Lifestyle, Nostalgia & Memoirs

This is rare thing: An actual inspiring overview-of-motorcycling ‘coffee table’ book. Its images will completely transport you into a world-spanning journey with riders of every kind from over thirty different countries. All of the photographs are by the wonderful Argentinian photographer Henry Von Wartenberg and span decades of his explorations, travels, and efforts to present the world’s entire spectrum of riders and places. This book is subdivided into five themed sections. Punctuating the electric quality of the images are captivating section-introducing essays from several thoughtful emissaries of motorcycling, including Peter Egan, Paul d’Orleans, Andy Goldfine and Dave Nichols. This is truly a wonderful gift for any rider. Hardcover. 192 pages. Color photos. 9.5”x11”.

Sneak Peek: Read Andy's essay on our blog »

Adventure Motorcyclist: Frazier Shrugged is a 21st century reflection of more than 120 years of adventure motorcycling and overlanding, a compendium of nearly 350 pages separating the wheat from the chaff in the world of adventure-seekers using motorcycles as the tool.

Motorcycle adventure and what an adventure is – defined! “If one has no regrets, but also would not want to do it a second time, one probably experienced an adventure.” (Mr. Subjective from the Aerostich Company)

Frazier, America’s best extreme motorcycle adventurer, possibly the world’s best, who coined the term “Motorcycle Adventurism,” laughed and shrugged in this definitive book when asked what is a motorcycle adventure or rider. He said, “Like pornography, I know a motorcycle adventure experience and an adventure motorcyclist when I see or meet one.”

Adventure Motorcyclist: Frazier Shrugged includes professional adventure motorcycle tips, tricks, survival techniques and failures, with the jaded and humorous worldly slant of a motorcycle journalist who has circumnavigated the world six times and ridden motorcycles for over 1,000,000 miles, literally to the ends of the earth.

For the dreamer wannabe, newbie, or advanced adventure rider, it’s an esoteric tome that some ADV riders will not have the mental bandwidth to wrap their head around, while motorheads and travelers alike will have the “Ahhhaaa” moments of recognition. Required reading for academics, historians, researchers and students of adventuring motorcycling. 6"x9" paperback, 358 pages.

The cover makes it look like every other Fitness/Diet/Self-Improvement book...but inside is an entirely different kind of fitness and health guide explaining how we eat, live and exercise…and why much of what we do is not good. The premise is simple: Humans evolved over 500,000 years and our eating + exercising practices are from only the last 30,000 years of post-agriculture civilization. Mis-match.

The inspirational, irreverent and often humorous text is fun and mind opening. There’s a lot of really great help here, and if you follow it you’ll probably be stronger, feel better, get sick less, and live longer…By Mark Sisson. Hardbound, 7.25"×9.5", 283 pp., b/w illus.

Drive head-on into the magnificent, maddening, mysterious world of transportation. Thousands, even millions, of miles are embedded in everything we do and touch. We live in a door-to-door universe that works so well most Americans are scarcely aware of it. And yet, everyday we suffer grinding commutes, a violent death every fifteen minutes, a dire injury every twelve seconds, and crumbling infrastructure. Now, the way we move ourselves and our stuff is on the brink of great change, as a new mobility revolution upends the car culture that, for better and worse, built modern America. A fascinating detective story, investigating the worldwide cast of supporting characters and technologies that have enabled us to move from here to there—past, present, and future. By Edward Humes. Hardbound. 6”x9”, 372 pp.

This is a collection of true stores and adventures that began in the 1950’s and continues to the present day. The tales are both hair-raising and hilarious, spanning many countries. During these journeys, the author traveled on planes, trains and automobiles, as well as on-foot, bicycle, motorbike and by boat (usually as crew or as captain). He had fun with explosives, and skirted armed conflicts. By Den Kaill. Softbound, 6”×9”, 226 pp., b/w photos.

