A Biker's Life: Misadventures on (and off) Two Wheels

by Henry Cole

Book The dramatic, humorous and candid memoir of one of the most recognisable names in motorcycling. About the Henry Cole is on television most days of the year as the presenter of shows like Find It, Fix It, Flog It!, Shed and Buried, The World's Greatest Motorcycle Rides and The Motorbike Show.

Genres: Autobiography, Biography, Nonfiction

368 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2018

About the author

Henry Cole was a celebrated science teacher for many years before turning his talents to children's books. He has worked on nearly one hundred and fifty books for children, including Nesting, Unspoken, Big Bug, A Nest for Celeste, Jack's Garden, and On Meadowview Street. Henry loves being outside where he can sketch and write.

Reviews

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have owned and ridden motorcycles before being legally able, my dad taught me how to drive a sidecar outfit and I have watched some of the Henry Cole tv series. When a friend offered me a read of his copy of this book I took up the offer. Basically, I was disappointed as it brushed over much of his life in a very superficial manner and this was the feature throughout. Only the final chapter, talking about drug addicts and how society treats them has any meaning. I wanted more about his motorcycle collection, the work he has done on them, how much he did himself etc. It was all brushed over lightly. Then there are the expletives of which the book is riddled. If an old Etonian is unable to make a point without them there is not much hope for the world. There are some colour photographs in the centre of the book but other illustrations, in this paperback edition, were without definition and much too dark.

Only just makes 2 stars from me.

[Chloe Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry is completely honest in this about his fight with addiction and life in general.
But his strive to give back and his mentality for retro and vintage items, with a view that we are merely custodians of items, saving and preserving. It was a good read!

[Daniel James Brear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

I chose this book because I like Henry's tv shows and had heard rumours about his addiction and wanted to hear more about his life etc. Anyone who enjoys shows like she'd and hurried will like this book and the insights to bike builds, speed records and people featured on the programmes.

Good read i thought and he says it as it is / was, I noticed a lot of negative reviews about swearing in this book but it's no more than you hear in everyday life, Didn't bother me and I think it probably shocked people more because there is a lot more to Me Cole than his clean cut tv image which I found very interesting.

[Ian Hallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have watched the Motorcycle Show on TV so when I saw Henry Cole had written an autobiography had to buy and read it. I wasn't disappointed, Henry writes a warts and all autobiography, the book is interspersed with chapter's on some of the many restoration projects Henry has undertaken. There are a couple of chapter's of autobiography followed by a chapter on a project then a couple more chapter's of autobiography then another project and so on.
I learnt a lot about Henry that I was not aware of including his drug addiction, and various film and TV series production credits.

[Mrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Biker's Life - Misadventures on (and off) two wheels

A thoroughly enjoyable read from Henry Cole. I knew he had a privileged upbringing, but his openness and honesty about his early life of drug abuse was a great thing to do, and must have taken real bravery to share that in print. It would have been very easy to focus the whole book on his success with his programmes, but to share personal struggles was a real eye opener. I find it hard when those in the biking fraternity are negative and rude about Henry Cole, especially when he has done so much in promoting motorcycling, and done it with humour and including the genius of Sam Lovegrove and Allen Millyard. All are great ambassadors of life on two wheels.

The only negatives are, 1, no need for to use the F word so often, and 2, shoot the proof reader, who only managed to spell Allen Millyard's name correctly once, and that was in the acknowledgements 😂

[Chris Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing is clear is this book has not been ghostwritten. Frankly its a mess editorially with random views and opinions dropped in (eg on vaping - why?).

However this is part of the appeal of the book. It feels like a genuine voice. Sometimes that voice reminds me of the posh kid trying to be ‘a geezer’ and that can be irritating at times

Thankfully there is loads of good stuff about motorcycling - in fact wish there was more about that. The other biographical stuff is mostly quite boring apart from the sections about addiction

Henry Cole does come across as a good bloke though and he tells some great stories (eg his a3 crash) so id recommend it to anyone who likes his shows and is into motorcycles

[Chris Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book and totally gutted to have finished it. It’s not just that it’s a great book about motorbikes (which it is), but it’s so much more than that. Henry is a man who has life nailed, he gets it completely. He unapologetically follows his passions and does what makes him happy, he understands that life is fleeting and does not waste any time on things that don’t satisfy him. Whether you like motorbikes or not, this is a great read. It’s a book about mindfulness, it’s a book about how people can turn their lives around even when the chips are down, it’s a book about following your dreams and most of all, it’s a bloody good read.

