The Cyclists Route Book For Great Britain And Ireland Including The Isles Of Man And Wight Etc

This 216 page route book provides "original descriptions of upwards of 20,000 miles of road, showing the best routes." The modern reader will find the historical information in the Introduction highly entertaining. It covers topics still of importance and interest to cyclists today: how to get (or stay) physically fit, bike maintenance, clothing and food en route, and weather conditions. The advice has changed a bit in the intervening 125 years. The authors of the Cyclists' Route Book insist that wool is the only appropriate attire "when perspiration is likely to take place." They are also adamant that "corsets must be discarded" and give complicated instructions on creating a "practical" riding dress. (It is a wonder that those trying to follow these instructions didn't give up in despair and don trousers.) The abbreviation "V.D.H." is found throughout the route book; it designates a Very Dangerous Hill. (While fully respecting that the safe navigation of hills was, and continues to be, an important skill, this designation is quaintly reminiscent of something Winnie-the-Pooh might say ...).