The Hamster Ride: & 25 Other Short Biking Stories Paperback – February 8, 2013

I'm not sure if interesting people are those whom interesting things happen to, or if it's the ability to tell the ordinary in an interesting way that makes people seem interesting. Regardless, author Susan Meyers strikes me as a very interesting person. In this slim book she relates 26 stories from her days on a bicycle, none of which concern events that are anything but ordinary, but which in her hands become interesting and entertaining reading. Recommended for all non-bicyclists and bicyclists alike, but especially those bicyclists who don't race, or tour, or think of it as exercise, but ride just to ride.

Susan Meyers has turned her powers of observation and graceful writing style to bicycling. She's crafted 26 stories -- alphabetically arranged -- to chronicle her adventures in "slow biking." Inspired by the teachings of Buddhist philosopher Thich Nhat Hanh, Meyers extols the virtues of paying attention while riding on two wheels. The payoff is a lifetime of stories capturing small miracles and extraordinary surprises. Start at the beginning, dive in at the middle -- no matter how you approach this gem of a book, you're in for a terrific read.