For 100 years, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races have been the world's most dangerous organized sporting event. As one of the thirty thousand fans who attended the annual spectacle, Mark Gardiner harbored no illusions about his own skill or bravery. He was, however, an avid motorcyclist and the race represented a boyhood dream. He went home, quit his job, sold everything he owned and returned to the Island to race there himself.
Riding Man is the account of an Everyman, struggling to qualify for -- and survive -- the TT races. If you're a dreamer, the lesson this book is that he pursuit of any worthwhile goal involves risks, rewards and, almost inevitably, some regrets. If you're not a dreamer, the lesson is more important: the deepest regrets are always over risks not taken.
What readers say...
It's a fascinating story, and I highly recommend it.
–Jay Leno
Well I just got back from my 14,000 mile road trip on my st 1300 which was spectacular and sat down and finished your book.I really enjoyed it and am telling all my biker friends to read it. There is so much I can relate to and people you talk of. What great memories it brought back for me.
–Rich Schlachter, ex-Grand Prix privateer
Dear Mark, FINALLY got to read your book-- it's terrific! One of the best evocations of what it means to be a racer that I've ever read-- not Hollywood's stupid image, but the truth. Next time someone wants to know what racing's like, I'll tell them to read Riding Man.
–Perry King, Member AMA Board of Directors
I read it, nearly cover to cover, on the 5-hour flight home, and stayed up to finish. I thought it was fabulous. Peter Egan has nothing on you, mate. What an inspiring achievement!
–Ken Gross, Editor, Popular Mechanics, Playboy
I finished your story yesterday and I'm really asking what I'm going to read tonight! It's a privilege for me to write you. It was a delight, I loved it. I saw myself in you in many ways.... I was really there with you. Sorry for my English, I'd wish I could express myself with the same ease as French. You write very, very well. Please don't stop! You are an inspiration for me.
–Sebastien M.
I bought your book a few weeks ago, and read it over two nights while I was in a tech conference in SF. Needless to say, I loved it. Kept me on the edge of my seat (knee out, of course) and gave me serious goosebumps.
–Jim Race, MotoGPod.
Riding Man is the account of an Everyman, struggling to qualify for -- and survive -- the TT races. If you're a dreamer, the lesson this book is that he pursuit of any worthwhile goal involves risks, rewards and, almost inevitably, some regrets. If you're not a dreamer, the lesson is more important: the deepest regrets are always over risks not taken.
What readers say...
It's a fascinating story, and I highly recommend it.
–Jay Leno
Well I just got back from my 14,000 mile road trip on my st 1300 which was spectacular and sat down and finished your book.I really enjoyed it and am telling all my biker friends to read it. There is so much I can relate to and people you talk of. What great memories it brought back for me.
–Rich Schlachter, ex-Grand Prix privateer
Dear Mark, FINALLY got to read your book-- it's terrific! One of the best evocations of what it means to be a racer that I've ever read-- not Hollywood's stupid image, but the truth. Next time someone wants to know what racing's like, I'll tell them to read Riding Man.
–Perry King, Member AMA Board of Directors
I read it, nearly cover to cover, on the 5-hour flight home, and stayed up to finish. I thought it was fabulous. Peter Egan has nothing on you, mate. What an inspiring achievement!
–Ken Gross, Editor, Popular Mechanics, Playboy
I finished your story yesterday and I'm really asking what I'm going to read tonight! It's a privilege for me to write you. It was a delight, I loved it. I saw myself in you in many ways.... I was really there with you. Sorry for my English, I'd wish I could express myself with the same ease as French. You write very, very well. Please don't stop! You are an inspiration for me.
–Sebastien M.
I bought your book a few weeks ago, and read it over two nights while I was in a tech conference in SF. Needless to say, I loved it. Kept me on the edge of my seat (knee out, of course) and gave me serious goosebumps.
–Jim Race, MotoGPod.
