Vitesse Press | Acorn Publishing
Circa 2003-2012
For a number of years this was the website for Vitesse Press and Acorn Publishing.
Content is from the site's 2003-2012 archived pages.
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About Vitesse Press and Acorn Publishing
Vitesse Press, formed by Barbara George in Brattleboro, Vermont, soon grew into a successful publisher of bicycle racing books and the magazine, Velo-News. Dick Mansfield began Acorn Publishing in New York State in the mid-eighties as a vehicle for his first three self-published books, "Runner's Guide To Cross Country Skiing," Skating on Skis," and "Vermont Mountain Biking." Mansfield purchased Vitesse Press in 1995 and merged it with Acorn Publishing.
One of the hallmarks of our history has been the success of first-time authors. Fit and Pregnant by Joan Marie Butler went through ten printings and is now completely revised for a new edition. Cycling Along The Canals of New York State by Louis Rossi was just released in a new edition.
What's New
New Releases for 2003
Bicycle Road Racing
Complete Program For Training and Competition
by Edward Borysewicz
(1980-84 U.S. Olympic Cycling Coach)
Now back in print. This classic is on every serious racer's bookshelf.
Here is the complete road racing program of U.S. National Coaching Director Edward Borysewicz. He led the U.S. Cycling team to an unprecedented 9 Olympic medals in 1984, and now you too can benefit from the same instruction he has given to America's best riders.
We have signed a contract with author Heidi Hill for a new book tentatively titled "Fit Families -- infant to toddler." It is scheduled for Fall 2007.
Our blog is up and running.
Fit & Pregnant has undergone a major revision and expansion and is selling well.
by Joan Marie Butler, RNC, CNM
Description: 7 " by 10"; 192 pages; fifty photos, extensive resource section, index.
Price $17.95
ISBN 0-941950-40-9
Completely revised and expanded, this book will help active women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy understand the tremendous changes that their body is experiencing and how they can continue to safely exercise before, during, and after their pregnancy. They will hear from women like themselves -- how they maintained their fitness during pregnancy and how they stayed fit after the baby Check it out.
Cycling Along The Canals of New York State has been completely revised and is selling well.
We did a complete revison of Canoe Racing which had been selling steadily for over a decade. Updated with new photos and information, paddlers are praising its content and layout.
Canoe Racing
The Competitor's Guide to Marathon and Downriver Canoe Racing
by Peter Heed and Dick Mansfield
Canoe Racing has been a staple of nearly every canoe racer for the last 12 years. It is now revised with updated photos and advice.
This book is packed with advice on technique, equipment, and racing tactics, Canoe Racing is the "bible" of marathon and downriver canoe racing. Both newcomers and experts will enjoy this thorough guide. Illustrated with action shots from across North America, it is designed for runners, cyclists, and skiers looking for a new sport; for recreational canoeists who may want to try a new sport; and for canoe racers who want to learn more about the subtleties of racing.
Acorn Publishing has just released a new title, Windgalore Farm, which describes how a small farm works as a loving grandfather recalls his childhood life for his grandchildren.
Rides To Try
For those who enjoy bike touring, here are some illustrated bike rides that you might like to try yourself.
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About Us
Vitesse Press is a Vermont-based company which publishes books on fitness and health topics. The name Vitesse (pronounced 'vee-tess'), which means "speed" in French, reflects our beginnings as a bicycle racing publisher. We think that it also represents the way we get ideas into print and book orders into customers' hands.
Back in the 1980’s, Dick Mansfield was a runner who fell in love with cross country ski racing and then wrote and self-published two books about it. “I did a lot of things wrong,” he said. “The first book was too long to fit on to a bookshelf and the second had a cover painting that was pretty amateurish. However, we got some good reviews and strong sales, and started looking for book projects by local authors.”
Mansfield was on a local cable channel running show about how to train for skiing along with a fellow runner/skier, Joan Marie Butler. Afterwards, walking to their cars on a snowy Syracuse evening, they talked about Joan’s idea for a book. An experienced nurse-midwife, a! mother, and a multi-sport athlete, Butler wanted to share her ideas of how to stay fit while pregnant. The resulting book, Fit & Pregnant -- The Pregnant Woman's Guide To Exercise, which was republished recently, has sold over 10,000 copies and is now available as an ebook.
“I publish books on sports and activities I’m interested in – skiing, canoe racing, mountain biking, cycling,” Mansfield notes. “It’s fun to work with first time authors and to share information with other athletes.”
Mansfield bought Vitesse Press and merged it with Acorn Publishing, his first business. He rejuvenated many of Vitesse’s cycling titles and began publishing new books under the Vitesse imprint. Several of the Vitesse Press long-time favorites: Bicycle Road Racing, Road Racing – Technique & Training, and Tales from the Bike Shop, are out of print but will soon be available as ebooks.
“As I get older,” the publisher says, “the book cartons seem to get heavier. I love selling ebooks – it’s good for my back and our bottom line. I’m excited about working with MindsetSports.
Vitesse Press’s next book is a new venture for them – the personal reflections of a runner who is a high school coach and a parent. It’s Not About Winning will be available in May.
Vitesse Press has focused on cycling, touring, canoe racing, fit family, and fit pregnancy titles in the past. We work with a number of associates including:
- Book Design -- Linda Mirabile Ravenmark
- Cover Design -- Jim Brisson JBGraphics
- Sales & Distribution -- Alan C. Hood
We enjoy talking to prospective authors, fellow publishers, and people interested in Vitesse Press publishing topics. Please browse through our titles, send us a book idea, or ask us a question. Right now, in spite of weak economy, we are looking for new projects, particularly regional titles. We are putting all new books on Kindle and other ebook systems.
About the Publisher
Dick Mansfield runs, hikes, cross-country skis, paddles a racing canoe, cycles, and enjoys running/hiking in his woods with his dog Penny. He cuts, splits, and stacks wood for exercise and to feed wood stoves. Indoors, he rows, lifts, and rides the wind trainer.
Other interests include social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn), birding, aviation (He flies a 1948 Luscombe), beekeeping, and grandchildren. Mary, his spouse of over four decades, is a great editor and supporter.
Contacting Us
Contacting us is relatively easy. Dick Mansfield works out of a home office partnering with a consortium of folks who write, edit, design, and sell Vitesse Press books. He enjoys talking with prospective authors and publishing peers. The office phone is 802-229-4243. His cell is 802-233-3874.
We are always looking for book projects. If you have a proposal that you think fits Vitesse's genre, please query us by email. Right now we are interested in regional health/fitness/recreation projects.
