Cycling's vast history is a fascinating mix of gripping sporting moments, inspired pursuits and a whole host of heroes, hellions and legend-makers. A Year in the Saddle travels through the calendar year, each day telling a single cycling story: from the death of the great Fausto Coppi, through to the dominance of Sir Chris Hoy on the veoldrome track. It takes in the highest peaks of the Tour de France and the flats of Flanders, as well as celebrating the history of the bike itself.ÿ Cycling writer Giles Belbin brings together the most important, memorable and intriguing moments of this wide and varied history. With striking and beautiful illustrations by artist Daniel Seex, each inspired by the stories told,ÿA Year in the Saddle is a sporting treasure trove of human virtue, vice and cycling trivia. ÿ ÿ

Lisa’s on the trail ride of her life! Lisa Atwood and Carole Hanson are going to the Bar None Ranch to see their friend Kate. Of course, the Bar None means horses, but this year there’s also a cool archaeological dig going on nearby, and the girls are frequent visitors to the site. They’re having a perfect trip–and what better way to enjoy it than with a bareback midnight trail ride to watch a meteor shower? On the trail ride, Carole falls seriously ill, and Lisa has to leave her to get help. But there are other people out in the desert that night, and they don’t want Lisa to go anywhere. Now Lisa must ride for her life–and Carole’s.

It's Thanksgiving time at Pine Hollow Stables, and the three members of the Saddle Club have each decided to do one good deed to celebrate the holiday. Stevie has offered to do some chores around the stable; Carole's invited stuck-up Veronica diAngelo to Thanksgiving dinner; and Lisa isn't sure what her generous act will be until she realizes that there's a special horse at Pine Hollow who really needs her.

If only the Pine Hollow girls could be as good at relationships as they are at riding horses After scoring well on the PSATs, Carole is finally getting some of the privileges back from before she was grounded. Even though she can’t work or see her friends as much as she used to, her dad is letting her go to Pine Hollow four days a week, which means she gets to see Ben. Since returning from California, Lisa and Alex haven’t been the same. They decide to take a “break” from their relationship, but what does that really mean? Meanwhile, Stevie’s first assignment on the school paper is about marriage. It’s not exactly hard-hitting journalism, but she just may learn a thing or two about romance while writing it.

A troubled girl and a damaged horse find each other, and against all odds — mistaken identity, abandonment, corruption, and fraud — make an unbeatable team. His name is Sundancer, and from the moment he arrives at Saddle Creek Farm, Bird is fascinated by him. The horse is suspicious and guarded, touchy, and even cruel. Bird’s Aunt Hannah calls him “unrideable,” and Bird has to admit that Sundancer might be trouble. But Bird, whose mother left her to be raised by her aunt halfway across the country, is a bit of trouble herself. How else would you describe a girl who hasn’t spoken since she was six, and hears things no one else can hear — like the thoughts of the animals she befriends? Sundancer is a wounded horse with a story he’s not ready to share. Bird starts to feel like, maybe, they aren’t so different, and maybe she needs him as much as he needs her. Will she be able to reach him before it’s too late?

When one of Pine Hollow's students makes a terrible mistake, causing a tragic accident, Carole is done with riding forever. Unless Stevie and Lisa can remind her what friendship and the Saddle Club are all about.