Men and motorcycles: a story that has vacillated somewhere between cult and cliché for years. Custom bikes, in particular, have a history that is deeply rooted in the spirit of freedom and change of the 1960s, as well as man’s primal urge to build something with his own hands—or, in this case, tools. The Ride 2nd Gear is a showcase of the power and beauty of these bikes. The Ride 2nd Gear presents a stunning selection of recent custom motorcycles, as well as the small, local workshops around the globe in which they are built. Hotbeds of creativity and craftsmanship, these workshops are mostly run by single individuals and attract a small yet devoted community of fans and fellow builders. The custom bike community as a whole is united by its passion for the ride—one so strong that it is now attracting a younger generation. Whether alone or in a group of like-minded friends, in a city or in the countryside, just for the weekend or embarking on a long-distance road trip, these drivers are actively sharing and celebrating pure riding pleasure on their own unique motorcycles that are lovingly crafted with time, dedication, and technical expertise. From limited series to one-offs, The Ride 2nd Gear features the brilliant results of this process. Its pages are filled with bikes that offer extraordinary design and driving experiences. In fact, established brands are now acting on trends set by the custom scene whose bikes are often more radical and sophisticated because more attention can be paid to detail and each new idea can be fine-tuned to perfection. Some models shown in The Ride 2nd Gear stem from or are based on classic bobbers and choppers, Italian-style racing machines, plastic Japanese motorcycles, and rare BMWs or Triumphs, which may very well be up to 80 years old. Others are art bikes made for show or futuristic visions inspired by the aesthetics of science fiction, fantasy, or anime. But whether they preserve or radically expand on traditional craftsmanship, these custom machines are more agile, faster, and therefore more fun than anything produced in the past.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 352

Dimensions: 270 x 300 mm

The introduction of the Porsche 901 in 1963 marked a milestone in automotive history. Although the name later had to be changed because Peugeot had patented having a 0 in the middle of car model numbers, the 911 didn’t let anything stand in the way of its becoming an iconic sports car. This success story spans all the way from the 901 and the Carrera RS 2.7 (which with its characteristic rear spoiler—the so-called “ducktail”— was the fastest production car of its time) right up to the current generation of the 991. The famous automotive photographer René Staud showcases the most important models—all in his typically radiant and distinctive style.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 336

Dimensions: 290 x 370 mm

Publication Date: 31-08-2018

Provides 16 lessons showing exactly what is required in order to pass the New Zealand practical driving test for licence class 1 to 6. Highlights the common errors and defines whether the error made will constitute a fault or terminated test. Meet the standards required to pass the Practical Driving Test.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 68

Dimensions: 210 x 270 mm

Publication Date: 01-05-2018

Provides all the relevant New Zealand theory test questions and answers for licence classes 1 to 6. An all in one licence class package providing you with the knowledge you need.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 60

Dimensions: 210 x 270 mm

Publication Date: 01-05-2018

Helicopter Boys is the latest addition to Grub Street’s Boys series from acclaimed author Richard Pike, exploring the role of helicopters in military and civilian situations. With over fourteen contributors, Helicopter Boys contains stories of the diverse nature of helicopter operations. From the dramatic war scenes during the Indo/Pakistani war which saw one pilot’s actions earn him a VrC gallantry award to the experience of Chinook pilots on board the Atlantic Conveyor during the Falklands War. Then there are the civilian tales from rescue missions in the Outer Hebrides to being a pilot across the world in places such as Australia and Nigeria. There is also a focus on the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 which saw the loss of 167 lives. The book ends with Pike’s experiences in Kosovo, helping to distribute emergency humanitarian aid on behalf of the United Nations World Food Programme shortly after the war ended in 1999. Each story is told with great detail conveying the action and excitement that helicopter pilots experienced with each operation. The scope, flair and pace of the writing in this book will appeal to the general reader as well as to the enthusiast.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 31-05-2018

Do you know… What are the most unusual things left behind by passengers on British trains? How China is using trains to recreate the ancient Silk Road? How many of the sixty Sherlock Holmes stories feature travel by rail? The appeal of trains travels far and wide. More than just a means of transport, these revolutionary machines connect communities, evoke memories and promise adventures galore. This fact-packed miscellany tracks their development across the globe from the earliest steam locomotives through to the superfast trains of today, stopping off along the way to explore great railway journeys, iconic stations and memorable depictions in the arts. Whether you’re a rail aficionado or a curious newcomer, this companion will keep you engrossed and entertained to the end of the line.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 135 x 204 mm