BLOG POSTS
Sunday, November 04, 2012
The Belgian Hammer
Dick Mansfield
Published on 28 October 2012
Hits: 269
Several years ago, I got a manuscript query from a cyclist/writer in Indiana with a proposal about young American cyclist trying to break into the top level of pro riding. He had first hand experience and had written a compelling story of the hardships of trying to make it as an elite cyclist. I was interested but he found another publisher.
I thought about the book during this year's Tour de France when Tejay Van Garderen and other young U.S. riders like Taylor Phinney, Tyler Farrar, and Ben King started making waves in Europe. Recently, with disqualification of Lance Armstrong and the conclusions that most cyclists that raced had to dope to be competitive, it was nice to think that the new generation of racers may have a cleaner sport and level playing field.
So it was a welcome surprise to get an email last week from the author, Daniel Lee, saying that he had ordered a copy of our latest book, It's Not About Winning, and bringing me up to date on his book, The Belgian Hammer. He noted that the book is doing very well and is in its third printing. He also mentioned his surprise, while he and his wife were watching the Tour de France one Sunday before church, when the NBC Sport Network roadside reporter started talking about the development of young American cyclists and then helped up a copy of his book and discussed it.
Daniel went on to say that the book has led to some amazing connections and experiences. If you are interested in the next generation of American cyclists, order it. You can also get it for the Kindle. Congratulations, Daniel.
Vegetarians Live Longer, Study Finds
Dick Mansfield
Published on 13 October 2012
Hits: 315
Some vegetarians can be awfully superior about the health benefits of their plant-based diet. What they might not know is they have the Adventist Health Study to thank.
In the '70s and '80s, a series of studies from Loma Linda University in California, which has tracked tens of thousands of Seventh-day Adventists since 1958, were the first to show that vegetarians live longer than meat eaters.
Not only that, the studies also indicated that the kinds of foods frequently consumed in vegetarian diets — fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes — can reduce a person's risk for diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, control body mass index and waist size, and boost brain health... (read whole Huffington Post article)
Adrenalin-Fueled Kayaking
Dick Mansfield
Published on 18 August 2012
Hits: 614
Early last evening, I took our Mississippi friend, Kevin, on a little kayaking jaunt to the nearby Wrightsville Reservoir. I haven't had the kayaks out all summer so it was good to have help loading up the boats on the top of the Ford pickup.
The weather was a little iffy but I had checked the weather radar several times and there was just some activity down around Albany so we headed out. The water was calm and there was no one on the reservoir as we headed north. Kevin is new to paddling and I haven't paddled all summer so we just piddled along enjoying the warm evening. I spotted a juvenile Great Blue Heron and a Belted Kingfisher and then spotted a little head swimming towards me. At first I thought it was a young beaver, then a mink or otter, but as it got close, I saw that it was a little red squirrel, paddling like crazy. It got about five feet from the kayak, turned around and headed right at Kevin's boat, detoured past that and headed toward shore. Never saw a squirrel swim before.
We got up to the northern end of the reservoir and were heading into the inlet creek when there was a rumble behind us. I thought, "I hope that's a truck" when Kevin said, "Did you hear that thunder?" We decided right then to play it safe and turn around -- and when we did, saw a threatening sky in front of us. It was "crank it up" time -- and we d
I had noted that Kevin's paddling was typical of a new paddler -- he was kind of dipping the paddles as we headed north. But now, as the thunder kept sounding, he was stroking it. I was paddling pretty hard -- we had a long ways to go -- and I kept focusing on planting the paddle, pulling up to it, and reaching ahead with the other blade -- keeping the splashing down. He was hanging right beside me.
About two-thirds back, we passed the beach where we could have landed and walked to the truck but we pressed on. The weather was not getting better as we finally reached the launch point. We were wiped out but it was dumb to stand in the open, panting, so we lugged the boats up to the truck, got the cockpit covers on, and together hoisted them on the truck as the rain got heavier. Of course, the kayak straps were uncooperative and the rain made things challenging but we got everything stowed, hopped in the cab, and the heavens opened up. It was one of those "cow pissing on a flat rock" downpours.
We headed home, knowing Mary would be worried, as the storm raged. I hoped that I had gotten all four straps on tightly as the rain and wind buffetted the truck. Then, as we approached our driveway (which was rutted from the deluge), the rain stopped and we arrived at the house with just a light mist.
Both Kevin and I got more of an aerobic workout than we had planned for but it was a good lesson in not messing around on water when there's a cold front coming -- in spite of what the radar says. Kevin has another good Vermont story to add to his repetoire -- all's well that ends well.
7 of the best running trails in America
Dick Mansfield
Published on 10 August 2012
Hits: 715
For most urban dwellers, running involves a game of chicken involving driveways, street crossings and the occasional bike rider. So it’s no surprise that many runners head for nature to enjoy lush vegetation, fresh air or scenic mountain views. If you prefer wildlife over wild drivers, here are seven running trails across the United States that offer happier trails.
(Text: Katherine Butler) Article is from the Mother Nature News Network
Country Walkers is one of the 30 best places to work
Dick Mansfield
Published on 06 August 2012
Hits: 536
Five years ago, Outside magazine embarked on a mission to find American companies that truly believe in work-life balance. They sought out successful businesses that allow people to pursue ambitious careers but also spend time with their families, give back to their communities, and fulfill their passion for adventure. And they found them. Lots of them. They have just released their new listing and a small Vermont company, just a few miles away, is 17th on their list. Congratulations to Country Walkers.
Here is what they say about Country Walkers:
Location: Waterbury, Vermont
Number of Employees: 20
Digs Casual, dog-friendly office with views of the Green Mountains.
Culture: People who are passionate about overseas travel—that’s who works at this specialized travel provider. A “late shift” policy allows for morning trail runs or ski turns at nearby Stowe Mountain Resort, and telecommuting is an option one day a week.
Sweet Perks: Travel abroad to experience all of the tours the company arranges, like eight-day trips to Crete or a 12-day trekking tour of Nepal.
The aches and pains of age
Dick Mansfield
Published on 05 August 2012
Hits: 736
This op-ed is by Bob Stannard, a lobbyist and author. The piece first appeared in the Bennington Banner and then was published by VTDigger.org.
If you are under 50 you probably don’t need to read this column; yet. Go read Gail Collins and save this one for another day.
For the rest of you, how are you feeling when you wake up in the morning? Your back aching just a little after playing softball yesterday or weeding your garden? How about those knees? Are they stiffer than they were just a couple of years ago? Are you assessing the various little (and not so little) aches and pains that seemed to have appeared overnight before placing one foot on that old shag carpet?
