Free Wheeling: Tony's Bicycle Book

It's not all fun and games however, sometimes cycling can be down-right dangerous.
From the book: I came alongside another cyclist named John and we chatted as we rode side by side, I asked him the direction to Woolwich, the next town along the River Thames, then I was hit by a truck. I was lifted up, thrown down, my brand new bike collapsed under me and I landed on my hand. John was down as well. Time seemed to stand still as I sprawled on the road with traffic coming at me from all directions. I stood up, tottered and nearly fell. I picked up my bike, John helped me, and the driver of the truck helped too. He gave me his address and John gave me his address, I told them I was okay and not to worry and then I found myself alone on the side of a busy road with a bike with buckled wheels and a right hand that didn't work anymore. Luckily the bike was lightweight. I threw it over my shoulder, walked to the closest bike shop, left the bike and then walked to the local hospital.

Reviews: 'Thorogood is one of my favourite authors and he easily makes you fall in love with cycling The author covers the history of bikes and cycling in his usual quirky style, he would have been a brilliant teacher, and he makes it really interesting. I enjoyed the descriptions of the many places travelled and as a cyclist I found it entertaining, challenging and in parts, so funny.'

'For bike and cycling enthusiasts, past and present, this is a highly entertaining and informative book, written in a humorous style with bite sized sections making for an easy read. It takes us through the history, from initial invention, via the Penny farthing to the modern high tech versions as well as the hand- made beauties. Some astonishing stats emerge, for example, Raleigh were producing 500,000 bikes per annum around 1949. There's also a number of interesting and amusing anecdotes and even my own earliest bike, the Hercules Falcon makes the list. A truly informative book which will appeal to many.'