Unbelievable feats of transportation are an everyday occurrence on the streets of Cambodia. Tuk tuks, cyclos, cars, trucks, motorbikes and bicycles transport loads that defy your wildest imagination. Photographers Hans Kemp and Conor Wall documented this unique street culture resulting in this amazing 144 page book loaded with incredible photographs that will forever change your definition of "packed."By Hans Kemp, Hardbound, 7.8"×7.8", 144 pp., color photos.

It has been forty years since Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was first published. Since then, it’s become a modern—and influential—classic. “Zen” is, at its core, about our human and cultural relationships with technology. Part travelogue, part philosophic inquiry and part personal memoir, it is so multi-layered that for its fortieth anniversary, Mark Richardson re-traced the ride, on the same bike, and produced a thoughtful and powerfully enlightening look at the incredible life of the reclusive author, and at the kaleidoscope of elements which make up this extraordinarily complicated work. Here is the stunningly compelling human story behind and within this classic. An amazing, compelling book. By Mark Richardson. Softbound, 6.5"×9.3", 288 pp., no illus.

No rider’s library should be without this classic account of one rider’s search for a philosophy of value and his quest for meaning in life. Beautifully written. Filled with ideas about sanity, quality and values. An amazing story.Seriously meditative. Justifiably famous. Most literate literature. By Robert M. Pirsig. Softbound, 4"×7", 430 pp., no illus.

In the long hot 'Summer of 88', the author packed up his motorcycle and pulled out of the garage with no destination or return date in mind. Oblivious to world events, he hit the road and never looked back. That trip would consume the entire summer, logging over twelve thousand miles from sea to sea and back. This is the account of that trip, with pictures, maps, historical and geographical notes, and rolling narrative. By Charles Schiereck. Softbound, 5.5”×8.5”, 222 pp., color & b/w illus.

This one is FUN! Several really neat short stories, and believe-it-or not a bunch of straightforward well-crafted poetry that will make you smile even if you’ve never ever-ever met a poem you’ve liked before. This is real, authentic moto-life from the inside, humbly written in a no-apologies, kick-ass bluntly funny style, by a long-time racer, mechanic and motorcycle shop business guy from the Bay Area. He’s literate as hell and calls them all just as they are, from cycle-bums, bikes and racers encountered, to the everyday moto-life experiences you’ll absolutely recognize.

A self-published little gem, filled with memories of working on and racing motorcycles at Daytona and a plethora of people and moto-related musings along the way. A great cover-to-cover bedtime, road trip or (…ahem) bathroom read. By Ed Milich. Softbound. 5.5"×8.25", 92 pp., b/w illus.

An evocative exploration of women motorcyclists, unveiled in an alluring layout of words ‘n pics, resulting in unconventional eradication of stereotypes about female riders. This is a stunning visual celebration of the varied cultures, lifestyles and passion for motorcycles and riding...from the sassy young racer girls to wind-roughened seniors, leather-clad outlaws to chic corporate climbers. The beautiful collection of photographs is complimented by intensely personal prose, offering a glimpse into the inspirations that guide women riders. One of those rare books that energizes the spirit and really is hard to put down. By Christina Shook. Hardbound, 8.25"×8.25", 154 pp., color & b/w photos.

In person John was simply and quietly outstanding and force-of-nature unstoppable. He was gentle, funny, strong, humble, kind, generous, self-aware, mischievous and absolutely indomitable. He was also — and by far — the very strongest, best and most accomplished long-distance endurance motorcycle rider in the world. He challenged himself to accomplish the impossible and did, again and again. His untimely death in a motorcycle accident on a clear, sunny Sunday morning (October 13th, 2013) was devastating to his family, his friends and the endurance riding community. This booklet contains some of Jonh's own writing about riding exploits, and a few of his many friends rememberances. It was created to help you get to know him a little. We sure miss him. By John Ryan and a few of his friends. Softbound. 6”x9”, color illus. 76pp.

