Six-day races, record-breaking rides and renegade leagues are at the heart of this short fiction collection that explores women’s competitive cycling in the late Victorian era. Each of the stories focuses on a distinct racing event and the individuals who competed in them–like the indomitable Tillie Anderson, the lionhearted Victorine Reillo, the “positively bold” Rosina Lane, Lisette the trickster, and Gabrielle Étéogella the wrathful. Overcoming constant scrutiny, judgement, chauvinism, exploitation, and even danger, these racers pedaled their way into the annals of feminism, freedom, and cycling history.
A Will within a Wheel is available for purchase online now.
A Will within a Wheel is also available for purchase at Book City, Beaches location, in Toronto. It also also available for order on Amazon, Indigo, Barnes & Nobles (see links below). Be sure to check out the portfolio of illustrations accompanying A WILL WITHIN A WHEEL.
PRAISE FOR A WILL WITHIN A WHEEL:
I am so pleased with the story [about Tillie Anderson]–it could be a book in and of itself! I appreciate how well you portray her character, work ethic, morals and athletic ability. You nailed it! The stories I heard my mother tell about her character seemed to be spot-on with how you described her. It also felt to me that you somehow knew Tillie as well, and I’m so grateful to you for capturing her essence in the book. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for preserving and promoting my aunt Tillie’s racing accomplishments in your book. Your incredible work brings her to life and for that I am very grateful.
Alice Roepke, Great Niece of Tillie Anderson
I enjoyed reading A WILL WITHIN A WHEEL. This is a well researched study of women racing on the track and road during the first bicycle boom during the late 1890’s. Apparently not much has changed for women to today.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next volume.
Peter J. Leiss, Randonneurs Ontario
Following women’s racing after the launch of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift ? Wondering about the REAL history of the women’s race? If so, T.R. Ormond’s book A Will within a Wheel is for you. Tracing the roots of women’s racing in a series of races in the 1890s across the globe from London to Minneapolis and St. Petersburg, Ormond brings to life the upstart beginnings of women’s racing and the larger than life characters and rivalries. An eye-opening and jaw-dropping exposé of women’s racing in sport and in life. Brilliantly researched and beautifully illustrated by the author. Edwin Wong, Author of The Risk Theatre Model of Drama and When Life Gives You Risk, Make Risk Theatre and Organizer of the Risk Theatre Modern Tragedy Competition.
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A Will within a Wheel 