Cycling is a popular sport. Go to any bookstore or on the Internet and you will find hundreds of books on the subject. There are books on beginning cycling, training, nutrition, bike mechanics, injuries, the psychology of cycling and on and on. "The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling" is one of the first books that deals specifically with what really goes into being a long distance cyclist. I've been cycling for years and have concentrated on long-distance cycling since 1991. After doing many longer events including three RAAMs, I wish this book had been available when I got into it. My trial and error approach could have been made much easier had I read this book.

The book is divided into three main segments: Start Smart, The Rides, and Comfort and Health. Each main segment is then divided into more specific chapters. Even though the book is only 274 pages, the wealth of knowledge in it is impressive. The book doesn't bog down into extreme detail on any one subject, but rather gives you the basic knowledge for you to get out on your own and ride with more confidence.

Section one, Start Smart, addresses training quantity versus quality, time management, bike fit, equipment, bike handling, nutrition, and most importantly, mental preparation. It's the nuts and bolts of cycling. Much of the information isn't new, but it's presented in a concise, useful manner.

One part I thought especially helpful was the way the authors dispelled the notion that in order to be a good distance cyclist you need to just get out there and ride your bike forever at the same pace. It's the quantity versus quality issue. The right combination of longer, easier rides with shorter more intense rides, will be the most efficient and successful way to become a good long-distance cyclist. Burke and Pavelka talk about the importance of keeping a training diary, riding with a plan, and how to avoid overtraining ó all very important things to know if you are serious about your cycling or if you want to take your cycling to the next step.

Chapter 7, "The Mental Edge", is an area which many cyclists tend to overlook and which could be some of the most useful information in the book. It's pretty easy to stick to a training plan, eat the right foods, use the proper equipment and know how to handle your bike. But what about your head? Your head drives your body. Do you set goals for yourself? Do you know how to push yourself? Do you know what your strengths and weaknesses are? Do you know how to visualize your success? This chapter helps you go beyond the physical aspects to find out what makes you want to go further.

Section two, The Rides, covers how to start riding shorter distances and eventually build up to the longest rides, such as The Race across America. The thought of doing a 3,000 mile ride sounds ludicrous if you haven't gone through the proper steps to get there. No one just gets on their bike and rides across the country, but the authors have done a good job in taking it step by step.

There are specific programs on how to prepare for a century broken down into not only weekly progressions but what to do day by day. Once a century is accomplished you read about going the next step, a double century. Training, nutrition, what to wear, how to prepare mentally, and how to taper are all covered in this section. Don't think this book is only about road riding, either. Off-road riding is also covered. Finally, the pinnacle ó training for and being able to ride the elusive 200+ miles rides such as 24 hour rides, RAAM qualifiers, off-road 24 hour races, and RAAM itself.

The information presented in this section is sound, and common sense advice. The advice is not only from the authors, but also from cycling legend Lon Haldeman, real life coach John Hughes, and many others. The book does a good job in giving you the basics on how to ride longer and longer distances, but should be supplemented with the advice of cyclists who have actually done long events and been through the trials and errors themselves.

John Hughes presents a very good section on training phases:

1. Build the base
   
2. Increase intensity
   
3. Create a peak
   
4. Taper

What? You've never ridden at night? Or in a pace line? Or with growling dogs? Or in the rain? There are sections dealing with all of these subjects.

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The last section - Comfort and Health - deals with the specific problems you may encounter while cycling for longer distances. I was impressed with how the authors addressed a problem such as crotch discomfort (my specialty). They define how the problem happens, how to avoid it, then how to fix it. After having ridden three RAAMs myself with excruciating crotch pain during all three, I would have benefited tremendously with the information presented in the book. There are numerous tips to make your life more comfortable on a bike, like using Bag Balm, or positioning your saddle, or changing your shorts frequently. These may sound obvious to some of you but to others it's all new and necessary. I also liked that an entire chapter dealt with women's issues - a subject rarely covered in most cycling books.

"Overall, my impression of the book is very favorable."

Overall, my impression of the book is very favorable. Excellence in cycling involves five areas: conditioning, technique, nutrition, equipment, and mental aspects. The book goes into enough detail in each of these areas to be helpful, but not overloading. As an experienced long-distance cyclist, I wasn't sure if I'd be learning anything new, but I was wrong. Every chapter had interesting, new information in it that I'd never thought of before. I found myself underlining in it, like I would a schoolbook. It's a great reference to look back through. The language is very easy to understand, even the more technical talk about exercise physiology. A beginner will be able to get just as much out of the book as an experienced RAAM racer.

Order the Book

• "The Complete Book of Road Bike Training" reviewed by Hughes
• "The Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling" reviewed by Ritz
• "Cycling Past 50" reviewed by Bauman
• "Cyclists Food Guide" reviewed by Grainger
• "The Lance Armstrong Performance Program" reviewed by Hughes
• "Optimal Muscle Recovery" reviewed by Bauman
• "Strength Training for Endurance" DVD reviewed by Kehlenbach
• "Women's Guide to Cycling" reviewed by Pawlowski