Jim Joyce thought it was time for a celebration of the bicycle by people who love to ride.
And that was well before gasoline prices soared to $4 a gallon.
"The Bicycle Book: Wit, Wisdom & Wanderings" (Satya House, 149 pages, $14.95, www.bikebook.net) arrives, though, during an economic period when the old mode of transportation seems to be gaining new acceptance.
Joyce, a long-time enthusiast and founder of the Bicycle Exchange online magazine and resource, will share that enthusiasm in a free program at 7 p.m. Monday at Springdale Free Public Library.
He will be joined by Bradley Swink of Springdale, a bicyclist who contributed stories, narratives, humor and cartoons to the book.
Springdale's Maurice Tierney, founder of Dirt Rag magazine and considered by some a pioneer in bicycling journalism, also is referenced in a chapter looking at the future of the sport.
"This book is a tribute to one of the finest, most efficient, most useful machines ever invented," says Joyce, who lives in Emsworth with his wife, West Deer native Paulette Kurtiak Joyce.
Joyce says it is not necessary to be an avid cyclist to enjoy the book.
"If you've ever ridden a bike or never have and are considering doing it, you will find something to smile about in this collection," he says.
The book looks at the bicycle and riding from many perspectives, including riding on trails, roads, touring, racing, cruising around the block and even stationary biking.
"I like that the book touches on so many aspects of the bike, including mechanics, racing, training, etc.," says Swink, a former triathlete who won the first bike race he ever entered, one of the Tour de StrongLand races through the Alle-Kiski Valley.
"Brad will be reading his classic true story 'Greasy Food, Dress Socks and the Mountains,' " Joyce says. "It captures the ups and downs, literally, of a training day in the Laurel Highlands alongside former world-champ triathlete Mac Martin."
Swink hopes the community comes out to toast this book.
"It's amazing what Jim did to put it together," he says.
Joyce graduated from Penn State in 1984 with an English writing degree, then received a graduate degree in education for the visually handicapped from Pitt in 1987.
A mobility instructor for the blind, he intends to donate 15 percent of the book's royalties to three charities: The League of American Bicyclists, Soldier Ride and The United States Association of Blind Athletes.
"For infrequent and nonbikers, I hope it opens their eyes to a wonderful, lifelong fitness opportunity and great way to see the neighborhood and world. It's my chance to spread the good word on cycling to readers everywhere," he says.
For those already love bicycling, he hopes it gives them a chuckle, a pat on the back and inspiration to ride on.
"I want to spread that love of riding far and wide," he says.
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