The Art of Cycling: Philosophy, Meaning, and a Life on Two Wheels

by James Hibbard

A meditative love letter to the sport of cycling, THE ART OF CYCLING traces the journey of a former professional racer regaining his love for the sport and shows how cycling can shed new light on age-old questions of selfhood, meaning, and purpose.Interweaving cycling, philosophy, and personal narrative, THE ART OF CYCLING provides readers with a deep understanding into the highs and lows of being an elite athlete, the limits of approaching any sporting pursuit from a strictly rational perspective, and how the philosophical and often counterintuitive lessons derived from sport can be applied to other areas of life.Accessible to everyone from the hardened racer to the casual fan, THE ART OF CYCLING engages the history of thought through the lens of cycling to undermine much of what is typically thought of as "intellectual", breathing new vitality into life, and countering society's obsession with progress and drive towards the abstract, detached, and virtual.

Genres: Sports, Cycling, Philosophy, Memoir, Nonfiction

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2021

About the author

James Hamilton Hibbard is a Northern California-based writer and former professional cyclist who studied philosophy at the PhD-level.

His philosophical memoir, THE ART OF CYCLING: Philosophy, Meaning, and a Life on Two Wheels (Quercus/ Hachette Australia), explores questions of embodiment and meaning in our increasingly detached and virtual society, and was shortlisted for The Sunday Times 2022 British Sports Book of the Year, Cycling.

Reviews

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What do you actually think about on those long rides?” It's a question each of us has been asked at one point or another by someone mystified by the extreme distances randonneurs cover on brevets and training rides. It’s also a question that James Hibbard takes up in his 2021 book The Art of Cycling. Hibbard, a former youth track cycling champion and professional road racer, presents us with this meditation which is part memoir, part introductory philosophy lecture and part road trip saga about three old friends along the California coast. I was a bit disappointed that the three spheres of this book (memoir, lecture, and road trip) were not a bit more smoothly integrated with one another, but each has its value and the author’s insights overall will undoubtedly resonate with many long-distance cyclists.

Ultimately, in light of this long journey through the history of Western philosophy, Hibbard confides that “the most compelling - even beautiful - aspect of cycling is that when I’m riding I’m able to think about very little.” As Hamlet famously utters “there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” Sometimes riding a bicycle is just riding a bicycle, but the depths that Hibbard plumbs in this book provide form and structure to feelings and fleeting images that are likely on the minds of many riders. Unique and well-written, The Art of Cycling, is a book worthy of your attention.

[Andrew Wyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite style of books. Philosophical self meditation on a life lived so far. I love how the author bridges his philosophical journey of who he is feeling at the time with what is going on in his life and his own personal journey. I think it took a lot of courage for the author to be fully authentic in the mental struggles he was experiencing and what he did to try and work through it. Anyone who enjoys biking and philosophy will enjoy this read.

[Ella Khulusi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely book 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 Calming and wise and life-affirming reflections on elite sport and depression, but also a whistle-stop tour of the great philosophers' takes on life, purpose and meaning. It weaves together philosophy and memoir really beautifully.

I also really enjoyed learning about both sides of cycling - a disillusioned counter culture providing an escape from society for many but also a conformist conveyor belt fueled by the over-competitiveness and underfunding which ultimately led to the doping scandals. There's a similar tension in the way Hibbard talks about sports as a radical act of self creation but also about the life of an athlete as ultimately meaningless (or is it?!?) which I enjoyed.

Don't be put off if you, like me, have no interest in cycling lol - this is a Really Good Book. 4.5 stars 🫶🏻

