July's Magazine of the Month is "Bicycling"

July's Magazine of the month, "Bicycling," was selected for the two big road cycling events happening this month: Le Tour de France and RAGBRAI.

The 98th Tour de France starts tomorrow, July 2nd, and runs through the 24th. One of the biggest events in cycling, many of us in America are most familiar with Lance Armstrong's impressive record of seven wins. Mr. Armstrong officially retired from competitive cycling earlier this year amid accusations of doping. Le Tour has long been dogged by controversy; in 1904, several riders were disqualified after being accused of riding in cars or trains.

July 24th is the start of the 39th RAGBRAI, or the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. There has been far less controversy here in Iowa, perhaps because the event is non-competitive. The 2011 route will run 454 miles in total, starting in Glenwood and finishing in Davenport. As a recent transplant to Iowa, I was surprised to find a warning about the legal drinking age on the official riders' guide, but delighted to hear about all of the delicious food offered along the route. Best of luck to any readers who will be braving the roads this year!

You may also enjoy our post for Bike to Work Day, which includes a booklist of selected cycling titles available at Carnegie-Stout, among other links.