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@clubman
I was just going to say that it was strange that no one had mentioned anything from the past, but this took the wind from my sails. BTW, I don't think the three men are middle aged - at least not by my standards. It should be mentioned that Jerome is best known for 'Three Men in a Boat', which I think is a better book, but 'Three Men on the Bummel' is well worth reading, if only for the section which distinguishes people who have bikes to mend (or in this case, wreck) and those who have them for actual cycling.
Another book from about the same period, which I believe everyone in the bike game with any interest in the past should read is H.G. Wells' 'The Wheels of Chance'. This dates from the 1890's and is about a cycling tour which develops into a love affair. The central character (who has the memorable name of Hoopdriver) starts his journey from Putney, and rides down the Porstmouth Road, so it's territory that many of us know.
A slightly later work which has given me a lot of pleasure recently is:
The Modern Cyclist, 1923: For all Wayfarers (Old House Projects): William Fitzwater Wray: 9781908402622: Amazon.com: Books
so it's easily available.
Moving forward a few decades, I strongly recommend:
'Demain, On Roule.' by Jean Bobet. (Tomorrow We Ride)
Jean Bobet (who I'm pretty sure is still alive) is Louison's younger brother. Louison won the TdF in 1953,4 &5, the first multiple winner, and surely one of the greatest riders of all time, even though little talked of today. Jean was also a good pro rider, although somewhat overshadowed by his elder brother. He is an intellectual among bike riders, speaks good English, and had a career as a journalist after he finished as a coureur. He has written a number of books, but I think Demain On Roule is outstanding: it has many lively anecdotes, but the final sequence is very moving - I won't say more now, just read it.
Jean's French is easy and accessible, but there is now an English translation.