Major Taylor biography

The World’s Fastest Man, by Michael Kranish.  It was a fascinating story about cyclist Marshall “Major” Taylor and the various US/foreign cycling championships he earned (1890-1910) as speed sprinter in velodrome cycling.  Much of the story is based on news articles that Taylor diligently clipped and saved about his amazing feats on the track. 

Also very enlightening was his candid stories about Jim Crow racial discrimination so prevalent while he lived, and glimpses into the ways that white cyclists conspired to cause Taylor to have accidents or near-accidents in his races.  I'm not a racer but I've had close calls with other cyclists and know the terror of crashing at 15 mph, much less 25+.  It's worth your time to read.  Don't wait until winter when you are off your bike.