5 comments about Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally (Incredible Journeys Books).

1. Against the Wind will appeal to any motorcyclist. While reading, I found myself going through roads along with Ron Ayres, the author. I strongly recommend this book, its an eye opener to those who really want to ride the wide open roads. Lots of fun and it makes you wish you were one of the riders.



2. For those who have done, would like to do, or are curious about, long distance riding, this book will likely push you to the next step! It made me want to go out and do a 24 hour, 1,500 mile ride the second I was done with it!
   
   Very recommended reading!



3. Very interesting book, even if you're not into riding m/c's. If you do ride, it's got a multitude of tips for the serious rider. Great read and worth the price.



4. There have been a lot of stories told and written about the Iron Butt Rally. Most of them have been from a third party view or from a historical perspective ie trying to remember what happened long after the fact.
   
   Ron's account is as close to first person as you can get. It is the most complete account that I have read. You get a real feel for what the experience was like.



5. I really enjoyed reading this book. It provided insight into the world of high mileage riding. It was interesting to read about the different strategies people use when approaching the Iron Butt Rally. Ayres was a first time competitor in the IBR, but managed to do very well. I was amazed at how far he was willing to push himself to complete the rally with such a high standing.
   
   I reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys motorcyles or long distance riding.

4 comments about Driven By Desire (Signet Eclipse).

1. Driven by Desire is the latest story by LuAnn McLane. It is a story that is about second chances and a love that never died, just got sidetracked. It is a different kind of story than what the reader has come to expect from LuAnn, but a wonderful, heart tugging read that is well done and keeps you turning pages until the end.
   
   Jayden Michaels is a Supercross Motorcycle racing star, who has returned home to Braxton to heal from a shoulder injury and join his best friend, Colin with a business venture. He never expected to cross paths with his first love and possibly get another chance at righting some mistakes he made ten years prior.
   
   Alexia Parkwood aka Spencer has come home to Braxton putting her divorce behind her and get on with starting over a new. She works as a staff reporter for the Braxton Times, with her sister, Brianna who is the editor. When Jayden requests her to do the interview for a series on motocross, Alexia is forced to face the past.
   
   The sparks between Jayden and Alexia burn hot and deep, but they have a lot to get past if they ever hope to have closure. The hurts run deep on both sides, and then there is the secret that Alexia has kept from everyone, that when Jayden finally finds out about is he able to give the support that she needs and can they work past it. The secondary romance between Colin and Brianna is a bonus for the reader as it unfolds as well. This is a heart rendering, roller coaster ride for the reader who is pulling for both Jayden and Alexia to finally have their happy ending. I truly loved this story, and would highly recommend it to anyone. It's about putting the past behind them, learning from their mistakes and taking a chance on what they really have. This book will not disappoint and is a true romance in every sense.



2. In DRIVEN BY DESIRE, LuAnn McLane gives readers the story of a couple with a painful past who discover after being reunited several years later, that the attraction between them continues to smolder. But old wounds are often the deepest and they're uncertain as to whether they can put past heartaches behind and allow themselves a future together.
   
