The Way of the Cycling Disciple: Publication & e-Book Sampler
Every once in a while, you stumble across a quote that changes your outlook on how you approach life. Of course, this requires that one does a good deal of “reading”, which is a problem for me, as reading anything that isn’t Cycling-related feels the same as doing “work”. I do the odd bit of it nevertheless, and in a recent such episode, I encountered a quote by Tommy Edison, inventer of several handy contraptions, including the lightbulb and motion picture:
Vision without execution is hallucination.
This brilliantly points out the fact that merely having an idea is nothing without the conversion of that idea into a tangible result. That, of course, is the elusive and difficult bit, but it is also the fun bit. Taking an idea from concept to reality is one of the most exciting and rewarding things a person can do.
It was about this time last year that James Spackman approached me via email and suggested we put a proposal together to do a book on The Rules. We loved the notion of this, and the Keepers set about putting a concept around this abstract notion, and a plan for how we might accomplish it. James provided feedback and guidance on how best to frame the concept, and led us through the proposal process. The proposal was approved, they made us an offer, we signed a contract, and turned around to stare down the business end of 70,000 unwritten words. Little by litte, we chipped away at it, and today, I am very happy to announce that the book has gone from concept to manuscript to editing to printing. What you see here are photographs of the actual book, printed and ready for sale on June 20, 2013. A free eBook Sampler with extracts from the book will be available free from June 6 to June 19. (Incidentally, the book will initially be published in the UK and Commonwealth countries; the US release of the book is expected in the Spring of 2014 through our US Publisher, WW Norton.)
The Rules stands apart from many blog-to-book concepts, where a book is little more than a re-publication of the blog’s archives. It was important to us that if people are paying for a book, that they are getting something they haven’t already read for free online. We also wanted to take advantage of the wonderful experience one has when reading a book; the sound and feel of a hard cover, the texture of quality paper, the creaking of the spine as you turn the pages, and the smell of the whole package.
The format of the book is very different from how The Rules are presented on Velominati. The book is organized into V sections, with each of The Rules aligned into one of them. The sections all have an introduction, and for every Rule, a passage has been written that either provides history or in some other way justifies the Rule, or provides an anecdote from our various lives as Velominati that might provide insight into why that particular Rule is in existence. The entire text is framed with a Prologue and Finale and topped off with an introduction by my personal Cycling Writer Hero, Will Fotheringham. With the exception of a paragraph here or there that was borrowed from our archives, the entire book is comprised of new material.
It gives us tremendous pleasure to see this project come to life as a real, tangible book. Special thanks to Sceptre Books for taking a chance on us. Words can’t describe our appreciation of our editor, Drummond Moir, who was the most incredibly patient man and guided us expertly through the process of write a great book. (Sorry for having accused you of being English, mate.) Thanks to Nikki Barrow, our publicist in the UK; keep your ears on the papers, radio and television waves as the fruits of her labors come to light. Finally, thanks to the Community for making this such a fun place that someone might want to do a book in the first place, and for tolerating our dull writing on account of all our creative powers having been drained into the book. I also suppose this means that the V Keepers should start considering themselves writers or, worse, authors. Strange to say the least, especially since I have always considered myself a software developer.
Keep your eye on the Sceptre Facebook and Twitter for the latest, and everyone rush to your nearest bookseller on June 20 to pick up your copy.
Amazon:
The Rules: The Way of the Cycling Disciple
Obey the Rules: A Free Extract (eBook)
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Just had confirmation from the LBS (in this case, local book shop) that they’re expecting it to arrive July 9th. Perfect timing for some late night reading sessions with the Velomibaby with le tour on in the background.
@Mikael Liddy
Similar to my LbS enquiry in Sydney – July 7th.
I wanted to ask how much it weighs and does it come in carbon but restrained myself.
Thanks Frank! Solved the VMH’s quest for my Father’s Day surprise!
I cant wait till the samples are available this week and cant wait to get a copy. Well done and I look forward to the read.
Have not posted for a while (this year…) but drooling at the prospect of this. Have Kindle, but think the print version is a must. No local book store in Stevenage though, Amazon it is.
@gregorio
Pedalling under fire is always regarded above all other conditions as “hard man” territory…even “The Badger” would have thought twice about continuing….I hope the bruise is worthy of a story or two in the pub/bar!
We may also want to recruit the “striker” of that ball for sniper duties in Afghanistan….
Did Cycling News get an advanced publicity copy?
http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/robert-millar/tales-from-the-underground-the-honeymoon-is-over-for-sky-and-wiggins
Last paragraph refers…
Haven’t we had the brake controversy discussion before?
