Monkey on a Motorcycle

A weeklong motorcycle adventure with a 16-year-old and her dad.

High-Fiving each other after a series of great curves and bends

Story and Photos by Kendal Foreman and Jim Foreman

It was our second day traveling.  We had just finished a hearty breakfast in Silverton,  Colorado and were traveling north on what my dad explained was the “Million-Dollar Highway.”

After a series of impressive turns and a downhill zig-zag along the canyon wall, my Dad turns into an overlook.  Checking with Dad that it’s OK to dismount I started taking in the view of the canyon and the river below.  There was a faint rumbling sound that could be heard in the distance.

Walking toward a steel bridge, it finally caught me in wonder.  In front of my eyes was a real plume of water cascading down about 100 feet into a pool at the bottom.  All of a sudden, it became apparent why my dad stopped here.  It took several minutes of staring and amazement before joining my Dad further along the overlook. 

Right then, the motorcycle adventure became alive and vibrant in my mind.

Only two years ago, on Father’s Day, was my first motorcycle ride.  Though Dad had asked me occasionally if I’d like to ride with him, I always refused.  A big part of that was due to the warning and concern my mom expressed.  She was not comfortable with me riding on the bike.  Secondarily, there may have been some fear there, too.  My Father only said, “One day, when you’re ready.”

First time riding a motorcycle - Father's Day 2015

 That day did finally arrive.  Like before, Dad asked if I’d like to join him on a ride.  The difference was that I decided to say, “Yes!”  With a pleasant look of surprise, Dad fitted a helmet, jacket, gloves and knee armor for my jeans and we went on a short but exciting ride.  At the end of the ride, The only thing I could remember was asking when we could do this again.  We were both excited.

Of course, Dad sent photos of me in my motorcycle gear with the bike to my mom to let her know.  Later, that exploded into an ugly but short-lived situation between my Mom and Dad.  Dad took it all in stride and told me how proud he was of me and that we could do it again, as soon as I wanted.

Several days after my first ride, the anger from Mom disappeared, and I even got dropped off several times on the motorcycle with nothing but a smile and a wave to Dad as he said, “Have a great time!”
Since that first ride, I’ve traveled up Pacific Coast Highway and through Baja California from Los Cabos to Orange County, CA. 

Being 16, I find that any average day can easily begin to overshadow the adventurous spirit. The foundation of curiosity discovered outdoors is lessened more and more as the routine of life solidifies. Exploration and wonder are sacrificed for an undetermined obligation or countless hours mindlessly spent on the computer. 

A couple of weeks ago, my Dad asked if I’d be interested in joining him at the Top O’ the Rockies Rally in Colorado. 

I was tentative to the idea.  It sounded fun, but I was used to lounging at home during the few remaining weeks of summer vacation.  I finally agreed and began to pack and prepare the day before we left.  One thing my Dad has taught me is to pack light.  It was a surprise that I had some extra room in my bag for some luxuries like drawing paper and some art supplies.

We began early Wednesday morning by loading my Dad’s new BMW S 1000 XR.  It was the first time I was going to be riding on this bike.  My previous journeys were on the BMW K 1200 RS. 
Packed and loaded we began our two-wheeled adventure from Tucson, Arizona.  Riding across the Mojave and Sonoran deserts on the freeway are not fun.  We trucked the bike to Tucson from Orange County, CA.

Along the way, the journey began to show off its stellar portfolio. There are stair-like slopes configured, as if by design, and patches of trees and greenery placed as if to appeal to a particular aesthetic.   There are landscapes that appear impossible to exist, only a few hundred miles away.

Salt River Canyon

Nearing 150 miles in, the road enticed us through layered rock canyons that appeared flattened by a massive rolling pin. The clouds overhead filled the sky like scales to a fish.  In those times, the imagination is let off its leash and encouraged to stretch its legs. Suddenly it’s as if the sky is a theater stage and the clouds and mountains are the performers and props.

Long stretches of road are perfect for achieving a state of Zen.  Zen to me is the admiration and appreciation formed from being present in one’s place and time. It’s appreciation for the mountains, the clouds, the lingering cattle, and grazing horses. It’s the soul of everything we ignore or glaze over in daily life that is suddenly given weight and importance. 

