The Craft and Art of Motorcycling: From First Ride to the Road Ahead
Today, June 20, 2023, marks the official release date of my new book, The Craft and Art of Motorcycling! It’s a journey that began over a decade ago, with the inception of Class: M1. A fully-conceived motorcycle method book was always part of the vision, if nothing more than a companion to training. It remained little more than an idea until 2020.
After thousands of clients and many years of developing and implementing a unique motorcycle-training philosophy and curriculum, the need for a comprehensive, accessible method book became increasing clear, and I’d earned the expertise and experience to authoritatively offer my voice. Add: Global pandemic. I was ready to write the thing!
Get Your Motor Runnin’
From conception, the pitch was non-traditional. A comprehensive and accessible motorcycle- and scooter-riding method, yes; but, fully illustrated—no stuffy photographs, charts, or graphs—to better express concepts, convey the fun and excitement of learning to ride, and simply be a pleasure to look at. Part method, part art book.
I was fortunate and thrilled to gain the early interest of the #1 moto book publisher worldwide: Motorbooks, an imprint of Quarto Group. They got it. The next leg of a long journey then began in earnest. The process was challenging (at times, maddening!), revelatory, and, mostly, incredibly satisfying throughout.
I was fortunate and thrilled, yet again, to enlist French artist, Benedicte Waryn. Her beautiful, playful and inviting illustrations bring the pages to life and help joyfully guide the reader through both Craft (fundamentals) and Art (application).
Head Out On The Highway
The final result is a book we’re all very excited and proud to finally release into the world. It’s now time to take that first turn out of the driveway and put some miles on!
The sincere hope is that potential, new, returning, and even seasoned road-vets will find inspiration and valuable understanding within. A few words from the close of Chapter One: “Welcome”:
Motorcycling has changed my world and the way I experience it. I could never have imagined the joy and beauty I’ve found or the wisdom I’ve gleaned along the way. This book will give you everything you need to begin your journey—except the one thing you discover only by riding: your destination.
Welcome to The Craft and Art of Motorcycling—your keys to the road ahead.
Safe, happy riding!
-Steve
Illustrations by Benedicte Waryn
Excerpted text © Steve Krugman; Quarto Publishing