Can an electric motorcycle be used for everyday commuting during the harsh Winter conditions experienced in Duluth, MN? Equipped with a tire studded Zero FX electric motorcycle five brave (or foolish) Aerostich test commuters chronicle the challenges, triumphs and everyday riding experiences while seeking the answer to that question. A fun read, with each ride account told by the test riders in their own words. More than just a test of machines, gear and riders in extreme conditions, this unique experiment proved that riding for everyday personal transportation in awful conditions is not only possible and can be done safely, it’s also is more fun than getting thru winter in conventional ways. By Kyle Allen, Randy Brody, Andy Goldfine, Rod Hafner, Gail Marshik and Bruce Truebenbach. Softcover. 6"×9", 136 pp., color & b&w photos.

Editorial Review, And You Thought Riding In The Rain Was Hardcore, City Bike

Fixing Santa's Cycle, A Christmas Adventure

From 1928 to 1955 Vincent motorcycles were made in Stevenage, England. All over the world riders still cherish these bikes for their beauty and speed.

When Santa needs help fixing his Vincent, two young mechanics come to his rescue in this charming holiday tale.

Like Ron Davis' first book, Shiny Side Up, Rubber Side Down is a compilation of stories with a connection to motorcycle life. Also includes new motorcycling stories, reviews, personality profiles, and a few memoirs. Ron said, "One of the most gratifying responses I heard to Shiny Side Up was that you didn't have to be a motorcyclist to enjoy it. I hope that's even more true with this second volume." By Ron Davis with Molly Milroy (Mrs. Subjective). 252 pp. 5.5"x8.6".

An adventure eight years in the making about not only navigating 6000 miles across America on dirt roads, but also navigating a divorce, career changes, addiction, and a mental disorder. A deeply personal and often humorous look at phobias, spirituality, and getting along with others. This book has numerous cringe-worthy moments from the highest mountain passes to claustrophobic caves and the path is often bumpy. By Mathew Sturtevant. Softbound, 6”×9”, 220 pp. color illus.

From the first Honda Cubs to the sophisticated technology of more modern bikes, this encyclopedic guide offers a bounty of useful and interesting information, including stunning photos, of more than 400 uniquely different Honda motorcycles. A detailed guide that includes specs, machine evaluations, riding impressions and unique collectible highlights of Honda motorcycles from 1958-1990. Riders, collectors and restoration enthusiasts alike will gain a deeper sense of the beauty, function, and evolution (as well as other useful tidbits) about this iconic collection of machines. By Bill Silver. Softbound, 6"×9", 224 pp., b/w illus.

About bicycles with lots of stuff motorcyclists will enjoy. A revolutionary gust of common sense brought to everyday bicycle riding, composed by a reformed racer who's commuted by bike everyday since 1980. Forget the ultralight, uncomfortable bikes, flashy jerseys, clunky shoes that clip onto tiny pedals, the grinding out miles. Instead, ride like you did when you were a kid—just get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it. Fun to read inspiring and entertaining two-to-three page chapters. Filled with tidbits about being an 'unracer,' and useful experiences equally applicable to motorcycling. By Grant Petersen. Softbound. 9"×4.4". 256 pp.

What actually makes us healthy? This upends the last 30 years of conventional health wisdom to offer a clear path to weight loss and fitness. In more than 100 short, compelling essays, Eat Bacon, Don’t Jog shows why we should drop the carbs, embrace fat, and hang up our running shoes, with the latest science to back up its claims. Diet and Exercise make up the bulk of the book, along with a healthy dose of common sense and conventional wisdom. Softbound, 4.5”x9”, 226 pp., b/w illus.

Get off the beaten path and explore over 700 of the world’s strangest and most curious places with this one-of-a-kind explorer’s guide to hidden wonders. Whether you are an armchair traveller or die-hard adventurer, every page of this unique book will expand your sense of the strange, weird, overlooked and unexpected to reveal just how mysterious and marvelous the world really is. Filled with compelling descriptions, hundreds of photographs, surprising charts and maps for every region of the world. Investigate natural wonders, architectural marvels, mind-boggling events and other oddities that need to be seen to believe. A fun read that is equally hard to put down as it is inspiring to get out and really see the world. By Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras an Ella Morton. Hardcover. 480 pp., 7”x10.5”, color illus.

