Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well Reviews
October 9th, 2010 by admin

Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well

This fresh update of the world's best introduction to safe street-riding techniques now marries color imagery and contemporary road scenes with expanded content and more real road hazard strategies written in clear, concise,easy-to follow instruction that has made the book #1.

Rating: (out of 249 reviews)

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Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude

  • ISBN13: 9780802789471
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Once upon a time there was a boy and a girl who had to tell a fairy tale to the class, but they couldn't agree on the story. Will they all live happily ever after? Once upon a time there was ...a princess ...a cool muscle dude ...who loved all her beautiful ponies. ...who rode an awesome motorcycle. ...But a giant came and started stealing them! ...The dude came to fight the ugly, smelly giant with his mighty sword. ...She turned gold into thread while she cried for Buttercup, her f

Rating: (out of 41 reviews)

List Price: $ 16.95

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10 Responses  
  • Ross Flaven writes:
    October 9th, 20101:48 amat

    Review by Ross Flaven for Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
    Rating:
    As a born-again motorcyclist (22 years ago I gave up the saddle when my daughter was born, after 8 years of self-taught riding), I read everything I could find about riding technique, style, and strategy. Including the Dummy books, superbike/ego books, brandname books, and a host of others. I re-discovered some old friends from Road Rider magazine, which had morphed into the consumer-oriented Motorcycle Consumer News. There I also discovered David Hough’s “Proficient Motorcycling” column, which immediately appealed to me on several levels: he’s an unassuming writer with understated yet direct style; his topics were relevant to all skill levels; and, he discussed the minutiae of riding with clarity, consistency, and conciseness. Everything I’d been looking for to re-educate myself on the now unfamiliar world of motorcycling. When I learned this book–a compilation of years of articles and updates–was pending, I immediately pre-ordered it. Yes, this time around I’ve signed up for the MSF course–but this is the book I’ll keep for reference and review. If you are a born-again, or just starting out on a motorcycle, this book will go far toward putting everything into a natural perspective. For the cost of about four issues of Motorcycle Consumer News, I have decade’s worth of words that help me intimately understand exactly what I’m doing on two wheels.

  • Erik Olson writes:
    October 9th, 20102:07 amat

    Review by Erik Olson for Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
    Rating:
    Until recently, I’ve never had the desire to ride a motorcycle, mainly because I was afraid of becoming an organ donor. However, that suddenly changed a couple of months back, probably due to turning 37 and sitting through a marathon viewing session of “American Chopper” episodes. So, I began to shop around for a bike that would fit me, and at the same time I tapped into all the informational sources I could find about motorcycling (friends, the Web, etc.). “Proficient Motorcycling” was one of the first books I read, and I bought it based on the good reviews I saw on Amazon.com. It was my desire to arm myself with as much knowledge and hands-on riding skills as possible before swinging a leg over the motorcycle I finally settled upon (a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy). I signed up at a local Harley-Davidson dealer for a “Rider’s Edge” class, and “Proficient Motorcycling” was an excellent supplement to the MSF course materials. Indeed, Mr. Hough recommends taking an MSF course, and frankly I can’t imagine a novice trying to ride without formal instruction. The techniques that Mr. Hough advocates in “Proficient Motorcycling” have made me a better AND safer rider. I feel more confident riding my new H-D, and therefore I’m able to enjoy my road-time that much more. I’ve already started reading the book’s sequel “More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride” to build upon what I’ve learned so far. If you want to be a good motorcyclist (and not a “donor-cyclist”), then by all means dive into “Proficient Motorcycling.”

  • L. Edward Day writes:
    October 9th, 20103:01 amat

    Review by L. Edward Day for Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
    Rating:
    This is the best general introduction to safe street riding techniques on the market — even better than the MSF’s “Motorcycling Excellence,” though new riders should read that too. Based on the long running “Proficient Motorcycling” column that appeared first in “Road Rider” and then in its spinoff “Motorcycle Consumer News,” the book covers everything from the physics to the gear to the protocols of group riding. The author is a much better writer than the typical bike scribe. The information is sound throughout. It should be on every biker’s bookshelf, and I strongly recommend reviewing it at the beginning of each riding season. This man’s advice has undoubtedly saved lives. Make one of them yours.

