Why would anyone want to do something as dangerous as motorcycling? For those who love to ride, no explanation is necessary. For everyone else, there’s Why We Ride. Designed as both an explanation for outsiders and an anthem for those within the fold, this new book presents the insights of Mark Barnes, PhD, a motorcycling clinical psychologist. As a popular columnist at Motorcycle Consumer News for more than twenty years, Dr. Barnes articulates the elusive physical, emotional, and interpersonal elements that make the world of the motorcyclist such a rich and exciting place. His wide-ranging text covers both sports psychology and the psychoanalysis of common riding experiences, including the results of Dr. Barnes’ own empirical research. Heartfelt and thought provoking, here is a straightforward account of what makes real motorcyclists tick. Inside Why We Ride: • What makes the hazards and hardships of riding a motorcycle worthwhile • An Examination of the complex gratifications, relentlessly compelling passions, and deeply personal experiences that motivate motorcyclists • Sports psychology and psychoanalysis of common riding experiences • Results of the author’s own empirical research on the motives of motorcyclists • A special section on how riders achieve the quasi-mystical state of “Flow,” a concept currently at the center of modern sports psychology

Bind: paperback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 178 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 02-10-2017

The Equestrian World takes you on a journey into a world where there is always the scent of polished leather and fresh hay in the air. Peek behind the scenes at world-famous competitions—from heart-pounding head-to-head races and hard-hitting polo matches to exquisitely-controlled dressage riding. Horse expert and aficionado, Peter Clotten, takes the reins in this book and whisks us into the many sides of the equestrian sport world. Expressive portraits and informative accompanying text will acquaint you with famous riders and horse enthusiasts as well as manufacturers, saddleries, and designers who make global style statements with their creations—whether it’s mounted on a horse or in the grandstand at Ascot, St. Moritz, and elsewhere. Impressive, graceful, majestic, but also patient—for horse lovers, there is no lovelier feeling than stroking the coat of their faithful companion, saddling up, and riding off into the woods. In earlier times, the horse served primarily as a means of transportation, but now more than ever, the relationship between horse and human is characterized by an intimate bond, and riding is a way of life—not just for professionals, but for passionate hobbyists as well. The Equestrian World is the best way to take a little break from the day-to-day stresses and dive into this fantastic world. Or if you’d like to take the reins yourself, the book also describes luxurious destination resorts, glorious clubs, and rider-friendly hotels where you can get away and get a fresh new perspective on the world.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 275 x 340 mm

Publication Date: 01-09-2017

A comprehensive training handbook on how to improve one’s jumping. Better balance in the saddle, improved body control from head to toe, and increased influence with your seat are just a handful of the simple fixes offered in this straightforward training manual for jumping. Most of the suggestions provided require only a few minutes to learn and offer solutions for making jumping more enjoyable for both riders and their horses. By starting and ending each ride with these simple, easy, and effective fixes, equestrians will happily and efficiently replace old habits with new ones and get out of the riding rut we all find ourselves in at some point in our riding career. Aimed at both the amateur and competent rider – with particular emphasis on making jumping more enjoyable for both rider and their horse.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 264

Dimensions: 200 x 212 mm

This comprehensively illustrated book covers training, conditioning, and competing in all three phases of events: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. In addition, Dutton includes full chapters describing the special needs of the event horse, with tips and advice from the top experts who make up his internationally respected eventing team — his groom, his farrier, and his veterinarian. One will find guidance in everything from daily maintenance to braiding and turnout, and from hoof care and studs to common health issues and "vet box" care of your horse during competitions. With tips for finding the right event prospect, whatever the level of experience, as well as Dutton's own schooling exercises, both on the flat and over fences, the book promises to give one the leg up one needs for a safe and confident start in the sport. Everything You Need to Excel in Eventing Tack & Equipment • Finding the Right Horse • Putting • Together an Eventing Team • Horse & Rider Fitness • Basic Dressage Schooling • Cross-Country: No Fences • Cross-Country Jumping • Introduction to Show Jumping • Mental Preparation for Horse & Rider • Warming Up for Each Phase • Riding the Dressage Test • Walking the Cross-Country Course • Planning the Show Jumping Round • Staying Clear and Making Time • Grooming, Braiding, & Quarter Marks • Feeding the Working Athlete • Hoof Maintenance, Shoes, & Studs • Common Health Problems • Care of the Event Horse During Competition • And So Much More!