@the Engine
What’s the chances of the wee scot showing up on Saturday morning?
@the Engine
Yup we have and think we concluded it was a Geographical Cultural Issue to be left with the Proletariat to debate ad nauseum (I am still on UK right is front and left is back which makes me an amoeba probably)
However the Wiggo Froome thing seems to me to be much ado about nothing….this was a long time coming and I actually think a lot of it is mischevious press meddling by Sir Brad (who has that kind of sense of humour).
1. Twiglet has won the Tour, he is a big fan of the history of cycling and associated mythology, I always thought this year he was going to go for the Giro and Vuelta….I never for one moment thought he would be at the Tour (even riding for Froomedog) because it would ruin his chances at La Vuelta.
2. He does not have the performance to grand stand in front of the media and Brailsford will not be in the least be intimidated by any posturing because he already has a strong team even without Wiggins.
3. This is all media hype, largely fuelled by Sky, Twiglet and Froomey and their respective partners. The mantra “All publicity is good publicity” is defininately appropriate here.
4. He will be too heavily marked at the Tour, his inability to stand up on the pedals and accelerate in the mountains will mean he can not win it. It is not the kind of Tour that will allow a timetrialler to walk away with it, the pure climbers may show more face at this years tour and Sir Brad knows it.
This does not mean that I think Vroomey will win it, his form looks good, but I think he has some tough competition to beat and Sky need a new tactic other than “single pace, ride back up to the front at xyz watts”. It was good enough last year, but not on this course…..I look forward to the Dauphine which will speak volumes…
Now you just watch, everything I have said be completely wrong when the Tour starts!
@eenies
Then I’d be truly buggered on the CoM
@the Engine
Is this a veiled suggestion that Froome needs to reign in his VMH?
Is suspect that he often thinks of this clip when she lets loose on twitter.
Hmm clip was embedded int he box before hitting post.
http://youtu.be/RfkyCdmJjio
@Chris Fixed
@the Engine
Brilliant, great plug from Millar, nice one.
Did everyone catch Robert Millar quoting the Rules on his cyclingnews blog:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/robert-millar/tales-from-the-underground-the-honeymoon-is-over-for-sky-and-wiggins
@mbarston
That’s pretty cool.
Would it be too much to ask to include a fold out poster listing all the rules? A worthy addition for any garage/hall/bedroom wall I think…
So do you have to have a kindle or something to read the free extract?
@Cyclops If you’ve got an ipad you can get an app that allows you to read kindle ebooks.
@xyxax
Priceless! This just made my day.
Book looks great and I can’t wait to get stuck into it – managed to get a copy from a WHSmith in London – happy times!
@frank
Any chance of offering books singed by the authors? Or since this would likely require that the books travel around the world, perhaps at the very least, the one based in the continental USA?
Copy ordered as a gift for my sister, who is one of those people who ride a bike but is not yet a Cyclist. (Last picture I have of her shows her proudly attired in the YJA, and latest email indicates that she doesn’t feel comfortable removing a QR rear wheel from a bike to fit it into the trunk of a car. We have some ways to go).
Any info on why the US printing is so delayed compared to the UK one? I’d like to pick up my own copy from a local store, but having to wait a full year for it seems a bit extreme, no? I assume there is some magic in the world of publishing that makes this necessary, but I don’t get it.
Congrats on the effort.
@Chris
What is this “ipad” that you speak of?
@CanuckChuck
Do you want the authors to burn the edges of the pages, or are you hoping for them to sing the text of the book in the company of a choral group? Or am I just one of those Internet Dweebs who makes pointless fun of typographical errors?!?
@Chris E Dub
You’ve pre-ordered one from WH Smith or one that’d slipped out a bit early?
I shall bring my copy to France next year for signing.
Wiggins would not do so well in the Vuelta.
pretty much *any* tablet/smartphone has a free Kindle app available to download.
But I’m on the physical side for this book – 2 have been ordered. One which shall remain mine (all mine, he laughs maniacally) and the other to be lent out / gifted as appropriate.
David
@strathlubnaig
Robert Millar will explain to Beaker some of the key issues in the Vuelta.
Please remind me to bring my copy because I’ll forget otherwise…
I take it, this for those not yet on the path. I am hoping Rule #37 (still) says “It’s just the way it is”
@Chris
@Chris
I guess it slipped through? It’s right here in my hands (oo-er). I’m not registered here, otherwise I’d post a pic. It’s a lovely looking tome.
