Book review: Obsessive Compulsive Cycling Disorder
Title: Obsessive Compulsive Cycling Disorder
Author: Dave Barter
Publisher: Phase Publications, 2012
Rachel Good reviews Dave Barter’s collection of articles and explains how this book can serve as more than just reading material...
Dave Barter has chosen his title well. This anthology of 30 articles from a disordered cyclist, often rambling and unforgivably over-indulgent, completely captures the true essence of a man possessed by his love affair with cycling. He makes no apologies (except every now and again to his heroine wife – heroine for putting up with him!) that his ardent love is forever cycling. He transports his readers, as if they are sitting in his very own cycle carrier into the world of the obsessed.
The chapter ‘Ireland – Alpine Style’ vividly conveys the overwhelmingly uninhibited experience of riding a bike, from surviving mile upon mile of lonely, isolating pedals across desperate and rugged terrain in all types of torrential weather conditions, to indulging in spectacular scenery and absolute liberation in that moment in time.
Dave’s voyage of cycling discovery portrays triumph over challenge, and makes for an inspiring and motivating read. The author claims the writing style is light-hearted and humorous, and wilst there are some funny moments, Dave’s a better cyclist than comic, so don’t expect a belly laugh. This isn’t a book to read from start to finish, but it would be fun to try the routes Dave has completed (not for the novice rider though!) and see how your experience compares. Who knows, you may even want to write about it. Dave’s boundless enthusiasm for cycling is indeed infectious and any rider, be it novice or experienced, will probably agree they have caught the fever too!
Our guest reviewer Rachel Good is from Burntwood in Staffordshire. Rachel is now a regular cyclist after taking part in both Sky Rides and Breeze rides. She said: ‘I enjoyed my first ride that much I was inspired to carry on. I try and book a ride on the goskyride website for most weekends and have got to know some very interesting and inspiring people along the way.’
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Interested in reviewing a book for us? Read a great cycling book lately that you could sum up and share with others? Drop us an email at goskyride@britishcycling.org.uk with your proposal.
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