To make the long trip more enjoyable, my Dad outfitted my helmet with a Sena Bluetooth system.  This enabled us to talk to each other and for me to listen to my music off of my iPhone.  With a percussive tap to my knee armor, a sway of my shoulders, and a slight bounce to my helmet, the party was just getting started.

Often, I’d reach out my arms to catch a breeze in my arm vents, which then turns into a game I make for myself. One notion that you learn is how the angle of your fingers affects the way your hand lifts or dives while in motion. Motorcycle riders must make exceptional pilots.

Upon first entering Colorado from New Mexico, the wind greeted the arrival with a purple sundown and a wonderful smell of rain with trees.   A light drizzle began to fall.  I noticed Dad take a more deliberate and cautious pace as we traveled the last 20 miles in rainy darkness.  Dad pulled behind a car and seemed to let it lead the way.  He later explained that was because the car has better lighting and if any deer or other animals come onto the roadway, he’d have the additional reaction of the car driver ahead to react safely.

Our first night in Colorado, we spent in Durango. Our older little hotel smelled a bit musty. As we unpacked, there was a faint drift of marijuana in the air.  In school, I had heard stories about the pot appetite here.

Dinner at Durango Brewing Co.

We found Durango Brewing Company was still open after 9 pm, so we enjoyed a great light dinner.

The next morning we hustled to make Paonia, CO by noon so Dad could prepare for his 1 pm presentation about, “Riding in Europe Without Going Broke.”

We left Durango to gorgeous blue skies and wonderful weather as we continued north on the 550. 

Forests galore and beautiful mountains followed. It is proven by this passenger that one can receive a natural high just by being surrounded with enough shades of the color green.

Understandably, Colorado means 'colored' in Spanish.  That's why the welcome signs at the state line say "Welcome to Colorful Colorado."

A rush of exhilaration slapped a massive smile on my face. Endorphins must hang in the air! I inhaled a walloping mass of the breeze, knowing it’s among the freshest I’ll probably ever experience. The sweet smell will forever linger in in my mind and tease the senses.

We arrived in Silverton, a mining town that was able to preserve the rustic buildings from a time long passed. Here, this minor (not miner) had her first experience sitting at a bar, albeit with a cup of cocoa and not whiskey or tequila. Rest assured that no one cared.  It was evident there wasn’t the space to sit elsewhere.  It felt pretty good, too.

Fed and refreshed, we mounted the XR and continued north.  A quick stop at the previously mentioned waterfall brought us within minutes of Ouray, CO. 

Ouray is a charming town known for its hot springs.  It’s unlike anything I’ve seen, so far.  I hope to return and maybe spend a couple of days there.

Arrival into Paonia, CO and the Top O' the Rockies Rally

We arrived in Paonia, CO and the Top O’ the Rockies Rally at 11:30 am.  Each year, the Rally is put on by the BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado.  Dad got right to work preparing for the presentation.  I helped in any way I could.  His presentation was exciting and made me think of my visit to London and Paris. 

Afterward, many people came up to me and said, “Hello Monkey!”  This surprised me because that’s my Dad’s nickname for me.  I guess online, he also refers to me as ‘The Monkey’ and that’s how people seemed to know me.  It’s happened before.  I am surprised by the number of good friends, all over the world, my Dad seems to have.

Paonia, Colorado is a small town with few people.  It’s very tranquil and green. The hills have a coat sewn with the brightest of grass, and the mountains hold you in what seems like cupped hands. The view surrounding me is pleasing to the eye and fuel for this daydreamer.

Motorcycling in Mexico Presentation

The following day, my Dad presented his popular ‘Motorcycling in Mexico’ presentation.  It was a full-house as nearly every seat was filled in the building.  Many people recognized me from the pictures Dad used during the presentation and asked me my thoughts of traveling on a motorcycle.

That day, Dad noticed that the rear tire had worn dangerously low to the cords.  He spent a few hours sourcing a replacement in this rural part of Colorado.  Finding one about an hour away, he made arrangements to get it replaced. 

Dad being gone gave me an opportunity to set out, on my own and explore the surrounding farm at the Airbnb we were staying.  The kind lady who owned the home also took me into the dainty Downtown area of Paonia. 

After strolling around and enjoying the afternoon on my own, Dad called me to say he was back and could pick me up.  It was wonderful to just wander around and enjoy the nuances of this little town.
Sadly, the end of the rally was upon us.  We packed our gear and got ready to head back home.

For the ride back we took a different way along the Blue Mesa and down to Gunnison.  Then we headed west to Naturita and then over to Utah.  It’s interesting to me how the scenery and terrain change quite dramatically across the state lines. 

We stayed the night in Utah to continue to Monument Valley and cross into Arizona the following day.

As we approached Monument Valley, a light rain began to fall.  It was no big deal, and only my knees seemed to get wet.  I wish we didn’t have such a long distance to cover that day.  I would have loved to spend a whole day among these giants.

Canyon de Chelly

We continued south through the Navajo Nation, stopping by Canyon de Chelly.  It was remarkable for the picturesque formations and bright green grass at the floor.  I wandered down to get a better look into this natural wonder.

From Canyon de Chelly, we made a mad dash home.  We hit rain for about 80 miles, but it was light and kept the temperatures cool. 

After 525 miles, we finally made it home.  In total, we traveled 1625 miles during these six days.  I was glad to be back, but a part of me missed being on the road. 

The following day, I had time to reflect on this amazing trip and came up with some truths and observations.

The world wants you to see it. It’s enticing to think that everything sits just for me, waiting to for discovery. It’s beautiful that nature is never the same from day to day.

To think, one could be locked up in their room only reading about experiences like this. This time, I got to live it.

Travel is a surefire way to uncover what you truly desire for yourself. It has done wonders to improve self-esteem and bring me out of the little world I’ve created for myself.

It cannot be stressed more that the world is incredibly vast, exciting, beautiful, and worthy of your time.

I may be the happiest kid in the world because of these chances for adventure presented to me.

This story is sponsored by Irv Seaver Motorcycles in Orange County, California.  When you're in the area please visit this legendary dealership.  Irv Seaver Motorcycles is Orange County's BMW Motorcycle Dealer offering world class service, New and Pre-Owned Motorcycles, Parts, Accessories, and Apparel.

©2017 Jim and Kendal Foreman All Rights Reserved

San Luis Obispo on my journey up Pacific Coast Highway

An interesting natural wall on our journey home

At the Closing ceremony at the Top O' the Rockies Rally

With my Dad at Loreto, BCS

In the Route 66 town of Holbrook and the Wigwam Motel.

A short nap and then we continued

In front of Michael Jackson's former Neverland Ranch

Loreto Centro

 

Utah was very beautiful

6 Tips For Savvy Solo Riders

6 Tips For Savvy Solo Riders

Story and photos by Jim Foreman

For many riders, the thought of riding all day or over multiple days alone is frightening.  An insurmountable litany of ‘what if’ and ‘how do I’ thoughts begin to overwhelm one’s psyche to the point of paralysis.

Of course, there are also many riders who will read the paragraph above and scoff with a chuckle. 
Riding in groups or with friends does have its rewards and this should not, in any way, be misconstrued to suggest not riding in groups.  Rather, see this as an opportunity to consider a much more dynamic and freestyle form of traveling.

Either way, take a few moments to consider these real-world tips and see if any of them make your style of riding more enjoyable and rewarding.

1. Turn off or put away the GPS and buy some paper maps

GPS systems have their place.  They can be particularly useful in navigating an unfamiliar city or determining how far it is to the nearest hotel or gas station.  Sadly, what they have become for most people is an adventure chastity belt that inhibits all of the pleasure of owning a motorcycle and negates it to a purely functional object.  It’s just like a personal chastity belt.

When you take orders from Mary or John on the GPS, you miss out on opportunities to take more interesting back roads or sidetracks.  The psychology of a GPS user is strictly as a follower, doing as their told. That mentality goes against everything a motorcyclist stands for.

Consider one aspect; The Arrival Time.  Because a rider has an artificial time set as a goal, one is far less likely to venture onto a side road to see where it leads or explore a state or county park that is along the path.  This act alone of obediently conforming to the GPS’s will is the antagonist of freedom and motorcycling. 

Each morning, plot out directions from a paper map for the next 2-4 hours of riding.  Then at lunch ask locals for things to see and do in the area.  Reviewing a paper map on your table will bring about good wishes, interesting advice, and friends to make along the way.  Butler Maps makes maps specifically for motorcyclists.  They are easy to use and highlight incredible motorcycle roads.

By turning off the GPS, you’ll also be seeing more scenery, potential hazards, and be better able to spot those special people eager to hand out personalized, high-performance awards with a subsequent court date.

Turn off the GPS, Turn on the adventure!

A hotel found at the last minute.

2. Avoid making hotel reservations

Chasing down hotel reservations cause people to do foolish things.  Unless it’s a holiday weekend or there is a special event in the area, forgo the reservations.  That way, if you find a place or person that is interesting to you, you do not have to prematurely curtail the visit.

Apps like Booking.com make last minute accommodations easy and affordable.  A side benefit of traveling solo is that it’s much easier to find one available room than two, three or four. 

Chasing down pre-made reservations also leads to one taking risks such as riding at night on unfamiliar roads or riding while tired or affected by drink.  Countless stories of tragedy, including Harry Devert’s ordeal, all stemmed from a desire to chase down a distant pre-planned hotel reservation.

Don’t be afraid to stay at a small non-chain hotel or motel.  Even if that means backtracking a little.  If you’re uncertain of its suitability, ask to see a room before you book it.  It can be fun.  Often, it’s tremendous fun.  Clean up after your ride and visit a nice restaurant or bar.  It’ll be obvious you’re a visitor.  If you have a positive and friendly demeanor, you’ll be part of the town in no time.

3. Don’t overthink the trip 

Place a change of clothes somewhere on your bike in case you have to stay somewhere overnight and just go.  You’re not traveling on the moon.  There are markets for toiletries, if needed, restaurants, and accommodations throughout most of the civilized world.

Americans, Canadians, Brits, and Australians seem the most obsessed with planning every detail of a trip before departure.  Don’t!  Unless you’re a robot and opposed to anything spontaneous, let your travels guide you and determine how and where you go.   

It doesn’t have to be a round-the-world endeavor.  Even just one overnight can provide unique opportunities to discover interesting places and people, close to home if you let it.

Motorcycles don’t lend themselves well to Obsessive-Compulsive personalities.

4. Break Free from routine

Don’t go to the same places each time.  Specifically, target a region or destination you’ve never been.  Set out generally in a direction and after a few hours, look at a map or ask someone for directions.

The intention is to force oneself to go a different way without knowing the exact route ahead of time.  Let go of any fears and follow your whimsy to great delight.

By allowing time for the unexpected,  interesting and fun opportunities will begin to present themselves.

Personal True Story: While wandering about on a dealer's demo bike a curious and playful situation unfolded.  I noticed a fit lady, later introduced as Christine, taking selfies at a vista point for a profile picture.  Sensing opportunity to enjoy the afternoon, I pulled the bike in close to her and centerstanded it.  I took off my helmet, smiled at her and offered to take her photo for her.  Within moments, Christine asked if she could take photos with my R 1200 RT.  I willingly obliged.  A crowd began to form as we took all sorts of shots and poses.  We both kept in touch and I shared the photos with her the following day.  When the story was told to the dealership upon my return, they couldn't believe it.  They still think this was a planned happening, but it was truly a right place, right time scenario.

5. Don’t be afraid or too proud to accept help

An interesting phenomenon happens when one is traveling solo by motorcycle.  You are much more approachable by others.  People will often come up to you and comment on your bike, relate their own riding stories, and often offer encouragement.  Warmly embrace this.  It’s a great opportunity to make friends, encourage others to take up or retake motorcycling, as a sport.

If you’re comfortable with it, let someone sit on your bike and take a photo on it.  Don’t be surprised if that same person is one who stops and offers help, further down the road.

Likewise, if you’re in trouble, such as running out of gas or have a flat, be gracious and willing to accept help from others.  Someone stopping may simply offer a bottle of water.  Others may offer to give you a ride, get gas, or a tire patch kit for you.  Bruce Springsteen recently found out how other motorcyclists with help fellow riders.

A vast majority of people are good people who will stop and help another person in need.  Most travelers put that number well above 90%. 

If someone does offer to help, make sure you get their number so if other arrangements are made you can contact them.  Also, sending a small token of appreciation by email or text such a cool photo of your journey or coffee gift card can go a long way to paying it back or forward for the next person in need. 

Even if you have called for roadside assistance, it may be much faster than the 1-3 hour response time for someone to get you gas or give you a ride into town.   It’s much easier to cancel a roadside assistance call than to burn a helpful person who went out of their way to help you.

Just remember to stop and check on others by the side of the road, in case they need help. 

6. Most importantly, remember why you bought a motorcycle

Don’t make the motorcycle conform to a pre-bike dull lifestyle.  Let it be a constant source of adventure, freedom, and excitement. 

Lose yourself in the trip, however long or short.   Disable the auto-pilot, in your brain, which often accounts for one’s typical week.

Whether you are new to motorcycling or have been riding for a long time, please visit Irv Seaver BMW in Orange County, California.  There you’ll find the full line of new BMW Motorcycles alongside a vast selection of pre-owned motorcycles from all brands.  Parts, Apparel, and the best service available in the country are at your pleasure.  

No performance awards from this crew.

A random stop inspired these grads to begin posing for the camera.

Lowell, AZ right next to Bisbee, AZ.  One never knows where one will end up.

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Motorcycle Reading... When You're Not Riding.

Motorcycle Reading... When You're Not Riding.

A Collection of sure-fire books that will interest, excite and inspire motorcycle journeys near and far.

Written By Jim Foreman

Maybe if you’re like me, you think a lot about riding your motorcycle.  When one can't ride, for example, on an international flight or long, hot, boring drive, one still thinks about one's bike.

As one who frequently travels to destinations not well suited to a motorcycle, reading about travels or listening to audiobooks while driving is the next best thing.

Motorcycle travel books also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to go out and do more riding, farther away from home.

While listening to or reading an engaging book, it's easy to become transported to the locations described by the author and begin to hear the sounds of an approaching thunderstorm or smell the scents in the arid African plains, from the descriptions. 

Of course, in Southern California, there aren’t too many days we can’t go out and ride.  Now and then we do get a good rain, or our favorite mountain pass is snowed or iced over.  There are even times when we have to commute in four-wheelers.  A good audiobook quickly eases any frustration of being caged up, on the road. 

Listed below is a thoroughly vetted list of great books one should strongly consider purchasing.  Many of them are available as an audiobook on sites like Audible.com and others.

Sadly, many adventure books start off with lush and vivid detail and dramatic situations, but as the effort of writing drags on, the descriptions get terser and hastened.  These books listed below do not suffer from this common affliction.  They are great, from start to finish and leave you, the reader, desiring more.

The following selections are books actually read, and often, re-read.  They will certainly capture your imagination and bring a longing for more riding.


Into Africa – Sam Manicom

Into Africa remains a favorite book and one every rider should read.  It's so good it can be enjoyed again and again.  It's common to feel transported to this amazing continent while reading or listening to this book.
Sam does a cracking job of describing the environment and feelings and making you feel like you’re right there with him.
Sam Manicom has four books, and they are all wonderful.  The four books chronicle his Round-the-World adventures with wit, triumphs, and disappointments.  Once you start, it will be a challenge to put it down.
After completing this book, you’ll want to dive immediately into “Under Asian Skies”, “Distant Suns” and “Tortillas to Totems.”
All of the books are also available as an audiobook.  Sam, himself, is the narrator and this brings a particular joy listening to him recount these travels.  Sam appears in an episode of the SoCal BMW Motorrad Podcast.


One More Day Everywhere – Glen Heggstad

Glen Heggstad is another unexpected Round-the-Worlder.  After a kidnapping by FARC rebels in Colombia, detailed in “Two Wheels Through Terror”, Glen set out on his journey to see the world.  Motivated by a desire not to let terrorists win, Glen's journey started from the eastern Siberian coast and traveled east.  Glen’s book is full of wit, wisdom, and strange adventures.  Throughout, Glen keeps an unusually honest and real portrayal of the highs, lows, desires, and fears. 
“One More Day Everywhere” is also available as an audiobook.  Though Glen does not read the book, the narrator does very well.  If you have an opportunity to see Glen’s “Earth Ride” presentation, make sure you do!