This founding father was a witty guy, and had a great bawdy side. The writings in Fart Proudly reveal the rogue who lived peaceably within the philosopher and statesman. Included are “The Letter to a Royal Academy”; “On Choosing a Mistress”; “Rules on Making Oneself Disagreeable”; and other jibes. Franklin’s irrepressible wit found an outlet in perpetrating hoaxes, attacking marriage and other sacred cows, and skewering the English Parliament. These essays endure as both hilarious satire and a timely reminder of the importance of a free press. He really wrote this—sure makes me proud. 8.5"×5.5", 128 pp.

Four guys who hang out at a curbside bar owned by ‘Joe’ and their often hilarious antics and adventures give a glimpse into French cafe’ racer culture of the 70’s and provide more than a few laughs along the way. Chased by cops, taunting each other into overstepping their riding ability, happily tearing down a stranded rider’s Guzzi (even though it only ran out of gas), and experimenting with Joe’s cocktail mix in their fuel are just some examples of the hijinks that will have you laughing at, and with, this crew. By Pierre Vedel. Hardbound, 9"×11.75", 48 pp., color illus.

Twenty years worth of motorcycle journalism, minus the crap. A great collection of articles by Mark Gardiner that is a fun, witty read, emphatically providing an answer to any non-riding-skeptics question of ”What is so great about motorcycles?”...The people who ride them of course. Includes previously banned rants and inspiring feature stories. By Mark Gardiner. Softbound. 372 pp.

Because #2 can be even more satisfying than #1, this is an all-new second version ready to take it’s rightful place on the back of your throne, stacked with the latest motorcycle magazines and your favorite dog-eared mail-order riding gear catalog. Filled with 365 enlightening bits of moto-trivia and snarky commentary sure to pass the time during your daily constitution. By Mark Gardiner. Softbound, 5”x8”, 272 pp.

A fun read and great way to kill a couple of minutes a day, not to mention clean up the pile of old reading material on the back of your toilet. Open the cover to find 365 unique entries, one for every day, of moto-trivia sure to keep you entertained while you take care of, um, business. By Mark Gardiner. Softbound, 244 pp., b/w illus.

The true-life story about a mid-career professor who unexpectedly becomes immersed in the world of motorcycling. Engaging essays filled with humor and insight, recounting the authors discovery of the complexities and pleasures of the moto life. Ride along on his life changing journey. A great read both for those who have already travelled down a similar personal path, and those who are looking for guidance about facing fears, finding like-minded companions, gaining riding mastery, and developing a changed sense of self. By Stuart A. Kirk. 5”x8”, 184 pp., b/w illus.

Additional Information/Resources:

These are among the best stories ever written about a life of motorcycle riding, motorcycling sub-cultures and motorcycle people. Bob’s a gifted writer whose motorcycle- related accomplishments are both numerous and impressive (see below).This is a two-volume collection of his best stories, over thirty years of the the cream of his most popular published work.The range is immense, from provocative exposés of industry and club corruption, stupidity and hypocrisy... to brilliantly deep character studies and absorbingly funny and elegiac essays about trips, experiences, adventures and absurdities. Altogether the set includes more than sixty of Bob’s long-unavailable articles and stories.The stories were originally published all over the place: Motorcyclist magazine,The Iron Butt Association News, Rider magazine, BMW Riders Association’s On The Level, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Owner’s News and many others. This is among the best-ever writing about intersection of motorcycles, peoples and cultures. Bob’s a moto-culture writing genius.This is an unforgettable collection. If you like reading funny, precise, heretical and brilliantly compelling stuff, read this book. By Bob Higdon. Softbound, 6”×9”, b/w illus.

