Taking in the View: Life from a Scooter

by Mark Bennett

1980s Britain was a harsh place. Sharply defined styles separate a multitude of teenage subcultures. Youngsters want to find the one that suits them, for a sense of purpose, for belonging, for safety, where violence is often just around the corner. The adult world is full of wars in far-off places and industrial strikes are two-a-penny, while jobs are scarce and the threat of nuclear oblivion looms overhead. Continually trying to find his place in the world, one young lad discovers music, fashion, and then the one place that will give him purpose and belonging. A place where everyone can fit in, whatever jacket they wear on their back, if they share just one common passion. Along with music, this place becomes a constant presence in his life. It gives him purpose and drive, taking him far and wide, meeting new people and visiting unfamiliar places, places that he would not have seen if life had taken a different route, and he will make memories too, lots of memories. It will cost him a lot of time and a small fortune too, but there are no regrets, only opportunities, because at the end of the day, if you don't do it, you haven't done it.

248 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2023

Reviews

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational read!
Written so beautifully that I felt I was with Mark on his exciting journey of life on a scooter. From just a boy to now I could feel his enthusiasm and know that it will inspire others to race, travel, rekindle forgotten memories and bring a passion from the past back to life! I love all the photos and illustrations that compliment 40 years of stories, music, memorabilia, rallies, speeding around a race track and exploring all over Europe. This book will appeal to anyone with an adventurous streak as it is about getting out there and living life to the full. An enjoyable read from start to finish.

[Robert Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written memoir of the halcyon days of scootering in the early 1980s, when nobody wanted them, through to today's scooter scene when everyone wants a part of the disposable income this generation has acquired. Road trips all iver the UK and Europe, and Mark dips his toe into 2 stroke scooter endurance racing. A thoroughly enjoyable read for those that were there, and those that weren't.

[Steve Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read. Tells all about a lifestyle some of us lived in the 80s and 90s and how that has changed into the love of classic scooters now. Mark writes with wit and shows how riding small capacity motorbikes all I’ll over the UK and Europe can be such a pull for some of us. Not just for scooter fans, it tells of growing up in the Britain of the time.