Back in the Frame by Jools Walker

Who knew that a Pashley Princess and a word processor could be such a killer combination? Part memoir, part guide, Back in the Frame is a thought-provoking and down-to-earth book to inspire not only the would-be-cyclist, but any reader who has felt the fear about anything and not yet done it anyway.

• Pros: Testament that, with a little effort, amazing things can happen
• Cons: Seasoned riders will occasionally be re-learning the basics

In her debut book, award-winning blogger Jools Walker (aka Lady Vélo) takes us back to her green trike days and the origins of her relationship with cycling, along with the barriers that contributed to her stepping away from the saddle – including getting the message that it's a boy's game, to being on the receiving end of creepy cat calls.

But when she combines her first word processor with her first bike as an adult, Walker finds the strength to face her fears and get back in the frame. At first, her gaze is firmly fixed on the chic, city side of cycling rather than road and Lycra – in her blog from 2010 she muses 'Lycra outfits (no thanks)' – but in dedicating herself to pedalling and writing about it, an unexpected journey begins to unfold.

Eventually, cycling facilitates not only Walker's personal and professional growth but, joyfully, also gives her a platform far beyond the blog to address the issue of 'you can't be what you can't see' – so long as she can be brave enough to accept the extraordinary opportunities as they present themselves to her.

Since we follow Walker from cycling hiatus to getting to grips with fears of the open road and beyond, it's no surprise that wannabe or new cyclists will likely get the most from reading Back in the Frame. But well-versed roadies who already know all this stuff, listen up. As well as encouraging the cycling novice to get in the saddle, reading Back in the Frame can't help but invite the seasoned rider to revisit their own journey and reignite latent memories as pages are turned.

> Buyer's Guide: 33 of the best books about cycling

The established cyclist can enjoy a trip down memory lane as Walker's bike collection grows, and pause to consider why they started cycling and what it means to be a 'proper' cyclist in the first place. In this way, Back in the Frame offers a breath of fresh air in an industry obsessed with data and aesthetics.

The real beauty in this book, though, is not simply the process of discovery, but the way Walker handles the big stuff: from the lack of women of colour in the cycling industry to struggles with mental health. Back in the Frame's hopeful and inspiring nature shines through with Walker's willingness to square her shoulders when life throws curveballs – and is further strengthened by her accounts of female trailblazers from whom we hilariously learn the term 'flap mash', and hear that it's perfectly possible to cycle solo across the Middle East and return in one piece despite society's fears of women travelling alone.

Admittedly, it's all too easy to throw the word inspiring around these days, but this is no flash-in-the-pan Insta-scrolling moment where you fleetingly find yourself wanting to own a kaftan or do a headstand on Machu Picchu. In Back in the Frame, inspiration catches you unawares because it's subtly reflected back at you through Walker's determination, honesty and passion in the face of nagging self doubt.

In the end, this book serves as a reminder that resonates far beyond cycling – that fear of criticism or not belonging can stop us dead in our tracks, and that we must look right at it and keep pedalling anyway.

Verdict

A joyful dose of inspiration that every cyclist, from rookie to randonneur, can take something valuable from