Book says cycling ideal for longevity

In "Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100" (Avalon Press, $16.95), authors Roy Wallack and Bill Katovsky lay out a premise that says cycling -- with its combination of fun, ease, travel, social interaction, joint-gentleness and physical challenge -- is the ideal sport for longevity.

Last update: October 30, 2007 - 6:46 PM

As Wallack puts it, cycling is a panacea that can help you "roll into the triple digits --miles and age -- on a bike instead of in a wheelchair."

The book, a manual of sorts organized in digestible articles, sidebars and lists, offers how-to exercises and riding advice. (Wallack writes on health for the Los Angeles Times; Katovsky founded Triathlete magazine.)

On the longevity front, there's an "antiaging strength plan" to revive reaction time, methods for avoiding back cramping and injury while riding, and advice on cycling and its effects on osteoporosis.

Bonus: The book includes interviews with aging stars of the sport such as Mike Sinyard, founder of Specialized Bikes, mountain-bike pioneer Gary Fisher and adventure cyclist John Howard, who might just be proving the authors' premise to be true.

STEPHEN REGENOLD