Resources for Cycling Inspiration
There are tons of resources about cycling in the mountain to inspire and provoke us to go out there and explore for ourselves
01
Micheal Blann's beautiful book about cycling and mountains is a real treasure. There are beautiful photographs and engaging stories. It is beautiful to read and to dip in when you need a fix of the good stuff.
02
Phil Cavell co-founder of Cyclefit the bike fitting and custom bike company explores the growing trend of middle-aged and older cyclists seeking to achieve high-level performance. Using contributions from leading coaches, ex-professionals and pro-team doctors, he produces the ultimate manifesto for mature riders who want to stay healthy, avoid injury – and maximise their achievement levels.
03
Great book for all who love cycling uphill and who want to read about climbs and other rider's experiences. This is almost like a little reference book. There is also very nice photography.
04
Max Leonard explores cyclists’ obsession with the mountains and how the landscapes, history, and stories provide the backdrop to every ride in the Alps, giving cycling there a special meaning. Riding in the Alps is not merely a cycle ride, but a way of participating in the history of the Alps itself.
05
From the Col du Tourmalet to Alpe d’Huez, and from Mont Ventoux to Planche des Belles Filles, these climbs are the beating heart of the world’s greatest bike race. This book is fore everyone who loves cycling, the montains and the Tour de France.
06
From the Gavia Pass to Mount Etna, from The Stelvio to The Zoncalan, these climbs are legends in Italy and the building blocks of the Giro d'Italia. Technology may advance, training and diet may evolve, but these world-famous mountains are a constant. This is a lovely book that brings the climbs across all corners of Italy to life.
07
Robert Penn has ridden a bike most days of his life. He rides to get to work, to bathe in air and sunshine, to stay sane and to feel free. This is the story of his love affair with cycling and the journey to build his dream bike; a freewheeling pilgrimage taking him from Californian mountain bike inventors to British artisan frame builders, and from perfect components to the path of true happiness.
08
With tales of 50 unforgettable cycling routes and suggestions of three bonus rides around the world for each story, this is the ultimate book of inspiration for the cyclist in your life. This is a lovely book for those who want to branch out and ride beyond Europe and explore the world on their bikes.
Riding Inspiration
Sites, apps and videos that inspire to ride more. These sources are great to bing a route to life before you have ridden it.
Col Collective
Mike Cotty has put together this superb site with info and videos about the most amazing climbs. He is also doing a lot of work with Wahoo where his insights and storytelling can be found on the On-Location rides. I really enjoy his stuff and I hope you will too.
Bike the world
YouTube channel with seemingly endless riding videos. These are full length videos of passes and other notable rides and designed as a background for indoor training. I use them a lot for getting a better handle on a ride ahead of time or to make a choice about where to go, plus for indoor training.
Oscar Boyd's Substack
Beautifully crafted films about his riding adventures cycling the length of the UK, the length of Japan and Italy south to north. These are truly inspiring travel diaries and makes you want to get on your bike and ride.
Route Plannig
There are a number of route planning tools and sites that I have used extensively
I have used Climbinder extensively in planning routes and for general information. They have over 72,000 climbs listed with profiles and other information as well as a community section for each climb. A truly amazing resource.
Invaluable resource to plan routes which I have used extensively for this website and for my own rides. They have wonderful maps and detailed info on distance, gradient, surface and elevation. There is a great community too which publishes their favourite rides. Plus an increasing amount of pictures.
America focussed all encompassing resource website with detailed pass information, photos, videos and regional summaries amongst other things. I am not sure about their non American coverage but for America, they are pretty comprehensive.
Great Cycling Websites
Most websites have a commercial angle but some are also incredibly informative. These are some:
Global Cycling Network (GCN): All things cycling from "how to" videos about virtually everything to clothing to TV.
Girl Outdoors: A girl called Becky cycling in the most extraordinary places and makes beautiful film.
Epic Road Rides - Cycle tourism site which has nice location descriptions
My Cols - Inventory of mountain passes with info and graphics
Cycling French Alps - The Maurienne - All things cycling in the Maurienne Valley
Dynamic Cyclist - Free YouTube channel for stretching, strength and mobility workouts, payable service for full access and personalised content.
Sportpursuit - Great website for discount sports gear and clothing. They sell last season's lines for around half price.
Get in touch
Let me know any cycling resources you found particularly useful or inspiring.
