The holiday season is here, and for some, it’s time to start thinking about gifts for the cyclocross fan in your life. In the next two weeks, we will be bringing you some gift ideas to help make sure it is a Merry Crossmas for one and all.
Books are a classic holiday gift idea, and they offer hours of enjoyment and a lifetime of knowledge. This year, several have come across our desks that are worth considering. Our Winter reading list includes:
- Gravel Cycling by Nick Legan
- Cyclocross Photo Albums by Balint Hamvas
- Rainbows in the Mud by Paul Maunder
- The Haywire Heart by Chris Case, Dr. John Mandrola and Lennard Zinn
- Behind the Stare by Geoff Proctor
Learn more about them and why they might be great fits for the cyclist in your life via the slider below. Have a hankering for something on this list? We are not opposed to sharing this list to drop a not-so-subtle hint to anyone watching your social media feed.
Of course, it needs to be said, Cyclocross Magazine receives no compensation from companies for inclusion in our Holiday Gift Guides. We only consider products we’ve had experience with. No advetorial here.
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Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide to Gravel Racing and Adventure Bikepacking by Nick Legan
Gravel Cycling by Nick Legan
Why is it a good gift?
Gravel cycling is becoming increasingly popular, but it can take a little bit of effort to find good races and figure out the proper equipment. Nick Legan helps make the world of gravel riding more accessible with Gravel Cycling. Legan’s background as a pro road mechanic, shop owner, journalist, PR guy and Tour Divide competitor is leveraged in a comprehensive look at the gravel race scene and bikepacking movement.
With a title like “Gravel Cycling,” you might expect a book focused on cyclists who just like to venture offroad without the itch to pin on a number, but the subtitle provides better guidance as to the focus of the book. He also provides in-depth looks at 18 one-day and 8 multi-day bikepacking gravel events in the U.S. and abroad. Legan covers bikes, gear and riding strategies for such events using personal knowledge and know-how gathered from other experts. There are also some great interviews of the influential players in the gravel scene, and a nice overview of the bikepacking movement.
Last but not least, there are lots of photos. Readers of all ages appreciate great photography, and this book will add to your cabin fever this winter.
Kudos to Legan for not pushing the belief that everyone needs a “gravel bike.” Our favorite line:
“Simply put, a gravel bike is a bicycle that you ride on gravel.”
Who is it a good gift for?
Any cyclist curious about gravel racing, bikepacking or learning what mountain bike legend John Stamstad has been up to.
Your recipient’s possible reaction?
“I still need another bike. And a lot more weekends off next year.”
Price: $24.95
More info: velopress.com or possibly available for less online:
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