Vagabonding - Rolf Potts

Vagabonding is probably one of the most important and singularly complete books for anyone thinking of serious travel must read.
Though 'Vagabonding' is not specific to moto travel, it does share how to do it in a way that leads to better understanding.
This one is also easy to read many times over.  No doubt, you'll be writing notes, highlighting passages and ultimately using it to ensure a meaningful and soul-satisfying trip.




Long Way Round – Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman

OK, who hasn’t seen an episode of “Long Way Round”?  These are charming and fascinating episodes highlighting the round-the-world trip Ewan and Charley made on their motorcycles.  While some have foolishly criticized them for having a camera operator and a support vehicle, it remains a powerful motivation for people to venture beyond their comfort zone.
If you enjoyed the TV series, the book is even better.  Ewan and Charley each write up their experiences in a way that brings more depth and feeling to the journey.
Ewan and Charley also did a follow-up journey from the northern tip of Scotland to the southern tip of South Africa called “Long Way Down.”  The book for that journey is equally captivating and brings a profound human and personal perspective to the experience.
"Long Way Up" is eagerly anticipated as they journey from Ushuaia to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. 


Lois on the Loose – Lois Pryce

Lois Pryce is a firecracker!  Lois left a good job at the BBC to discover excitement in life.  She shipped her bike to Alaska and began a solo journey that brought her to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina.  Lois details her experiences and surprises of how different countries like the USA and Mexico were from how they were described by those, back home.  Having worked in the media, Lois saw first-hand how perceptions she had were entirely different from reality.   “Lois on the Loose” is an enjoyable story and one that will keep you entertained and longing to set out on experiences for yourself.  Lois Pryce also wrote “Red Tape and White Knuckles” which is equally delightful and a page turner.  Recently, Lois Pryce released her third book, "Revolutionary Ride."  This third installment details her journey across 3,000 miles of Iran in 2011.  Lois is also featured in a segment on the SoCal BMW Motorrad Podcast.  Her personality and zeal shine brightly in the interview.


The Perfect Vehicle – Melissa Holbrook Pierson

“The Perfect Vehicle” is a masterpiece that takes the reader through Pierson’s personal experiences with deciding to ride and own a motorcycle.  Pierson shares intimate details and personal reactions motorcycling brings.  “The Perfect Vehicle” features a relaxed writing style that welcomes readers into her life.  Much later, Pierson wrote, “The Man Who Would Stop At Nothing.”  The follow-up is a fascinating story of World Record holder John Ryan’s casual style and his determination to revive Pierson’s love of riding.  Sadly, John Ryan left us too early in 2013.


101 Road Tales – Clement Salvadori

If you’ve ever picked up Rider Magazine, you’ve no doubt read and probably enjoyed Clem Salvadori’s writing.  Clem is a legend for having an easy-going writing style that feels like he’s right there, in the room, telling you a story.  “101 Road Tales” is a compilation of these stories.  Every story leaves one feeling a bit wiser and intrigued to go and discover another corner of their region, state or country.  “101 Road Tales” is a little harder to find so look carefully.  I recommend that you enjoy a chapter, each night before you go to sleep.  It will guarantee happy and exciting dreams as one drifts into twilight and sleep.



Lone Rider - Elspeth Beard

In 1982, at twenty-three and in the midst of her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard decided to leave her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6.
This is one of the best and most personal books about solo motorcycle travel ever written.  Elspeth recounts her joys, trials, tribulations, loves, losses, and struggles to remain whole and keep on her journey.  It's a book that will have you laughing out loud and crying, all while discovering parts of our world as it existed.  "Lone Rider" is also a captivating audiobook.


Motorcycle Adventurer – Dr. Gregory W. Frazier

Today, riding around the world still captures people’s attention.  The mere mention brings anticipation of extraordinary stories, photos, and experiences.  With modern motorcycles, air-freight, GPS technology and a network of relatively easily obtainable parts, it has never been easier to set off on one’s individual round-the-world adventure.  That’s today.  Now imagine yourself in 1912 trying something nobody has ever accomplished.  Sitting astride a 1912 Henderson, Carl Stearns Clancy did what nobody had done before.  From 1912 to 1913, Clancy became the first person to ride around the world.  Dr. Frazier, who also shares a love of Henderson Motorcycles, gathered up all of Stearns’ newspaper article submissions, journals, and other sources to piece together a lush and fascinating history of this fascinating person and his great accomplishment.


