Pro Cycling on $10 a Day: How Phil Gaimon Went from Fat Kid to Euro Pro in 10 Years
Pro Cycling on $10 a Day: From Fat Kid to Euro Pro
If you ever wondered what it takes to become a professional cyclist, or what it's like to live the dream (and nightmare) of racing at the highest level of the sport, then you should read Pro Cycling on $10 a Day: From Fat Kid to Euro Pro by Phil Gaimon. This book is not your typical cycling memoir. It's a hilarious, candid, and insightful account of Phil's journey from being a plump, grumpy, slumped on the couch gamer to being a lean, mean, racing machine in the European peloton.
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Phil Gaimon is not your typical pro cyclist either. He didn't start riding a bike until he was 16 years old, with the grand ambition of shedding a few pounds before going off to college. He soon fell in love with cycling and discovered he had a natural talent for it. He advanced so rapidly through the amateur ranks that he entered the pro peloton utterly ignorant of a century of cycling etiquette. He had to learn everything from scratch, from how to shave his legs to how to negotiate a better contract.
In this book, Phil shares his adventures and misadventures in road cycling, with a witty and self-deprecating style that will make you laugh out loud and root for him all the way. He also reveals the harsh realities and hidden secrets of pro cycling, with a refreshing honesty and transparency that will make you respect him even more. Whether you are a cyclist or not, you will find something to enjoy and learn from this book.
The Journey from Couch Potato to Pro Cyclist
Phil's journey from couch potato to pro cyclist was not easy or smooth. It was full of obstacles, setbacks, sacrifices, and surprises. He had to overcome his own doubts and fears, as well as the skepticism and criticism of others. He had to work hard and smart, with limited resources and opportunities. He had to deal with bad luck and bad decisions, as well as good luck and good decisions.
Phil started cycling in 2004, when he joined a local club in Atlanta, Georgia. He was overweight, unfit, and clueless about cycling culture. He wore baggy clothes, rode an old bike, and got dropped by everyone. But he didn't give up. He kept riding, learning, improving, and racing. He soon became one of the best amateurs in the country, winning races and earning respect.
Phil's amateur career was full of highs and lows. He had some amazing results, such as winning the U.S. national time trial championship in 2009. He also had some terrible experiences, such as crashing hard and breaking his collarbone in 2010. He had some great teammates and friends, who supported him and helped him grow as a cyclist and as a person. He also had some shady characters and enemies, who tried to sabotage him or take advantage of him.
Phil's dream was to become a pro cyclist and race in Europe, where the biggest and best races are held. He had to overcome many challenges and barriers to achieve that dream. He had to prove himself to the pro teams, who were reluctant to sign an unknown American with no experience in Europe. He had to find sponsors and supporters, who were willing to invest in his potential and help him cover his expenses. He had to adapt to a different culture and lifestyle, which were often unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
Phil finally got his chance to join the pro peloton in 2013, when he was recruited by Team Garmin-Sharp, a top-level team that is known for its anti-doping stance and its moneyball approach to cycling. Phil was thrilled and nervous, excited and scared. He was ready to take on the world, but he was also aware of the risks and uncertainties. He knew he had a lot to learn and a lot to prove.
The Reality of Pro Cycling
Pro cycling is not as glamorous or as easy as it may seem. It's a tough and demanding sport, that requires a lot of physical, mental, and emotional strength. It's also a complex and unpredictable sport, that involves a lot of strategy, tactics, and luck. It's a beautiful and rewarding sport, but it's also a cruel and unforgiving sport.
Phil experienced the reality of pro cycling firsthand, in his first season with Garmin-Sharp. He had to face some of the best cyclists in the world, who were faster, stronger, smarter, and more experienced than him. He had to ride some of the hardest races in the world, which were longer, steeper, rougher, and more dangerous than anything he had done before. He had to cope with some of the worst conditions in the world, such as extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and altitude.
Phil also had to deal with some of the common problems and challenges of being a pro cyclist. He had to endure injuries, crashes, illnesses, and fatigue, which affected his performance and health. He had to navigate team politics, contracts, media, and fans, which affected his relationships and reputation. He had to confront doping scandals, controversies, and rumors, which affected his morale and integrity.
Phil didn't let these difficulties stop him or break him. He used his humor, intelligence, and resilience to overcome them or cope with them. He also enjoyed the positive aspects of being a pro cyclist. He loved riding his bike fast and hard, pushing his limits and testing himself. He appreciated the beauty and diversity of the places he visited and raced in. He cherished the camaraderie and friendship of his teammates and fellow cyclists. He celebrated his achievements and successes, no matter how big or small.
Phil had some memorable moments and stories from his pro career. He won his first pro race in 2014, at the Redlands Bicycle Classic in California. He also finished second at the Tour de San Luis in Argentina that year, beating some of the top riders in the world. He rode his first Grand Tour in 2014, at the Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain), where he suffered a lot but also had some fun. He participated in some of the most prestigious races in cycling history, such as Paris-Roubaix (the Hell of the North) and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (the Old Lady).
