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Back in the Frame: Cycling, belonging and finding joy on a bike
'We'll all recognise ourselves somewhere in this book' Emily Chappell'On e of the best cycling books of all time' BookAuthorityA joyful dose of inspiration that every cyclist, from rookie to randonneur, can take something valuable from' Road.ccIf your bike has become your biggest escape of late, Back in the Frame from award-winning blogger, Lady Vélo, is the book for youJools Walker rediscovered cycling aged 28 after a decade-long absence from the saddle. When she started blogging about her cycle adventures under the alias Lady Vélo, a whole world was opened up to her. But it's hard to find space in an industry not traditionally open to women - especially women of colour.Shortly after getting back on two wheels, Jools was diagnosed with depression and then, in her early thirties, hit by a mini-stroke. Yet, through all of these punctures, one constant Jools' love of cycling.Funny, moving and motivational, this book tells the story of how Jools overcame these challenges, stepped outside her comfort zone and learned to cycle her own path. Along the way she shares a wealth of inspirational stories and tips from other female trailblazers, and shows how cycling can and should be a space for everyone.A celebration of cycling, Back in the Frame will motivate you to get back on your bike and enjoy the ride, no matter what life throws at you.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2019
26 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Jools Walker
1 book3 followersJools Walker is a blogger, author and public speaker. Her blog award-winning blog, VéloCityGirl, focuses on different aspects of cycling, including cycle-style, her own adventures on two wheels, and how to widen participation in the activity.
Jools' blog and social media presence have evolved from being her 'tiny corner of the internet' (as she still calls it) to inspiring women and young girls around the world to get on the saddle and ride. Leading publication BikeBiz lists her as one of the most influential women in the UK cycling industry. The well-respected US publication Bicycling Magazine touts her as one of the 107 Cycling Digital Superstars in the world to follow. Instagram named Jools as one of the most influential female storytellers in their #MyStoryUK campaign.
Jools now finds herself talking about cycling culture, and what it’s like to be a woman in that domain on platforms as varied as BBC Newsnight, the Design Museum, BBC Radio 4, and Southbank Centre’s WOW Festival.
Jools lives with her Mamma Vélo, partner Ian and their two cats in East London.
Jools' blog and social media presence have evolved from being her 'tiny corner of the internet' (as she still calls it) to inspiring women and young girls around the world to get on the saddle and ride. Leading publication BikeBiz lists her as one of the most influential women in the UK cycling industry. The well-respected US publication Bicycling Magazine touts her as one of the 107 Cycling Digital Superstars in the world to follow. Instagram named Jools as one of the most influential female storytellers in their #MyStoryUK campaign.
Jools now finds herself talking about cycling culture, and what it’s like to be a woman in that domain on platforms as varied as BBC Newsnight, the Design Museum, BBC Radio 4, and Southbank Centre’s WOW Festival.
Jools lives with her Mamma Vélo, partner Ian and their two cats in East London.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 18, 2019
This is by Jools Walker, or Lady Velo of the Velo City Girl blog: http://velocitygirl.co.uk/
She was a lifestyle blogger before becoming a bicycling blogger and you can tell by the way she writes that she blogs. Each chapter is like a blog post: starts a story, lots of self-doubt, ends with an optimistic look. Over and over. So you don't really get a feel or an over-arching development because each chapter is its own and the development almost starts over, like a serial TV series.
Could use a good editor- there's probably twice as much text as needed. And that makes sense for a blogger: you have to explain every little thought/action as a blogger because someone will come in an make a comment picking your post apart if you didn't explain every thought process. But not so great for a book.
I did enjoy hearing about her childhood in East London and learning about bicycling in the UK. There was some name-dropping that only comes from being a famous blogger. I'm not sure if I'm on board with understanding depression as "sparkles" but if that's how it feels to her, then that's what she goes with. I think some of the best stuff was her interviewing other bikey people like Adeline O'Moreau, frame builder or writing about the London Bike Kitchen. Also found her experience with her stroke interesting, as someone with a family history of strokes and a few other predispositions for that.
