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Leathered: A Life Taken to Extremes … On and Off the Bike
The autobiography of one of the most talented, charismatic and popular racers ever to grace the sport of motorcycle racing
From riding motorcycles for fun with his father on the dirt roads of the Californian desert, to the pinnacle of the most extreme of extreme sports, via the desperate lows of personal tragedy, alcohol and drug abuse, Hopkins' story is truly a rare one of adrenaline, addiction, recovery and redemption at the highest level of international sport.
John's huge and loyal fan base in the UK, USA and far beyond will know much about the career of a teenage motorbike racer signed from obscurity to compete at the elite level of the sport, who within just a few years emerged as one of its most exciting stars. Many will also be aware of the bone-crunching injuries, and the rumours around his alcohol-fuelled antics, that ultimately proved his downfall at the peak of his success.
Untold up to now, however, are the true stories behind the lurid headlines, the extent of John's mental torment at the time, his eventual total dependence on painkillers and alcohol, the drug smuggling trips to Mexico, his contemplation of suicide and the rehabilitation that saved him. The love story with his wife Ashleigh provides the backdrop to a dramatic, funny and uplifting story of an extraordinary life lived before the age of 40.
From riding motorcycles for fun with his father on the dirt roads of the Californian desert, to the pinnacle of the most extreme of extreme sports, via the desperate lows of personal tragedy, alcohol and drug abuse, Hopkins' story is truly a rare one of adrenaline, addiction, recovery and redemption at the highest level of international sport.
John's huge and loyal fan base in the UK, USA and far beyond will know much about the career of a teenage motorbike racer signed from obscurity to compete at the elite level of the sport, who within just a few years emerged as one of its most exciting stars. Many will also be aware of the bone-crunching injuries, and the rumours around his alcohol-fuelled antics, that ultimately proved his downfall at the peak of his success.
Untold up to now, however, are the true stories behind the lurid headlines, the extent of John's mental torment at the time, his eventual total dependence on painkillers and alcohol, the drug smuggling trips to Mexico, his contemplation of suicide and the rehabilitation that saved him. The love story with his wife Ashleigh provides the backdrop to a dramatic, funny and uplifting story of an extraordinary life lived before the age of 40.
- GenresBiography
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 12, 2021
17 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 1, 2021
I have always been a fan of this dude when he was racing in Moto GP (I personally don’t watch other championships). The cool look, the raw talent, I liked everything about him. Sure he crashed quite a bit, but knowing the state he was in sometimes - both mentally and physically - while riding, it made a powerful impression on me.
His story is raw, brutal, honest. He was a motorcycle rider with a rockstar lifestyle. All I can say is that I am a better person with a broader understanding for a lot of things after reading his book and an even bigger fan of him. And John, god damn man I am so happy you’re still alive and back in the paddock as a rider coach! Thank you for this book!
His story is raw, brutal, honest. He was a motorcycle rider with a rockstar lifestyle. All I can say is that I am a better person with a broader understanding for a lot of things after reading his book and an even bigger fan of him. And John, god damn man I am so happy you’re still alive and back in the paddock as a rider coach! Thank you for this book!
October 30, 2022
As a recent convert to motorbike racing I never saw John actually race and had not really heard much about him until thought I’d give this book a try as it looked a bit different to the usual suggestions that came up when searching for books on the subject and I’m so glad I did!
A very honest heartfelt account of a fascinating life lived on the limit that offers a refreshingly candid view behind the scenes of motorcycle racing and into the extremes that the riders put themselves through to succeed
Hopkins account of his behaviour and the effect that his addictions had on his mental health, friends and family makes at times uncomfortable reading but have you cheering for him when he recognises his demons and seeks to exorcise them
It’s a testament to what a compelling read this book that as soon as I finished it I immediately checked out the documentaries he mentions staring in as well as several of the races he so well depicts
A very honest heartfelt account of a fascinating life lived on the limit that offers a refreshingly candid view behind the scenes of motorcycle racing and into the extremes that the riders put themselves through to succeed
Hopkins account of his behaviour and the effect that his addictions had on his mental health, friends and family makes at times uncomfortable reading but have you cheering for him when he recognises his demons and seeks to exorcise them
It’s a testament to what a compelling read this book that as soon as I finished it I immediately checked out the documentaries he mentions staring in as well as several of the races he so well depicts
October 9, 2023
A very good autobiography. Man, John has some serious issues. He carried a lot of emotional baggage, which makes what he did in a motorbike even more impressive.