  • Steven J. Kelly writes:
    October 9th, 20103:38 amat

    Review by Steven J. Kelly for Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
    Rating:
    I read this book before taking a motorcycle safely course. It allowed me the benefit of understanding an otherwise poor oral presentation given by the instructor. I put to use the information I had read during the riding portion of the safety course.Mr.Hough did a great job of keeping me interested when what I really wanted to do is ride like the wind. I could not imagine riding without first reading his book, cover to cover. I have also gone back on more than one occasion to better understand things like the contact patch. Read this book and stay safe.

  • Anonymous writes:
    October 9th, 20104:13 amat

    Review by for Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
    Rating:
    As part of my quest for continuous improvement of my motorcycling skills, I’ve read most of the books that are available. This is probably the best there is; there are some very good tips, the writing is good, and the layout and graphics are excellent. The narrative on how to corner was worth the price of the book for me. However, the last half of the book is somewhat repetitive and very basic. All of the motorcycle books I’ve read seem to be about 60-70% too basic, and this continues the trend. I still have many unanswered questions regarding braking and emergency maneuvering. My quest continues……

  • Materexlibris writes:
    October 9th, 20104:59 amat

    Review by Materexlibris for Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude
    Rating:
    I am an elementary school librarian and read this book to sophisticated sixth graders. They laughed out loud, and demanded an immediate second reading. The story is told in two alternating voices, and with each turn one story teller tries to trump the other. The illustrations are eye-popping and dazzling.

    We followed the read-aloud, with a stab at our own creation by alternating boy and girl voices. Our story ended with a pop star performing at the Oscars wearing a designer dress laced with itching powder.

    If you are a librarian, you will want multiple copies for your collection. If you are a classroom teacher, you will want one to stimulate storytelling. And, if you have a reluctant reader, s/he will gobble this one up.

  • J. Gardner writes:
    October 9th, 20105:31 amat

    Review by J. Gardner for Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude
    Rating:
    This is my first review, but my sons (5- and 3-yrs old) are such big fans of this book that I felt compelled to share. The unconventional format in which this fairy tale type story is told, with the competing boy and girl narrators, coupled with the variety of illustation styles to complement who is narrating at the time make this a favorite bedtime book. Also the way it is written makes it fun for me to read, which is good, seeing as I’ve read so many times. All around a FUN, FUN book to share with your kids.

  • Shanshad writes:
    October 9th, 20105:33 amat

    Review by Shanshad for Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude
    Rating:
    So here I am wondering what to read to my jaded fifth graders. They don’t go in for the ultra serious, they yawn through the books beloved of second and third graders. They groan when I mention poetry or nonfiction. And then this book falls into my lap. One read through and I’m hooked–and so is my fifth grade audience! Kevin O’Malley has brilliantly joined artistic forces with Carol Heyer and Scott Goto to create a book that is a commentary on story telling, the battle of the sexes, and a great graphic novel picture book yarn!

    The premise of this tale is easy to absorb; two characters, a boy and a girl (probably classmates at school) are telling the readers their own made up fairy tale. Each takes a turn at the story, and offers commentary on their partner’s part of the tale. The girl starts off with a flowery story of a princess and her ponies and the giant that comes and steals the ponies away. No prince seems up to the challenge. At this point, our male narrator has become heartily sick of the way the story is being told and takes over the narrative. No prince may be up to beating the giant, but a motorcycle-riding Dude with a sword just might be able to win the day. The boy continues on with his tale of action and adventure and finishes off the tale–leaving the princess doing nothing but spinning gold thread. The female narrator has her own idea of how the story should end, and it takes some work for the two to come together on an ending that satisfies them both and delights listeners. The narrative is broken into actual story text, and dialog bubbles, combining traditional picture book style with graphic novel sensibilities. This book will most likely appeal to readers already familiar with comics and graphic novels and who will be delighted to find a picture book in the same format. While this break up of text can be challenging to read aloud, older readers will have no problem following the story on their own.