[Levas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kažkada čia nutiko toks sutapimas (jei tokių, tikėsime, būna), kad Audrius Ožalas parašė, kad va, bus puiki knyga ir tuo pačiu Phi knygos reklamos pradėjo šmėsčioti tai šen, tai ten. Tai teko užsisakyti iš anksto ir dar vieną kitą bičiulį paraginti, visiškai nenutuokiant apie ką čia bus, bet atrodė gerai. Keliu kepurę, kurios neturiu, prieš leidyklos asortimentą. Dabar šalia Kitų Knygų tai yra mano viena dviejų mėgstamiausių leidyklų.
Trumpam buvo keista kaip čia leidykla, besispecializuojanti filosofinėj literatūroj paima ir leidžia buvusio profesionalaus dviratininko knygą, nes nu kad ir kaip bebūtų, mažai tų sporto profesionalų rašinių yra tokie jau stipriai literatūriniai ir daug labai duodantys (be abejo yra išimčių kaip kad F. Griffin’o “Got Fight” ar pan., bet ten kiek kita kategorija). Tačiau užteko kažkurį šitos niekaip neateinančios žiemos šeštadienio rytą prisėst, atsiverst ir paskaityt pora puslapių (ir iškart aišku užpilt gerą kiekį kavos, kad būtų pažymėta ir matytusi, kad buvo skaitoma) ir visi “kodėl” susidėliojo į vietas.
Jei trumpai tai čia knyga apie važiavimą dviračiu, įvadas į (pagrinde) egzistencializmą, važiavimo dviračiu ir filosofijos sugretinimą, nu bet taip pat dopingą, nusivylimą sportu, depresiją, savižudybę ir taip lengvais potėpiais meilę. Bet tai yra daug daugiau ir keliais sakiniais apie tai neparašysi, kaip ir neparašysi čia posto apie ką yra kokia poezijos knyga ar pan. Taip pat nėra tai ir lengva knyga, bet turbūt to neverta tikėtis, nes ir nagrinėjamos temos nelengvos.
Knygos stuburas - trys draugai, buvę dviračių profesionalai, sugalvoja kelių dienų kelionę dviračiais Kalifornijoje. Pasiruošimas, prisiminimai ir pareflektavimas apie buvusias profesionalaus sportininko dienas ir paskui jau pati kelionė. Bet čia tas stuburas, o nemaža dalis esmės tiesiog išplaukia iš vieno ar kito pasakojimo apie dviračius ir keliavimą jais. Štai žiūrėk idėja apie dviračių sporto individualizmą išauga į atskirą skyrių kur lengvai panagrinėjamas Sartre’as. Kitas skyrius kalba apie laiko rekordus, siekiamus dviračiu ir pamažu kalba transformuojasi į pamąstymus Heideggerio “Būties ir laiko” tema. Visa tai taip gražiai supinta į tokį sklandų pasakojimą, kad pirmuose skyriuose net nepasijunta, kad čia autorius ne tiek ant dviračio sodina, kiek į filosofijos kėdę ir taip lengvai persodina nuo vieno ant kito, kad net pats nepajunti. Tik kažkur įpusėjus knygai susivokiau, kad čia tokia struktūra, toks užmanymas ir truputį apsidžiaugiau tai supratęs.
Dar kas nuostabu šitoj knygoj tai pats rašymo stilius ir kaip kokybiškai ta kalba perteikta lietuviškai. Gal tai, kad ta pilkuma už lango niekaip nesibaigia, buvo irgi vienas faktorių dėl ko taip surezonavo lėtas, ramus, melancholiškas ir kiek liūdnokas pasakojimas apie prasmės paieškas ir kažkiek tų pačių prasmės paieškų beprasmybę.
Labai rekomenduoju, tai dabar mano mėgstamiausia knyga apie dviračių sportą ir transcendenciją, kitos tokios ko gero ir nėra.

[Adam Szypula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely wonderful!

Hibbard does a great job of offering an introductory philosophy course, a meditation on his time as a pro during a troubling era of the sport, and a reflection on what it all means from a recent ride along Highway 1 with friends. The three-pronged narrative keeps things moving nicely and I never felt bogged down at all.

It's certainly not your traditional sports memoir, but it's all the better because of that. It's a very human story without the sugar coating.

I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of Western philosophy and how it tied in directly to events in his life. The ideas certainly become alive on these pages.

Overall, if you've read reviews elsewhere and are thinking about it, give it a read.

August 2025: It's even better on the third reread.

[Joe Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I never knew her, but I knew the aftermath. Sending ripples through the decades and across generations, once someone in a family takes their life, suicide becomes an option in a way that it otherwise never would have been - one possibility among others.” pp.236-237

[Gediminas Kontrimas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knyga - pavyzdys, kad bet kokia žmogiška veikla gali būti ne tik judėjimas erdvėje, bet ir turininga dvasinė kelionė.

[Jacob Marker · Rating 3 out of 5]

An introduction to existentialism course cosplaying as a cycling memoir.

Big Takeaways:
- Cycling is cool
- Nihilism is a bummer

[Marcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Aran Chandran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells three narratives of the author, his autobiographical story getting into professional cycling, his delving into the lenses of philosophy to make sense of the world post athlete and his mid life reclamation via a multi day cycling trip with his two friends. Downshifting and weaving between them like a well service bicycle.

A book that starts of as an intellectual exploration of a physical activity slowly melds into an emotional understanding of life. It does not however teach you how of cycling. It does attempt at why, but I don’t think it arrives at a conclusive answer instead something far more cathartic is felt.

