Michael Barry Talks About His New Book

Canadian professional bike racer Michael Barry, has been making his mark in the European peloton for a number of years and now he has put pen to paper for his latest book, Le Metier. This book is a joint effort between Barry and Rouleur photographer Camille McMillan.

Barry wrote on his web site where the inspiration for his third book came from:
At the top of the mountain I pulled over and sent Camille an SMS. “I think we should work on a book that will tell the story of a pro cyclist’s life. The book will follow him through the year. With your photos and my words I think we can tell a story that hasn’t been told and give people an understanding of what the life of a pro cyclist is all about.” Moments later he wrote back. “I’m in.”

I caught up with Barry in between recovering from his early season racing schedule and gearing up for his next race to talk about his book.

How do you juggle writing a book with a full-time racing career, not to mention being a husband and dad?
Writing is something I enjoy and find relaxing, so I make the time to do it. I don’t watch TV or play video games, so use my spare time in the evenings to write.
What has writing this book taught you about yourself? your sport?
I find I am more perceptive and can analyze the race better. Writing down what I have experienced has also helped me understand why I am so attracted to cycling and why I have devoted a good portion of my life to it. It seems to focus my thoughts and also helps me to see the greater picture.
This is your third book, was this one easier to write than the first? Why or why not?
Yes and no. I had no idea what I was getting into when I agreed to write the first book. It was a great experience but also ended up being slightly stressful as I procrastinated and ended up battling deadlines. With Le Metier, I took my time and had a better idea of where I wanted to go with it. I worked on refining my style and I think my work has progressed as a result.
Who do you expect to buy your book?
Hopefully, everybody. The idea was to tell the story of a professional cyclist using photos and prose. We (Camille McMillan, the photographer and I) wanted the book to appeal to both someone who knows little about the sport and someone who has ridden for decades. The book is unique in its structure, aesthetically appealing and hopefully, something people will want to hold on to.
What message do you want your readers to take from this book?
That cycling is a beautiful sport which can push the human to extremes where he/she can attain the sublime.
Words and bikes seem to fit together quite nicely for you – do you see a future as a cycling writer/journalist/commentator once you hang up the helmet?
Perhaps, but at the moment I am committed to racing while writing is more of a hobby. Combining them in the future makes sense as I love both. There are certainly some more writing projects I would like to work on in the future as there are many stories to tell and moments to describe.

Barry’s previous books include Inside the Postal Bus and with his wife Dede Demet Barry and exercise physiologist Dr. Shannon Sovndal, Barry co-wrote Fitness Cycling. Barry is also a popular columnist on Velonews.com and the New York Times.

Le Metier is available for pre-order now from the Rouleur web site, with orders being shipped on April 29.