If the above scenario describes your early morning exit from your comfortable (or not) night’s sleep, join the club. It seems like from one day to the next the body begins the process of revolting and protesting just about everything that we used to do not so long ago. Pickup basketball games or backyard volleyball used to be the norm. Try playing V-ball after a few beers today and see what your body has to say about that tomorrow morning.
It’s all part of the aging process and it’s not the best part. We didn’t much like it when our molars came in, but we did rather like the time when we started to fill out a little bit. Then we filled out a little bit too much and that healthy mane of hair started to thin out a little; then abandon the head completely.
It’s funny how when the leaves go through a change we marvel at the magnificent colors they produce. You ever wonder if they are in excruciating pain while going through this metamorphosis. We humans go through physical changes without much fanfare and/or glory; just pain and plenty of it. There are many ways to deal with it using models and heros. I like the Batman example - he's always in pain and fights his way through it - that is a huge motivator for some. Sometimes clothes do make the man, and you'd be surprised at how the right wardrobe can help overcome fatigue. Get a Batman t shirt, hoodie, or sweatshirt and wear it like a uniform. The guy is always beat down, worn out, ready to collapse, but suddenly his center takes over and he steps forward to conquer. The karma can rub off on you if you can let Batman motivate you to push back against the tyranny of old age creeping over you. For me associating myself with the Dark Knight does wonders for my motivation, and there are so many shirts you can select from - it never gets old. Just looking at the designs on those awesome Batman t shirts (and other apparel) - Batman Begins, Batman Returns, Batman Trilogy are some that work for me - can get an extra mile out of you when running or biking or skiing or kayaking and the ancient muscles start to rebel. We can't help but age, but we can get our heads to help us!
There are those who see this process as a good thing. They are known as the pharmaceutical industry and they have developed a pill for just about each and every little ache and pain that your body can produce. Do you have a headache? There’s aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin, Aleve, ibuprofen and lord knows how many other brands, all of which come in a variety of strengths, some to be taken at night and others during the day. If things get super tough you can have a doctor prescribe oxycodone or codeine or morphine or whatever...
Read whole article from VTDigger
Waste-less New York City Marathon
Dick Mansfield
Published on 31 July 2012
Hits: 490
Change.org has launched a petition drive to reduce the New York City Marathon’s waste in coming years. Below is the text and a link to sign up.
"With over 45,000 participants and 2.5 million spectators, the ING New York City Marathon is one of the most iconic and widely watched sporting events in the world. It is celebrated. It is revered. It also generates a massive amount of waste.
In 2010 the NY Department of Sanitation reported that it collected 114.29 tons of litter, 6.34 tons of paper and 2.98 tons of metal, glass and plastic after the Marathon. In 2011, race organizers distributed a total of 237,200 free disposable plastic water bottles, and 2,300,000 paper cups were handed out during the race. This is in addition to the thousands of plastic bags, disposable heat shields and other waste generated by the race. In all, the waste generated from free marathon disposables alone could fill seven Olympic-sized swimming pools.
We love the race and espouse its goals and message, yet we would love to see the race become more sustainable by reducing its waste. For inspiration, we need to look no further than a similar marathon held just north of Manhattan with the same race sponsor; the ING Hartford Marathon, which is carbon neutral and has earned the Gold certification from the Council for Responsible Sport. They have initiated many waste reduction steps that could be adopted in New York City.
We are petitioning both ING and the NY Road Runners to reduce the New York City Marathon’s waste in coming years. The NY Road Runner’ mission is "advancing the sport of running, enhancing health and fitness for all, and meeting our community’s needs" and we believe that keeping our environment in mind is essential to meeting those goals. For 2012, 2013, and beyond, let's create a more sustainable New York City Marathon!"
Adirondack Canoe Classic - a classic challenge
Dick Mansfield
Published on 02 August 2012
Hits: 658
Every September since 1983, paddlers of all ages and abilities have been gathering with boats of all different shapes and sizes to take part in a quintessentially Adirondack event.
Beginning in Old Forge and ending in Saranac Lake, the Adirondack Canoe Classic, commonly referred to as the Ninety-Miler, leads participants through some of the most scenic waterways of the Adirondack Park. The three-day race encompasses all kinds of water, from big lakes to narrow streams, and requires more than five miles of carrying.
The Truth About Sports Drinks
Dick Mansfield
Published on 29 July 2012
Hits: 797
Prehydrate; drink ahead of thirst; train your gut to tolerate more fluid; your brain doesn’t know you’re thirsty—the public and athletes alike are bombarded with messages about what they should drink, and when, during exercise. But these drinking dogmas are relatively new. In the 1970s, marathon runners were discouraged from drinking fluids for fear that it would slow them down, says Professor Tim Noakes, Discovery health chair of exercise and sports science at Cape Town University. At the first New York marathon in 1970, there was little discussion about the role of hydration—it was thought to have little scientific value.
So how did the importance of hydration gain traction? An investigation by the BMJhas found that companies have sponsored scientists, who have gone on to develop a whole area of science dedicated to hydration. These same scientists advise influential sports medicine organisations, which have developed guidelines that have filtered down to everyday health advice. These guidelines have influenced the European Food Safety Authority, the EU agency that provides independent advice on the evidence underpinning health claims relating to food and drink. And they have spread fear about the dangers of dehydration.
Much of the focus on hydration can be traced back to the boom in road running, which began with the New York marathon. Manufacturers of sports shoes and the drink and nutritional supplement industries spotted a growing market.
One drink in particular was quick to capitalise on the burgeoning market. Robert Cade, a renal physician from the University of Florida, had produced a sports drink in the 1960s that contained water, sodium, sugar, and monopotassium phosphate with a dash of lemon flavouring.
Gatorade—named after the American Football team, the Gators, that it was developed to help—could prevent and cure dehydration, heat stroke, and muscle cramps, and improve performance, it was claimed.
The first experimental batch of the sports drink cost $43 (£28; €35) to produce but has spawned an industry with sales of around £260m a year in the UK alone—and consumption is increasing steadily.
“The buzz around sports and energy drinks is here to stay. This has remained the fastest growing sector in the UK soft drinks market in recent years,” an industry report suggests. In the US the market is even bigger. In 2009, forecasters, Mintel, valued it at $1.6bn, and the market is projected to reach $2bn by 2016.
