Mid-Life Rider

Ted Simon sits comfortably at the table reserved for motorcycle Gods, “long distance division.” I say “comfortably” in reference to his unassailable adventure credentials and iconic book Jupiter’s Travels. By every account I’ve read he’s actually a bit embarrassed by all the accolades. 78,000 miles over four years through 45 countries on a Triumph no [...]

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The excitement at setting out is what I’ve come to think of as the andiamo phenomena. Andiamo is Italian for “let’s go.” D. H. Lawrence calls it the most beautiful word in the Italian language. Certainly, the English “let’s go” feels flat-footed in comparison, pedestrian in the worst sense. The Italian [...]

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Reg is a natural for writing a book on technique. He has the requisite credentials and scary personal stories. He has a coherent philosophy for riding a bike well. He has successfully taught zillions of riders to ride better and safer. He’s built a successful business or two in motorcycling. He’s a member of the [...]

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With all this writing and rambling about riding, I find myself drawn to reading what I would describe as the motorcycle rider’s canon. Being a bit pigheaded, I’ve decided to assemble my own, though I suppose there are no end of other’s who’ve already opined on this topic.
In some cases I’ve already read the book; [...]

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Total Control
Lee Parks. Motorbooks 2003, Paperback, 192 pages, $26.95

If you buy just one book on motorcycle riding technique, this would be the one to get. It’s clear, well written, and well illustrated. More importantly, it tells you the good stuff. Starting with “traction control.”
Lee is a “motorcycle entrepreneur.” I don’t know how else to describe him. He writes [...]

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