SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURES
Other People's Books
Going through the process of getting a book into print gives you a fresh perspective and a new respect for other people's work. All of the books on this page deliver content that matches their promises.
Some of the titles do not relate directly to mountain biking. These are either text books that will help you toward the necessary outdoor skills required on bigger expeditions or works that expand on Scotland's mountain scene and its rich heritage . Reading any of them will increase enjoyment of time spent among the hills and in some instances allow a reliving of it through the words of others.
If you buy a book from Amazon, from one of our links, we get paid a 5% bounty for the sale. We pass every penny of this on to the Carron Valley Development fund. So, doing the Amazon thing through us means you're helping build sustainable trails. At the moment only the obvious titles are on here but they will build after a while.
THE BOOKS
Outdoor Skills Textbooks
My own background contains a good deal of mountaineering experience and has included a long term involvement in mountain rescue. As a former deputy team leader and training officer for one I know that skills can be forgotten or simply need brushed up. The books relating to mountaincraft appear here first because many mountain bike routes take you a long way from anywhere. If you have these skills sorted properly it's one less thing to worry about when things do go wrong.
Mountain Bike (A Manual of Beginning to Advanced Technique) : William Neally
Appearing with hand-written text and hand-drawn illustrations, this book is a bit unconventional. However, it reflects the slightly off-beat character of the writer who was a major figure in the US outdoor world. In it William Neally has managed to convey much of the joy of mountain biking while effectively communicating ideas to improve your skills.
Of the three books, this one probably conveys something of the the relaxed atmosphere a good skills coach should bring. It's a book for people who haven't forgotten that the important thing about mountain biking is it's ability to make you smile!
Once you cut through the 'Americana' of the delivery style , this one will suit those who don't take themselves too seriously.
Mountain Bike Like a champion : Ned Overend
Written by legendary US & world mountain bike champion Ned Overend, this is perhaps the most authoritative book on the subject on how to make yourself a faster and more effective XC rider. Although focused on racing there are many techniques and tips that are invaluable to all riders and the book's breakdown of the elements involved in advanced climbing techniques is reason enough to own it.
Some of the narrative gives little insights into the mind and world of pain occupied by mega-athletes like Ned.
In general, it's great for riders wanting a sober approach to nailing vital skills
Mastering Mountain Bike Skills : Brian Lopes
Brian Lopes' stunning professional career speaks for itself. It was difficult to imagine how he would manage to explain the mechanics of the outrageous moves used in a branch of the sport where the bike is in the air as much as on the ground. However, Mr. Lopes has achieved this in a book that is justifiably popular and set to become something of a standard reference.
The commitment required for much of what is described in this book means it is probably best best left for experienced riders with a good dental insurance policy.
For the rider who's wanting to go all the way, it's a superbly executed piece of work.
Mountain Navigation : Peter Cliff
First published in 1978 this book has stood the test of time. It has managed to do so because it got it right. The simplicity of the illustrations and succinct nature of the texts leads you, progressively, towards acquiring the knowledge and techniques required to help you find our way around in the hills.
Although all the techniques and relevant info is contained in the book highlighted below, this one is simpler and more elegant with the added advantage that it's small and light enough to take out with you to practice the necessary drills. Also, if you're considering helping anyone else to learn to navigate reference to this book make the process so much easier.
It's an unassuming classic among countless outdoor publications.
Mountaincraft and Leadership : Eric Langmuir
Like the book above this is an enduring presence on the scene. It's an 'all you need to know' sort of book and is the "bible" of the UK outdoor training schemes and often referred to as simply "Langmuir"
It's an indispensable item for any outdoor enthusiast and absorption of even a portion of its content will make you a safer and more confident individual when out and about in the hills.
Mountain Bike Maintenance : Todd Downs
Nearly everything you need to know about pulling bikes to bits and putting them back together again. Remember, if your bike fails in the middle of nowhere, you'll need to fix it. The best way to stop that happening is to make sure it's well sorted before setting out.
