Motorcycle Smarts: Overcome Fear, Learn Control, Master Riding Well

by David Mixson

The truth is this. Riding a motorcycle well is part skill, part willing to learn, part understanding of basic physics, and part giving a damn about your safety and the safety of those around you.David Mixson, author of the Motorcycle Smarts book series (and NASA engineer), debunks the myth that crashing is a matter of fate by explaining the most important topics that other motorcycle mega books gloss over.You won't find page-filling discussions about how to get the most out of your first Sturgis Rally or how to select riding gear. Instead, you'll find one of the most in-depth, simple to understand explanations of lowside and highside crashes that exists—anywhere. Riders die every day in these rider-induced crashes—and it doesn't have to be this way.Mastering the art of riding a motorcycle well is about understanding and overcoming rider fear. It's about having the head knowledge of how your motorcycle works so you can make it go where you want it to go. It's about understanding why riders crash so you can avoid making the same mistakes. It's about taking ownership of your riding safety.In addition to in-depth discussions about rider fear and (lowside and highside crashes), Motorcycle Smarts covers topics like countersteering, muscle memory, and braking. It also addresses some of the most important lessons from the Hurt Report and makes a case for only riding motorcycles equipped with ABS—that has nothing to do with stopping distances.Here's what one reader "I was the lead motorcycle instructor for the Milwaukee Police Department for 20 years and received my Basic and Instructor Training through Northwestern University. I have varying views on a couple of techniques but found Motorcycle Smarts to be insightful and a good training tool for new riders—and a good refresher for experienced riders. I've encouraged my son, also a Police Motor Officer, to read this book."— Mike, Retired Police Sergeant in MilwaukeeNHTSA studies show that nearly half of all motorcycle fatalities are caused by rider error—and the numbers aren't getting any better. The training isn't working. The current motorcycle skills books aren't working. We need a fresh approach to helping riders NOT crash. This book is that.Skilled riders crash and die every day when there was NOTHING they could have done to avoid it. But it is also true that under-skilled riders crash and die every day when there WAS something they could have done to avoid it.Motorcycle safety is a choice. Anyone who tells you different is a liar."My goal is simple—to help one rider. That's what my motorcycle mentors did for me when I first started riding."— David Mixson

Genres: Motorcycle

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2021

Reviews

[David W Helliwell]

Nice journey

I like the way HR organised the chapters, bouncing back and forth on the timelines. And that the journey was the dream.

[A Million Worlds, Dreams, & Cats]

First of all, a big thank you to NetGalley and David Mixson for the opportunity to read this book.

So I liked it. I'm going to start off with that. It was a very real read, is the best way I can put it, and it felt like an experience itself. More than that, I was very moved by David Mixson's emphasis on the readers living out their dreams. The fact that he cared enough to emphasize that meant a lot (and I don't really consider this a spoiler just because it's at the beginning). And reading about David and Mike fulfilling their dream, well, it's very motivating and inspirational. It actually made me feel for a little bit like maybe I could too.
It was a very episodic book, which is understandable because a lot of it was originally written to update people. Because of this style, some entries were shorter or less exciting, but it all added to the very real life nature of it, which is where a lot of the charm in the book is.
That said, Motorcycle Dream Ride is an absolute journey of a book. Literally, in that we are following along with David and his friend's journey. it was exciting too read, and kind of awe inspiring. I mean, they actually rode from Alabama to Alaska and back, in all kinds of weather conditions, and they met all kinds of people. I think that was one of the best things about this book was that they met so many people, so many kind and wonderful and unique people on their journey, and reading about it makes you remember that, wow, despite all the ugliness in the world, most people really are great.
I'm giving this book 4.5 stars and rounding it up to 5 because I enjoyed it, and yeah, it did move me. Also I'm from Alabama, so hearing him mention Huntsville gave me a little thrill. That said, the episodic nature of the book may not be for everyone. It's also not a very flowery prosey book, but it's still beautiful in experiences. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy nonfiction and travel logs, or anyone who just wants to read about someone doing something amazing.