The rapid rise in consumption is hardly surprising—sports drinks have the might of multinationals behind them. PepsiCo bought Gatorade in 2001 and both Coca-Cola and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have their own sports drinks—Powerade and Lucozade respectively. The companies are a partner and service provider, respectively, to the London 2012 Olympics.... by Deborah Cohen)
2011 Blog Posts
Advice for self-publishers: why should anyone care about your book?
"I get a lot of e-mail from writers starting out who want to know whether it’s worth trying to get published by major houses. The odds are poor – only a small fraction of books find a home in mainstream publishing – and the process can be slow and frustrating. We’ve all heard horror stories, both legit (‘‘Why is there a white girl on the cover of my book about a black girl?’’) and suspect (‘‘My editor was a philistine who simply didn’t understand the nuances of my work’’). And we’ve all heard about writers who’ve met with modest – or stellar – success with self-publishing. So why not cut out the middleman and go direct to readers? .... "
Posted by: Dick Mansfield
Sep 5, 2011
Could a simple magnesium supplement improve sleep?
Could a simple magnesium supplement improve sleep?
The USDA's Agricultural Research Service says it might:
"Can't sleep? You are not alone. Not being able to sleep, or insomnia, is a common complaint, especially among people older than 50. More than half of all people aged 65 years and older have sleep problems."
"Not surprisingly, lack of sleep is caused mainly by factors that are more common later in life, such as breathing problems, illness and medications. Yet, scientists have proved that poor sleep is not a natural part of aging."
"A factor getting more attention recently is poor nutrition. A low intake of the mineral magnesium may be one nutritional factor causing sleep problems. A low intake of the mineral magnesium may be one nutritional factor causing sleep problems."
"Magnesium plays a key role in the body's chemistry that regulates sleep. This may be why persons with long-term lack of sleep, or abnormal brain waves during deep sleep, often have low magnesium in their blood."
"Magnesium treatment increased deep sleep and improved brain waves during sleep in 12 elderly subjects. Magnesium treatment decreased time to fall asleep and improved sleep quality of 11 alcoholic patients who often have a low magnesium status. Magnesium deficiency increased time awake at the expense of deep sleep in rats. Feeding magnesium to the rats restored their sleep patterns to normal." (I wish they had provided references.)
"A national food consumption survey found that many Americans, especially older women, consume less than the RDA for magnesium."
"Another risk factor for low magnesium status in older women is the use of calcium supplements without magnesium for bone health. High calcium intakes can make magnesium deficiency worse."
"It's nearly impossible to overdose on magnesium from diet alone. The possibility of a magnesium overdose increases when you take magnesium supplements. If you're unsure of your magnesium levels, talk to your health care provider and ask your doctor to check them for you. Until your appointment or test results come back, you can include magnesium-rich foods in your diet such as nuts, whole wheat flour, oatmeal, bananas and shredded wheat."
Posted by: Dick Mansfield
Sep 1, 2011
Nutrition for Century Rides
What you eat on race day (hopefully tried and finessed in training sessions) can make a huge difference in your ability to maintain your pace near the end of your event and recover quickly afterwards. The training for your 100 km ride is the practice ground for you to determine which foods/fluids work best for you before, during and after training. It will also allow you to learn how much of what foods and fluids you will need to eat/drink to keep you energized. Use these tips in your training sessions NOW to determine your needs for this fall’s 100 km ride:
Experiment with the nutrition you need before the event. This will boost your confidence in the choices you make BEFORE, DURING and AFTER you cycle hard. Eating carbohydrates during exercise has the potential to delay fatigue and enhance your performance. Remember that everyone is different. What works for you is not necessarily the best choice for one of your training buddies! Make a list of potential “winning” foods and fluids to try out during training to see what works best for you.
Practice Tips
* Focus on fluids and easily digestible carbohydrate-rich foods and beverages before and during every training session;
* Experiment with foods and drinks in training and “test” races (like a long time trial) to determine the best timing and your tolerance for pre-exercise foods and fluids;
* Refuel, rehydrate and rest-up post-workout to be stocked up and ready to go for your next training session;
* Eat foods full of protective nutrients for long-term health that will also fuel your body for optimal training and race day performance.
Choose Smart Carbs
Carbohydrate rich foods (e.g. fruit, milk, yogurt, veggies, rice, pasta, breads, cereals, legumes, cookies, and sweet desserts) are vital for boosting pre-, during and post-workout energy levels and mood. Carbohydrate-rich foods are the body’s preferred source of fuel for higher intensity activity (race-pace cycling), plus they keep you in a positive frame of mind. Lack of carbs before and during a workout leads to whining, cranky cyclists who quickly run out of steam. But pay attention…not all carbs are the same! If you have trouble with wheat-based foods, choose rice, quinoa and potatoes as your starchy carbohydrates of choice. These are gluten-free/low-gluten alternatives to wheat-based products such as pasta, breads and wheat/oat-based cereals.
PRE-WORKOUT
The amount of muscle glycogen (the storage form of carbohydrate in muscle cells) you have on reserve reflects your eating and exercise habits over the past few days; however, the meals you eat right before a competition can also provide additional energy. A strategy for pre-event meals will help you prevent hunger or fatigue during your race and provide your body with adequate fuel to keep performing well. Larger meals should be consumed 3 to 4 hours before training sessions and competitions to ensure that you’ve digested the food you eat and you are ready to perform. Sometimes you may not have a lot of time to eat a meal, so eat a large snack 1 to 2 hours before your training/competition to get the energy you need. For training sessions and competitions lasting more then 60 minutes, a small snack 15 to 30 minutes beforehand is a good idea to ensure that you are topped up and ready to go! Use the examples below to help you plan your own pre-workout nutrition program. Read complete article
Posted by: Dick Mansfield
Aug 25, 2011
Gear Review: Brazos Walking Sticks
Everyone needs something or someone to lean on for support once in a while. Backcountry explorers are no different, whether it is a pair of telescoping hiking poles or simply a thick stick picked up along the trail. A pole or stick can assist with a wide range of backcountry situations from crossing a beaver dam to descending a mountain. This extra support becomes even more important as one gets older when the knee and hip joints need relief from the stress caused from hours of hiking over arduous terrain.
Although most hikers use the typical high-tech aluminum telescoping poles, there still remains a few who prefer the old-school wooden hiking sticks. These sticks are often found along the trail, especially near tricky wetland or beaver dam crossings. Occasionally, a hiker might develop an attachment to one of these sticks, removing the stick from its native habitat to live out a life as a trusty object of support and balance.
An alternative to these options is to buy a wooden hiking stick from Brazos Walking Sticks.
Brazos Walking Sticks makes a wide selection of walking sticks, canes, and accessories. The company's walking stick line are an attractive alternative to the high-tech hiking poles for anyone but the most aggressive mountain climber.
