“Eastern Approaches” by Fitzroy MacLean.
Another person who allegedly inspired James Bond, and had a front row seat for some major 20th century events:
“Maclean wrote several books, including Eastern Approaches, in which he recounted three extraordinary series of adventures: travelling, often incognito, in Soviet Central Asia; fighting in the Western Desert Campaign, where he specialised in commando raids behind enemy lines; and living rough with Tito and his Yugoslav Partisans. It has been speculated that Ian Fleming used Maclean as one of his inspirations for James Bond.[1]”
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Fitzroy_Maclean,_1st_Baronet
I also second the recommendation above for Julian Cope; bonkers and very funny.
It breaks your sporting ban, but “The Flying Scotsman” by Graeme Obree. Very honest, and about much more than cycling.