12 Months in the Saddle: The Story of How Two Cyclists Tackled a Dozen Epic Rides

by John Deering

Taking in 12 cycling challenges, one a month for a year, this beautiful book chronicles the experiences of two amateurs and looks at what it takes to tackle some of the most iconic events in road cycling A cycling book by no other, this account is written and photographed by two committed amateurs who lived out their dream year—a dozen rides that encapsulate the spirit of cycling. Some of the rides, such as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, are classic races in the pro cycling season. Others, such as the ascent of Mount Ventoux, are part of the folklore of the Tour de France, while others are homegrown routes, draemed up and tackled becuase they are fun on a truly epic scale. Lively personal text describes the nature of each route and the landscape and people encountered along the way. It looks at the inspiration for each location in the first place, and the background history and culture of each ride. With unique breathtaking photography and lively text that conveys exactly how it feels to be by turns frozen, baked, lost, exhausted but utterly exhilarated, and inspired, this is a book that will resonate with any aspiring road rat.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Cycling

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bought for me as a gift so I shouldn't really complain but nearly all of these books where people undergo cycling challenges fall for the same problem of teeth gratingly bad middle aged Dad humour. This one is no exception. Beautiful photography and a handful of really great rides (padded out with several basically just sportives) are basically ruined by the author who loves the sound of his own voice. Some of it makes you want to throw the book out the window. Get out on your bike instead, trust me.

[JC · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are likely few “mamils” that won’t identify with the authors. Witty writing style (if you like English humour) and great photographs make this an overall fun read. I will definitely be adding a few of the lesser known rides to my bucket list.

[Simon Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

12 months, 12 rides and 2 mental MAMILS. A coffee table book that genuinly made me laugh, probably because I am a wannabe MAMIL of a smililar ilk to Deering and Ashley.
Full of great stories, great photos and great banter.

[Mark Sodergren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book, just need to get a coffee table now to put it on. Humorous with some rather nice pictures. Still can't quite bring myself to purchase lycra though....yet.