   When Jayden Michaels runs into Alexia Spencer, literally, while riding his dirt bike through the woods, it's impossible to say which of them is more surprised. Alexia was crushed ten years prior when Jayden chose Supercross motorcycle racing over his relationship with her. When she eventually married someone else, it was Jayden who felt the pain. Alexia eventually realized that she had made a big mistake, divorced her husband and returned home to find herself. She never expected that Jayden would once again be part of her life, and given the secret that she's been keeping for ten years, she fears that he won't understand her reason for secrecy. Alexia decides it's time to tell Jayden the truth, hoping that he cares enough for her and the future they could have together, to understand.
   Jayden has come home to nurse a shoulder injury and to help a friend with a new business venture. Spending time with Alexia is an unexpected bonus. He never dreamed that a second chance with her would ever be in the cards for him. Jayden quickly discovers that a white-hot passion still exists between them and they aren't together long before old passions begin to burn. When he discovers the secret that Alexia has been hiding, past pains return and he pushes her away. He isn't certain he has the strength to get beyond his pain to help Alexia deal with her own suffering.
   I adore LuAnn McLane and have enjoyed reading each and every one of her books. DRIVEN BY DESIRE is no exception, although it has a totally different flavor than any of her previous books. Her trademark humor has been toned down, the eroticism has been turned (way) up, and the emotions come from much deeper in the heart. Alexia's pain is excellently written, and as readers are taken into her relationship with Jayden a decade before, her dejection when he left, and the events that followed, it almost feels tangible. Jayden suffered as well, and Ms. McLane very clearly understands the workings of a guy's mind as his thoughts, feelings and actions are described with clarity. An equally passionate side romance between Alexia's sister and Jayden's best friend is definitely a reader bonus. The relationships between all of these characters are well-written and comfortable and it doesn't take imagination to bring them to life. I highly recommend DRIVEN BY DESIRE to all romance readers who enjoy stories with reunited lovers, passionately sensual romance, and the undeniable healing power of true love.
   COURTESY LAURIE/ROMANCE JUNKIES



3. Jayden Michaels gave his girlfriend Alexia Spencer an ultimatum not so much in words but in action. He left their hometown of Braxton to join the motorcycle racing circuit. He hoped she would follow him. Instead disappointed in the man she loves, Alexia chose and married someone twenty years older than her.
   
   A decade has past since both separately left Braxton. Both have come home for differing reasons. Jayden heals at home from a shoulder injury while helping to create a local youth motocross club. Reporter Alexia has come home after obtaining a divorce. Both want the other purged from their blood so he agrees to have Alexia interview him for the local paper. Instead they remain attracted and considering a second chance at love, but she has one secret that she must reveal to him although she expects their relationship to end because of it.
   
   The insight into motocross racing is fascinating especially the juvenile locker room bantering between the drivers although not deep enough to satisfy the curious about the sport. Alexia is a wonderful but too trusting protagonist as her sister and her friend betray her with their mouths; while Jayden is caught between machismo at the track and love. Although lacking depth especially at the track, DRIVEN BY DESIRE is an interesting second chance at love sports romance.
   
   Harriet Klausner



4. LuAnn McLane's Driven By Desire is a full throttle romance.
   
   Alexia Spencer returns home after her marriage falls apart. She likes her quiet simple life but her former High School sweetheart has also returned home. Alexia never forget the pain of not being first in Jayden's life. Seeing him again has brought back all kinds of feelings and desires. When her sister Brianna asks her to write an article for the local paper on Motocross champion Jayden Michaels her world is thrown off kilter.
   
   Jayden Michaels has always lived and breathed his sport. After a serious injury he returns home to recover and the lend a hand to fellow racer Colin McCord. Colin needs Jayden's help in setting up a youth track to teach responsible racing to the next generation of riders.
   
   One of his first meetings with Alexia he literally lands at her feet. Jayden always remembered the searing passion and love that they had. But her marrying another man really turned his heart cold. Seeing her again relights a fire that never really went away.
   
   Jayden is willing to put his heart and soul on the line to get Alexia back in his bed and his life. He has an uphill battle since Alexia is keeping a secret that would tear them apart.
   
   Driven By Desire is LuAnn McLane's most sensual and erotic book to date. Jayden and Alexia have chemistry that just burns through every thought and action. Their past plays a pivotal part in their former and current dealings with each other. The writing of their past pain is deeply felt and brings you an emotional connection to the characters. The secondary romance of Brianna and Colin is equally as hot and satisfying. LuAnn McLane's books are always tops on my list of books to buy.

5 comments about Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way.

1. Just too much personal history. If Reg is your hero this is for you. If you are trying to learn to or improve your riding... There are some useful tips and techniques and things to think about in this book. Nothing I had not come across elsewhere though. Some things I would question. Just worth it.



