The Cyclists Route Book For Great Britain Ireland

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 ...).

The Wild Atlantic Way is a driving route along Ireland's Atlantic seaboard, covering over 2,350km of coastline and showcasing the region's breathtaking landscapes. This guide adapts the route for cyclists - and throws in a couple of other highlights (such as the Aran Islands and Killarney) for good measure. Since relatively few people are likely to have seven weeks to spare for a full Wild Atlantic Way tour, the book presents six self-contained cycle tours, each offering 7-10 days of riding. For the full Wild Atlantic Way experience, these distinct routes can be linked together into a 44-stage trip from Derry/Londonderry to Cork. Each route includes detailed advice on accommodation and facilities, plus optional detours and shortcuts and points of interest. The routes themselves are presented as 'route cards': ideal for use with a cycle computer, these pages provide 'at a glance' information for when you're on the road, covering navigation, facilities and local highlights. The guide covers all the practicalities - including transport, equipment and general tips on cycling in Ireland.

As he travels through the North, Wilson gets beneath the political surface to portray both the tragedy and comedy of everyday life in the Protestant and Catholic communities. Aware of the polarized image that each side has of the other, he emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and of asserting the middle against the extremes. Just as traditional Irish music is characterized by ornamentations and elaborations on a melodic theme, Ireland, a Bicycle, and a Tin Whistle is full of variations and wanderings on the theme of the trip itself. And just as traditional Irish musicians will follow a sad slow air with a lively foot-tapping reel, Wilson's mood ranges from the nostalgic and reflective to the irreverent and mischievous. If there is a lament in one ear, there is a song in the other.

Contained within this book is a comprehensive guide to cycling in Europe, with information on preparing for a trip, favourable and beautiful routes, expenditure, bicycle maintenance, etiquette, and much more. Profusely illustrated and full of useful, timeless information, "Cycling in Europe" will be of considerable utility to modern cycling enthusiasts with a particular interest in European touring. Contents include: "Europe the Great Cycling Ground of the World", "Its Attractions to the Tourist", "Object of the Volume", "The Route", "Its Importance", "General Remarks", "Routes Suggested", "Ireland; Cork, Dublin, Belfast and the Antrim Coast", "Scotland: Its Rugged Beauty", "The Big Cities", "Lakes and Trossachs", "Melrose Abbey", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on the History of the Bicycle.