Flying Scotsman: Cycling to Triumph Through My Darkest Hours

by Graeme Obree, John Wilcockson (Foreword), Francesco Moser (Foreword)

Little-known Graeme Obree became international cycling's most unlikely star, capturing the public's imagination with his innovative engineering and design skills and unique training regiments. When he broke world records and won championships, the cycling authorities outlawed both his bike and his tucked riding position. He invented the ""Superman"" riding style and triumphed again. But while battling authorities and other cyclists, Obree was also battling a much more serious threat: bipolar disorder. In ""The Flying Scotsman, Obree tells his remarkable story with brutal honesty and unexpected humor. Beginning with his troubled childhood in Ayrshire, where the bike was his only escape, Obree recounts his turbulent life and career, describing what drove him to not only break records, but to attempt suicide on three separate occasions. Long known for his courage on the track, here Obree demonstrates a different kind of courage as he movingly lays bare his struggle with manic depression.

Genres: Cycling, Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Sports, Memoir, Fitness

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Христо Блажев · Rating 4 out of 5]

Летящият шотландец Греъм Обри се бори основно със себе си: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/l...

Помня бегло скандалите около Обри от детството ми, няма как да не запомниш, че някъде там има спортист, който идва от нищото, без спонсори и подкрепа, сглобил е сам колелото си (дори използвайки части от пералня), изработил си е специфичен и наглед смехотворен стил на каране, който обаче го отвежда до рекорди и победи – а след забраната на този стил на каране (което така и не разбрах защо е било нужно) изработва нов стил, който пак го изстрелва нависоко. Но в тази книга открих и какво го е довело до тези му наглед откачени идеи, до тази нечовешка отдаденост на колоезденето – тежкото детство, тормоза, усещането за отделеност от света и хората, стигането почти до зрялост в осъзната и пълна самота.

Издателство Вакон
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/l...

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in an almost simple "what I did last summer" essay style it is sometimes hard to identify the monumental points that are buried. He mentions many important details in passing which is a shame. But he is also very honest and open.
Some sections seem repetitive but I guess as it's a biography the narrative cannot be changed.
I'm really glad I hadn't read this when I met Obree earlier this year as I would not have had such good and helpful conversation.

[Marco Pavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very touching story, often heartbreaking. Mr. Obree was an innovator and a visionary, on top of being a remarkable cyclist. Visionaries tend to attract skeptics and mockery, but for somebody who won two pursuit world championships introducing 2 revolutionizing riding positions, you can't deny the genius behind the talent. Strong legs but remarkable brain and incredible craftsmanship. For those who don't know Obree, he built his own bikes, using his own welding tools.

[Gar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting story on Graeme Obree. It partly a sad book as he seem to have a difficult live. He achieved some amazing feats with very little support. How many cyclist could achieve what he did. I think it amazing he built his bike to beat the hour record.

If you like cycling book I read this for sure.

[Alex Kintzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm interested to see the film, but the book can sometimes be a bit dull. "Brutally honest" it is, but Obree never spends enough time on his downfalls to make his successes seem like real victories. He never loses - or at least never seems to be truly put off by a result. True, it implies that cycling was his "way out" but I read this book for the hardships of a professional athlete and I got a record of how much money he earned winning countless races. It came too easily; 007 has to get debilitatingly injured before he pushes through the pain to help M.


Maybe it's unfair to compare "The Flying Scotsman" to "Boys in the Boat" (or James Bond), but seeing as Daniel James Brown's has captured the zeitgeist of modern sports books, I think it is only right to do so. The "Boys" characters lose, they struggle and so they train even harder. Obree admittedly is battling a psychological disorder - manic depression (and being married and gay but the book does not cover this). But his way out is to casually go and be the favorite to win at large events, or go cycling across the countryside. No physical hardship.


As I said, considering the advertisement on the front of my copy showing "now a major film" I am interested to see what Mackinnon has done. Looking back at my review though, I'm not sure exactly why his lack of physical hardship bothered me, but it just didn't rope me in, not from a sports biography standpoint at least.

[knittywoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly brutal and honest account of his battle with depression and low self esteem. It's beautifully written with an honesty I've not encountered in biography for a while. I cried while reading it on more than one occasion but the writing never once sought that reaction or any pity.

Refreshingly, he didn't try to post-rationalise his thoughts and actions or absolve himself of what were often selfish acts or his inability to instantly embrace fatherhood. He gives the impression that the narrative is faithful to the each moment and has a wonderful way of describing the mentality that leads him equally to greatness and deep sorrow.

It's not simply another book about cycling (although there are bottom brackets and wheels) so don't let the idea that it's just another self-indulgent sports bio put you off- it's anything but that.

[Martin Linkov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing and inspiring, yet depressing at moments book. Graeme suffers from the "Ithaca" syndrome - no matter how good he gets in the sport it is never enough, the hour-record, the world champion titles - all of these achievements quickly fade away and he easily gets depressed. This autobigraphy describes it all in a fascinating way!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the only sporting memoir I'm ever likely to read. The bike chat lost me a bit, I must admit. But his brutal honesty and complete demolition of his own character was refreshing and (paradoxically) quite uplifting. I'd like to have a beer with Mr Obree.

[Jim Dennison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d been interested in Obree for a while … mostly because of my perception that his life’s work was to troll the UCI and ‘beat the system’

But that’s not at all who he is, it turns out.

This book is excellent … 4.5/5.0

Its style is quite dry and unemotional … but one feels that is the authentic author’s voice … the dour repressed Scot … and so it actually works well and makes for compelling reading in its own way

The story is generally engaging but it’s the ‘twist’ in the last 20 pages or so that leaves one slightly reeling. Obree’s mental health problems are no secret but his descent during the years after his brother’s tragic death culminating in a total breakdown … all told in his matter-of-fact style is haunting and disconcerting

Well worth a read

[Richard Graveling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant alternative to the all-to-common more recent cycling biographies. Probably this is the case as Obree never had anything to do with any established structures (except when the UCI outlawed anything he did as he was too fast for the 'stablishment').

His ingenious design and ability to think outside the box is inspirational and this comes through when reading. What makes this so interesting is the backdrop of Obree's mental heath issues which he is so honest about, this is very rare indeed. More recent cycling books claim this as well (sometimes to add a bit of character, maybe, or in some cases as an excuse), but the detail given about how this manifested itself in Obree's childhood and teen years is excellent. That he intimates that this is what has motivated him to such performances is admirable, he is rare in being humble. The Scottish-ness of it makes it even more gritty.

If we're honest, most of us can see a bit of that personality in ourselves. Only raw talent is missing in most cases! As Moser says at the start of the book: 'There is a little madness in all of us!'

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not a fun read, and it's not really a sporting biography in the traditional sense of funny anecdotes and name dropping. Really, this isn't a happy fun book. However, it's a book that should possibly be mandatory 6th form school reading.

Yes there is cycling in there, but it's the story of a boy and then man battling with demons. Some of those demons are real and external, others are from inside, but these are the things that drove one man to fight the organisation that controlled the sport he lived/loved and push himself to incredible levels of physical achievment.

What is perhaps the most surprising aspect of the biography is that he was preapered to be so open about so many aspects of his life; childhood abuse, depression, suicide attempts and his marriage.

It's a truly inspiring book.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read about the highs and lows of Scotland's best cyclist before Chris Hoy came along. It details the terrible depression and self loathing that he coped with through his career and the effect it had on his career. It describes his inability to be happy with what he achieved and details his constant run ins with the cycling beaks who kept banning his bike and its parts.

The only down side is that is does not cover how he coped with being married and gay-as he only came out recently, after the book was published. So it isn't really a true reflection of his story.

[Reginald · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know anything about Graeme Obree you might be wary of reading this book. I was, however it was interestingly written and despite what have been crushing events in his life this is a strangely uplifting book.I was lent this book by my next door neighbour along with Coppi's biography and Armstrong's autobiography. After recent revelations I just cannot bring myself to read a book by Lance Armstrong but I would recommend Obree's book as an accurate and honest account of what it is like to be a modern cyclist.

