A Passionate Affair

Bikie - a passionate affair with the racing bicycle: Charlie Woods

Charlie Woods, known to many cyclists as the co-presenter with Ray Pascoe of cycling films at Hammersmith Riverside Studios, has come up with a gem of a book for all to read. The fervent passion to write a book about the cycling culture has been finally fulfilled and acknowledged by a rave review in the Times Literary Supplement .

Starting from his introduction to a lightweight bicycle in the 50s, an experience which he shares with a majority of the "League of Veteran Racinjg Cyclists" members, Charlie captures the true heart of Cycling with great humour and affection. The traditional experience of short cycle rides with friends followed by an introduction to Club runs leads Charlie into idolising the heroes of the 50s and 60s.

Parts remind me of one or two escapades of "The Likely Lads" from the TV comedy series. It's surprising that over the years we still laugh at the same jokes, some of which have lasted over 50 years, and see the funny side of cycling life – like the unfortunate death of the Vicar of Littlewick, which is attributed to Johnny Mapplebeck and his lookalike. Covering the grounding of the social side of Cycling and moving on to the trials and tribulations of road racing, Charlie also gives a good account of the sepia magic of L'Equipe .

Bikie makes light reading and gives a good chronicle of what draws people into the community and then a tradition. It is a story of one man's passionate involvement with cycling, but in its forthright sincerity it goes to the roots of what all cyclists share.

John Scott