I skimmed her blog and found that it's pretty good and I love the photos. This book may have been made better if it had photos.
But if you're looking for a book about biking when you don't feel like a "cyclist", or after a long break in life, then this is a good book, albeit wordy.
She was a lifestyle blogger before becoming a bicycling blogger and you can tell by the way she writes that she blogs. Each chapter is like a blog post: starts a story, lots of self-doubt, ends with an optimistic look. Over and over. So you don't really get a feel or an over-arching development because each chapter is its own and the development almost starts over, like a serial TV series.
Could use a good editor- there's probably twice as much text as needed. And that makes sense for a blogger: you have to explain every little thought/action as a blogger because someone will come in an make a comment picking your post apart if you didn't explain every thought process. But not so great for a book.
I did enjoy hearing about her childhood in East London and learning about bicycling in the UK. There was some name-dropping that only comes from being a famous blogger. I'm not sure if I'm on board with understanding depression as "sparkles" but if that's how it feels to her, then that's what she goes with. I think some of the best stuff was her interviewing other bikey people like Adeline O'Moreau, frame builder or writing about the London Bike Kitchen. Also found her experience with her stroke interesting, as someone with a family history of strokes and a few other predispositions for that.
I skimmed her blog and found that it's pretty good and I love the photos. This book may have been made better if it had photos.
But if you're looking for a book about biking when you don't feel like a "cyclist", or after a long break in life, then this is a good book, albeit wordy.
March 1, 2021
I really enjoyed Jools' story of rediscovering the joy of riding a bike and it made me grateful that I've ridden a bike to one extent or another since I first pushed off without stabilisers; the bicycle is at its core a machine of freedom and happiness.
The most enlightening part of the book for me was hearing first hand accounts of the barriers that women and in particular black women face in wanting to get on a bike; and while I'm not in the cycling industry it made me consider what I can be doing to help make the sport more inclusive.
The most enlightening part of the book for me was hearing first hand accounts of the barriers that women and in particular black women face in wanting to get on a bike; and while I'm not in the cycling industry it made me consider what I can be doing to help make the sport more inclusive.
June 27, 2019
I don't know anything about cycling but Jools Walker's passion for bikes is infectious. Her cycling journey is a delight to read because it's clear how deeply she cares for her subject. If you are a woman thinking about getting into cycling, this book seems like an ideal place to start.
June 2, 2019
A fantastic story of getting into and staying with cycling. A brilliant motivation for anyone thinking about taking a step into cycling.
Did not finish
April 21, 2025I'm sorry, this is just so sloppy that it was simply not worth the overdue notices from the library. There was NO editing here, and I mean that in a developmental sense and also in the "where" instead of "were" typos and grammatical shit, and that's even accounting for British English having different rules and seemingly no concept of a comma splice. I really wanted to read a book about bicycling that actually speaks to being a woman of color, but this is just so poorly written and unedited that I could not get through it.
October 10, 2019
It was so great to here about Jooles' journey, her trails and triumphs as a black woman in what is sometimes perceived a a white man's exclusive domain and how she shows that cycling can and should be an amazing ,empowering ,inclusive experience we can all enjoy and be involved with as apposed to the popular conceptions of an exclusive expensive and dangerous endeavour only entered into by the crazy few and the Bradley Wiggins wannabes . I love cycling . I think it's an incredible force for health, well being , transport, commuting and fun and joy and it's for everybody, man woman ,other,,all ages,black white, pink , rainbow. You name it. This book emphasises the amazing potential of that dream, the present problems that are getting in the way and how one woman has moved us a little closer through her love of getting on a bike.
September 29, 2020
Relatable, delightful recap of what it feels like to get back into cycling as an adult. As well as an insight into cycling, there’s a bit of an insider’s view into blogosphere, British TV, and the wider cycling industry. I loved the stories about Joiks participating in larger cycling events as I hope to one day work up my nerve to do the same.
January 7, 2021
A fun, honest and fascinating book about getting back into cycling as an adult - particularly acute when cycling has such an image of being exclusively populated by middle aged white men. Jools is someone I wish I'd known existed years ago when I was taking my own tentative steps back into cycling and an excellent writer!
