12 Months in the Saddle: How Two Riders Tackled a Dozen Iconic Cycle Rides

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.

John Deering has written for ProCycling and Ride magazines and has contributed regularly to Eurosport's cycling coverage. He is the former press officer of the Linda McCartney Pro Cycling Team, and the author of Team on the Run. Sean Yates is a former professional cyclist.