Scan Bob’s moto-life in bullets, then buy his book:

• 1987 Set record for shortest time to touch all contiguous U.S. states
• 1989 Circumnavigated Australia with Mike Kneebone
• 1990-1991 Worked with the AMA and other attorneys to force Virginia to open HOV lanes to motorcyclists
• 1991-2009 Wrote 164 columns for BMW RA magazine
• 1991-2009 BMW MOA high-mileage contests results: 1st (3), 2nd (2), 3rd (1)
• 1992 Named AMA Road Rider of the Year
• 1993-1995Vice-president of BMW MOA club
• 1996 Inducted into BMWBMW Hall of Fame
• 2001 Completed the Iron Butt Rally
• 2004 from the Pacific to the Atlantic across Siberia, Russia, and Europe
• 2003-2008 Rode to every county courthouse in the continental U.S. (3,069)
• 2014 Rode from Las Vegas NV to Prudhoe Bay AK to Annapolis MD
• 2018 Failed for the 5th time to reach Ushuaia,Argentina by motorcycle

These are among the best stories ever written about a life of motorcycle riding, motorcycling sub-cultures and motorcycle people. Bob’s a gifted writer whose motorcycle- related accomplishments are both numerous and impressive (see below).This is a two-volume collection of his best stories, over thirty years of the the cream of his most popular published work.The range is immense, from provocative exposés of industry and club corruption, stupidity and hypocrisy... to brilliantly deep character studies and absorbingly funny and elegiac essays about trips, experiences, adventures and absurdities. Altogether the set includes more than sixty of Bob’s long-unavailable articles and stories.The stories were originally published all over the place: Motorcyclist magazine,The Iron Butt Association News, Rider magazine, BMW Riders Association’s On The Level, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Owner’s News and many others. This is among the best-ever writing about intersection of motorcycles, peoples and cultures. Bob’s a moto-culture writing genius.This is an unforgettable collection. If you like reading funny, precise, heretical and brilliantly compelling stuff, read this book. By Bob Higdon. Softbound, 6”×9”, b/w illus.

Scan Bob’s moto-life in bullets, then buy his book:

• 1987 Set record for shortest time to touch all contiguous U.S. states
• 1989 Circumnavigated Australia with Mike Kneebone
• 1990-1991 Worked with the AMA and other attorneys to force Virginia to open HOV lanes to motorcyclists
• 1991-2009 Wrote 164 columns for BMW RA magazine
• 1991-2009 BMW MOA high-mileage contests results: 1st (3), 2nd (2), 3rd (1)
• 1992 Named AMA Road Rider of the Year
• 1993-1995Vice-president of BMW MOA club
• 1996 Inducted into BMWBMW Hall of Fame
• 2001 Completed the Iron Butt Rally
• 2004 from the Pacific to the Atlantic across Siberia, Russia, and Europe
• 2003-2008 Rode to every county courthouse in the continental U.S. (3,069)
• 2014 Rode from Las Vegas NV to Prudhoe Bay AK to Annapolis MD
• 2018 Failed for the 5th time to reach Ushuaia,Argentina by motorcycle

Take in the color and detail of a rider’s life vividly realized, richly observed, and transcendently described. During his tenure at Motorcyclist magazine, Jack Lewis has touched readers around the world not only through his incandescent prose riffs and self-effacing humor, but also through a consistent and deeply felt humanity. This collection of magazine features and columns alongside personally published web pieces and new material may be populated by motorcycles, but it centers around the varied experiences of riders (and their tolerant keepers) in a world where risk is a bet you make with yourself for purposes that transcend mere recreation. Head Check is – beneath the sarcastic wit, wide-eyed fear, profound humility, and occasional descents into scatology – a collection of love stories. Recommended for riders, readers, passengers, and humans. By Jack Lewis. Softbound, 5.2”x8”, 304 pp.

A picture is worth a thousand words and this beautifully designed book is filled with over 300 stunning images, captured 40 years ago on Kodachrome slides during Ted Simon's epic 1970's motorcycle journey around the world. The iconic story was told in the book Jupiter's Travels, and now can be relived in a vivid new photographic journey. Photos from another age, looking as sharp and colorful today as the day they were captured, views directly from Ted's perceptive eye.By Ted Simon. Hardcover. 256 pp., 10"×10". Color photos.

