LANDER, Wyoming (March 27, 2026) — Author and Cycling West contributor Dave Campbell announces the release of his debut memoir, Saddling Up to Ride in Cowboy Country, a compelling story that captures both a personal coming-of-age journey and the explosive growth of cycling in the United States during the 1980s.
In the 1980s, America discovered cycling — and so did Dave Campbell. Growing up in Lander, Wyoming, at the foot of the Wind River Mountains, cycling gave him freedom, identity, and adventure. It became his escape from isolated small-town life and his bridge to a wider world of camaraderie, challenge, and discovery. The sport’s growth mirrored his own journey, fueled by the pioneering spirit of American riders who broke into the European racing scene and inspired a generation. From local races that they organized themselves to American firsts in the Tour de France, this was cycling’s golden age — when passion outpaced resources and community meant everything.
Saddling Up to Ride in Cowboy Country celebrates that transformative era, the riders who made history, and the enduring spirit of a sport that connects professionals and enthusiasts alike through a shared love of the ride.
Dave Campbell was born and raised in Lander, Wyoming and now resides in Bend, Oregon. A retired High School Science and Health teacher, Dave won four Wyoming state cycling championships before moving to Oregon to attend the University of Oregon in Eugene. While there, Dave was a collegiate All American and went on to win six Oregon State Cycling Championships as well as a Masters National Road Title on the Tandem. He started writing Trivia in 1992 for Oregon Cycling News and continued the column with the Northwest Bicycle Paper and now Cycling West. Dave also writes cycling history at “Clips_and_Straps” on Instagram and announces at cycling events throughout Oregon. This is his first book.
A public reading and book signing will take place on May 19 from 4-6 pm in Thermopolis, Wyoming at Storyteller bookstore.
And a reading will be held on May 21 at 6:30 PM at Gannett Peak Sports in Lander. The event is presented in partnership with the Lander Cycling Club and Indie Darling bookstore. Community members, cycling enthusiasts, and readers are warmly invited to attend. Additional book signings will be held in Bend, Oregon later this year.
Copies of Saddling Up to Ride in Cowboy Country will be available soon through Amazon and directly from the publisher, Powder River Publishing, based in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Attendees at the Lander event will have the opportunity to purchase signed copies in person.
Additional ordering details will be shared via Campbell’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/dave.campbell.9231) and his cycling history-focused Instagram account, @Clips_and_Straps or reach out to Dave Campbell via email at: [email protected]
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