February 21, 2021
I really like her story and Jools Walker is amazing. I think she has a lot of story to tell, and this is a great book for the beginner rider who maybe doesn't need to read about Chris Froome or even Victoria Pendleton starting out. For the experienced cyclist so many similar memories to make you smile. I feel this should be required reading for beginner cycling clubs out there. Also important is the discussion on diversify in cycling (or rather lack of it). Jools Walker gives a touch of everything in this book.
February 17, 2021
Whether you are just thinking about getting a bike, or you cycle regularly, or you're looking for something to get you out of your own head, let Jools Walker be your guide.
Walker's tone is warm and funny, explaining many of cycling's foibles that can seem impenetrable to the newbie. She is open about "belonging" in an overwhelmingly male and white cycling world, about impostor syndrome, and about the effect of cycling on her depression and vice versa.
Walker's tone is warm and funny, explaining many of cycling's foibles that can seem impenetrable to the newbie. She is open about "belonging" in an overwhelmingly male and white cycling world, about impostor syndrome, and about the effect of cycling on her depression and vice versa.
June 25, 2020
Honest and heartfelt autobiography of Jools' return to cycling, along with all the barriers, challenges, joys, fun and bumps in the road she faced. Really enjoyed Jools' frankness about the journey, and found it a real eye opener in terms of the importance of representation in cycling, or lack thereof. Jools is big hearted, open and kind, and an inspiration for all women
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2020
Very urban London cycling chic and vintage cycling, all of which I loved even though I am now proper Surrey Hills cycling chic. A positive and inspirational read. If you already own several bikes (er..four) and you need an excuse to diversify and buy more, read this book.
June 18, 2020
An honest and joyful account of Jools’ cycling life. I enjoyed the interviews of other females in the industry and the author’s focus on diversity and intersectionality within the wider cycling community.
Read
September 26, 2020Surprised this doesn't have more reviews. A lovely read - a positive, inspiring account of getting back into cycling. Like having a cool & experienced, but down to earth best friend to spur you on. Glad I read it, & recommended to new & experienced cyclists alike.
October 1, 2019
Wonderful book - hopefully it will encourage everyone who can cycle to get "Back in the Frame"
March 17, 2020
Great read. Inspiring to me as a new cyclist
July 7, 2020
A thoroughly charming and conversational look at Jools' awesome (and sometimes harrowing) journey back to cycling. I loved the vignettes interviewing other badass women in cycling.
December 27, 2021
Throughly enjoying reading about Jool’s journey back to the bike.
January 26, 2022
Loved the writer’s voice and storytelling.
February 19, 2022
This was a nice read. A little navel-gazey at times, but overall a nice little observation.
July 21, 2022
Absolutely brilliant! A thoroughly enjoyable memoir. Loved it to bits and pieces.
January 27, 2024
Excellant - so exciting to get into cycling this way.
November 22, 2025
Was really looking forward to this story, but the writing just drowned in minutia and unnecessary detail.
April 16, 2021
Brilliant book
I loved everything about this book. I haven't ridden my bike for a few months and I am now itching to get on her. I also want to experience some of the city biking culture Jools is part of in London as it is a far cry from the riding in the countryside I have mainly done. As a result I am going to look into what Edinburgh has when moving about is permitted again. I loved the description of everything from clothing to scenery but at times had to stop reading to Google a few things so I could have the full picture in my head e.g. Jill's Pashley. If pictures had been included in the book that would have been ideal. Would definitely recommend.
I loved everything about this book. I haven't ridden my bike for a few months and I am now itching to get on her. I also want to experience some of the city biking culture Jools is part of in London as it is a far cry from the riding in the countryside I have mainly done. As a result I am going to look into what Edinburgh has when moving about is permitted again. I loved the description of everything from clothing to scenery but at times had to stop reading to Google a few things so I could have the full picture in my head e.g. Jill's Pashley. If pictures had been included in the book that would have been ideal. Would definitely recommend.
June 1, 2023
Lovely relatable about a POC woman finding her niche in cycling.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews