Overview

This book is a compilation of rider profiles written over a three year period which originally appeared in the Classic Motorcycle magazine and with a new set of photographs. All of the riders featured became top men in their fields during their heyday although for some it was the first time they had ever been interviewed. During the 1950's and 60's scrambling especially drew huge crowds to meetings all across the country and thanks to the TV coverage many of the competitors featured became household names. Each chapter features the competition years of the riders but it gives an overview of their careers and tries to convey their enthusiasm for the sport not just statistics or facts and figures.

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9781845841904

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Reviews

Andy's warm, affectionate but also sharp and fact-filled accounts are complemented by 100 or more crystal-clear action photographs quite superbly reproduced. - Western Daily Press- Sixteen dirt demons profiled. The mud and mono action pics evoke the smell of Castrol R. - Classic Bike- The book is a marvellous compilation of affectionate profiles of riders from the golden age of motorcycle sport. - Blackmore Vale magazineHave we read it? Yes, it's full of off-road stuff - hence the title - and is of interest to anyone who competes, or follows off-road sport or even used to enjoy the TV scrambles in the '60s. - Old Bike Mart I guarantee you will find it hard to put down once you have dipped into its content. - Pioneer Motor Cyclist newsletterIf you have enduring memories of old Brit bikes being raced in anger, then this book will have you re-living the glory days of your youth. For anyone too young to remember them, then it's a fascinating insight into a now defunct part of British social, economic and sporting history. - Trailbike & Enduro Magazine

realclassic.co.uk, November 2008<br> UK biking website <br> If you ever wanted to know who won an ISDT Gold Medal on a clutchless Tiger Cub, or what Steve McQueen's toughest two-wheeled challenge was, then this is the book for you Written in the author's usual accessible style, 'Off Road Giants!' is a series of short biographies of well-known figures from the golden age of British off-road motorcycle sport. Although previously seen as individual articles in 'The Classic Motorcycle', they work extremely well as a collection of glimpses into that wonderful era. Each is based on face-to-face interviews and each one includes illuminating direct quotes from the subject. Seventeen significant 1960s trials and motocross personalities are covered, including such stars as Triss and Bryan Sharp, Ivor England, Gordon Jackson and Bud Ekins. The book is lavishly illustrated with well-chosen contemporary photographs, many previously unpublished. Each personality is treated individually, with the course of their career summarized. Highlights are the amusing anecdotes and personal reminiscences which bring each account to life. The many stories that emerge contain answers to such intriguing questions as: - <br> - What did Edward Turner say when Johnny Giles quietly slipped his works Triumph engine into a BSA frame?<br> - Why did Triss and Bryan Sharp retire from the 1966 ISDT in the Isle of Man?<br> - When did Bryan Goss acquire his 'Badger' nickname?<br> - How did Steve McQueen respond when Mike Jackson asked him his toughest two-wheel experience?<br> - Where was John Burton awarded the Freedom of the City?<br> - Who won his first ISDT Gold Medal after riding most of the event with no clutch on hisTiger Cub? <br> Apart from the personal stories, the book gives an insight into just what it took for an individual to compete successfully at international level back in the sixties. One recurring theme is how dependent 1960s factory riders were on their own resources to continue in competition. Most of them had other jobs and usually had to provide their own transport to events, and none were paid vast sums for competing. 'Off-Road Giants!' is an enjoyable book to read in one go or to dip into when the fancy takes. If there is any regret at all it is only the great names from that era who are not included. That is hardly a criticism as the work depends on the face-to-face interview and not all candidates for the Westlake treatment are necessarily available. We can only hope that a second volume is planned. Above all it is the author's genuine enthusiasm for the subject which really makes this book work. Andy started watching motocross in 1961 and was completely hooked. He was fortunate enough to see all of his heroes in action. By careful research and asking the right questions he really catches the flavor of the time. It is in some ways a historical record, but first and foremost it is a good read and a must for anyone with an interest in the heroes of 1960s off-road motorcycle sport.

Of interest to anyone who can remember watching motocross, trials and enduros way back in the 1960s, or indeed anyone interested in that era. - Nacelle, Triumph Owners' Motor Cycle ClubThis hardback book is composed of articles written for the 'ClassicMotor Cycle' and describes the achievements of certain riders of trials and scrambles. It is by no means a comprehensive list of the stars of off-road competition of the 1950s and 1960s, but it does give some interesting information about many top riders, especially those from the westcountry. Each chapter is about a particular rider and is written in a journalistic way that unfortunately means that if you read too many chapters in quick succession the contents become a little indigestible. On the other hand the style catches the atmosphere of the time and the character of the riders. There are many fine action photographs and for anyone who was involved in this period of motor cycle sport (and that includes many MCC members) this book will revive many memories. And for those who weren't it will help you understand what others are talking about!

Author Information

After nearly forty years of riding motor bikes Andy Westlake is one of the UK's leading motorcycle magazine journalists. He contributes to leading monthly magazines such as The Classic Motorcycle, Classic Dirt Bike and Motorcycle Sport and Leisure in the UK and also classic and off road magazines in France, the USA and Australia. He attended his first motorcycle sports event as an eight year old in 1961 and it is the bikes and people of that era that he writes so passionately about. He has competed with great success in classic long distance trials and as recently as 2006 won a gold medal in the Lands End trial on his Cheney Triumph. He has also toured extensively on Guzzi twins including a coast to coast trip across the USA.

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