As a disclaimer, I am writing this review some time after I read the book. Also, this is book 2 in a series, and I have never read book 1, but this can stand on its own.

[AJ]

If you get on a motorcycle without having read this book first, you are compromising safety. It’s really quite that simple.

I have read dozens of books, manuals, pamphlets, tea leaves, fortune cookies, etc., about motorcycle theory, riding, technique and tales of adventure travel. If one nugget from any one source makes me a better rider, the time was not wasted. Fast forward to this book. There were so many subjects that resonated with me with information that filled uninformed/uneducated voids while reinforcing existing skills that it would be difficult to focus on one chapter or attribute.

My motorcycling world was compromised years ago by an inattentive driver in a BMW Z3. It has taken lots of time and effort to put the psychological Humpty back together again. (The physical part was much faster, thanks to a great surgeon and modern medicine.). David Mixson’s well-written, finely edited and pleasantly formatted book has breathed new life into my two-wheeled psychological healing. The noisy distractions of fear and self-doubt are much quieter and the joy of the sport is singing louder in fine four-part harmony. Thanks David.

[John gloede]

Thank You

I have been riding consistently for over 54 years. 20+ of those as a Motor Officer. I took an MSF basic course with my son (16 yoa) to keep him company. That showed me how much I didn't know. Since then becoming a Police Motor Officer and attending several of the best service schools I have not stopped seeking more knowledge and understanding of motorcycles in street use. I'm currently an MSF coach and try to instill my love & respect for the sport. Coaching makes men a better " informed" rider. Thus reading this book. I tell people if you think you know all there is to know & learn about riding,,,,hang the key's up & don't get back on it! Great book Thank You.

[Nancy]

Full of useful and important information for ALL riders

A great book for beginners and seasoned riders. I myself rode from the age of 15 to 29 in the UK and then decided to get back into it at the Grand old age of 57! I am the ground owner of a large cruiser now. I still read and learned things I didn't know about motorcycle control. If you learn one thing from this book, counter steering! I learnt this and tried it and was amazed that I had not learned this before at the age of 60! Thank you David. I am now enjoying safer riding in the hills and valleys of Tennessee.
PS. I am not Nancy S, I am her husband Jon S.

[Sue]

I picked this up expecting a travel book about motorcycles and ended up reading something much bigger. Yes, there are incredible roads, unexpected mishaps, and beautiful places, but what kept me turning the pages was watching two friends stop making excuses and finally do something they'd talked about for years. The humor feels natural, the conversations ring true, and the quiet moments along the ride are just as memorable as the big adventures. You don't need to know anything about motorcycles to enjoy this book. If you've ever had a dream you've been putting off, you'll probably close the last chapter wondering what's stopping you.

[Karim Veli]

This is the first book motorcycling begginers should read

I have read as much as I could about motorcycling safety and riding skills, to develop brain or head knowledge / skills and I recommend people to get all the big authors on the topic.
This author is simple, direct and concise in his explanations and advice which is confirmed by many other writers.

I think practice has an invaluable place in riding and such readings can improve it before taking any advanced riding courses.

Best regards to all motorcyclists.

[Abigail L.]

Motorcycle Dream Ride succeeds because it isn't simply about covering thousands of miles from Alabama to Alaska. It captures the anticipation before the trip, the small victories that make long journeys worthwhile, and the ordinary people who leave lasting impressions along the way. The ride provides plenty of memorable stories, but the larger takeaway is a reminder that dreams have an expiration date if they're continually postponed. This is the kind of travel memoir that will appeal to readers far beyond the motorcycle community.

[Dave Cael]

Filled with excellent riding safety wisdom!

This book is an easy short read filled with wise information on riding safety and the data behind it. Use your front brakes, avoid locking up the rear brake, use counter steering, trust your tire traction, wear a helmet and safety riding gear, and get a bike with abs and traction control if possible. Looking forward to reading Mixson’s other books in the series.

[DarrelFuller]

The book is an excellent resource for new motorcycle riders, and offers a good review for experienced riders. Despit having ridden a bike on and off for 45 years, i still found the book worthwhile. I’m still learning. Mixom’s discussion of the physics and safety of motorcycle riding made me wiser and better prepared to enjoy the activity that I love.