2. You will enjoy this book whatever your experience in motorcycles. To say be smooth is the same as to say be fast but author does have some helpful advices to share.



3. I've read a lot of motorcycle rider books. Several are riding strategies and training related. This book is very well written. The progression and explanation of the riding tips are such that you immediately understand what and why he's recommending a certain skill. Its also structured in a way that you can use it as a reference and progressively master each technique.
   
   Was I impressed? I registered for a CLASS day with Reg and will be riding almost 1,000 to get there for it.
   
   Recommend the book? Absolutely. Read it, add the techniques to your riding, and you come to appreciate the lessons almost immediately.



4. I'm sure Reg wrote this book for the good rider that wants to raise his skill level. He does go into valuable points for downshifting and braking that are applicable to all riders. For the new track day rider, I found two areas that other books don't cover as well, or at all: 1) Keeping tight lines, not using the whole road (or track) and why, 2) his four-step method to learning how to hang-off a bike is certainly the best and safest approach to this topic I have read anywhere. He has other valuable insights to offer after you've mastered the basic riding skills. The best sources for those are (depending on your experience) "Motorcycling Excellence" (best for a first-time rider) by the MSF, David Hough's "Proficient Motorcycling" combo(I personally prefer his second book, "More Proficient Motorcycling.") and Nick Ienatsch's "Sport Bike Riding Techniques." As far as I'm concerned, Hough's and Ienatsch's are "must-reads" for all riders from the first-time newbie to highly skilled rider. If you really want to hone your track riding or racing skills, latch onto Andy Ibbott's "Performance Riding Techniques: The MotoGP Manual of Track Riding Skills." Definitely a "must-read" for those that are track bound. Lastly, to have a complete library of riding skills & techniques, buy Lee Parks' "Total Control," last on my personal list but still worthwhile. If you ride, I guarantee these seven books will be the best investment you ever made. They cover it all, no need to invest any further.



5. Let me begin by saying that I was slightly disappointed by this purchase. I had hoped for an in-depth discussion of riding technique, providing useful insight on bike control and operation.
   
   What I got, however, was page after page of misty eyed reminiscences about the "good old days" of motorcycle racing. While interesting, this is not what I was hoping for in a book about riding skills.
   
   Actual technique sections were rather light on detail, and provided no more information than even the most basic of motorcycle instruction courses. Essentially the book could be summed up by just writing in big letters "DO EVERYTHING SMOOTHLY", and leaving it at that.
   
   On the other hand, this book might be useful for people who have just begun riding a bike, and have not undergone any instruction.

No comments about Hurricane!: The Bob Hannah Story.

5 comments about Dirt Bike Racer (Matt Christopher Sports Classics).

1. I enjoyed this book because the Author did a great job in writing it. It was hard for me to put the book down. I would recommend it to anyone who likes dirt bikes such as I do.



2. Dirt Bike Racer is about a young man whos name is Ron and one day Ron and his friend Tony went scuba diving underwater, Well ron happen to see a dirtbike underwater in the lake.So him and his buddy pulled it out from the lake and took a look at it. It was going to need some work done to it and he was going to need money.So then ron meets some blind old man named Mr.Perkins. Mr.Perkins gave ron a job so that he can fix up his dirt bike.
   Do you want to know more.... Read the dirt bike racer by Matt Christopher. I encourage many people to read it.Its an exciting and thrilling book!



3. One of the books I read from the author Matt Christopher is called Dirt Bike Racer. The book began at Ron's house. One day he went scuba diving and he saw a dirt bike. Then two weeks later he went back to see if it was still there. Then Matt took it with him home and his dad helped him fix it.
   
   In the middle of the story they heard something in Ron's garage. The neighbor saw it, too, and he called the cops. They were in the garage and they found screws on the floor from the dirt bike. The thief was going to steal parts of the dirt bike.
   
