Book, Mag, Music Recommendations

June 4, 2009 on 1:41 pm | In Mountain Biking | 9 Comments

I’m hesitant to share the first two items below because they will only make you more fit and more skilled.

But – in addition to serving as the Voice of Reason – the Godfather is also obligated to take care of people. Keep in mind, however, that I may one day ask you for a favor. You know the story.

Book Recommendation: Probably sounds a little weird to hear that a guy closing in on his 59th birthday just purchased a book for improving his mountain biking skills. Of course, if you’ve witnessed my skills you understand why I need it.

Even at this late stage in my career, I harbor dreams of elevating my abilities from “pathetic” to “marginally pathetic.” That’s why I just bought Mastering Mountain Biking Skills by Brian Lopes, and I am very impressed. Even if you are a highly-skilled rider, you will find info here to help you.

He lays it out clearly and there are a lot of good illustrations. I probably will never be able to get air (at least on purpose), but I’ve already picked up some excellent pointers about braking (not), cornering, and riding sketchy sections.

You can order it online through Barnes & Noble (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Mastering-Mountain-Bike-Skills/Brian-Lopes/e/9780736056243/?itm=1) or Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mountain-Skills-Brian-Lopes/dp/0736056246/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243829230&sr=8-1). It’s cheaper through Amazon.

Powells also carries it.

Magazine Recommendation: I’m not exactly a poster boy for healthy eating. However, I make an effort. I highly recommend the June 2009 issue of Men’s Health. (It has Ewan McGregor on the cover)

About page 124, there is a tear-out guide titled “125 Best Foods for the Male Body.” Keep in mind that these foods are just as good for the female body.

They hit the top breads and grains, dairy and deli, frozen foods, packaged foods and snacks, drinks, and condiments, spreads and cooking extras. They try to select items that combine good taste with healthy ingredients, low fat, and moderate calories.

Shockingly, a good share of the items are not carried by the mega-grocers. However, I’ve stumbled across some of them – and Trader Joe’s is always a great place to look. You can tear the guide out of the mag and take it with you when you shop for groceries.

Pass the word along to friends. This one applies to non-bikers as well.

Music Recommendation: I’m a big Mellencamp fan, and he has a new album out. The album is called Life, Death, Love and Freedom. It’s gotten very good reviews.

It’s quite a bit different from some of his early stuff, but he proves that he can handle more than one style. He doesn’t rock much on this one, but the folk/roots blend is very appealing, with lyrics about race, politics, religion, and Americana that your aren’t going to hear from the posers who get all the air time on commercial radio.

I especially like “Longest Days,” “Troubled Land” and “A Ride Back Home.” Even if you aren’t interested in buying the CD, you can check out some of the songs on Mellencamp’s website at www.mellencamp.com.