    But the text is hardly the whole story. The pictures are what make this book so delightful, and hysterical. A veteran artist and illustrator of over 25 children’s books, Kevin O’Malley’s flair is found in the cartoon style boy and girl that speak in dialog bubbles that appear throughout the main fairy tale, offering extra commentary. Mr. O’Malley’s characters speak directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall and pulling the readers/listeners into the story crafting experience. Carol Heyer is an award winning fantasy artist who has illustrated several fairy tale books for children and her talent shines through in gorgeous romanticized images of a lovely princess and her ponies. Everything is in royal hues shaded to pinks and purples. The pictures are lovely, but very “girl” and extremely saccharine–which the readers will figure out fast enough. The menacing giant doesn’t look all that mean or foreboding, and the princess inhabits that “magical fairyland” quality that would be at home in most “girl-centric” advertising. Carol Heyer knows just how to play this up without making the pictures themselves comical or caricatures–they’re lovely, but funny as hell when added to the text. Scott Goto also has a fantasy background to his art, but his style is bold, sweeping over the whole page and defining itself with strong colors. His Dude has a modern touch that hints of world wrestling while still managing to capture a more Conan-like spirit in the battle. Goto’s giant is monstrous and hideous–in keeping with the male narrative of grossness. “And his breath smelled like rotten, moldy, stinky wet feet!” The combination of these styles as our narrators battle for control of the story highlights the differences and encourages the laughter, while giving some great artwork for the reader to enjoy. Some of this stuff would be at home in any high fantasy collection!

    This book manages to highlight what could be considered traditional differences in the way male and female narratives are handled. The girl’s narrative focuses on emotions and names of the ponies and more descriptive elements of the text while the boy focuses on action and big events without necessarily finishing the narrative tale. It takes both of them working together and taking elements from the other’s story to come to the conclusion. Of course nothing remains in agreement for long! I will be the first to admit it is a hard book to read aloud. If you’re really good at voices and humor however, this book is the perfect read for older, more cynical listeners. It took me several tries to get it to read well, but now it’s the book that all my kids request. They love hearing it as much as I love telling it!

    Those who enjoy this book might want to take a look at the Captain Raptor series also by Mr. O’Malley. Likewise, “Mars Needs Moms” by Berkely Breathed may appeal with its similar whimsy and powerful illustrations. And don’t miss “Superhero ABC” by Bob Macleod. This comic-book style art alphabet book is sure to please those with a love of action heroes and humor.

    Happy Reading! ^_^ Shanshad

  • Anonymous writes:
    October 9th, 20106:12 amat

    Review by for Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude
    Rating:
    A boy and girl have to make a fairy tale. The couldn’t agree on the fairy tale. Their agruments about the story line made their fairy tale hilarious. You will bust a gut laughing! We adored the characters’ dramatic voices. We also enjoyed the illustrations. Children who like fairy tales and like to get their own way will treasure this book. GO GET THIS BOOK NOW or miss out on a FANTASTIC BOOK!

    Blue Group at Norco K-3

  • Anonymous writes:
    October 9th, 20107:09 amat

    Review by for Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude
    Rating:
    A girlie girl and a macho boy had to write a fairy tale together for a school project. They couldn’t decide what fairy tale to tell, so they just made one up. They each used their own voice and own personality. The result was a hilarious fairy tale.

    There were many things that we treasured in this book. We particularly liked the characters’strong personalities and the illustrations. We recommed this book to children who like fractured fairy tales like Shrek and The Wolf Who Cried Boy.

    Red group at Norco K-3


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