With Le Tour making its Grand Depart for the 101st time over here in Yorkshire, The Simple Things looks at the biggest annual sporting event in the world - the Tour de France.
Unlike golf, rugby or rowing, where we may have no experience of actually doing it to appreciate just how damn hard it is, we've all pushed our personal pain barrier on two wheels. We know about straining up a steep hill and the joy of freewheeling down the other side. Magnify that effort, the distance, the time in the saddle and we begin to understand the superhuman feats performed by men so lithe they shiver the moment the sun goes in.
We all know about the drugs, the cheats, the problems. But the history of the Tour de France reveals touching, courageous stories of human endeavour. Turn to page 72 of July's The Simple Things for editor Lisa Sykes' look at tales of derring-do from the biggest annual sporting event in the world.
Inspired to get cycling? It's the perfect excuse to go shopping - have a look at our top cycling accessories, or read tips on buying a vintage bike from Mollie Makes.
And don't forget to enter our competition to win Dawes bicycles for you and your family!
Not got July’s The Simple Things yet? Buy or download your copy now.
