In bicycle racing and life in general, heroic and tragic efforts are often overlooked, because the order at the finish line receives the most, if not all, of the recognition. What goes on between the starting line and finish line is still only part of what it takes to complete the plot. What happens after crossing one finish line and the next starting line is where our heroic and tragic moments happen the most in both the real world and in bike racing.

One need not be a cyclist on the roads crossing the Texas prairie or a white collar professional in a big city to identify with the characters of Hangin On, because those who are passionate about anyone or anything will feel it. But be prepared Hollinger subtly gives a wake up call, and what you saw in the mirror before Hangin On may not be same after.