Brazos products come in a wide variety of wood types including oak, cedar, ash, maple, cherry, pine and others. Each walking stick or cane is handcrafted by one of their gifted artisan craftsmen in central Texas, not far from the company’s namesake, the Brazos River.
Posted by: Dick Mansfield
Jul 26, 2011
Midwest Book Review for It's Not About Winning
***** Worth considering for any coach or father of an athletic child, highly recommended, July 12, 2011
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
This review is for: It's Not About Winning (Perfect Paperback)
Victory is sweet, but sweetness alone isn't enough to call sustenance. "It's Not About Winning: One Runner's Reflections on Fatherhood, Coaching, and Athletics" is a combination of memoir and coaching guide as he recalls his status as a coach to many young athletes as well as a father, two jobs similar in that they call for imparting good values and ethics. With a certain and direct assortment of values for fatherhood and sports leadership, "It's Not About Winning" is worth considering for any coach or father of an athletic child, highly recommended.
Posted by: Dick Mansfield
Jul 19, 2011
Eat The Green Light Way to a Faster Metabolism
If you are one of the many people in the battle to fight the bulge you will be pleased to learn that there are actually foods that may help you burn fat. Certain foods have a strong metabolism-boosting impact when eaten. Some of the calories in food you eat are burned off just to digest them, so the net amount of calories is less than the amount contained in the food. This process is called dietary induced thermogenesis. The following list of foods speed up the rate at which your body burns calories in different ways. These foods get a green light, so eat and enjoy!
Low-Fat Dairy: Milk, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese:
Studies show that not getting enough calcium may trigger the release of calcitrol, a hormone that causes us to store fat. Therefore, meeting your daily calcium needs through consumptions of low fat dairy products helps to burn fat more efficiently. Dairy products can boost weight loss efforts, according to a recent study in Obesity Research. People on a reduced-calorie diet who included three to four servings of dairy foods lost significantly more weight than those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number of calories. Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium, providing about 450 mg per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams of protein.
Berries:
Berries are high in fiber and fiber keeps you full and satisfied all day on little calories. A 1 cup serving of raspberries contains 8g of fiber and only 60 calories! Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are all high-fiber berries. Fiber also acts like a sponge and absorbs and moves fat through our digestive system faster so that less of it is absorbed. (Read complete article by Dr. Dolgoff)
Commercial Orders
Commercial Ordering - Vitesse Press Titles
The following titles are available directly from Vitesse Press:
It’s Not About Winning (Rightmyer) ISBN 978-0-941950-42-8 $12.95
Canoe Racing (Heed) ISBN 0-941950-37-9 $18.95
Bicycle Road Racing ( Borysewicz) ISBN 0-941950-07-7 (limited copies) $24.95
Discount Schedule
1 book no discount
2-4 books 30% off
5-9 books 40% off
10-24 books 42% off
Orders over $50 must be prepaid by check or by PayPal (to dick@vitessepress.com).
We will ship to you by UPS or FedEx Ground and include charges on your invoice.
Terms are 30 days from date of invoice. A finance charge of 1.5% per month will be added to all balances over 60 days.
Orders may be sent to the address below. Telephone orders may be made to 802-229-4243 (or to the answering machine after hours). Purchase orders may be emailed to dick@vitessepress.com at anytime.
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The following Vitesse Press titles are available from major wholesalers or our distributor, Alan C. Hood.
Fit Family (Hill) ISBN 978-0-941950-41-1 $17.95
Fit & Pregnant (Butler) ISBN 0-941950-40-9 $17.95
Cycling Along The Canals of New York (Rossi) ISBN 0-941950-39-5 $17.95
Cycling Health and Physiology (Burke) ISBN 0-941950-34-4 $17.95
Massage for Cyclists (Pozeznik) ISBN 0-941950-33-6 $14.95
Vitesse Press
32 Main Street, PMB 367
Montpelier, VT 05602
802-229-4243
www.vitessepress.com
dick@vitessepress.com
Vitesse Press Book Return Procedures
1. Books ordered from Vitesse Press are returnable. Our return period is normally between 90 days and one year of our invoice date.
2. Return permission must be requested so that we can issue detailed packing and shipping instructions.
3. Notice of shortage or nonreceipt must be made within 30 days of the shipping/invoice date for domestic shipments.
4. Books damaged in transit are not the responsibility of the publisher. Please make claim to the carrier.
5. Returns must be accompanied by your packing slip listing quantity, title, author, original invoice number and invoice date. Books returned with this information will be credited with 100% of the invoice price minus shipping. Otherwise, it will be assumed that the original discount was 50%.
Some books have been returned to us when they should have been directed to our distributor or one of our wholesalers; books should be returned to their source.
6. When authorized, please ship books via media mail prepaid or ups prepaid to:
Vitesse Press, 32 Wood Road, North Middlesex, VT 05682 (please note, this is different from our ordering address.)
7. To qualify for a refund, returned books must arrive here in good resalable condition. If they are not now resalable, please don't bother to return them. If you are not willing to package them properly for the return trip, please don't waste your time and postage. Please do not use Jiffy Bags.
More Background On VitessePress.com
For much of the late twentieth century and the early years of the twenty-first, VitessePress.com served as the online home of Vitesse Press, a small independent publisher that earned an outsized reputation among cyclists, paddlers, runners, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts. While it never operated on the scale of major publishing houses, Vitesse Press became respected within several niche athletic communities for producing practical, experience-based books written by experts who were deeply involved in their sports.
Unlike many publishers that pursued mass-market fitness trends, Vitesse Press concentrated on highly specialized subjects that larger companies often overlooked. Its catalog ranged from bicycle road racing and marathon canoe competition to pregnancy fitness, mountain biking, cycling physiology, and regional outdoor recreation. This focused approach helped establish the company as an important resource for recreational athletes, competitive racers, coaches, and outdoor educators seeking trustworthy, experience-driven information.
Although the website is no longer active as a modern publishing platform, archived versions preserve the history of a company that contributed significantly to independent sports publishing for more than two decades.
Origins of Vitesse Press
The story of Vitesse Press begins in Brattleboro, Vermont, where publisher Barbara George founded the company with an emphasis on bicycle racing literature. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, competitive cycling in the United States was experiencing rapid growth. Interest in road racing, touring, and recreational cycling expanded dramatically as events such as the Olympic Games, international professional races, and domestic competitions attracted increasing numbers of participants.
