R.I.P. Richard Ballantine

[blkmcs]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/ ... hard-grant" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ausrandoman]

RIP. His book got me started and taught me enough bike maintenance to undertake remote area tours so I owe him a lot of knowledge and enjoyment.

[Pax]

Sad to hear that bit of news

An old battered, dog eared, grease covered 34 year old copy of his book sits beside much newer "Zinn" books in my workshop.

Loved reading that book all those years ago and many times since.

[grantw]

Oh no, I loved his books. Very sad.

[hiflange]

72! So young! A very sad day. He did more for cycling than any racer IMO. Richard's Bicycle Book was the only book about bikes that I had for about 30 years. His passion and interest still leap off the page. His focus on day to day use still managed to inspire. His wonderful suggestion, to those who didn't think exercise improved thinking, to ride around the block and reconsider will always be with me. And of course, the famous "other" use for a bicycle pump... a colourful idea, I wonder if he actually ever put it into practice?

[pacra]

Still have his book,somewhat battered, 30 years on.

[il padrone]

Oh no! Sad to hear. Richard Ballantine's book did more to get me organised in cycle commuting, touring and general mechanical 'have-a-go' awareness than any other publication or person ever did.

Never forgot his rather disturbing piece on how to deal with dogs.... to the ultimate, due to his US experiences