Very much worth a read, fan of bike racing or not. Just shows what money can do to a person and how it only exacerbates problems.
I always knew he liked a beer and to party, but he got up to way more than I ever thought he did, which is saying something. The dude has serious abandonment issues when it comes to the ladies too!!!! To the point of being very unhealthy.
A good read about a very colourful individual who is very lucky he is still able to walk.
Very much worth a read, fan of bike racing or not. Just shows what money can do to a person and how it only exacerbates problems.
I always knew he liked a beer and to party, but he got up to way more than I ever thought he did, which is saying something. The dude has serious abandonment issues when it comes to the ladies too!!!! To the point of being very unhealthy.
A good read about a very colourful individual who is very lucky he is still able to walk.
September 14, 2021
I really like the book was a very entertaining read. However the kindle edition has a lot of typos as proofreading errors. For example
“foetal position”
“Normally I would have flown straight fly back to California at the end of the season,”
“That wasn’t really a done thing,”
Just a few examples. It’s still a worthwhile read but could really use a proof reader.
“foetal position”
“Normally I would have flown straight fly back to California at the end of the season,”
“That wasn’t really a done thing,”
Just a few examples. It’s still a worthwhile read but could really use a proof reader.
October 20, 2021
A fan of John, this was an interesting read. I’d only known him through racing where he seemed to have unnatural talent. Think I have a better sense now of how that talent can be a curse when left unchecked. Happy he’s found a path to recovery and hopeful he’ll stay the course. Confident he has more to offer.
January 31, 2022
Certainly an honest book. Wow, John's been through some stuff! To put it lightly. It's too bad he didn't seemingly reach his full potential (though appeared close), but for him to somehow come out of it all okay at the end is the real triumph. For the motorcycle fan who knows anything about John Hopkins, you'll enjoy his biography.
December 30, 2021
WFO. Great read that is far more into the depths of a moto racer's psyche than your average auto-biography. Go figure that one of Suzuki's sponsors was Rizla...
Most of the guys I knew in motorcycles like this aren't around anymore but that was 40-50 years ago. I ride solo a bit these days.
Most of the guys I knew in motorcycles like this aren't around anymore but that was 40-50 years ago. I ride solo a bit these days.
August 27, 2022
He may not be the best MotoGP rider ever, but his story is so full of drama that you can't stop listening. Winning all the time make for a boring story. Struggling in poorly run teams etc makes for a much better story. Of all the MotoGP related content I've consumed, this is my favorite.
February 26, 2025
Always been a huge fan of Hopper and his bad boy image but this raw and at times heart wrenching account of his life living with addiction and the affect it had on his life and those around him wasn’t something I knew about him, and it made me love him all the more for it!
July 7, 2025
This book is a potential scam and not only the first girfriend is still formally his relative… but also the second is. Does he have two wives?
Also completely not factual that he is clean of addictions as he still addicted to substances.
Also completely not factual that he is clean of addictions as he still addicted to substances.
October 8, 2021
Increadable
This book is more than a life of John, it's his sole.it's amazing
to think what he put him self though.
This book is more than a life of John, it's his sole.it's amazing
to think what he put him self though.
June 18, 2022
A really eye opening read,
March 1, 2022
Legend Hopper
Always liked hopper in his race days. The totally honest way he tells his story is so refreshing and I like him even more.Legend
Always liked hopper in his race days. The totally honest way he tells his story is so refreshing and I like him even more.Legend
May 7, 2022
Always a big fan of Hopper and really enjoyed what proved to be a raw, unedited account of his life. Motorcycle racing is a sport and passion of true blood, sweat and tears. John's tale is certainly filled with all three. Fantastic read for those familiar with this world.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews