Higher Calling: Cycling's Obsession with Mountains

Riding a bike up steep inclines for long periods of time punishes the body in every way. Cycling enthusiast Leonard (Lanterne Rouge) takes readers on a physically metaphysical journey to try and figure out the human fascination with conquering mountains. This work transcends "all things related to biking up mountains," applying a multifocal lens to the psyche that creates "climbers," from the core activity itself to the historical and cultural roots of mountain biking. Leonard covers the rarely mentioned maintenance work required to clear snowbound alpine passes in time for major cycling races and how a fitness software application can fuel a riding uphill addiction. The narrative includes ample historical accounts of famous alpine pass racing, past and present. In-depth interviews with professional cyclists (legendary and up-and-coming), who thrive as "climbers" further lend to the mystique that being first up a mountain is a significant accomplishment.