[Kris Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational beyond belief, I couldn’t put it down

Having seen a couple of Henry’s programmes I was mildly familiar with the presenting side but never had a clue how inspirational he really is. Once I picked up the book I really didn’t want to put it down. To put it into perspective I usually get through a book I’m really enjoying on about a week - I managed to read this in 2 days. To think that Henry’s really been through the mixer and come out the other side gives everybody hope and he comes across as a genuinely spot on fella.

[Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super, honest, well crafted compilation of philosophies, experiences and antique collectibles. Henry Cole manages to inject so much of his down-to-earth personality into this book that it feels like you are just having an extended conversation with him in his shed. Well worth a read (particularly if you are stuck at home during a COVID19 lockdown. This is the best way to experience the great outdoors without leaving your house.

[Ian Melrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutally honest and interesting account of a man who struggles to find his place in the world. I love Henry’s TV shows and was curious to find out more about the man behind them. The addiction and privilege I had heard about but the story of the struggle to overcome both is harrowing at times. I’m not sure Henry is exactly at peace with the world but I think he is probably closer than many others will ever be. A great read.

[Tracey Orchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a biker fan but very much a Henry Cole fan I seized the opportunity to read this once my husband finished it. An interestingting insight into aristocracy, addiction, failure, clawing your way back and achieving your dreams and living life doing the things you want to do rather than need to do to survive. Working doing something you adore seems like a dream but definitely gives you something to aspire to do!!!!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, I bought it to read as I really enjoy Henry’s TV shows - his engaging personality and great sense of humour come through just the same in this book as they do on screen. You don’t need to be an expert on motorbikes to read and enjoy this (I’m not!), it’s just a great life story with ups and downs, with plenty of laugh out loud moments.

[Harriet Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened this book up at 6.20am this morning whilst on holiday from work. I have just finished it at 20.56 this same day and what an amazing read! I have barely put this book down all day. I don’t think I’ve ever written a book review but this book definitely deserves it. Henry, you are a legend! I would recommend this book over and over again!

[Kun Dániel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry's way of thinking is great and his passion for collecting is impressive. Interesting and enjoyable book. If you've only watched the TV shows, you don't know the real Henry, so you must read this book.

[Ed Skipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Love of Henry

I loved this autobiography, Henry has a really honest way about himself and what drives him.
He has some super mates who work so well together, we love you Henry keep a troshing!

Ed.

[G Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great read written with passion

I've been watching Henry Cole's TV shows for years and never realised that he's had such a rollercoaster of a ride in life - Well worth a read.

[Margaret Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just motorbikes.

A very honest book about a decent everyday man and his passion for life and motor engines.
I love the way he tells it all, the good, the interesting, the good luck. The bad decisions and what he has learnt from it
all, with a positive sense of humour.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Must read for all bikers

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book I have sat down a read in a single day, I couldn't put this down.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and I love Henry Cole even more now. You don’t have to be into motorbikes to read it - everyone should read it! Bloody loved it and sad I’ve finished it.

[Keith Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, sounds like a good guy

[MR ROGER MILLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just great!!!!

Great stories about Henry's life.

Try it you'll love it!

Not what I was expecting.

Easy to read and lots of fun.

[Nick P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great insight into the life of a charismatic presenter. Easy to read. His enthusiasm for bikes and 'shed culture' in general is infectious.

[kevin brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book a must read

What can I say, love it great read well written and easy ,enjoyable flow to the book, I won't go into detail just buy the book you won't be disappointed,

[Renata Ruby]

a lovely book, i can't afford it at the moment though as i have bought too many shoes and handbags, butt i like Henrys humour and he reminds me of some one i was at college with

[Madeleine Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infectious enthusiasm, funny and heart warming.

[Rob Menzies]

Great! loved it hilarious, philosophical and honest.

[mr p g stocker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about Henry Cole

I choose the book because I enjoy the motorbike show
On ITV and wanted to find out more about Henry and motorbikes.

[mrs o o'keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

One of the best, honest biographies I have read. What a chequered life, Henry pulls no punches. Highly recommend this.

[Mandy Marr]

I'm not a biker and yet I couldn't put this down. Warts and all of Henry's life. Very interesting