Books and DVDs Reviews

There is little that can match the sublime sensation of riding down a peaceful backroad completely in tune with your motorcycle and the surroundings, or the exhilaration that comes from slicing skillfully through a series of challenging corners on a long descent. These moments are what good riding is all about and what every rider hopes to experience.

If youre a motorcyclist, youve probably heard of the Iron Butt Rally, the endurance motorcycle race that challenges riders to travel 11,000 miles in 11 days. More people have traveled to space than have ridden the Iron Butt. Not until now has there been a video presentation that encompasses the true essence of what the ride really is because for the past two decades the Iron Butt has been around, organizers shunned publicity preferring to keep the event out of the spotlight.

We always get excited when new books come into our office because were big book lovers. We think any of the ones listed below would make a great gift this holiday season for any rider, male or female. The five titles listed below explore motorcyclings culture from its roots in Americana to todays adventure lifestyle.

If you could read a book that described the art and science of riding really well, wouldnt you want to have it? Well, we were so excited when we received “Stayin Safe: The Art and Science of Riding Really Well” because it explains the ins and outs of why things happen on a motorcycle and how we can capitalize on that to be the best rider out there.

Normally, our interest wouldnt peak that high when a book about racing comes to our offices, let alone one centered around obscure BMW racing, but this book is different. “BMW Racing Motrocycles: The Mastery of Speed” is co-written by our pal Laurel Allen, senior editor at Road Racer X magazine (pictured at right).

Two very different woman-oriented books made their way to our offices. Both are very exciting and intriguing in their own right that we wanted to share them with you. One is about a womans life changing motorcycle journey to Alaska. The other is written by Ronna Snyder (pictured) who writes about motorcycling and menopause.

Two places I love riding are the southwest and the Alps. OK, Ive never been to the Alps, but I hope to soon because I know Ill love it. Who wouldnt? The Alps are home to the some of the worlds most spectacular motorcycle riding roads. If youre a travel-minded rider, the Alps are probably on your “bucket list.” Here are two must-have travel books and a book of true road tales to take you on your journey.

Do you get nervous when you need to make a U-turn? Are you worried about dropping your motorcycle? If so, a great resource to learn how to make tight turns and slow maneuvers is “Ride Like a Pro V.” The instructional DVD, created by Jerry “Motorman” Palladino, a motor officer and motor officer instructor, demonstrates three techniques motor officers use to outride 98 percent of the riding public.

Weve received several DVDs over the last few months we thought would be of interest to our readers. The first is a fantastic travel video produced and hosted by our friend Christa Neuhauser, the publisher and editor of RoadRunner magazine. The Smoky Mountains Shamrock Tour is the first in a series of travel DVDs Christa and her team of editors at the magazine plan to produce.

Many women – and men for that matter are often intimidated to work on their own motorcycles and don’t know the first thing about diagnosing problems or making minor repairs. A new book, “How to Repair Your Motorcycle,” can help riders navigate the technical side of their motorcycle.