill, keep the rear wheel, overcome the headwind. And they do not stop at the sensitive topics that keep some from cycling at all, e.g. the impact on your love life (net: positive).
All these elements are scattered nicely throughout the whole book so one can actually read a chapter each night before going to bed or recapping the "anti-aging game plan" sitting on the sofa when this nasty rain storm prevents you from the bike ride and the falling branches make it dangerous to run on the trail and the lightning closed the pool.
The authors, many interviewees and I truly believe you can stay fit into highest ages. And riding a bike has the potential to be the best sports to keep you motivated until your 100. But what do you do then?
Roy M. Wallack and Bill Katovsky, Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100 (Da Capo Press, 2005).
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Not useful to anyone - There are other biking books, February 16, 2011
By Julie (Arkansas)
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I am greatly disappointed that I paid for this book on my Kindle. While it is nice the authors try to provide complementary exercises (weight and yoga) for biking, the descriptions are not good at all and there are NO figures or pictures (at least in the Kindle edition) illustrating the exercises. Most of the book seems to be about two guys bragging to each other about their adventures or misadventures in riding.
Bottom line - you can find more information for free on the internet at different web sites including Bicycling magazine which has videos of how to do different strength poses w/ yoga.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Pretty good, January 21, 2012
By Mark Chopping (West Orange, NJ)
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This is a very nice book and I am glad that I bought it. It has a lot of very useful information. For me it had some very important information on bike fit that I needed to know. It would be better with some figures for those of us unable to locate our iliotibial bands (etc.)!
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