Book Description

Lance Armstrong is a world champion cyclist. He won the Tour de France, the world's most challenging race, three consecutive times. He's been the World Road Cycling Champion three times and claimed a medal at the Olympics. His cycling achievements have made him an international celebrity; but that's not what makes him such an inspiration. When he was twenty-five-years old, three years before he'd won his first Tour de France, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer. How he fought back against this life-threatening disease and went on to take the cycling world by storm is a story that continues to amaze fans worldwide. AUTHORBIO Matt Christopher is the name young readers turn to for fast-paced, action-packed sports stories. ... Read more

Book Description

BACK ON THE BIKE

LANCE ARMSTRONG is the premier cyclist in sports history. But the road to victory has not been smooth, which makes his story all the more compelling.

In 1991 he was the National Amateur Cycling Champion, and a professional career seemed guaranteed.But a grim diagnosis of cancer in 1996 threatened to cut the career -- and his life -- short.With the help of family, friends, and a dedicated team of doctors, Lance began the hard work not only to beat the disease, but to get back on the bike.

By the summer of 1999 Lance was not only back, he was leading the pack to his first Tour de France win.And he hasn't stopped winning since that sweet victory.

Here's the story of Lance Armstrong, from his first ride, to his most recent race, and all the twists and turns in between! ... Read more

Book Description

Marshall Taylor could ride his bike forward, backward, even perched on the handlebars. When his stunts landed him a job at the famous Indiana bike shop Hay and Willits, folks were amazed that a thirteen-year-old black boy in 1891 could be such a crackerjack cyclist.

How little Marshall Taylor -- through dedication, undeniable talent, and daring speed -- transformed himself into the extraordinary Major Taylor is chronicled in this inspiring biography. Here is the story of a kid who turned pro at the age of eighteen, went on to win the world championship title just three years later, and battled racism and the odds to become a true American hero. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Major's book's not minor
I'd never heard of Major Taylor. Have you ever heard of Major Taylor? Possibly, since you've come to look up reviews of this book. Now there are a lot of African American greats out there that have, for one reason or another, sunk into relative obscurity. I don't think I'm amiss in saying that Major Taylor is one of those greats. This is the man who won the 1899 World Championship title in America and made a successful European tour of 1901, yet died a pauper's death. Now at last there is a proper book commemorating his life and times.

Born in 1878, Marshall Walter Taylor (later to earn himself the nickname of "Major") led a surprisingly good life for a black man in the late nineteenth century. Belonging to a household that educated him and gave him his own bicycle, he quickly learned to do a variety of tricks on it. When the chance to race came along, Taylor quickly started earning himself a variety of accolades. Just as important as the races he won, however, were the ways in which he dealt with the open racism and poor treatment of other cyclists. Taylor was patient and a winner. His mantra, "I simply ride away".

The book itself has a couple flaws here and there that I found it hard to get around. The story of Taylor's life really take a wonderful turn when he joins up with the racer Louis "Birdie" Munger. Yet no picture of Birdie, important as he is, ever pops up. Also, the book culminates with a huge race between Major Taylor and the already established French champion. But try as I might to find out what the name (and significance) of this race was, I came up short. The race, oddly enough, is never named. In the end, the appeal of the book may or may not be all that great on the part of kids. Some may be interested in a bicycling champion that began by doing bike stunts. Some may not. The book is followed by a quick note at the end of what the rest of Taylor's life led to. It is not a particularly happy ending (he separated with his family, died a pauper's death, and was buried in an unnamed grave until exhumed and placed in a better spot). Just the same, it reflects on what Taylor meant to the rest of the world and what he stood for. Though this is not the most thrilling book in the world, it's a useful one and serves its purpose as well as it can.

A TALENTED COMPETITOR
Lance Armstrong dominates today's Grand Prix cycle races, but Marshall Taylor dominated the late 1800's. This beautifully illustrated book shares the life of this extraordinary African-American athlete fondly acknowledged as "Major." He became a World Champion in 1899 because of his proficiency with a bike. His competitive spirit and courage paved the way for those other fearless African-American Athletes, Jack Johnson, Jesse Owens, Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson who would follow and excel, in their time, in other sports. This is an excellent read. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Perfect Gift for Cycling Kids!
"Kids' Easy Bike Care" is a wonderful, thoughtful book authored by Steve Cole.Mr. Cole addresses all of the fundamentals of bike ownership and maintenance, and hass thoughtfully geared the book for the inquisitive youngster (and his or her parents) who is about to begin bicycle riding for the first time.From hand signals to the "five step tune-up", Mr. Cole covers all the bases.Moreover, Mr. Cole responsibly emphasizes the importance of "Safety First!", which is a crucial message that needs to be communicated to every child who sets upon a bike.The text of the book, coupled with clear and informative diagrams and illustrations (drawn by Sarah Rakitin), is easy to understand for kids and adults alike.

