The Ride: How to Ride Your Bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles Without Even Dying
Posted by Levon in Books
The Ride: How to Ride Your Bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles Without Even Dying Are you just an ordinary person who has always dreamed of doing something extraordinary?
Then this is the book for you.
Russell Mendivil is a middle-aged dad, gardener and couch potato with a history of heart attacks who, after a medical scare with his oldest daughter, decides to ride his bike 585 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles to help raise awareness and money for AIDS services.
Despite the many physical and emotional struggles Russ faces in preparation for the ride, he remains inspired by the amazing people he meets along the way.
This very witty yet touching story serves to prove that if he can do it, so can you.
Customer Review: How to Have a Long-Distance Cycling Adventure–Witty, Practical, Inspiring Read!
From the first glimmer of the idea–”Why not ride the entire coast of California on my bike?–!” to the practice rides and training, mishaps,the sign-up for–in this case–the AIDS LIfeCycle Ride, the fundraising, the day by day on the route, the apparel (what– me worry about how I look in spandex?), the gear, the people–everything you need to know about taking on a long-distance cycling challenge in this practical, accurate, observant and witty memoir. Talented author Russell Mendivil’s book is a how to–but so much more. Funny and fast-paced I couldn’t put it down–except when I got out there on my bike! For anyone thinking about taking on a big physical challege (eg., the big birthday denial adventure) or anyone who knows someone who is doing the AIDS ride or anything similar–this book is a must read. Loved it! (Full disclosure: I’m not his wife; I don’t even know him.).
Customer Review: I laughed, I cried…
I just finished the book and thought it was fantastic! In five weeks, I will be riding in AIDS/Lifecycle6 to L.A. This book was recommended by a ride leader, and it was worth every minute spent reading and every penny buying it. Russ is a great rider and he captures perfectly the emotional and physical process getting ready for the ride can be. I laughed so hard reading parts that I woke my husband. I also cried at the touching perspectives on why we are riding - to end AIDS! After the 80 mile ‘Day on the Ride’ (practice day for the real thing) last weekend, I met Russ and he is as genuine as they come.
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