Disregard the slightly woo-woo title. This is no Zen and the Art of the Motorcycle, which was a prissy piece of pretentious, barely readable hokum. [One reviewer damned my book The Gold-Plated Porsche with faint praise by asserting that it was better than Zen and the Art . . ."] Crawford’s book is a querulous examination of how and why we’ve given up our appreciation for the skills of the craftsperson—-or even the simple integrity of the committed do-it-yourselfer. In the process, we’ve become a culture of “change ‘er out, not worth troubleshootin’ it” techs.

Read the full review at thetruthaboutcars.com

Hall demonstrates eloquence and intellect, traditionally unheard of with first person recounts of biker culture. Documenting historical sociological connections to the beliefs and brotherhood of medieval Vikings, Hall paints a sometimes entertaining, occasionally chilling picture of men who live beyond the boundaries of our society yet will do anything to uphold the sacred values and tradition of their heritage. While other biker clubs were merely cruising for chicks and looking for kicks, Hall explains how the Pagans became one of the most feared and respected clubs in the country. Men who lack the fear of pain, death or any consequences whatsoever create a truly unruly and terrifying opponent. The often vulgar yet intuitive book definitively explains where biker culture stems from within our society and more specifically the individual, offering incredible insight into the hearts and minds of men who were vicious and violent, while at the same time adamant at preserving the structure and sanctity of their brotherhood, at all costs. Not merely anarchy for the sake of it, Hall effectively describes this truly fascinating dichotomy.

While often glorifying a lifestyle that shocked and terrified the dreams and towns of law-abiding citizens, Hall also portrays the grim reality of the consequences that befall the men who live outside the laws of society.  Whether you are interested in the sociology of such sub cultures or just want to read a firsthand account of life within an outlaw biker club, Riding on the Edge will surely quench this thirst like a cold beer at a biker rally.

If you don’t already know who Paul Teutul Sr. is then you have probably never heard of his TV show American Chopper on TLC which first aired in 2002 or Orange County Choppers (OCC), the name of his bike shop. Teutul opened OCC in Upper State New York back in 1999, they produce and sell 150 custom bikes a year that start at $30,000. He has appeared and stared in many TV shows, including Long Way Round, My Name Is Earl, Celebrity Family Feud, Late Show with David Letterman (eight times), Nickelback’s Rock Star video and had a small part in the film Wild Hogs.

“I have read up to 500 milliGauss of ELF EMF radiation above motorcycle seats. In contrast, many doctors raise cancer concerns involving 3 to 5 milliGauss of ELF EMF exposure from hydro power lines and other sources,” adds Chipkar.

“Various types of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) radiations have been linked to health disorders including cancer. Many motorcycles generate excessive ELF EMF radiation up through the seat penetrating directly into the rider’s groin and torso. The prostate is of major concern as it is one of the closest delicate glands invaded by the radiation. The colon and neighboring organs are also at risk,” adds Chipkar.

What you should also know is that Randall Dale Chipkar was granted a patent for a new seat accessory called the RiderSaver™, which I assume protects you from ELF EMF magnetic fields.

Chipkar adds, “I am now open to licensing or even selling some of my worldwide patents as long as I am assured shielded seats can reach consumers immediately. Hopefully, this new RiderSaver™ seat accessory will revolutionize the motorcycle industry to keep riders safer.

What’s next? First it was impotence and now its cancer, how about spontaneous combustion!

Source

Journalist Mark Richardson embarked on a journey, both physical and spiritual as he followed the route chronicled by Robert Pirsig in his famous story, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values. The trek, which begins in Minneapolis, MN and ends in San Francisco, CA was the backdrop for a novel that went much deeper than your average roadtrip tales.  In addition to inspiring generations of motorcyclists with his book, Pirsig is responsible for writing the most widely read book on philosophy, ever. The 1974 novel, which was originally rejected by 121 publishers eventually found a widespread audience and has sold over four million copies in 27 countries.

Richardson explores and builds on that journey in his recent book, Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Like many ‘Pirsig Pilgrams,’ as they are known, Richardson decided to follow the same route, curious as to how his adventure would compare or differ 40 years after Pirsig made his historical trek. Often referring back to the original text like a road map, Richardson paints lyrical pictures to his readers that are so graphic that at times you can almost smell the freshly cut grass floating across the wind under your nostrils. He also explores the notions of inner struggle and personal philosophy which were the focus of Pirsig’s novel.

As Richardson explores the American landscape, his readers learn more about Pirsig’s teachings of metaphysics as well as his fascinating and tragic life. While Richardson admits to initially finding Pirsig’s novel dense and complex, Zen and Now is as thought provoking and engaging as it is accessible.

Not only does Zen and Now enrich the original book and offer a modern context for it to be understood and experienced 40 years after the fact, it tells a captivating and emotional tale of a journey to find answers in a world that often defies meaning.