I received two motorcycling books for Christmas (celebrated in mid January this year) that may be of interest. The first is a short book that relates the experience of riding across the US in the summer of 1970. Not a great literary work, but it is fun to read and refeel those freedom days. The title is “Those Were the Days” by Edward A. Walls. The second is by Jack Lewis, contributing editor for Motorcyclist. The book is “Head Check” and it contains both previously printed and new articles, but in unabridged form. I particularly liked his Riding Home story of returning from military service in the Middle East and recommissioning his 1969 BMW R69/US for a head clearing ride through the Northwest. A writing style that is both Peter Egan and Edward Abbey, Lewis is a little biting at times, but he has the ability to put you on the motorcycle and experience the ride with him. Worthy reads…
3 Replies to “Good Reading”
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Look forward to reading both of your recommendations. Haven’t come across any new books about motorcycle riding, but offer two brand-specific histories for consideration: 1) “Vespa 1946-2006 60 years of the VESPA” by Giorgio Sari. A big thick (417 pages) hardcover book with comprehensive history, lots of photos, and reproductions of Vepa advertising. I think this book is the next best thing to owning a Vespa. 2) “Triumph Motorcycles in America” by Lindsay Brooke and David Gaylin. Not as lavish as the Vespa book (soft cover, b&w photos), but it’s the best history of the make in the USA that I’ve come across. And, for pure visual enjoyment “The Art of the Motorcycle”.
Thanks for the recommendation. It’s challenging to find writing on motorcycling that’s not steeped in cliches and stereotypes. The myth has become reality. Several years ago I found a book called “The Devil Can Ride”, edited by Lee Klancher. It’s a collection of short pieces and excerpts by various authors. Despite the title, it doesn’t have too much stereotype writing. Some of the authors include Hunter S. Thompson, T.E. Lawrence, Kevin Cameron and Peter Egan (not all the articles are from Cycle World; overall there is a varied selection).
Sounds really good, I’ll check it out! Thanks