[Jose Ricardo Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is much more than bicycling!
It covers philosophy, mental health, family values, friendship, love for nature and many other topics.
If you love cycling and are interested in philosophy it is a must read book! If you love California and the highway 1, you will picture the images described in the book.
There could also be other reasons why this book will catch your interest!

[Damien DeBarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on cycling, and living, ever written.

[Fredrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance, but without the engine, and with the philosophy part on steroids.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great walk-though of the classics of philosophy, which I have not really visited since college; coupled with a ride down the California coast, remembered from riding these familiar roads myself, from San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, and down. Some great insights in philosophy and cycling. Niche, but if you occupy that niche, or even not, highly recommend. Checked this out from the library, but would love to own a copy to highlight and reread / refer back to.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really effective blend of memoir, cycling commentary, and history of philosophy. Engaging by being both entertaining and enlightening. Grammatical nails on a chalkboard from a frequent misuse of "comprised of" but that's partially a me problem.

#halfassedreviews

[Pablo Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An experience to read. A love letter to life, cycling, philosophy and love itself.

[James F · Rating 4 out of 5]

a blend of bicycling and philosophy; sometimes the philosophy got overwhelming, but I powered through it like Hibbard going up that steep driveway. Overall, a book that I am glad I read

[Eglė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knyga, kurią perskaičiau turbūt pačiu tinkamiausiu gyvenimo metu. Labai persismelkiau dviračių meile, nors dar nelabai moku juo važiuot. Radau daug bendrų taškų, minčių, ir šiaip knyga buvo labai artima, labai gera rast tokių bendrysčių. Na ir kaip nepaminėjus, kad daug sužinojau apie filosofiją ir egzistencializmą. Labai ačiū autoriui.

4.5 ⭐️

[Algirdas Purkenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a beautiful interesting journey. Also gave me an insight into someone who has a depression - not something that's easy to live with, and even harder to understand for someone who just wakes up with the happiness of 8/10.

Not for everyone, but I found many great gems.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. At first, it seemed a history of philosophy I was too familiar with, interspersed with meditations on various aspects of cycling. But by halfway through, as the story of James career unfolded along with the story of a multi-day riding trip taken as his older self reflecting on his past, the personal narrative became gripping.

The journey through racing cycling and then philosophy doesn't result in philosophy saving the day - something not hinted at by the blurb or early chapters. As both cyclist and holder of a PhD in philosophy, the journey resonated deeply.

A thoughtful book that improves as you go.

[Greg Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and promising exploration of philosophy and physical movement.

Full review at https://kinesophy.com/philosophy-move...

[Jessy Gleeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has helped me in understanding a different perspective of the exercise mentality. I definitely enjoy riding and running in a different way now that I've read James' book.

[Dalius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prieš Naujaką į mano rankas papuolė James Hibbard knyga "Dviračių menas". Pradėsiu nuo to, kad ji nėra skirta knygų neskaitantiems dviratininkams. Pvz. aš tikėjausi, kad tai bus lengvas skaitalas apie vaikinuką, kuris paauglystėje daug hardcore'inu, bet "nutikus gyvenimui" atsisveikino su didžiuoju sportu, ir tradiciškai, užaugus pilvukui bei nukritus plaukams, vėl užsilipo ant plieninio (karboninio) draugo.

Tai va, nė velnio ne taip 😀

Aš sakyčiau, tai rimtas filosofinis traktatas, galbūt ne visai R. Musil "Žmogus be savybių" ar T. Mann "Daktaras Faustas" sunkumas, bet tikrai ir ne Coelho ar L. Gounelle "Dievas visada keliauja incognito" lengvi buitiniai pafilosofavimai.

Knygoje autorius griebia jautį už rangų ir savo asmeninę patirtį bei dviračių požiūrį supjausto po gabaliuką per visą įmanoma filosofijos spektrą.

Prisipažinsiu, ne vieną ir ne du sakinius skaičiaus po kelis kartus, kad bent galėčiau sau pameluoti, kad kažką supratau 😀

Kalbant paprastai, žmogus per filosofijos prizmę papasakoja savo istoriją, pasidalina įžvalgomis ir patirtomis emocijomis. Tad ši knyga, manau, kad turėtų patikti visiems, kurie kartas nuo karto paima rimtesnę literatūrą į savo rankas ir tiems, jurie nori pajusti sporto ir filosofijos pynę.

Asmeniškai aš į sportą žiūriu taip pat tam tikru filosofiniu kampu. Tai padeda suprasti save, kitus. Tai padeda nepamesti kelio. Tai leidžia kitiems parodyti pačius įvairiausius sporto, kaip vyksmo, aspektus.