An autobiography of the early days of Superbike racing, telling a personal account of the early racing days when professional racers in the sport were weekend warriors who traveled on shoestring budgets and fueled their bikes with passion and (if they were good) a few dollars of winnings. Includes racing tales with legends like Reg Pridmore, Wes Cooley, Mike Baldwin, and Keith Code. Also chronicles Paul Ritters tragic accident, nearly 20-years after retiring from top level racing, that left him without the use of his legs. A courageous and inspiring story as remarkable as his success on the track. An engrossing and inspirational tale appreciated by anyone who loves motorcycles of appreciates a good story. By Paul Ritter. Hardbound, 6”x9”, 256 pp., b/w illus.

Grab your fedora, throw your letter bag over your shoulder and prepare to embark on forty great archaeological adventures to chase down forgotten, hidden and neglected motorcycle classics squirreled away in some pretty unusual places. Treasure awaits in the quest to unearth an Indian in the attic, a Ducati in the basement, a Vincent in the barn and additional tales of intrigue, hoarding, dead ends and mother lodes. Filled with page turning suspense to find out what lies around the next corner, under the tarp, or in the deepest recesses of a dark and abandoned building. Keep the bullwhip handy, and your eye out for Venomous Velocettes. By Tom Cotter. Hardbound, 6.25"×9.25", 255 pp., color photos.

Riding free in the 21st Century or How to be a Hipster-Harley guy. Introduces the reader to a new generation of bikers who are donning leathers and twisting the throttle of stripped-down motorcycles, looking to quell their thirst for adventure. In this world of declining earning power and fiercely enforced policical correctness, the anti-hero figure of the outlaw biker stands above the crowd, a beacon of freedom. Tells the story of these modern day nonconformists, from 20-something bikers breathing new life into the 70’s outlaw lifestyle to city-dwelling cafe racers who ride the razor’s edge, in colorful and easy to read narratives accompanied by equally expressive full-color photography. By Dave Nichols. Photography by Ben Zales. Hardbound. 9“x 7“, 226 pp., color illus.

Peter Egan’s warm and witty writing has graced Cycle World’s pages for more than three decades. Tales from the road, observations about the motorcycling life, and real-world bike tests have made his writings a favorite of countless riders. This fresh collection of musings is delivered in a signature wise-but-amusing style and is an unforgettable collection of works, reminding us all why we love to ride. By Peter Egan. Hardbound, 6.25"×9.25", 304 pp., b/w illus.

This book is like a ham sandwich, small, fits in a bag and digestible in one or two sittings. It is an easy to follow true story offering up three themes running concurrently. A motorcycle racer who betrays himself by quitting. A year-long trip of discovery, and the things that can only happen on the road; calamities, disasters, Spiritually insightful and profoundly funny experiences...and a smorgasbord of remarkable people. The third tier is about the time this story takes place, mostly 1965 to 1973, with grass and psychedelics providing a backdrop for self-examination and the pure expression of free will. This is a trip of exploration and a testament to the actual living of a life, rather than trying to explain it. The author is a rider and racer who has written many articles over the years, including feature stories in Cycle, Cycle World and some fictional stories featured in Penthouse in the early ‘90’s. This is his first book. By Paul ‘Chip’ Furlong. Softbound, 7”x4.5” 182 pp., photos.

A wonderful make-you-smile book by an engaging mechanic/philosopher/storyteller who, after many years of working in various office situations, started a one-man motorcycle repair and restoration business. For years the author was a PhD ‘knowledge worker’, busily writing expert papers and analyzing proposals. Then one day he stopped doing that to take up wrenching on old motorbikes. Could he make it economically and emotionally? Mechanically?

This is someone who’s thought hard about how the world’s continuing expansion of white-collar work has been changing people and society. His book is a page-turning storyteller’s tale, saturated with examples of motorcycle repairs and learning experiences which elucidate important ideas about the value of real quantifiable work and how it relates to better personal, financial and emotional security. It’s an extremely thought-provoking story with a wonderful bunch of moto-anecdotes. By Matthew B. Crawford. Softbound, 6"×8.5", 246 pp., b/w illus.