[Lourein Zawawi]

Great advice for any rider

I have ridden on and off for almost 40 years. I love how this book addresses the fact that you can still have fear (and that it's ok) and you can overcome the fear by constant learning and practice. Highly recommend to any rider of any skill level.

[Todd J. Hein]

My first motorcycle skills book - A great start!

This book was recommended to me as a first book to read for a newly licensed rider. He was right. I learned a lot and will reread this book often.

[R.G.Docherty]

Straight talking advice ,tips and thoughts

Easy to follow easy to understand and strengthened my own thoughts on all the subjects.xxx
No showing off what he knows just good advice and insights on important subjects

[Denise]

Wanted to read this before taking my hands on motorcycle safety course this weekend. I believe I am going in with knowledge that will help me to be successful! Thank you for helping me to start with good thoughts and habits!

[Jen❤️]

As someone who teaches folks how to ride, the book is pretty good. However, this book shouldn’t take the place of learning with an actual instructor. Even just a basic riding course can give you SPECIFIC instruction to life-saving skills that you won’t get from just reading alone.

[Chris]

Good information in a easy way to understand

This was a good read lots of good takes. Like don’t lock up your rear break. Use your front break every time. Learn to control/ counter stearing. As a newer rider this has helped me. I would recommend it.

[Max Edwards]

Every rider would be smart to read and apply these points.

That being said, I would’ve appreciated more detail and less repetitive “fluff” around each point. But, that can be forgiven as the whole book is an hour or two’s read.

Don’t lock your rear wheel. And enjoy nature.

[Stephen Ward]

Amazing. A must read

I’m a motorbike instructor and David made things so clear in this book. This book will help to save lives.

[Christopher P Perry]

Very good

Good informative information, laid out in a straightforward manner. Looking forward to reading more of your books on motorcycles. Thanks

[Linda]

Lots of good facts

Motorcycles are a journey. Always great to continue to learn and LIVE. I would highly recommend reading this book. Awesome.

[Gene Desepoli]

An important book to prevent crashes

I am so glad I read this book and I'm sure it will make me a safer cyclist on the road.

[Selim]

Unlike me, if you not looking for hardcore technical information about motorcycles, and also if you like chitchat with some 50 year old man with dad humour.
This book is for you

[Pat]

immersive, easy reading

I felt like I was along for the ride. Now can’t wait for my next long (or short) motorcycle ride.

[AJ]

The bottom line is this: by reading David Mixson's offerings, the quality, appreciation, confidence and safety of your motorcycle riding will increase. This was the author's goal and this is precisely what the reader will achieve. Grand slam.

For good reasons, the overwhelming majority of reviews for this book have been excellent, generating four or five stars. Sadly, one reviewer missed the point of why and how this book was written. His criticisms, although respectful, risk dissuading someone from buying the book and the potential reader will have lost an invaluable resource. That reviewer suggests experienced riders should already know all of these things but, sadly, they don't. For example; when I took my MSF course fifteen years ago with ten students, most had been riding for at least a decade, owned multiple bikes (some very big/fast) yet only one person had a license. None of the students (to include myself), had ever heard of countersteering. Mixson explains exactly what it is, how it's used and how it is your get-out-of-jail (or crash) card should you need an immediate defensive correction. He also shares breathtaking statistics that prove the point. Unfortunately, common sense isn't all that common and reinforcing concepts like front brake usage, trusting your tires, countersteering and the electronic saviors of ABS and ASC (stability control) is pivotal and directly relevant to a better and safer ride. Any one of those could save your life. Since most people only remember a fraction (about 10%) of read information, repeating important concepts increases the odds of learning. This intentional writing strategy is to be praised rather than criticized. Concepts and skills become learned traits with practice in thinking and physically doing (read: muscle memory).

Finally, the author speaks to how much he learns on every ride. Bravo. The day you walk out to your shiny machine while thinking that you've learned all you can about the craft is the day you should throw the keys on the counter and reevaluate the value of the venture. One of the best parts of this hobby is that the learning never stops. You're only as good as your next ride.

