Riding Man

I had to get this for school originally and didn't think I would get much value out of it, but I ended up really enjoying the book! Don't be discouraged if riding isn't your thing! The author is great at making the story easy to follow and interesting for a variety of audiences. Truly a book for those who want to know what it's like the pursue your dreams (no matter how dangerous they may seem!)

I was already familiar with Mark's writing from other sources, so I already knew he was tremendously talented. Still, this book was an unexpectedly great read. Loved the style, the "in the moment" viewpoint and the authenticity of the experience. As some other, lesser author said "it's not about the bike". Even if you've never spent a minute on a motorcycle, it's a fine book. And if you have, it's high-class literature not to be missed.

Mark is a rider and a writer. Combined with its honesty and forthright telling of his personal journey to, and through, a TT, those qualities make for an engrossing and entertaining read. Stories about TT history and big name riders like Dunlop and McGuiness have their place, but Mark's recounting of his experiences, a sort of almost over the hill Everyman motorcyclist who didn't give up on his dream, resonates with me — a former rider, writer and climber. Resonates with truth, and feeling. Even though I am far too old now, Mark makes me wish I could get my knee down one more time.This is a book for anyone interested in the real Isle of Man TT.

I enjoyed this book on a couple of levels. Mark shares some solid riding techniques in his description of laps where he's trying to sort out the bike, head shake, and a bit more speed. His story and style turns writing to visual and you're not reading, you are there smelling the Isle of Man's grass, seeing the ancient and deadly stone walls, and sharing his trepidations at 100+ mph. My only problem with the book is that it ended. Every rider who ever threw a leg over a competitive bike will find commonality with Mark's struggles. Now I have watch the film.

If you are somebody who is an Isle of Man TT fan, just pick the book up without a second thought. The book fleetingly touches upon the career choices that author had to make before it takes you through his months-long preparation for the race. And by the time the book is over you feel like you are more familiar with the island and the race. And more aware of what it takes to participate in what is billed as the world's toughest road race.

A deep and wonderful read about the paradox between the high and almost holy achievement of competing at the Isle of Man, and the obvious dark side of instant serious injury or worse if you're not skillful enough, don't have an excellent memory, or the stars just didn't align for you. Anyone you loves motorcycles and the freedom they bring, and recognizes that exhilarating paradox even in ordinary riding, will love this book. For me it was cover-to-cover almost in one sitting.

I'm about 3/4 of the way through this book and I had to admit it reminds me of Catcher in the Rye. The plot is nothing like that, but the style of writing is very..."journal-ish." I enjoy reading it and I like the honesty of the writer. It isn't a thrilling book, but it has made me question my career and if I'm doing what makes me happy or just making money.

This book is a great read for the avid motorcyclist, Isle of Man racing enthusiast, and/or mid-life crisis reader. The author paints a great picture of living on the island, the people there, his long process of learning the course, and the rush of the actual races. If you've ever thought it would be cool to compete in the Isle of Man races, this book is for you.

An outstanding, and entertaining, account of a life in motorcycle journalism and racing .... and personal dreams followed.The reader never feels that Mark's writing style neither .."talks-up-to" .. nor .. "down-to".. any one.In particular for me .... the fact that I worked most of my employed life in the motorcycle trade, ... raced for many years, including Daytona, and also rode the Isle-Of-Man TT. on solos and sidecars in the 1960's and '70's, .... this made for a lot of memories .... and thoughts of .... "yes, that's right!!" .. moments.Thanks for so many good hours of reading Mark. :-))

Fantastically literate motorcycle book. This is a book about life and the bucket list of adventures most of us never explore, it’s not just about motorcycles. I didn’t expect it to be so good and once I started exploring other things this author has written I realized that he has written pretty much the only motorcycle articles I’ve ever liked in various magazines.

An enjoyable telling of fulfilling his dream of racing at the Isle of Man TT.Highly recommend this book especially for anyone who has any interest in what is truly one of the most exciting and unpredictable sporting events.

Having read and enjoyed Mark's bike magazine contributions for a number of years I stumbled upon this book when looking for some holiday reading. I honestly struggled to put this down and needless to say it never made it to the holiday as I had finished it before we left for the airport.For me the beauty of the TT is that it 'belongs' to everyone. There are not many events where the brave skint amateur can pit themselves against the greatest course in the world, alongside the finest road racers/teams in the world.Riding Man takes you through one man's passion for racing, bikes, people, culture and beyond. Mark's Isle of Man brings the spirit of this wonderful place to the reader like no other I have read.Brilliant.

If you like the Isle of Man TT races you will like this book Canadian Mark Gardiner gave up his job 10 years ago to live his dream to ride in the TT.He tells you a little of his history then goes into his time in the Island his trails and tribulations learning the circuit and getting the bike set up for the races. Also in the story information on the reople that helped him another guy gave up his job to film gardiner in his quet to ride the TT. this book keeps you interested from the begining until the end. I read it in Kindle but it is also available in paperback