@gregorio
I read that, and thought, 48 effing degrees, and rain, man that would be like cycling in the hot shower. Then I realised you were probably ‘murican. I think all measurements should comply with the spirit of Rule #24.
@Chris E Dub
wow. Even on the wh smith website it is only pre-order for June 20. Good effort.
I understand the release date for the US is far away, but I should at least be able to put the damn book on my wish list!
Congratulations Keepers – looks like another winner to go along with the site, the gear and the tours. Being a bit of a book nerd (both cycling and otherwise) I was excited to hear the news last year of this project. I thought it would be an amazing tool to evangelize about the way of the cyclist. I thought I could buy extra versions and carefully “misplace” them on that coworkers desk who hammers hard on the sunny day lunch rides but never seems to remember his bike on the rainy days… or maybe leave one on the bumper of the guy that shows up on Saturdays who rides well but just can’t seem to put it all together on the style front. Much like the gideons we could use it as a tool to make the world a better place.
I however was not quite prepared for the level of quality of the book. Not that I thought the Keepers would skimp on quality, but quite frankly, after seeing these photos I think I might have a hard time parting with even extra copies of this beauty. As a book collector I’ve always thought that though secondary to the words and story within, the quality of the build of a book is something that adds an entirely different dimension to the enjoyment of the text. Nothing is better than opening an Amazon box and pulling out a well made, cleanly designed and nicely weighted book. From the few images I’ve seen above you’ve nailed it. Can’t wait!
Long time listener, first time caller. Just pre-ordered for delivery to U.S., can’t wait until Spring ’14 for a copy.
Would it be a violation of The Rules to mount it on my bars for a ride once it arrives? I feel like it would be appropriate, and nice advertising too. One ride only, if I can get a waiver?
Wait a minute: there are Rules? Since when??
This just in: Axel Merckx raced in the Oliver 1/2 Ironman. I wonder if he’s come out to his father yet. I’m shocked, especially considering that I let him touch me on Friday night when I rode with him. I feel so used.
@Cyclops
Place to crash for ihippies.
@Rob
@Harminator
I was thinking more along the lines of Steve Buscemi
@ralph
Well played sir, well played.
@ralph
It will take about a year to turn all the “tyre”s to “tires” and “colour”s to “color”.
Seriously, I guess its the way things work. Publishers usually have a market they sell in, and unless its Harry Potter’s publisher, its not a global market. Sceptre is based in the UK with no distribution to the US markets. Our plan, then, was to sell the book once finished to a US publisher. Sceptre worked their asses off to promote the book at book fairs etc and got some interested parties who collectively wanted to wait to see a manuscript before deciding to buy it.
In most cases, publishers wait to see how a book sells before buying it, but we lucked out and sold it before the official release. We’ll have to do some work on it to get it ready for the US (spelling, grammer, etc) but what will be sold in the US will basically be the same book. Then we have to slot it in with the marketing engine at our US Publisher, WW Norton, and decide on a good time to put it out. Christmas is out (we’ve missed that window) and the next obvious date is Valentines Day or Father’s Day. We’ll see and we’ll let you know, of course, as things get closer.
In the meantime, you should be able to get it from the UK sites like Amazon.
@LA Dave
Very very kind! We were very keen to have the book be really high quality. In fact, our initial idea was to do a thick leather-bound version but the pricing made it impossible. We’re really pleased, and I think you’ll also be excited about the quality of the paper and the design of the pages, which are not pictured.
@mikebikes
Love it. Or perhaps mounted behind saddle? Oh, hang on …
@the Engine
And me. Not missing out this year. Already got VMH approval
@Rob
@CanuckChuck
Cheers, east coast brothers.
Rob, I heard a rumor that you were decamping to Florida. It’s true? Miami Beach? Turquoise fat bikes, white linen pants, and visible chest hair? You’ll be having a laugh come next January.
very nice, can’t wait to get a copy
@frank
…which is to say: have these removed? Nice play on grammer, by the way.
FYI: Robert Millar mentioned The Velominati in his blog on Cyclingnews.com today:
“Want a bit of good reading to get you prepared for a summer of cycling? Look up The Rules by Velominati. I will point out that I quickly browsed through them and noticed they’ve missed a couple. Front brake to the left hand lever, rear brake on the right hand lever is one and no sprinting on the hoods is another. The exception to that rule is Guiseppe Saronni, for an example see the Goodwood Worlds in 82. I know it’s not a great exemption as he employed the same style at Prague in 81 and Freddy Maertens mugged him so stick to the rules.”
@Jay See Post #106 by @The Engine some 24 hours ago. We are all pretty stoked though.