Sportbiking: The Real World by Gary Jaehne

[ontherearwheel]

I picked this book up way back when I first started riding many years ago. Since that time, I've put on many miles on bikes, raced 5 years, crashed way too many times including a hitting a deer.

I took a extended break from riding for various reason. But the urge to ride finally resurfaced again.

I just happen to pick this book recently and started riding it again. When I was reading as a newbie, I didn't fully comprehend the depth of knowledge Gary was putting out there.

As a season rider now and one that is regaining back skills that are rusty, this book really is helping to refresh things in my mind before I go ride.

I really suggest new riders or any riders get it. It has alot of info specific to how to ride in these hills by someone that spent alot of miles, year round, in these hills.

The one thing that a really hit home was in the very beginning Gary makes it very clear you have to PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE, which is just what I have been doing as a returning rider.

Its a good read......FWIW

 

[louemc]

I didn't know he had written a book....I hope I see it somewhere, I'd buy it for sure.

What he wrote, in his BARF posts, was pure Gold.

(I don't buy anything over the internet, so that's out, though).

 

[Lunch Box]

He wrote two, actually. If I had spare copies, I would send them to you. I just have one of each, sorry. Fantastic books, though.

 

[clutchslip]

I didn't know he had written a book....I hope I see it somewhere, I'd buy it for sure.

What he wrote, in his BARF posts, was pure Gold.

(I don't buy anything over the internet, so that's out, though).

He has two books as Lunchy said, and his wife, Jill, probably still has some copies. You could p.m. her, here.
Jill

 

[RickM]

I would like to get his books as well. I remember seeing some at Roadrider a while ago. I will stop by and check next time I am in San Jose.

 

[Surj]

Both are available from third party sellers on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sportbiking-World-Advanced-Riders-Handbook/dp/1556308353

http://www.amazon.com/Sportbiking-World-Rider-Tuning-Handbook/dp/1556303882

 

[DReg350]

I've got two copies of his first book, both signed, and both in as new condition. Great book. I'd be willing to trade one if someone has a spare copy of his second book. I don't have that one.

But, nothing beat experiencing Gary live in front of a crowd teaching suspension at a Doc Wong Clinic. That man had passion, was articulate, and made technical things so easy to comprehend.

 

[bpowa]

Any mentions of him getting taken out by deer (S)?

If you ride the hills enough year round at a spirited pace the chances of getting struck by a deer is very likely. I had my battle and many other close calls. Same as others I ride with.... Thats real world talk.:sniper

 

[bunnygoat]

His book taught me to leave drive chains on the loose side, especially when worn. Chain's now last much longer.
I learned much about suspension from him as well.

 

[ontherearwheel]

I don't know if he does mention anything about deers in the book, not that far into.....but I do know he had a screen name of deer hunter way back. If memory serves me correctly, I think 3 deers was the number.

One of good aspects about the book is how be blends track riding into how it applies to the street.