R.i.p.

[Hugh]

R.I.P. Richard Ballantine - his Bicycle Book was a 70's/80's icon (sorry about the heavily overused word, but it's right in this case) and encouraged many people to take up cycling, continue doing it, and not least, have some idea about how to fix their bikes.

 

[peerjay56]

RIP indeed. His book was useful in so many ways - statistical data on the likelihood of getting rained on when commuting, bicycle maintenance, and even how to kill a mad attacking dog! I think that part was removed from later editions!

Phil

 

[oigoi]

Agree his books gave me a lot of enthusiasm, ideas and inspiration. I've got the one with the section on dealing with dog attacks, a good read

 

[Scimitar]

I first read his book oh.. probably 1985 and recall the dog advice - which I took to be tongue in cheek at the time - but some didn't find it so and created a bit of a fuss. Typical humourless dog owners.
Anyway, I found an old edition on ebay a few days ago and it's on its way here. I hope it's got the dog advice in it.

 

[Hugh]

'Ram a pump down its throat' is the paraphrased version, as I recall it. Maybe not so useful in these modern days of mini pumps

 

[john h]

still have my copy, bought 1975 ,a great book still read now and then,got me on to my bike ,R.I.P Richard.

 

[Scimitar]

I first read his book oh.. probably 1985 and recall the dog advice - which I took to be tongue in cheek at the time - but some didn't find it so and created a bit of a fuss. Typical humourless dog owners.
Anyway, I found an old edition on ebay a few days ago and it's on its way here. I hope it's got the dog advice in it.

I'm pleased to find it still had the dog advice as late as 1989.