Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer

by Smith Jamie, Jef Mallett (Illustrator)

Overview

"As an avid cyclist and amateur bike racer I feel like I can relate to every word in this book. It was so good that I bought two extra copies to give to my cyclist friends[.]"Veteran race announcer and long-time cycling enthusiast Jamie Smith sets out to explain the sport he loves and the roadies who live for it. Every seemingly neurotic tendency is explained and celebrated with humorous illustrations from nationally syndicated cartoonist Jef Mallett.This book is perfect for: Anyone who has ever known a roadieAnyone who has considered becoming a roadieAnyone who has walked away from a bike race completely puzzledFinally, a book to explain those people who roll out for a ride dressed in technicolored Lycra at the crack of dawn on Saturday, and return at sundown with a glow of satisfaction and even stronger tan lines. Whether interested onlooker or cycling aficionado, readers will find themselves laughing out loud as they revel in the roadie’s world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781937716011
Publisher:	Ulysses Press
Publication date:	01/11/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	228
Sales rank:	878,467
File size:	6 MB
Age Range:	16 Years

About the Author

Jamie Smith is a veteran bike racer and bike race announcer. He has been a bike racer since 1983 working his way up through the ranks of amateur cycling, and a bike race announcer since 1985 traveling with some of the world's greatest cyclists. He spent several years in public relations for a sleepy Detroit suburb, receiving one Emmy nomination and several Telly Awards. Writing repetitive press releases and boring speeches inspired him to find something more exciting to write about: bike racing. A graduate of Central Michigan University's Broadcast and Cinematic Arts program, Jamie has become adept at describing cycling's most complex intricacies to normal people. His first book, Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer, was selected as a 2009 Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. He has since taken on the role of sport director to translate the complexities of bike racing for befuddled bike racers who mistakenly chase down their own teammates, miss the winning breakaway, and consistently finish one place out of the money. He currently lives in Rochester, Michigan, with his 11 bikes, 2 surfboards, 1 rowing scull, and 5 pair of cross-country skis.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Chapter 1: Riders Ready

Chapter 2: The Bike

Chapter 3: The System

Chapter 4: Race Day

Chapter 5: Drafting and the Breakaway

Chapter 6: The Sprint, The Solo, The Combine, and Others

Chapter 7: The Criterium

Chapter 8: The Road Race

Chapter 9: The Individual Time Trial

Chapter 10: The Stage Race

Chapter 11: Crashes

Chapter 12: The Bonk

Chapter 13: Our Sponsors

Chapter 14: The Training Ride

Chapter 15: The Lifestyle

Editorial Reviews

"Absolutely entertaining from start to finish. The book finishes up with ways non-cycling friends and family can start enjoying the favored pastime of their bike racing friends. Terms, strategies, and ideas are explained so well that even someone who really doesn't care for cycling will stay interested, maybe even enough to pique their interested and get into the sport."

RoadBikeReview.com

"I wish I had a copy of Roadie when I started racing 35 years ago. Jamie Smith's wealth of knowledge, insightful comments about racing, and wonderful wit and infectious enthusiasm certainly would have helped me explain cycling to all my friends and family who thought I was crazy."

Paul Alman

"Jamie Smith has succeeded, with a light and amusing style, to convey the joy of the sport with an unblinking eye...There is no question that Roadie will keep the interest of someone new to the sport."

TinDonkey.com

"A well-written and informative insight into the world of road racing."

Lightweight News

"You will recognise yourself in many of the actions and situations described in this gently amusing and well written book."

Arrivee magazine

"After spending years explaining the little idiosyncrasies of being a bike racer, Jamie Smith decided to write a book to bring understanding to the masses. Roadie acts as a complete guide to the life of a bike racer. I found myself nodding in agreement with each page, as Smith picked apart everything it means to be a bike racer in a way that only a true roadie could. It's engaging, entertaining, and downright fun, from front cover to back."

BikeRumor.com

"We should be very grateful for this epiphany; members of my family had to ask me to stop laughing so much while I was carrying out the perfectly respectable and serious task of reviewing the book."

TheWashingMachinePost.net

"This primer explains everything you've wanted to know (and more) about a somewhat mysterious sport."

Chicago Tribune

"This witty primer offers lively insights into race formats and techniques, including drafting, breakaways and strategies employed in professional and amateur bicycle racing. Get it for family members and friends who are interested in the lingo and politics of bicycle racing, if not up for the experience of actually pulling on a pair of padded Lycra shorts."

Denver Post