It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life

Rating:
Summary: More than inspiring
Review: As a triathlete I've always been interested in Lance the cyclist (who used to be a triathlete) and never really cared for Lance the man. In fact, there are few professional athletes that I care to understanding outside of their sports realm as they are usually arrogant. Though it is their arrogance that makes them such great athletes. That was until a friend recommended I read his book. Wow! His story of survival is truly an inspiration to us all. Forget about the 3 tour victories. Here is a man who understands that we need to cherish every moment we have and take life full force. Be it good or bad, this is the only life we have so make the best of it.

Rating:
Summary: A Must
Review: Unbelievable story. I have so much respect for what he went through and has accomplished. I did not put this down. I don't follow the sport, and this book is so much more than your usual athlete autobiography.

Rating:
Summary: It Really Isn't About the Bike
Review: This is an incredible story about an incredible person and his fight to beat overwhelming obstacles. It's much, much more than a book about a bicyclist and Lance's story will inspire all who read it!

Rating:
Summary: Riding in the rain
Review: Most people know little about the world of competitive cycling. Few of us can say the same about cancer. In this book you can learn a little about both. While Charles Barkley thankfully tells us that he is not a role model, Lance Armstrong thankfully embraces the opportunity. This is not the book for you if you are looking for lots of details about cycling. It is the book for you if you want to read about the struggles and triumphs of an individual who happens to be the world's best cyclist. Something to think about while I ride in the rain.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Be A Quitter!
Review: If you think life is rough then read this book. This book will help you put life in an order of importance. Charish every person, every day, every moment. I came away with not a better knowledge of cycling but a strong focus on my life and what I want to accomplish. Remain focused and be strong. Dont be a quitter.

Rating:
Summary: Life - Cycle
Review: Lance Armstrong isn't a very interesting person. He's an athlete, who, before being struck by cancer, seemed to be exclusively immersed in his own sporting endeavours. There seemed to be nothing else in his life other than his very nice mum. Post-cancer add his wife, a son and a little more humility and wisdom. I've had the cancer brush with death in my 30s - my wife has recently undergone extensive chemo. I'm also a daily cyclist and Tour de France enthusiast. So I enjoyed the journey -envy for Armstrong's natural talent and his incredible resolve - engagement with his struggle against illness.
However I ended up thinking here was a pretty boring guy with little understanding of the world and with few interesting life experiences.
What prompted me to purchase the book was a fascination with how someone ravaged by chemotheraphy could less than two years later win probably the most gruelling sporting event in the world. There wasn't really much of an answer given - simply hard work and resolve. That's it. No magic potion, no special training techniques that we could all learn from.
So the conclusion is that Lance Armstrong is perhaps one of those rare athletes (in the pantheon inhabited by the likes of Tiger Woods, Ian Thorpe, Jesse Owen and Pele) who is so gifted and so focused that they end up making all their fellow competitors seem like minnows.
It's not a very dramatic story - but I guess the truth can be simple and basic. If Lance Armstrong was an interesting person he probably wouldn't have had the focus to be what he is - both as a cyclist and a survivor. He'd probably be dead.

Rating:
Summary: A truly unique book
Review: I had heard good things about this book and picked it up to keep me company on an airplane. I knew nothing about cycling, and a little bit about Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, TdF winner, etc. I didn't expect much. WOW. This book blew away my expectations. His story is incredible and an inspiration. Last year, we lost my fiancee's daughter to cancer and are familiar with the roller coaster cancer will put you on. The thing that kept this book so entertaining was the tone of it. This book could have been a conversation with Lance about what he'd been up to the past few years. It's a very light read given the heaviness of the subjects (cancer, chemo, childbirth). I have given this book (in audio) as a gift to my dad. That's how much I enjoyed it.

Rating:
Summary: It's about a vision...and hard work!
Review: This book helps put life in a healthy perspective. Actually, I picked up this book while I was in the midst of reading "The Survivor Personality." While the latter book is good, "It's Not About the Bike" masterfully shows what it's like to be not only a survivor...but a thriver. It helped me change my attitude about some challenges that really amounted to nothing more than "mole hills." The book tells more about what it has taken for Armstrong to succeed than some reviews have indicated. Yes, he has natural physiological advantages. But so do all professional athletes. Lance does not have physiological advantages over all of his competitors. The book shows that he has learned to plan, execute his plan...and work his butt off. Does this mean that Armstong has the personality that many people wish he had? No. And the rest of us have personality flaws, too. I much prefer to read about people--especially sports stars and other celebrities--as they are, not as we would like to idealize them. This makes the book's message (about what it takes to become a survivor) much more relevant to me. Most everyone will love this book. You don't have to be a bicycle rider or sports fan. Riding with Armstong down Alps road on a bike at 70 miles per hour...with only a few feet of visibility...moves you into a differernt world. Readers who are offended by occasional expletives are the only ones who should steer clear of this terrific book.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational!
Review: This book is a great read and Lance is quite an inspiration.. and yes, he can be slightly arrogant at times..but we all have our faults. I read this book in a day and have since reccommended it to family/friends. You won't be disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: Very well written, hard to put down!
Review: Lance Armstrong is a true American hero. He has conquered an international sport and he has conquered a disease that affects so many people. We all know someone who has or has had cancer and this story is a message of hope. He had about a 1% chance of survival when he was diagnosed. Yet, he was able to overcome the odds and he is now cancer free. He also details his mental struggle with cancer and the trauma of returning to life. Very compelling stuff. For anyone who has ever ridden a bike or watched the Tour de France he is an inspiration. The last chapters are his first hand account of the '99 Tour. Great Stuff!!!