The Lessons Learned from Pro Cycling
Pro cycling taught Phil many valuable lessons that he can apply to other aspects of his life. He learned about himself, about cycling, and about life in general. He gained knowledge, skills, wisdom, and perspective that he can share with others.
The Lessons Learned from Pro Cycling
Pro cycling taught Phil many valuable lessons that he can apply to other aspects of his life. He learned about himself, about cycling, and about life in general. He gained knowledge, skills, wisdom, and perspective that he can share with others.
Phil learned a lot about himself as a cyclist and as a person. He learned about his strengths and weaknesses, his passions and fears, his goals and values. He learned how to improve himself physically, mentally, and emotionally. He learned how to cope with pain, stress, and failure. He learned how to enjoy success, happiness, and fulfillment.
Phil learned a lot about cycling as a sport and as a culture. He learned about the history and traditions of cycling, the rules and etiquette of cycling, the science and technology of cycling. He learned how to ride fast and smart, how to train hard and smart, how to race well and fair. He learned how to work with his teammates and rivals, his coaches and managers, his sponsors and fans.
Phil learned a lot about life as a journey and as a challenge. He learned about the importance of having a dream and pursuing it, having a plan and executing it, having a backup plan and adapting to it. He learned about the value of hard work and perseverance, luck and opportunity, risk and reward. He learned about the meaning of success and failure, fame and obscurity, wealth and poverty.
Phil also learned some practical lessons that he can use in his post-cycling career. He learned how to write books and articles, how to host podcasts and events, how to create videos and content. He learned how to market himself and his brand, how to connect with his audience and his community, how to monetize his skills and his passion.
Conclusion
Pro Cycling on $10 a Day: From Fat Kid to Euro Pro is a book that will make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. It's a book that will inspire you to chase your dreams, whatever they may be. It's a book that will show you the beauty and brutality of pro cycling, the glory and misery of being a pro cyclist.
Phil Gaimon is not just a former pro cyclist. He's also an author, a comedian, a podcaster, a YouTuber, a Fondo host, an ordained minister, and more. He's a man who has lived his life on $10 a day, but has also lived his life to the fullest. He's a man who has shared his story with honesty, humor, and heart.
If you want to know more about Phil Gaimon and his adventures in cycling and beyond, you should check out his book Pro Cycling on $10 a Day: From Fat Kid to Euro Pro. You should also follow him on his social media channels , where he posts updates on his latest projects and challenges. You won't regret it.
FAQs
Where can I buy Phil Gaimon's book?
You can buy Phil Gaimon's book on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , or VeloPress . You can also find it at your local bookstore or library.
What are some other books by Phil Gaimon?
Phil Gaimon has written three other books: Draft Animals: Living the Pro Cycling Dream (Once in a While), Ask a Pro: Deep Thoughts and Unreliable Advice from America's Foremost Cycling Sage, and The Cycling Chef: Recipes for Getting Lean & Fueling the Machine.
What are some other projects by Phil Gaimon?
Phil Gaimon has many other projects besides writing books. He hosts podcasts , such as The Peloton Brief Podcast , Real Talent with Phil Gaimon , The Move Podcast , The Forward Podcast , The Adventure Stache , The Gravel Lot , The Marginal Gains Podcast , The Slow Ride Podcast , The Paceline Podcast , The Cycling Podcast , The Cyclingtips Podcast , The VeloNews Podcast , The Rouleur Podcast , The Zwift PowerUp Cycling Podcast , and The TrainerRoad Podcast . He also hosts events , such as Phil's Cookie Fondo , Phil's Malibu Gran Cookie Dough , Phil's Fondo in Atlanta , Phil's Fondo in Boulder , and Phil's Fondo in Tucson . He also creates videos and content , such as Worst Retirement Ever , Phil's Strava KOMs , Phil's Cookie Corner , Phil's Cookie Club , and Phil's Cookie Shop .
What are some of Phil Gaimon's records and achievements?
Phil Gaimon has set many records and achievements in his cycling career. He has won the U.S. national time trial championship in 2009, the Redlands Bicycle Classic in 2012 and 2015, and the USA Cycling Hillclimb National Championship in 2017. He has also finished second at the Tour de San Luis in 2014, and participated in the Vuelta a España in 2014. He has also set many Strava KOMs (King of the Mountain) on various climbs around the world, such as Mount Baldy, Mount Diablo, Mount Lemmon, Mount Evans, Mount Washington, Haleakala, Mauna Kea, and more.
What are some of Phil Gaimon's personal interests and hobbies?
Phil Gaimon has many personal interests and hobbies besides cycling. He loves cookies , which he eats as a reward for his hard work and as a way to connect with people. He also loves animals , especially his dog, Rupert , who he adopted from a shelter. He also loves comedy , which he uses to make people laugh and to cope with stress. He also loves reading , writing , traveling , cooking , gaming , and more.
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