biographies

"Heft on Wheels" tells the story of how a man resolves to get his life in order, via a bicycle. Mike weighs in over 255 pounds, chain smokes, and spends 3-4 nights a week getting drunk. Mike admits he tends to become obsessive about whatever he does (smoking, drinking, eating), and decides to turn this tendency into something healthful-cycling. Mike begins to live off protein shakes and 300 miles per week on the bike. One year later he has lost about 80 pounds and finds he has transformed his life, although not necessarily for the better. In the process of becoming obsessive over his cycling, Mike feels he may have sacrificed some aspects of his teaching career, and pushed the limits with his marriage and family obligations. The Kafka, Camus, and Beckett references are minimal and fit the narrative, despite Publisher Weekly's negative comments. This book is a great read for cyclists over 40 and should not be approached as a guide to professional cycling, dieting, or training. It is however very motivating and has inspired me to crank up the intensity level of my cycling workouts.

So one day a man decides to pick up cycling after a long hiatus, and discovers that if he wants to be a good cyclist, he has to give up drinking, smoking and overeating. But realizing this and doing this are two very different things. Heft on Wheels is a wonderful trip through one man's personal hell and back (that IS a picture of the author on the front cover). Ironically, Magnuson tells his tale in such an amusing, page-turning way, that it's almost as if you were hearing this very story sitting across from him at a bar. (Though, he'd have a diet soda in his hand instead of alcohol.) Inspiring, but not a diet book; funny, but with an intellectual appeal; amusing, but not trite, this book will really touch any athletes who have struggled with their vices.

Firstly, if you enjoy recreational cycling, you will most likely find some part of this book which speaks to you. It's a quick read with large print, so bring it to the pool this summer and enjoy. Aside from that, what I took away from Magnuson's "Heft on Wheels" was how lucky I am that I am not in denial the way he was and continues to be. This is the story of a guy who totally abused his 40 year old body with alcohol and food (and he still doesn't come out and admit he's an alcoholic) who then trades one obsessive behavior (drinking) for another (cycling). He completely ignores his wife and children to selfishly spend time on his bike, which he rationalizes and justifies in the name of getting healthy. Mind you, I am proud of the author for doing so (getting healthy), and it takes a lot of will power to go through the changes that he has. But knowing as many "addicts" as I do, I read the book from a different vantage point, and the pages drip with someone in denial. The book does not end with optimism, though it would seem that way. Being semi auto-biographical, I would like to have seen Magnuson get at the real root of his problems which led him to drink the way he did, or else he will find that one day, cycling will no longer provide that "siren song" that it has to date. I know. I was there too.