French Revolutions: Cycling the Tour de France
(UK cover depicted - it’s nicer than the US one in my opinion!)
Order from US Amazon
Whilst back in the UK on one of my rare trips, my friend Donald lent me a book which no doubt anyone who has ever sat on a bike (and most people who haven’t) have already read, since it came out in around 2001. But since I am way out of touch, I wanted to give you a quick review in case you are similarly culturally isolated.
The title is French Revolutions: Cycling the Tour de France, and though it may not sound like it, reading the back cover it became obvious that comparisons with Bill Bryson were going to be unavoidable.
Moore is an amateur cyclist, who though not really letting on just how much cycling he has done before (I have a feeling it is a little more than his hapless character purports) , takes us on a journey with him to trace the wheels of the 2000 Tour de France, just a few weeks before the real event.
Along the way he cheats, takes illegal substances and pees while on the move, in an attempt to experience the real thing as closely as possible. The book is a catalogue of his stops in mostly seedy, dead-end French towns and of his encounters with the locals, which are hilariously funny at times, very much in the style of the aforementioned Mr. Bryson. Which is to say that you cannot really be sure how much of the dialogue and situations he has just made up, but it is still very amusing, pithy and ironic.
It must be said that much of the humour value is derived from his subtle derision of the French on a frequent basis, which as an Englishman I of course have every understanding for in one sense. However, I think that what he lacks is Bryson’s basic respect and warmth towards the places he visits, where he is a guest, after all, and I must admit that all this French-bashing wore a little thin towards the end of the book.
As for the cycling, though it is an integral part of the story, Moore avoids any great technical descriptions (I am not even sure I could identify the model of bike he opted for), focusing on the basic aspects of the whole Tour de France experience. Not least of these are the gargantuan climbs that the riders have to overcome in the French Alps, some of which Moore does indeed conquer (further fueling my doubts as to the total unpreparedness he claims). However, he does not spend too much time describing the riding itself and manages a good balance between cycling book and travelogue, hence this book is a good read for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. You will also gain a better understanding (and healthy scepticism) of the Tour de France itself.
Aside from the excess Francophobia, the book’s other limitation is perhaps its two-dimensionality. Much like Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, there is only so much stuff that can happen along a strictly-defined route passing through lots of similar towns, and I suppose it is to Moore’s credit that he has succeeded in providing many laugh-out-loud moments out of what was probably measly pickings.
If you found yourself laughing uncontrollably at Bryson’s books such as Notes from a Small Island, then this book will probably have the same effect on you and comes recommended. And if you are not a cyclist, who knows, it may even get you on your bike!
Available from US Amazon
If you think others might want to read this post, don’t be selfish, click above to AddThis to Digg, Del.icio.us or just about any other bookmarking service and share and share alike!
Popularity: 16% [?]
Posted on August 31st, 2007 by markowe
Filed under: Biking - general
Leave a Reply