   I like this story because I like to ride dirt bikes. You can go off ramps and to do flips and back flips. This author, Matt Christopher, seems to like sports just like me such as football, baseball and dirt biking. It was exciting for Ron to find a dirt bike in the ocean. If you read this book you would like
   it as much as I did!



4. This was a great book, I could hardly put it down. It was nothing less than amazing. The best part was...THE WHOLE BOOK!! It had a great story line. Fasinating. it was only 281 pages but thats not all, there a second book I haven't gotten to yet. I would like to read it sometime in the near future. All it takes is the ability to read and your off, into the book and you don't even notice. Matt Christopher is a great sports writter. The reason i like his books so much is because I love sports. It's true. the book really got alot out of me. i used to like dirt bikes but, one time, i was riding with my friend and i hit a ditch and i went for the air and then hit the ground, hard. It hurt alot (of course) but i stoped riding for a long time, even till this day I haven't gotten near a dirt bike. but now ill look into it and i might even have enough courage to start riding again. Maybe. Well overall it was a great book and I hope that you will be able to read this book and the next book to.



5. Dirt bike racer is about a teenage boy who was scuba diving one day with his friend and decides to dive deeper than he usually does, and on his way down he catches something out of the corner of his eye. It was a dirt bike! And from then on the fun began.
   The coolest part of the book was when he actually started riding the bike. I couldn't believe how fast he got used to it. Usually it would take you awhile to get used to a new dirt bike, especially if you have never ridden dirt bikes before. But hey, it's a book.
   I would recommend this book because it's a great story for guys, like me, who don't like reading. This is a great book for somebody who is actually interested in dirt bike books. There is plenty of action and some comedy. The book has some illustrations, but my favorite one was of a list of the parts he needed for the bike, since it was in the water for so long. All in all it was the best book I have read this year.

5 comments about Top Dead Center: The Best of Kevin Cameron from Cycle World Magazine.

1. There is so much to learn from this great collection of Cameron's writings. I really enjoyed reading this book.



2. Kevin Cameron writes in a uniquely odd manner but if you're a gear head or just interested in learning WHY some stuff gets done, eventually, you'll like the book. I had been reading his stuff in magazines for a long time and wondered when an all encompassing compendium of his work might surface. This would be it.
   
   Can you read the whole thing at once? I doubt it. It's not that kind of book. You need to read it, attempt to understand what he just said, and then move on. Can't do that in one sitting for sure.
   
   Overall, I enjoyed the read as much as the "ride" it takes you on.
   
   AD



3. If you were an avid motorcyclist in the 1960s to 1980's and followed the races you will enjoy the time capsule perspective of Kevin Cameron. It will bring back happy memories.
   If you're from the recent era it provides a great perspective on how different things were yet how the same in the attitudes and tribulations of racers.
   Hopefully it will make you want to look at more of Kevin's modern thoughts.
   He has perhaps one of the most insightful minds in the motorcycle world.



4. I was really hoping that this would cover his technical and engineering realted articles that he does so well and gives the reader so much insight into the technology of motorcycling. This book is mostly concerned with people and personalities such as riders and mechanics and even manufactuers such as Mr. Honda. All well writen and very informative. But as I said there are not really any of the technical articles here.



5. I have read this book and found it quite interesting. It would be a great present for someone who was involved with racing in the 1980. It is not a technical book at all. It is stories about experiences at racetracks around the world. Very well written but as I am not from that era, I found more of a history book than anything else.

5 comments about One Good Run: The Legend of Burt Munro.

1. An awesome insight into the life of this brilliant man, warts & all. The detail of machines, races & records as well as his personal nuances makes very easy reading. Anybody who had heard of Bert or the film based on his record run will find this book gives life to the details!



2. Tim Hanna, the author, has nailed the essence of both Burt Munro and late '60s hot rodding. This book is delightful in its exposition of what it's like to follow a dream, even into old age. It's a treatise on just being yourself, without pandering to society. It's about learning to talk to people to win them over. It's about doing with your own hands what "the experts" say can't be done.
   
