Ghost Rider
Neil Peart is the former drummer of the band called "Rush". He suffered several personal tragedies, which pushed him to take his motorcycle and travel through North and South America, going from one place to another without any real itinerary. He calls it the "Travels on the Healing Road". At the end, he has
traveled over 55,000 miles on his bike.
The book is very well written (Neil used to write the lyrics for Rush, so he knows how to put a sentence together), the story is compelling and his ideas of stringing his travel together are very creative (since he travels alone, he sits in restaurants and writing letters to his friends, pretending that the friend is sitting at his table).
I highly recommend this book !!
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
"The" Motorcycle book, and probably one of the best known motorcycle books. Although not really a motorcycle book, more a philosophy book, the author Robert Pirsig uses a motorcycle ride to illustrate philosophy points. It is very well written, and for me, he's the only guy who has been able to capture the reason bikers are so passionate about motorcycles.
It's an easy read, and you pick up some interesting points.
I'm not someone who knows how to maintain motorcycles, but that doesn't bother at all when reading the book.
Proficient Motorcycling
This is a very good book explaining all the ins & outs of motorcycle riding. It suits both novice and veteran riders, since you can't always know everything.
It obviously explains the basics, but also explains the mechanics of riding a motorcycle, how to take curves, braking all other items that you should know, but somehow escaped your attention.
The book is full of drawings and photos, so it's easy to understand.
Even after some 30 years of biking, I've picked up several things.
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook
I have been planning a trip to take me from Paris to Johannesburg, South Africa with my motorcycle as off December 2004. Two books, both written by Chris Scott serve as "the bible" for all planning.
This first one is a very well written and researched book. It has plenty of checklists, things to do and not to do, routes, etc. It is a complete bible for anyone. Routes in Asia, Africa and the Americas are well documented.
It is a must for anyone planning to do long distance motorcycling!
Sahara Overland
This is the 2nd reference book from Chris Scott that I have read. This is most useful for anyone planning to travel by motorcycle (or car) through the Sahara and other parts of Northern Africa.
It is a very well researched book, with many great photos. Even if you're not planning to travel there, it's still a great read.
Mi Moto Fidel
Interesting travel book, written by Christopher Baker. He
spent three months touring Cuba on his own motorcycle (a BMW Paris-Dakar GS),
and tells his story in a funny and upbeat fashion.
He spent the time crossing Cuba, meeting locals, seeing
the sights, and having "fun" with the local administration.
He also seems to have spent a lot of time with the
Senoritas.. ;-)
Against the Wind
Surprisingly interesting book about one contestant's (Ron Ayres) entry in to
the 1995 Iron Butt rally. A very good and entertaining read, full of photos and
illustrations.
Ron writes about the trials & tribulations of riding in a long distance event
such as the Iron Butt Rally, the inner and outer demons you need to fight, the
participating characters and the organization.
Even if long distance riding is not your cup of tea, this book is worth a
read !
Against The Clock
Another one long distance riding book by Ron Ayres. Not as good as his
previous one (Against the Wind), but a worthwhile read. Ron describes his record
breaking ride, 49 states in the USA in 7 days, shattering previous records
(including the Guinness record).
The most important item you learn from this book, is the value of a good
support network, and the use of the Internet in setting record-breaking
attempts.
If you're not into long distance riding, this book is not your cup of tea!
Long Way Round
The story of actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman who decided to ride their motorcycles from London to New York to long way.
To book is well written, and there are a lot of photos. Their ride was also
filmed, and can be seen on TV (if not you can buy the DVD).
It's one of those books you can read fast, since the writing is easy to
follow.
What If I Never Had Never Tried It
MotoGP supremo Valentino Rossi's autobiography. Amazing story for a 23 year old "kid". In his book, he does not dwell on his childhood, but more on the move away from Honda to Yamaha, all his thoughts and philosophy. He spends some time on the running feud with Max Biaggi.
The book is easy to read, and has quite some photos. It's an amazing story, considering that he's still so very young and has so much to
tell.
It's very much a private view of what goes on behind the scenes of the MotoGP.
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