Bind: paperback

Pages: 352

Dimensions: 210 x 261 mm

Through Rider Biomechanics, one gains a complete understanding of the biomechanics of the rider via a new understanding of fascia — the fabric of the body that links muscles into functional chains, rather like strings of sausages. Within both human and equine bodies these form 'lines of pull', affecting posture, movement, stability and mobility. Through clear 'how to' descriptions, coupled with copious illustrations, the reader learns how to rebalance the tension within and between one's own 'lines of pull'. The ultimate task is to use this developing awareness to rebalance the tension in the horse's 'line of pull', gaining much more influence over his carriage and movement. The secrets of talented riders are laid bare. KEY POINTS Explains how the body's connective tissue ultimately determines the balance of horse and rider Provides a map and techniques for rebalancing the 'lines of pull' creating better balance between horse and rider Illustrations and photographs throughout explain the 'lines of pull' and how to reorganise and influence one's horse

Bind: paperback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 214 x 283 mm

Publication Date: 22-05-2017

This extreme sport originated in California USA. The early designs were a simple board customized using roller skate wheels. By the 1980’s skateboarding had reached all corners of the USA and was becoming popular worldwide with kids adopting the culture as their own and taking over public spaces to practice the sport. Over the following pages we will show the work of 44 artists, displaying the evolution of the skateboard with a whole range of designs, colours and shapes.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 150 x 220 mm

Publication Date: 20-03-2017

When Ferdinand Porsche could not find a sports car he liked, he decided to build one himself. And now, the rest is history: Jerry Seinfeld drives it; Boris Johnson admires it; Steve McQueen loves it; and Jeremy Clarkson hates it. The Porsche 911 moves the world. Despised by many in Germany as a set of wheels for fat cats, it is the favorite car of free spirits and intellectuals in the U.S. and across the globe. The Porsche 911 was not just invented by one of the most fascinating and controversial families – it is also a technical meisterwerk. Since its launch in 1963, the 911 has built a reputation for itself as “the thinking man’s sports car.” Both a car and a cultural icon, it has earned a fan base that spans from young to old, East to West, connoisseur to enthusiast. Porsche 911: The Ultimate Sportscar as Cultural Icon explains how this German car became a global phenomenon and a symbol of aspiration, freedom, and the appetite for perfection, and even more, why, around the world, the 911 continues to fascinate gentlemen, ladies, and rogue drivers.  In this book, Ulf Poschardt sends Porsche drivers to the shrink and concludes that a little narcissim can be a healthy thing; he then takes them on an engaging journey through the checkered history that defines their pride and joy.  Not everyone can, nor indeed should, drive a Porsche, but Porsche 911: The Ultimate Sportscar as Cultural Icon lays bare the raw driving force behind the 911 for anyone intrepid enough to discover. 

Bind: hardback

Pages: 200

Dimensions: 210 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 01-01-2017

Martijn Doolaard traded the convenience of a car and the distractions of daily life for a cross-continental cycling journey: a biped adventure that would take him from Amsterdam to Singapore. Leaving behind repetitive routines, One Year on a Bike indulges in slow travel, the subtlety of a gradually changing landscape, and the lessons learned through traveling. Venturing through Eastern European fields of yellow rapeseed to the intimate hosting culture and community in Iran, One Year on a Bike is a vivid chronicle of what can happen when the norm is pointedly replaced by exceptional self-discoveries and beautiful sceneries. Doolaard shares the gear and knowledge that made his trip possible alongside the passionate curiosities that served as his impetus. 

Bind: hardback

Pages: 368

Dimensions: 240 x 320 mm

Publication Date: 01-01-2017

French nymphing, or European nymphing as it is often known in the US, is the most important new development in flyfishing for a generation. The use of ultra-long tapered French leaders provides huge advantages both in terms of reducing drag and dramatically improving fly presentation. These methods, which have already revolutionised the world of competition flyfishing, are now also proving themselves to be a game-changer for the recreational fisherman. This is the first book to explain all branches of French leader technique: • sight nymphing • short and long-range indicator nymphing • dry fly • fishing for grayling, carp and steelhead • masterclasses from leading experts Cody Burgdorff (USA) Julien Daguillanes (France) Stanislav Mankov (Bulgaria) • tips for fishing in all types of river and clear stillwaters in the UK, Continental Europe, the USA and the Southern Hemisphere. Use of the French leader has led to the French national team becoming the most successful team at the World Championships in recent years, winning 7 Gold, 7 Silver and 7 Bronze medals. As opportunities to catch trout on a dry fly have become less frequent and of shorter duration, the use of modern nymphing techniques can often make the difference between a successful fishing trip and not catching fish at all.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 30-11-2016

These cars are futuristic, utopian, eccentric, and always ahead of their time. From models that were never presented to consumers to those produced as limited series, Fast Forward shows cars that pique people s interest and enthusiasm. From cars never shown to those models that see small production runs, Fast Forward presents vehicles that are just as much sculpture as automobile. Iconic winglets adorn models from the 50s. Automobiles of the 70s appear to be works of science fiction rather than modes of transportation. Classic interpretations and vintage prototypes that hinted at the future of yesteryear. Every decade has it own ideas of the future. The timeline of concept cars is narrated through an alluring pairing of project images and stories from inside studio walls. Designers discuss the catalysts behind their creations from the first scribble upon a blank page to a 3D model to the roadways. Fast Forward showcases the past, present, and, in the true spirit of concept cars, the future of this intriguing and diverse realm.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 300 x 270 mm

Publication Date: 01-04-2017