Revolutions

If there's one thing I really miss in this inspiring, energetic, fun book on the history of women on two wheels it's... the everyday. Ross has researched, where still possible interviewed, and given due to pioneers on everything from the unthinkable rebellion of even getting on a bike (whether in 1890s London or 2000s Afghanistan) to the extreme feats of long-distance explorers and racers, but where are the people who simply bike for the hell of it, or to get to work, or to go on holiday, or to be able to visit friends without depending on others? For all that this makes me want to both get back on the saddle myself (damn busted foot) and help others get on there, for all that I'm filled with admiration of those women who had to fight both to be allowed to do what they did (or not give a shit that they weren't), and then to be remembered having done it (that image of a 60-year-old Tillie Anderson turning up to an old boys' reunion in the 1940s demanding her place in the history books) I'm not sure the Tour de France should have to be a reasonable goal for everyone.

That's a small quibble. It's a great book, one that captures both the joy of the wind in your hair and the frustration of hot air blown to stop it.