Proficient Motorcycling – David Hough

Not an adventure tale or even a narrative, but rather one of the best and most complete instructional books on riding motorcycles safely and correctly.  Most motorcyclists already own this book.  Take a look at it and flip through the pages.  It’s a sure bet you’ll re-discover something useful and probably spend more time going through the book.  If you have a friend who has just started riding or returned to riding, buy them this book.


A Twist of the Wrist II – Keith Code

Aside from “Proficient Motorcycling” this book is probably one of the best books available to learn and understand about Motorcycle performance and how to be a substantially better rider.  The technics taught in this book work beautifully in both track and street riding.  You'll discover practical ways of handling unexpected situations without yelling an expletive into your helmet.


Tales of the Midnight Rider (Series) - Gary 'Koz' Mraz
Gary 'Koz' Mraz, like many of the other authors mentioned is someone counted as a friend.  What started as a simple magazine article about night riding evolved into a provocative,  fascinating and sometimes unbelievable world of those who are moving goods while we sleep.  The "Tales of the Midnight Writer" series is based, mostly on fact and real people Mraz chronicled and observed.   Mraz keeps embellishments to a minimum while setting a mood that seems as foreign as Kathmandu.  With each page turn, more and more of this subculture is revealed with all of its tangents and dramas.  If one is looking for a seemingly unbelievable world, right here in the US, give these amazing and fun books a good read.  The series is also available as ebooks.


Motorcycle Owners Manual - Various Authors

The owners manual is an important book everyone should read.  In it you'll know correct tire pressures, bulb replacements, and what that little blinking light on your dash means.  If you don't have one or would prefer it on your mobile device, go to your manufacturer's website and download an electronic version.  If your bike is an older model, search out other sources for obtaining the owners manual.  Google is your friend, for this task

Additional Reading:

There are hundreds of additional books about motorcycling and motorcycle trips.  Many are quite good.  A few are excellent. Some are awful and cringe-worthy. 

Listed are some additional titles that are worth looking into.


Jupiter’s Travels – Ted Simon 

Jupiter’s Travels is Ted’s first journey, made in the 1970’s.  There are many colorful and memorable parts of the book; some of which are quite entertaining.  Overall, a pall of negativity and prejudice permeates the book leaving one feeling a little flat and disappointed.  It’s worth a read and is a well-produced audio book.


Ghost Rider – Neil Peart

Legendary rock band, Rush’s drummer documented his ride and feelings after the tragic deaths of his daughter and wife.  Simply put, I haven’t read it yet.  Many trusted people have given it high marks. 


Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert Pirsig

More of an autobiographical narrative of a father who suffered a mind-altering nervous breakdown but later decides to take his whiny son on a journey across the Unite States.  Zen isn’t so much about motorcycles but rather an account of how Robert dealt with his schizophrenia and his bouncing between the character of himself and Phaedrus.  The motorcycling part of it is interesting, but the philosophical outreach leaves me turning the pages quickly to get back to the riding.


Motorcycle Therapy – Jeremy Kroeker

This book was frustrating.  In it, a rather arrogant Jeremy Kroeker mistreats and annoys his long-suffering friend.  After both men recently broke up with their partners, they set off on a journey from Canada to Panama.  It doesn’t take long to see why Kroeker’s partner left him.  “Motorcycle Therapy” does have some very charming and funny scenes.  Unfortunately, the story is hurried along, rather quickly, after two-thirds of the story is told.  Many times, I wanted to reach through the pages and sock Kroeker for being a cheap, overbearing jerk.

When you are in Southern California, please come to Irv Seaver BMW in Orange County, CA.  There you'll find a fully stocked parts department, extensive apparel department and a huge selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles.  There's some great people there, too!

Sam Manicom with Ted Simon and Libby

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman

James Franco and Amber Heard between takes on set.

Melissa Holbrook Pierson and her Moto Guzzi

Glen Heggstad on his Round the World trip

(L-R) Alan Karl, Sam Manicom, Jack Borden, Jeffrey Polnaja, Ken Duvall, Jim Foreman

Clement Salvadori

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