I would like to do some reading ... any suggestions?

there are none? sad. there should be. how about books then with (good) sections on the topic?

Amazon...

No Brakes! (http://www.amazon.com/Brakes-Bicycle-Racing-United-States/dp/0964524309/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-4086843-3691000?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1184679229&sr=8-1)

There is a reat biography about Major Taylor, aptly named just that. Can't think of the author at the moment but if you have trouble finding it, I will search for the author.

It talks more of his legacy, and the racism he found, but also talks about the early days of track racing.

I think there's a book that just came out about six-day racing in the US in the early 1900's, too. Haven't read it, so I don't know if it's good or not, but it looked good to me.

and here's a link to it on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Six-day-Bicycle-Races-Americas-J***-age/dp/189249549X/ref=sr_1_1/002-5094832-8344035?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185248765&sr=8-1

"One Gear, No Breaks" is a good read about the struggles of Lori-Ann Muenzer's climb to Olympic Gold.

there is one that I have but no cover and in peieces that covers all aspect of racing, traing etc.

I will try and remember the name and I have a Japanese book on track and Keirin racing, same as above but more detail in bicycle repain and maintence.

S/F,
CEYA!

thanks for responses everyone ... could you remember that name ceya??

I have a copy of "No Brakes." It's good, with TONS of information, but it's very 1990s. Marty Nothstein was just coming up when it was published.

I really enjoyed Major Taylor: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer (http://www.amazon.com/Major-Taylor-Extraordinary-Champion-Bicycle/dp/0801853036/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-7777643-7461744?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186765697&sr=8-1) and am hoping to pick up that six-day races book soon.