Vietoje pabaigos žodžio, brūkštelėsiu citatą iš knygos. Bent jau aš norėčiau pasiginčyti su autoriumi, nors drįsčiau ir pasiginčyti.

Citata: "Dviračių sportas, netgi labiau negu kitos sporto šakos, visada fetišavo skausmą. Ne tik fizinio krūvio keliami sopuliai, bet ir avarijų skausmas, plikinančios vasaros kaitros ir stingdančio lietaus kęsmas."

Ką manot jūs? Sutinkate?

[RubberDuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book interested in back-of-the-pack, domestique-type, never-famous type of cycling accounts, and finished it with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I found the author's absolute candour to be admirable: I look back at my life and I can see a similar although opposite type of trajectory towards cycling/sports in general, and I could feel a lot of empathy when the author disclosed (SPOILER-----------------------------------------------) the full extent of his mood disorder, without holding back anything. On a purely cycling level (which is what brought me to this book initially), some of the insights were genuine and interesting (example, what is the experience of a sprinter in a race). On the other hand, some of the many pages devoted to philosophy were just excessively long and soporific - I understand the author was trying to explain the role cycling had (or not) in his life through the history of philosophy, but that was just too much for this type of book, and I always found those pages to be overly tedious.
Eventually, it's because of the author's candour and not too dissimilar personal trajectory that I am giving 4 stars instead of 3.

[Silviu Bădic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not about cycling. It’s about philosophy and how the thinking of humanity through 2500 years can help us find meaning in a modern and overwhelming world. Because philosophy can help you look in the deepest pits of your mind and find an answer. That doesn’t mean the answer is good nor bad. It’s just is. Just like you. Just like me. We are. And if you love cycling you are a little more then other people. And feel more. And taste more. And find joy in more things. This is what the book is all about. To find joy in what you are doing and in you. I know I did found my joy through cycling, but if you don’t, that’s ok. You will find joy reading this. And I’m sure that you have things going on that gives you joy even if you don’t know it now. And above all, this book shows us that we are not alone. What we feel now, if we are low, or depressed, or fighting for air, we are not alone. We will never be alone. And we have the testament of philosophy to that. In 2500 years of philosophy showed in this book, this idea stands out. We. Are. Not. Alone. We. Think. The. Same. We. Are. The. Same. I hope you enjoy this book and also, I hope you enjoy taking the bike for a nice ride out.

[Drunken McNulty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for this one.
I love cycling but have almost no clue about philosophy. James Hibbard is a former professional cyclist who studied philosophy after his sporting career. He also battles with depression.
A three day cycling trip with two or his best friends is the read line in this part autobiography part philosophical reader.
Each chapter is divided into a short journal of their trip, some autobiographical part of his cycling career and a philosophical lecture.
Beside the name of the bog ones ( Socrates, Heidegger, Nietzsche etc.), I know almost nothing about philosophy and felt a bit lost in these parts.
I think I would have appreciated this book more if I had a base knowledge in philosophy.

[Peter Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a great read, but not for everyone.
A book written by a former cyclist who is a philosopher can only turn into a dark, depressing piece of work, and that is what this is. Hibbard has woven his journey along the California coastline with two former cycling buddies, with the history of philosophy and his own battle with his view of 'reality'.
Because at its core it is a journey in the mind of the author, and less about pedaling a two-wheeled machine, it is a terrific book indeed, regardless of your interest in philosophy.
Take the journey and open your mind.

[Simon Dunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tour through the fundamentals of Western philosophy and the scenic coastline of Northern California. The reflections on sport and personal drive have relevance far beyond cycling, speaking to the roots of youthful exuberance and human determination more generally. I found it a relatable and nostalgic trip through early adulthood and the experience of aging, causing me to pause and reflect on my own life with every page.

[Adam Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three separate stories wrapped into one; past, present, and a philosophical journey. Admittedly the philosophy portions got a bit difficult for me to read, especially as someone who has not background in reading philosophy, but there were definitely thought provoking ideas and points of reflection that made it interesting. Overall I would recommend, but be prepared for a fairly in depth philosophical read more so than a bike story.

[Sonata Ylsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuostabi knyga!
Tik vertimas vietomis gan griozdiškas:
“Priešais mus horizonte tarp medžių iškyla į akis krintantis rūdijantis apleistos cemento gamyklos mažame Davenport (Davenport) miestelyje siloso bokštas, pranešantis, kad liko paskutinė valanda iki Santa Kruso”.
“Raudona šviesa persijungia į žalią, ir įsitaisome seno mikroautobuso su rūdimis aptekusiomis ratų arkomis paliekamame oro sraute”.