Other Ways to Win : A competitive cyclist's reflections on success

by Lee Craigie

Endurance for me doesn't mean gritting my teeth and shoving my feelings away so I can keep going. It means feeling resistance to pain and discomfort and allowing it to flow through me. By being in a situation where I have no choice but to make friends with it I gain perspective, strength and gratitude. It's why, ever since I was very little, I've felt this insistent tug outside and towards the unknown.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2023

Reviews

[Nicola Whitbread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find myself really warming to Lee in her honest, open memoir about life on two wheels, the emotional turmoil of endurance sports, and the ways we can ‘win’ at life, whatever your goal or adventure. She’s refreshing and humbling, and I loved the format of this book as Lee recounts many different cycling adventures, both professionally and personally. I love reading and listening to women in adventure, they don’t have the bravado and ego that male adventurers tend to have, and frankly it makes for a better read. Lee, you’re smashing it. 4.5/5 ⭐️

[Rebecca Stonehill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book.
Read my review here:
https://rebeccastonehill.com/top-5-bo...

[Naomi Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

super interesting and beautifully written. Lots to think about and relate to, and my love of bikes + the outdoors just gets bigger.

[Tamara Covacevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I moved to the UK I was happily surprised to find a great adventure community waiting for me. I was used to reading books about explorers in my country in the 1800s-1900s but is so cool that here I get to hear and read the voices of other adventurers sharing my world. I enjoyed this read a lot, and how honest it was, it resonated in many ways!

[Chloe Shuttlewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Craigie has a beautiful way of writing. I found it really difficult to put this book down. She has led (and is still leading) an incredible, inspirational life and I really admire her. I found it really interesting to read about her life as a professional athlete, including the pressures she was under, and how she moved into the world of adventure riding. Some of the stories she recounts are simply astonishing in terms of the level of fitness, determination, skill and perseverance that she has. The distances she covers, over incredibly harsh terrains, are just mind-blowing. It seems like Lee has no fear, and goes head-first into every adventure she embarks on. What an inspiration! I also love the way she is so passionate about helping people, especially young people who need help finding their direction in life, and showing us that to lead a fulfilling life, you don't have to spend lots of money; it's all about getting out there, out in nature, meeting new people and building on friendships. If only we could all have a bit of Lee's sense of just going for it and not being afraid of what might go wrong... This is a truly inspirational book and I can't wait to hear about the adventures that Lee goes on next!

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Other Ways to Win. Superb writing with a well-balanced tone between conversational (often very funny) sections and the more heightened reflective segues. I loved the way each of the chapters marked new learning, without it feeling didactic - wam and curious and empathetic instead. Mostly, though, it felt like 170 pages with a real person, who has done extraordinary things without losing humanity or insight- a testament to the skill and honesty with which Lee has written this memoir.

[K Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy and absorbing book that I listened to on Spotify; beautifully narrated by the author with her lovely lilting accent. Lots about her love/hate relationship with bike racing as well as her beautiful observations of the countryside she pedals through and the people that help her on her way.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Very inspiring. Very much enjoyed her take on the world, on working with and through resistance to hard stuff, rather than fighting to overcome it. Lots to take away and ponder on.

[Katie Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of wisdom and lots of adventures. Gave me an urge to get out on my bike in this lambing weather to feel the raw rain on my face. Great book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first cycling book I've read, as I usually read running & hiking as a runner & hiker myself, and I wasn't sure what to expect.
I'm now just exploring cycling, and this book further ignited my idea for adventures on two wheels.

I found Lees' cycling background interesting and her transition from competitive cycling to adventure biking, in a way, relatable to myself.

Enjoyable read

[Martin Mcshane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using races, reflections and reminiscences Lee Craigie offers an autobiography and questions about how we might best live a life worth living. It is about suffering and discomfort but neither were experienced in the reading of this most enjoyable book 🤗

[Teagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my now favorite books. I don't know if I'm rating it for the way it was written but the stories Lee tells and her own perspective on riding and being in nature are crucial to my understanding of having a healthy mindset. Thank you Lee for writing this book.

[Paul Below · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee is a great inspiration. Finished in one sitting as hard to put down