Publication Date: 07-05-2018

An inspiration for all adventurous travelers An illustrated book showing Land Rover off-road models in all their impressive action Stunning landscape photography from Namibia, Scotland, Guatemala, Argentina, and beyond Crossing borders, expanding horizons, and discovering unchartered terrain: for 70 years, Land Rover has championed adventure. The legendary Land Rover Experience Tour is a paradigm of exploration and discovery, marking its 12th edition in 2018. This time, the off-road tour took its six winning participants, selected from thousands of applicants, through the stunning scenery of Peru. As a companion to the previous Land Rover Experience Tours, this spectacular Land Rover photo book takes the reader on an adventure through variegated wilderness, landscapes, and cultures. Revised and expanded, this volume offers unparalleled impressions from each trip otherwise reserved for the six lucky Tour Experience winners alone. Awe-inspiring photography and fascinating anecdotes from the Land Rover Experience Tours in Jordan, Malaysia, Bolivia, Iceland, Australia, and along the Silk Route bring an irresistible dose of wanderlust for car and 4x4 fanatics and adventurers alike. Alongside phenomenal landscapes, you’ll see the superb and dynamic cross-country SUVs like Land Rover Discovery or Evoque in full action. With exciting insider reports from Dag Rogge, Director of the Land Rover Experience Tour, this thrilling coffee table book takes readers on an off-road experience like no other.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 250 x 320 mm

Publication Date: 31-01-2018

Born-Free is the Woodstock of the motorcycle scene: the world’s biggest gathering for riders of vintage custom motorcycles. Every season the community celebrates a shared passion for building and riding motorcycles. It’s all about finding the next epic road and enjoying the feeling of spending time outside, with your friends or all alone, with scenic landscapes, the sun on your face, the sound of the wind, and the engine revving at your command. It means going back to the basics, just the winning combination of human and machine. Riding clears the mind and gives freedom to think at a welcome distance from everyday problems. Some say you can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a motorcycle and that’s pretty close. What are you waiting for? Ride with us!

Bind: hardback

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 280 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 31-07-2018

Ride Out! shines a light on the classic and most inspiring riding landscapes, from never-ending meandering mountain passes to routes along the Mediterranean Sea. A motorcycle rider is always on the hunt― for the perfect curve, the perfect scenery, the perfect flow. Pack light, take your friends on a spontaneous day trip, or prepare for the long haul around the world. Hop on a sport bike or a dual-sport―will you choose Africa’s challenging sand dunes or the rough gravel paths among the old Silk Road routes flanked by some of the tallest mountains in the world? California, South Africa, Japan, China, Patagonia, and New Zealand are playgrounds for the two-wheeled nomads who will be sharing their personal experi- ences. Detailed Maps containing practical background information on the best seasons, duration, and points of interest will help you plan your next trip. Get out and ride!

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm

Publication Date: 30-09-2018

This stylishly illustrated book looks back at the glamour of Concorde air travel and is as sleek and elegant as the aircraft it celebrates. When the first commercial Concordes zoomed off the runways in Paris and London in the late 1960s, crossing the Atlantic in just under three hours, they established a new standard for luxury flight. Powered by 38,000 pounds of thrust and easily recognizable with its delta wing and drooping nose, the Concorde jet embodied the pinnacle of aviation technology and industrial design. It quickly became the preferred mode of transatlantic flight for superstars and business moguls alike. Opening with a lively history of the jet and how it changed travel, the book focuses on the look and feel of the Concorde. Photos of the jet’s evolving interiors show how the original, starkly designed cabin gave way to luxury seats and interiors designed by the likes of Sir Terence Conran and Andrée Putman. Filled with fascinating historical and technical background, and drawn from the author’s personal collection of more than one thousand Concorde-related objects, this elegant book offers rarely seen historical photography and firsthand contributions from the people who helped create the Concorde experience from take-off to landing and beyond.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 190 x 235 mm

Publication Date: 14-09-2018