[Rachael O'sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally a good spots biography. An incredible journey for someone who suffers from depression. Really interesting insights into mental attitude and bike engineering. There were occasions where sudden leaps were taken with limited additional information (he went from never having a girlfriend to getting married with no mention of in between). But this didn't detract from the book. Very enjoyable.

[David Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Never To Late

Mr Obese is a legend, his book provides you with an insight to what it takes to enjoy time trials and what it takes to be a champion even when the odds are against you. I am 56 young and been cycling 2years and competing in time trials one season (2016). I have beaten my personal best every outings. Flying Scotsman has inspired me to become a TT champoin. Brilliant book.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book, which illustrates the struggle Graeme had with the 'establishment' of cycling, and coming to terms with his own problems.

How he thought 'outside the box' to improve on existing bicycle design, and testing new riding styles.

This combination with his natural abilities, showed what a true champion and inspiration he is to other cyclists.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good insight into the life of a fantastic cyclist. It goes into how he lived with his mental health issues. How he overcame many adversities to become the world hour record holder.

In some ways I wish the book expanded into the mind of the man himself, not just his achievements. I know this would in some ways be a bit to personal.

[Sydne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as honest as a biography can get, which is incredibly refreshing and engaging. Beyond that, Graeme Obree is not just a great cyclist, but also a very good writer. The pages flew in and I really enjoyed it every chapter.
An inspiration to anyone who is trying to do things a different, their own, way and to every bicycle lover.

[Arron Hartley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written book and Graeme has an interesting story to tell however I didn't particularly enjoy reading the constant highs and lows of Graeme's manic depression (or severe personality disorder as his psychiatrist diagnosed him with). Not that I have anything against mental illness - it just wasn't enjoyable to read.

[John Ingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took ages to read this, found it quite boring and repetitive in parts, which I suppose the story is. His writing style is very matter of fact, which often seems to play down some momentous achievements. Very upsetting childhood, and heartbreaking suicide attempts towards the end. A real roller coaster of emotions, but what a guy. A hero as far as I'm concerned, and a very satisfying read.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very honest and revealing autobiographical account of the early life and racing career of cyclist Graeme Obree. The movie by the same title is only the “Obree lite” version and doesn’t do a very good job with the many personal challenges, highs and lows he endured during his career. Truly fascinating.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A frank account of his life, an amazing carer and living with mental health issues. This was a reread for me having read it the first time about 10 years ago. I appreciated and understood what Graeme was going through more this time round after living with someone and seeing their struggles with mental health. Thank you for writing such an honest story.

[Arwen Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although some of the lengthier play-by-plays of training and racing induced skimming, the bulk of the text was not only moving but also incredibly amusing. Obree's self-effacing wit struck a chord, as did his sincerely objective view of his life.

[Alastair Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obree is exceptionally honest and open in terms of his thoughts and feelings through his childhood and career. It's a fascinating story, especially in terms of how his childhood effected his motivations, and the personally developed psychology he uses in his attempts on the hour record.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In not really being able to describe or explain the nature of living with depression he describes and explains it better than most.

A sod of a life and a hell of an achievement. I salute you Graeme Obree.

[Dan Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating autobiography of a very interesting person and great cyclist. This does not read like the usual ghost-written autobiography and, at times, it's moving and compelling. At times it's also pedestrian and dull, but I'll take the variability for the sense of honesty that comes through.

[Craig Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having heard some vague stories about washing machines and bikes I hardly knew anything about Obree but he is now my sporting hero.
This book is enthralling and honest about a troubled life. I hope I'm not overly blinded to any flaws because its a countryman but I truly loved this book.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The movie kinda sucks.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the most inspiring book i have ever read. Not just about cycling, that is just a career for him, just like anything else, but his life story is amazing. Anyone can overcome anything

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

better than the movie, a real insight into the struggle