   If ever there was an opposite to "chick lit" this is truly it.



3. I have seen The worlds fastest indian eleven times now and read both books.If you are really into bikes you must do both the film and the books.Burt was a genius and a real character and I wish I had met him.Watch the film and read the book.If you love bikes and a good laugh,you will enjoy both.



4. One Good Run: The Legend of Burt Munro
   Anyone who has seen the movie "World's Fastest Indian" must read this book. I couldn't put it down -- tremendous



5. My husband loved this book! He was thrilled to know more about this amazing man than the movie reviled.

5 comments about Ridin' High, Livin' Free: Hell-Raising Motorcycle Stories.

1. This isn't really a biography, but more of a collection of stories from Sonny Barger. A lot of them are very funny, and some of them are tales from the road that would make anyone want to hop on a motorcycle. The problem with this book is the introduction when Sonny Barger tells you that some of the stories may be true, and some of them may not be true. He leaves it up to you as you read, but either way the stories are fun to read, and some of them will have you laughing for quite awhile. He even goes outside of the Hell's Angels into other clubs he's aware of and other people he knows sharing stores from them, one of them was on the Dragons leader who was about to buy a Honda until his club members knocked on his door and asked him if it was true.



2. I bought this book for my brother-in-law. So I had to ask him what he thought. He told me how much he enjoyed the book. So buy this book for anybody that is a biker or a biker at heart.



3. You'll not be able to put this one down! It's serious, it's saddness but most of it is hilarious! Sonny did a great one Here!! If you love the biker lifestyle buy it! It's one damn good read!!



4. If you had any interest in motorcycles, if you are above 45 and if you had lived in States for a while, then you would know Hell's Angels. All the myths about them had been around for a long time. Who can forget Steve McQuin's motorcycle jump in the Great Escape?
   
   It is a nice book for reading the urban motorcycle myths from first hand, I enjoyed reading it very much.



5. I love this book, half way through it and some made me cringe while others made me laugh out loud. Sonny did a good job with the stories he chose. To those that say some of the stories cant possibly be true - well for one thing how would anyone know ? And the other thing, so what ? In Sonny's own words and forward on the book he states clearly that some are fiction or not, and no one knows for sure.
   
   Lighten up and enjoy the reading !!!

No comments about Motocourse 2008-2009 (Motocourse).

5 comments about Race to Dakar.

1. Fans of "Long Way Round" and "Long Way Down" will find this book of interest, but just not the same without Charley's riding mate Ewan.



2. This book was great. I didn't really know too much about the Dakar Rally before reading this book. Reading about all of the preparation before the rally was great. However, reading about the rally itself was the best part. It was amazing to read about all of the adversity that each rider faces, especially the privateers (non-factory teams).
   
   I recommend this book if you are interested in the Dakar Rally or enjoyed "The Long Way Round."



3. Race to Dakar
   
   I first found Charley Boorman through his trip Long Way Round. I read that book and devoured the DVD TV series. And found out Charley was going to try the Dakar rally.
   
   I ended up reading Race To Dakar in one day. It was so engaging I could not put it down. I liked everything about it. Its shown me places I'm sure I'll never see.
   
   Then I bought the Race To Dakar DVD through Amazon.Ca. And it was just as amazing as the book.



4. I found it to be a good read. A lot of detail about the race and prep of equipment and riders. More motorcycle content than either Long Way Round or Long Way Down. I received the DVD after reading the book and found the DVD even better, except for the additional profanity.



5. Having read "A Long way round" and "A Long way down" , this book is facinating to read and just another part of the story. Charley knows what a motorcycle rider wants to hear to makes sure you get it. If you liked either of the "Long Ways" you will love this book. I rate it above long Way Down and as good as Long Way Around. Buy it, you won't be disapointed