I believe that "Kids' Easy Bike Care" is a perfect gift (holiday, birthday, or otherwise) for bike-riding kids -- and I would especially encourage parents to purchase this book both for the novice bicyclists within their family, as well as for their own information.While I learned a lot from reading "Kids' Easy Bike Care" as an adult, I would have found this an invaluable resource as a child still learning to ride and take care of my bike.Great work, Mr. Cole!

Thank you, Steve Cole!
This book really tells you everything you need to know about caring for your bike including repairs, tune-ups, safety tips, etc.As other reviewers have said, it's a great resource for adults and kids alike.Sarah Rakitin's illustrations are both cute and helpful.A great addition to anyone's library!

A Classic!
This book could also be titled "Bicycle Repair for Dummies" and is on a par with that classic book on auto repair.The easy-to-read content includes basic information that every bicyclist (young or old) should know, but that most don't.If you ride a bike, you need this book.Also, the illustrations are superb and greatly help the reader identify parts, discover problems, and perform certain repair and maintenance techniques.

SENIOR ADULTS BECAME KIDS AGAIN
It is evident to me after reading this book, as a senior citizen who just bought a new bicycle, that the contents of this book are not just for kids. It was extremely helpful to both me and my husband who are SENIOR kids.This book would be a very appropriate purchase for anyone regardless of age who owns or is contemplating buying a bicycle. After reading this book, children of ALL AGES would gain the confidence to maintain and use their bicycle safely.This book should be available at all bicycle shops.

Excellent and fun book for kids who love bicycles
This is a creative book with delightful and practical illustrations. In an entertaining and instructive way, it teaches children responsibility to take care of their bikes. It also teaches important safety rules. Any child getting a new bicycle would benefit greatly by receiving a copy of this book. Even parents whose child owns a bicycle would benefit from reading this book. It is a great book for parents and kids to read together. ... Read more

Book Description

The biggest bicycle race of all time started as a publicity stunt for a cycling magazine in 1903.

Every year since, almost one billion people follow the Tour de France, making it the third most popular sporting event after the Olympics and the World Cup. Often described as the equivalent of running twenty marathons in twenty days, the Tour's popularity in the United States has exploded, thanks largely to the performance of the American cyclist Lance Armstrong, who won his fourth consecutive Tour de France in 2002.

Tour de France: The Illustrated History is packed with vivid, action-filled photographs and covers every aspect of the race, including:

- The organizers
- Technical advances
- The scandals.

Cycling superstars Greg Lemond, Jacques Anquetil, Miguel Indurain, and Lance Armstrong are featured. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of the best things that's ever happened to me
Small, but exceptionally well constructed and with a great depth of interesting and entertaining information, this author is truly one of the finest things in life.

Whether sitting quietly with a coffee (and she *does* make good coffee) or at a more lively social function, don't be lost for good company. Marguerite Lazell is what you want. If you're not the lucky one, maybe her book will be some consolation to you. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

book review for Sweet Victoy
If you thought you knew about lance Armstrong and his biking days think again. This book tells you all about before he was biking till now and his fight through cancer.

This book will show you what Lance Armstrong had to do before what he's doing now like for example tell you about when Lance used to run and when he got involved in the triathlon and how he help his mom. You may be thinking "Lance Armstrong a mama's boy", yeah there still lot's about Lance you don't know so instead of listening to me spoil the book for you go find "Sweet Victory" in stores now.
... Read more

Book Description

This high-speed introduction to extreme biking showcases the skills and shares the secrets of mountain biking, BMX biking, road racing, four-tracing racing, and C-X biking. This is the ideal book to have on hand for following the Tour de France and Summer X Games!

Book Description

A truly inspirational story of Lance Armstrong, the 1999 and 2000 Tour de France champion from Austin, Texas who overcame cancer to become the number one cyclist in the world! The book follows his athletic career from childhood success at triathlons to the Tour de France. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

YoushouldreadaboutLance.
Lances friedgetsin reckeand dise.Inthisbook Lacegetsverysick.

Really good book
I bought this book for my 8 yr old.He really liked it.In fact, he used it for a book report.It is well written.It tells Lance's story at a level appropriate for children.Buy it.

Great Children's Book
Just read this book to a 3 1/2 year old boy that I babysit. He loved it and was so interested in the story the entire time. I also enjoyed reading about Lance's life and felt I learned a bit about his struggles. The child I read it too loved the pictures and asked many questions about racing. He was very interested in the motorcylces, Fabio's death, cycling in the rain and Luke at the end. Kristen thank you for writing about your family's life. Hope you write more children's books.

Kids' Books Should Be Like This!
Having read "It's Not About The Bike" while I was having chemo this summer, I was interested to see what this telling would be like.It's a great story, very well told. Some great photos and illustrations. The final photo is a real cracker - it just radiates LIFE! How come when I was a kid there weren't any books like this to make learing to read a real pleasure. Thanks, Lance for the example and the inspiration; and thanks Kristin for a beautifully written book. ... Read more