Recognizing that relatively few books were available for serious cyclists, George began publishing instructional titles written by experienced racers and coaches. One of the company's earliest successes was its connection to Velo-News, which later became one of North America's most influential cycling publications. While Velo-News eventually developed independently, its early association reflected Vitesse Press's deep involvement in competitive cycling during an important period in American bicycle racing.
The name "Vitesse," the French word for "speed," reflected the publisher's original concentration on competitive cycling. Over time, however, that mission expanded considerably as new authors and new outdoor disciplines were added to the catalog.
Dick Mansfield and the Birth of a Broader Publishing Vision
The next major chapter in the company's history centered on Dick Mansfield, an outdoor athlete, writer, and independent publisher whose interests extended well beyond cycling.
Before acquiring Vitesse Press, Mansfield had established Acorn Publishing in New York during the mid-1980s. His initial goal was straightforward: create a publishing company capable of producing his own books when traditional publishers showed little interest in specialized outdoor topics.
His earliest titles included books devoted to:
- Cross-country skiing
- Ski skating techniques
- Vermont mountain biking
Rather than viewing these books simply as commercial products, Mansfield treated them as educational resources designed by active participants for fellow enthusiasts. The positive reception encouraged him to continue publishing additional authors with similar expertise.
In 1995, Mansfield purchased Vitesse Press and merged it with Acorn Publishing. This acquisition transformed the company from a bicycle-specific publisher into a broader producer of books covering fitness, outdoor recreation, health, and endurance sports.
The merger preserved the respected Vitesse Press brand while greatly expanding both its subject matter and audience.
Vermont Roots and Independent Publishing
Although many publishers gradually centralized operations in large metropolitan areas, Vitesse Press maintained its distinctly Vermont identity.
The company ultimately operated from the Montpelier area, with Mansfield managing much of the business from a home office supported by a network of freelance editors, designers, illustrators, and publishing professionals. Rather than building a large corporate staff, the publisher relied upon collaborations with specialists whose expertise matched individual projects.
This approach reflected a broader trend among successful independent publishers during the late 1990s and early digital era. Advances in desktop publishing, electronic communication, and print-on-demand technologies enabled small companies to compete successfully in highly specialized markets without maintaining expensive corporate infrastructures.
For Vitesse Press, this flexibility became one of its defining strengths.
Publishing Philosophy
One characteristic consistently emphasized throughout the company's history was its willingness to work with first-time authors.
Unlike major publishing houses that often favored celebrity athletes or established writers, Vitesse Press actively encouraged experts with real-world experience—even if they had never previously written a book.
Many authors were:
- Coaches
- Competitive athletes
- Medical professionals
- Outdoor educators
- Recreation specialists
- Parents sharing practical experiences
The company believed firsthand experience frequently produced more valuable instructional material than purely academic writing.
This philosophy led to several successful titles whose authors went on to establish respected reputations within their respective fields.
One frequently cited example was Joan Marie Butler, whose book Fit & Pregnant became one of the publisher's biggest commercial successes. Originally developed through conversations between Mansfield and Butler after a skiing training session, the book eventually sold more than 10,000 copies, underwent multiple printings, and later received a substantially revised edition.
Its success demonstrated that carefully targeted niche publishing could compete effectively against larger commercial health books by addressing specific audiences with authoritative information.
Building a Catalog Around Outdoor Expertise
Over time, Vitesse Press developed a remarkably diverse catalog while remaining faithful to its core mission of serving active lifestyles.
Major publishing categories included:
- Road cycling
- Bicycle racing
- Bicycle touring
- Mountain biking
- Cross-country skiing
- Canoe racing
- Running
- Pregnancy fitness
- Family fitness
- Exercise physiology
- Sports massage
- Outdoor recreation
- Regional travel
Rather than producing superficial introductions, many books became comprehensive instructional references.
Several titles earned reputations as definitive resources within their sports.
One of the best-known examples was Bicycle Road Racing by legendary cycling coach Edward Borysewicz. Often considered essential reading for competitive racers, the book distilled decades of elite coaching experience into practical guidance covering training, tactics, preparation, and race strategy.
Borysewicz's credentials alone made the book significant. As coach of the United States Olympic cycling program during the early 1980s, he helped guide American riders to unprecedented international success, including multiple Olympic medals. Having such an accomplished coach publish through an independent company illustrated Vitesse Press's credibility within competitive cycling.
Another standout publication was Canoe Racing, written by Peter Heed and Dick Mansfield. Often described by paddlers as a "bible" of marathon canoe racing, the book covered technique, equipment selection, race tactics, training methods, and competitive strategy. Updated editions incorporated new photographs and evolving best practices, ensuring continued relevance for both newcomers and experienced racers.
The company's willingness to revise and republish successful books reflected its commitment to keeping educational materials current rather than allowing titles to become outdated.
Expanding Beyond Cycling
Although cycling remained central to the company's identity, Mansfield intentionally broadened the publishing program to reflect his own wide-ranging athletic interests.
Running, hiking, paddling, skiing, birding, and outdoor adventure all influenced the company's editorial direction.
This diversification produced books that appealed to readers seeking practical instruction across multiple disciplines rather than focusing exclusively on competitive cycling.
The catalog gradually came to represent an outdoor lifestyle rather than a single sport.
For many readers, this made Vitesse Press feel less like a commercial publisher and more like a community of experienced enthusiasts sharing knowledge gained through years of personal participation.
Notable Books That Defined the Catalog
Several Vitesse Press publications became well known within their respective sports because they addressed subjects that were underserved by larger publishers.
One of the publisher's flagship titles was Bicycle Road Racing by Edward Borysewicz, a coach whose influence on American cycling extended far beyond the pages of the book. His systematic approach to conditioning, race tactics, periodized training, and competition preparation helped countless amateur racers better understand the demands of elite road cycling.
Similarly, Cycling Along the Canals of New York State by Louis Rossi appealed to a growing audience of recreational cyclists interested in bicycle touring rather than racing. The guide combined route descriptions with historical information about New York's canal system, helping transform regional cycling into a cultural and historical experience instead of simply an athletic activity.
Other noteworthy publications included:
- Cycling Health and Physiology, which explored the science behind endurance performance.
- Massage for Cyclists, focusing on injury prevention and recovery.
- Road Racing – Technique & Training, offering additional coaching guidance for competitive riders.
- Tales from the Bike Shop, reflecting the humor and culture surrounding bicycle communities.
- Fit Family, encouraging healthy lifestyles for parents and children.
- Windgalore Farm, demonstrating the publisher's occasional expansion into family-oriented and regional storytelling.
