Trials and Error

by Dougie Lampkin

Former trial biking world champion Dougie Lampkin's superb autobiography gives a unique insight into one of motorsport's most famous dynasties as well as revealing the inspiration that led him to become an online sensation thanks to his extraordinary Red Bull stunts. When Dougie Lampkin was born, his father had placed a motorcycle next to his cot before he returned from hospital - if anyone can say that they were destined for a career in motorbiking it was him. So far, nine members of the Lampkin family have competed at a high level of the sport, but it was Dougie who set new standards, winning seven consecutive outdoor world titles and five indoor world titles, earning him the MBE at the age of 25.  Off-road motorcycling continues to grow in popularity, with more than 100,000 people taking part in the UK alone, and millions more following online or on television. In this superb memoir, Lampkin brings the excitement of his sport vividly to life. He also shares the behind-the-scenes drama behind some of his most famous Red Bull challenges - such as the day he took his trials bike for a ride through Red Bull's Formula One factory, with Christian Horner looking on in sheer amazement as he rode his bike over a multi-million-pound F1 car, leaving it without a scratch. To date, almost 12 million people have watched this episode on YouTube .  For anyone who enjoyed the books of Guy Martin or Michael Dunlop ,  Trials and Error is a compelling read and one ride you won't want to miss. 

Genres: Biography

Audiobook

Published May 16, 2019

Reviews

[Michael Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dougie Lampkin’s autobiography is a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of the most successful sportsmen this country has produced so far. Never heard of him? What about the sport he dominated, at international level, for so many years? Sadly, motorcycle trials has, for far too long, operated somewhat in the shadows of road racing and motocross. And it shouldn’t have! It demands skill, physical fitness, bravery and nerves of steel at the highest levels, and is fantastic to watch. Dougie has all the necessary qualities in spades, plus modesty and a sense of humour. I used to ride trials bikes myself. My first was a 250 Bultaco Sherpa inspired by the bikes his late, great father rode to huge success and to win the inaugural world championship in 1975. I rode Betas too in the 1990s and bought my spare parts (which my frequent crashes demanded regularly) from Dougie’s cousin, John. I was never any good (very few get anywhere near Dougie’s level), but it made me realise just how tough the sport is. And what great fun! I don’t know if it’s genetic with the Lampkins, but they are, without doubt, the most successful trials-riding family of all time, and Dougie, with all due respect, is the most talented of them. He takes us through his life in a highly engaging way, the ups and downs, victories and defeats, warts and all. Always inspiring and thoroughly entertaining throughout. I couldn’t put this book down and would enthusiastically recommend it to anybody who has an interest in the lives of true sports stars of any discipline.

[Randy Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is fascinating to learn more about the life, challenges, and victories of one of the greatest trials riders of all time--at least until the arrival of Toni Bou. The stories are great, but they aren't quite great literature, so this will probably only appeal to trials enthusiasts. I think Lampkin could have been more charitable to Takahisa Fujinami, who has remained at the highest level of competition for decades with great humour and grace. Still, learning some of what goes on behind the scenes in the industry makes it well worth the read.

[Luke Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing character Dougie is. I first heard about him through my dad when he did club trials and then I first met him at Goodwood in 2012. This book gives a real insight, not just into his incredible career but into the person that Dougie is.

A highly recommended read.

[Emma L Sixsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book information is spot on