If you bought this book and carried out a basic fork strip down and lube you'd more than justify its cost. You'd know it was done properly, you'd understand more about the fork, you'd have the job done at the manufacturer's recommended intervals, your fork would be off the bike only for the hour or so it would take. Compare that to "Hmmmm. we could maybe start work on it next Tuesday & we'll give you a call if anything needs replaced...etc...etc.". I'm sure you know the scenario.
Doing a single job from it, that you would normally ask a shop to do, will save you its price instantly!
Mountain Bike Maintenance : Again
Basically the same deal as the book above but, this time, it's a DVD that does the step by step thing on the screen. Many people will find this approach easier. Actually seeing something done can be easier than trying to transfer stills & the written word into action. So, maybe worth considering from that point of view.
You can rent before you buy with Amazon's rental scheme. You also get an extra 10% off DVD purchases if you join the scheme. It's dead simple you pay a monthly fee and they send you out the DVDs you want. No queues or being told at the counter "They're all out just now" , selected from the comfort of your PC. When you're done pop the DVD in the prepaid envelope that comes with it and stick it in the post box on the way to the pub/church/cookery class!
Let's face it does your local video shop rent out copies of mountain biking, climbing etc DVDs?
General Stuff
Great reads for outdoor minded people.
Scotland's Mountains : W.H. Murray
Published by the Scottish Mountaineering Trust on behalf of the Scottish Mountaineering Club, this is the definitive book for anyone who wants to gain a background knowledge of the geography, geology, flora, fauna and the development of mountain sports in the Scottish hills.
The Author, Bill Murray was a much loved figurehead in all things to do with mountaineering in Scotland. As a young man he pioneered many rock and ice climbs on Scottish cliffs and, together with Tom Weir helped pave the way for the successful 1953 Everest expedition with an earlier recce. His most famous literary work, Mountaineering in Scotland & Undiscovered Scotland, remains a classic read that continues to inspire.
Scotland's Mountains conveys his deep love of everything to do with the title in an authoritative and meticulous manner. Fabulously illustrated with photographs taken by the leading lights of the scene, accompanied by Jim Renny's maps, the book leads to an understanding of the bigger picture and profound respect both for the writer and the subject. This book should be on the shelves of all who frequent Scotland's Mountains.
Sadly, not in print any more but copies can be had at a price. Mine is now locked away!
Mountain Days & Bothy Nights + 2 : Dave Brown & Ian Mitchell
A unique collection of books where all life is revealed through the eyes of two inveterate hillgoers. Seldom have the glories of friendship and the reasons for going to the hills been distilled and intertwined as well.
The books are readable by climbers and walkers wanting to laugh at themselves. They are also suitable for those who don't do either and just want a wee glimpse into that world to confirm that it's populated by nutters.
In lighthearted stories, the authors reveal much of their own personalities and those of the characters they have met along the years. Few readers will not be able to see themselves portrayed somewhere in the pages. Sex, violence, intrigue, danger of death, bigotry and the evils of drink (don't worry they highlight its benefits to a considerably greater degree) all make appearances in evocative narratives that have been constructed with kindness at their hearts.
There's even a tale of an epic cycle journey, through the Hebrides in 'A View From the Ridge'!
Any or all are a must if you walk or climb. If you're a mountain biker who does neither and you harbour some small resentment to "Red Socks" these gems might just help bridge a gulf that shouldn't exist.
Whatever your position, there are belly laughs galore on the journeys this pair take you on. If you want books that are easy to read and leave you feeling like you've been in decent company then look no further.
Mountain Bike Skills
The next three books cover mountain biking skills. Each does it in a different way and from different perspectives. I have copies of each of them and find they have helped me develop skills and, perhaps most importantly, look at the breakdown of the elements involved. The biggest benefit of the latter is being able recognise their presence or absence in someone's riding whenever delivering inputs as an SMBLA MBL. If you're involved with instruction, in any way, these books can be recommended as invaluable additions to a course syllabus and/or manual.
Starting with the most recent book first you'll get something of an idea of which one might suit your needs best by reading the text here and on the Amazon descriptions.
Remember, to help Carron Valley build more trails, buy your books through a link from this site. Tell you pals as well.