- It's Not About Winning, a reflective work combining athletics, parenting, and coaching philosophy.
Rather than chasing bestseller lists, these books addressed practical questions faced by real athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Many remained in print for years and were periodically revised to reflect advances in sports science and changing recreational trends.
Transition into Digital Publishing
As the publishing industry underwent rapid technological change during the 2000s, Vitesse Press adapted by embracing electronic publishing.
Dick Mansfield openly acknowledged one practical benefit of ebooks with characteristic humor: digital books were easier on both his back and his business than moving cartons of printed books.
This shift represented more than a logistical convenience.
Independent publishers increasingly discovered that digital distribution allowed niche titles to remain available long after traditional print runs had sold out. Instead of allowing specialized books to disappear because of limited warehouse inventory, publishers could continue serving readers through Kindle and other ebook platforms.
Vitesse Press planned to convert many of its classic cycling titles into digital editions, allowing new generations of athletes to access books that had previously become difficult to obtain.
For a publisher whose audience often searched for highly specialized information, ebooks offered an effective long-tail publishing strategy.
Encouraging Regional Authors
Another defining characteristic of Vitesse Press was its commitment to regional writers.
Unlike national publishing houses focused primarily on broad commercial appeal, Vitesse Press actively sought manuscripts covering:
- Regional recreation
- Local history connected with outdoor sports
- Bicycle touring routes
- Canoeing destinations
- Hiking experiences
- Health education
- Outdoor instruction
This regional emphasis reflected Mansfield's belief that local expertise often produced the most authentic and useful books.
Many outdoor recreation titles are most valuable when written by individuals intimately familiar with a specific landscape. A cyclist documenting canal trails in New York or a paddler explaining Adirondack waterways possesses knowledge that cannot easily be replicated by a general travel writer.
As a result, Vitesse Press became a welcoming outlet for knowledgeable authors whose subjects were too specialized for mainstream publishers but highly valuable within their communities.
The VitessePress.com Website
The website itself functioned as far more than an online catalog.
Visitors could explore:
- Detailed book descriptions
- Author biographies
- Sample chapters
- Commercial ordering information
- Book return policies
- Publishing news
- Author submission guidance
- Blog articles
- Recommended bicycle rides
- Company history
- Contact information
This combination reflected the publisher's educational mission.
Rather than simply encouraging purchases, the website sought to foster an ongoing relationship with readers interested in outdoor recreation.
One particularly distinctive feature was the "Rides To Try" section, which presented illustrated cycling routes in locations such as:
- The Panama Canal
- Vermont
- Central New York
- Historic canal systems
These routes blended travel writing, recreational planning, and local history, reinforcing the company's commitment to promoting active lifestyles.
A Blog That Extended the Mission
During the early 2010s, many publishers began using blogs to maintain reader engagement between book releases.
Vitesse Press embraced this approach enthusiastically.
Its blog covered an unusually broad range of topics, including:
- Professional cycling
- Olympic competition
- Marathon canoe racing
- Kayaking adventures
- Running trails
- Nutrition
- Healthy aging
- Vegetarian diets
- Sports medicine
- Exercise physiology
- Outdoor gear
- Environmental sustainability
- Book publishing advice
Unlike corporate blogs designed primarily for marketing, many posts reflected Mansfield's own interests and experiences.
Readers found race reports, observations from paddling trips, commentary on cycling news, discussions of healthy lifestyles, and reflections on independent publishing.
This personal voice helped distinguish the website from larger commercial publishers whose online content often emphasized promotional material.
Audience
The publisher attracted a remarkably diverse readership.
Its audience included:
- Competitive cyclists
- Recreational riders
- Bicycle touring enthusiasts
- Canoe racers
- Cross-country skiers
- Runners
- Outdoor educators
- Coaches
- Personal trainers
- Midwives
- Healthcare professionals
- Parents
- Self-publishing authors
- Outdoor recreation organizations
Although each title served a specific niche, together they created a community united by an interest in healthy, active living.
Many readers likely owned multiple Vitesse Press books because the publisher's various subjects naturally overlapped. A cyclist might also enjoy skiing, canoeing, hiking, or endurance running, making the broader catalog especially appealing.
Business Model and Distribution
Unlike large publishing companies with nationwide sales forces, Vitesse Press operated with a lean and efficient business model.
Books were sold through several channels:
- Direct orders from the publisher
- Independent bookstores
- Regional retailers
- National wholesalers
- Specialty outdoor stores
- Online booksellers
- Ebook platforms
Commercial customers received wholesale discounts based on order volume, while larger distributors handled broader retail availability.
The publisher also maintained clear policies regarding returns, invoicing, shipping, and retailer support, reflecting professional standards despite its relatively small size.
Its willingness to communicate directly with bookstores, authors, and readers reinforced the company's reputation for accessibility.
Recognition Within Niche Sports
Although Vitesse Press rarely appeared in mainstream publishing rankings, it earned substantial credibility within several specialized athletic communities.
Its books frequently became recommended reading among:
- Cycling clubs
- Canoe racing organizations
- Coaching programs
- Outdoor educators
- Endurance athletes
- Fitness instructors
Some titles remained continuously relevant for decades because the underlying principles of endurance training, paddling technique, or pregnancy fitness changed relatively slowly.
In this sense, many Vitesse Press books became enduring reference works rather than disposable seasonal publications.
The longevity of books such as Fit & Pregnant and Canoe Racing demonstrates how specialized instructional publishing can achieve lasting influence even without mass-market visibility.
Media Coverage and Industry Presence
The company's books occasionally received attention from respected review outlets and outdoor publications.
For example, It's Not About Winning earned favorable recognition from the Midwest Book Review, which praised its thoughtful exploration of coaching, parenting, and athletic values.
Meanwhile, Mansfield's blog regularly highlighted developments within the outdoor recreation industry, including major sporting events, environmental initiatives, nutrition research, and independent publishing trends.
His commentary reflected an active participant's perspective rather than detached reporting, making the site especially engaging for readers who shared similar interests.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Although Vitesse Press remained a relatively small independent publisher throughout its existence, its contribution to outdoor sports literature was larger than its size might suggest.
The company emerged during an era when participation in endurance sports was expanding rapidly across North America. The running boom of the 1970s, the growing popularity of recreational cycling, increased interest in mountain biking during the 1980s, and renewed enthusiasm for paddlesports all created demand for specialized instructional resources.
Large commercial publishers often concentrated on celebrity athletes or broad fitness trends, leaving many niche sports underserved. Vitesse Press filled that gap by publishing practical books written by experienced competitors, coaches, healthcare professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts who understood their subjects firsthand.
Many readers valued these books because they were written by practitioners rather than journalists. Instead of simply describing a sport, the authors explained techniques, mistakes, equipment choices, and training methods based on years of personal experience.
This practical emphasis gave the publisher credibility within communities that often relied heavily on peer recommendations.
Supporting Independent Authors
Another important aspect of the company's legacy was its willingness to invest in first-time writers.
Independent publishing can be difficult for authors whose subjects appeal to relatively small audiences. Books about marathon canoe racing, regional bicycle touring, or specialized coaching techniques rarely promise the sales volumes sought by major publishing houses.
Vitesse Press demonstrated that success did not necessarily require mass-market appeal. By identifying underserved audiences and publishing high-quality niche content, the company created opportunities for knowledgeable authors to reach readers who genuinely valued their expertise.
Several books became long-term sellers despite modest marketing budgets because they addressed real informational needs within their communities.
This approach anticipated today's "long-tail" publishing model, where specialized content can remain commercially viable for many years through targeted distribution and digital sales.
Commitment to Health and Fitness
Beyond outdoor recreation, Vitesse Press developed an impressive collection of health-related publications.
Books addressing pregnancy fitness, family wellness, nutrition, recovery, and exercise physiology reflected a broader philosophy that physical activity should be viewed as a lifelong pursuit rather than simply competitive sport.
For example, Fit & Pregnant helped address a subject that had historically received limited attention. At a time when advice regarding exercise during pregnancy was often conservative or inconsistent, Joan Marie Butler's work provided evidence-informed guidance that encouraged women to remain active while understanding the physiological changes associated with pregnancy.
Similarly, titles covering massage therapy, nutrition, and endurance training demonstrated the publisher's interest in helping readers remain healthy throughout every stage of athletic participation.
Rather than promoting extreme performance, many books emphasized sustainable activity, injury prevention, and long-term wellness.
Community Engagement Through the Blog
The Vitesse Press blog further illustrated the company's role as an educational resource.
Posts covered subjects ranging from hydration research and vegetarian nutrition to environmental sustainability, outdoor travel, gear reviews, and major sporting events.
Readers also encountered stories drawn from Mansfield's own experiences kayaking Vermont reservoirs, hiking local trails, skiing, cycling, and participating in outdoor life.
This blend of professional publishing and personal storytelling helped create an authentic voice that resonated with readers who shared similar interests.
Unlike highly commercial fitness websites that relied heavily on advertising or sensational headlines, the Vitesse Press blog reflected genuine enthusiasm for outdoor recreation.
Its conversational style reinforced the publisher's image as a trusted member of the outdoor community rather than simply a bookseller.
Relationship with Vermont
The publisher's Vermont location influenced both its identity and its catalog.
Vermont has long been associated with outdoor recreation, including cycling, hiking, paddling, skiing, and trail running. Operating from this environment naturally connected Vitesse Press with athletes, coaches, conservationists, and recreation organizations throughout New England.
Many books reflected this regional perspective while remaining useful to readers nationwide.
The company's recommendations for cycling routes, canoe trips, and recreational destinations often showcased the landscapes and outdoor culture of the northeastern United States, encouraging readers to explore both famous and lesser-known locations.
Its Vermont roots also reinforced the publisher's image as an independent enterprise driven by passion rather than corporate priorities.
Transition and Legacy
Like many small independent publishers, Vitesse Press faced substantial changes as the publishing industry evolved.
The growth of Amazon, ebooks, print-on-demand technology, online training resources, blogs, YouTube instruction, and social media fundamentally altered how readers discovered educational content.
Rather than resisting these changes, Mansfield embraced electronic publishing and explored digital distribution for many of the company's classic titles.
Even so, maintaining a highly specialized independent publishing business became increasingly challenging in an environment dominated by major online retailers and rapidly changing consumer habits.
Today, the original VitessePress.com website is primarily preserved through internet archives, offering a snapshot of an earlier era in independent publishing.
Its archived pages document not only a catalog of books but also the philosophy of a publisher committed to practical education, outdoor recreation, and lifelong learning.
Reputation Among Readers
Although Vitesse Press never became a household publishing name, it earned considerable respect among readers who valued specialized expertise.
Many books received positive reviews because they were:
- Thoroughly researched.
- Written by experienced practitioners.
- Practical rather than theoretical.
- Accessible to beginners while remaining valuable for experienced athletes.
- Updated through revised editions when new information became available.
Readers interested in endurance sports often discovered that recommendations for Vitesse Press books came from coaches, fellow athletes, club members, or instructors rather than large advertising campaigns.
That word-of-mouth reputation helped sustain the publisher over many years.
Why VitessePress.com Still Matters
The story of VitessePress.com illustrates how focused independent publishers can have a lasting influence despite operating on a relatively small scale.
Rather than attempting to compete directly with multinational publishing companies, Vitesse Press concentrated on serving well-defined communities whose interests were frequently overlooked by mainstream publishers.
Its success demonstrated several enduring principles:
- Expertise matters more than celebrity.
- Niche audiences appreciate specialized, high-quality information.
- Independent publishers can build loyal followings through authenticity.
- Long-term value often comes from practical instructional content rather than short-lived trends.
Many of the publisher's books continue to be sought by collectors, coaches, and athletes because the underlying principles of training, technique, and outdoor recreation remain relevant.
VitessePress.com represents an important chapter in the history of independent sports publishing in North America. Founded in Vermont with an initial focus on bicycle racing, the company evolved into a respected publisher covering cycling, canoeing, skiing, running, pregnancy fitness, family wellness, and outdoor recreation.
Under the leadership of Dick Mansfield following the merger with Acorn Publishing, Vitesse Press developed a reputation for working with knowledgeable first-time authors and producing instructional books that combined practical experience with accessible writing. Its titles became trusted resources for athletes, coaches, healthcare professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable guidance rather than marketing hype.
The company's website extended this educational mission through blog articles, recreational route guides, publishing advice, and direct engagement with readers and prospective authors. While technological changes eventually transformed the publishing landscape, Vitesse Press adapted by embracing ebooks and continuing to promote specialized knowledge to dedicated audiences.
Today, the archived VitessePress.com website serves as a valuable historical record of a publisher that championed independent authors, celebrated outdoor recreation, and demonstrated how passion, expertise, and a clear editorial vision can create a lasting legacy. Though modest in size, Vitesse Press made meaningful contributions to sports literature and remains remembered by many within cycling, paddling, and endurance sports communities as a trusted source of practical, experience-based instruction.