David Mixson's books give the reader an edge, a "margin", essentially described as a buffer that generates options. He discusses the proactive posture of intentionality because "lazy solutions rarely work". The books read like he's right there next to you. He will help you decide how to put these skills into practical use or even if riding right for you.

If any one concept helps you end up where you wanted to be at the end of the ride, then your decision to read this book will have been incalculably invaluable.

[Rob]

A Thrilling and Heartfelt Road Trip Tale

David Mixson’s *Motorcycle Dream Ride: My Alabama to Alaska Adventure* is an engaging recount of his 21-day motorcycle journey from Alabama to Alaska with his friend Mike. The book blends adventure, introspection, and practical riding tips, making it a great read for motorcycle enthusiasts and dream-chasers alike.

Mixson’s descriptive writing brings the landscapes to life, from sweeping plains to rugged Alaskan terrain, while his candid reflections on fear, friendship, and pushing personal limits add emotional depth. The camaraderie between him and Mike shines through, making the story relatable and warm. His practical advice on gear, planning, and handling challenges like weather and fatigue is a bonus for aspiring riders.

My only quibble is the black-and-white photos, which don’t fully capture the stunning visuals described. Still, the storytelling is strong, and Mixson’s passion for the journey is infectious. Because this book will inspire you to embrace your own adventures, on two wheels or otherwise, it is worthy of a 5-star rating. Recommended for anyone who loves a good road trip story with heart!

[Nancy Youness]

Just WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR

I’m a motorcyclist first, and an adventure rider second. I have been riding motorcycles for some 57 years. Just writing that gives me pause. I’ve only recently owned a n adventure bike and done that kind of riding. First across the country from Michigan to Baja California Mexico, and then all over Baja camping in the mountains, deserts and beaches with my little dog as my only companion. I’ve dreamed of riding to the southern tip of South America and back, but have not due to a lack of a riding partner. I won’t let that stop me any longer. I’m going to start planning my solo adventure right now. This book has given me the push that I needed. I’ll be 69 or 70 during this ride but I’m up to it physically and mentally. I can’t wait! P.S. This is posted in my late wife’s name, as our Amazon account was in her name.

[AJ]

I love stories. They compel the reader to see the unfolding plot directly through the author's eyes. David Mixson's narrative is told with that idea in mind to the point where I heard the engine(s), felt the rain and cold and shared the joy and awe that comes with riding over 8000 miles through some of the most dramatic geography in North America.
Whether riding vicariously or reinforcing resolve to fulfil one's own dreams, David and Mike's journey is the perfect vehicle that accomplishes both.
I would have been happy to see this ride continue for another 8000 miles but now I just sound greedy.
It was a really fun ride. Thanks David.

[Maureen Tapio]

Well written and impeccably edited.

I have read quite a few books in this genre and enjoyed this one. A two night read from start to finish. My first long road trip was in a 1986 Ninja 600, not ideal for a long journey, but being young, in my early 20's I don't recall giving that much thought.

Then again my first was about 1200 miles round trip. My only criticism is a grown man watching Big Bang, geeeeeky.

Good read, checked out some if the site. I like to have complete control, so this repeated ad nauseam pitch for government mandated electronics could at least include some of the cons.

[Cyndi Dickey]

I loved your book! my husband and I have ridden 36 states and some in Canada. your writing was spot on with our experience.

I would suggest the two of you try the ride my husband and I did first. Starting in NE Ohio, ride to Minnesota and started down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. Stayed as close to River as possible. Then across Rte 10 into Alabama and Georgia. Rode through Appalachian Mrs into Tennessee and Kentucky. Caught the Ohio River and rode north to Pittsburgh area. Great Butt buster. We did it one year after Katrina so it was challenging and extra interesting. We can also verify that the Chattahoochie gets hotter than a hoochie cootchie. Lol

[William Heinecke]

I loved this book !

I gave this book five stars because at times it felt like I was with Dave and Mike. I like making friends like they did on this trip. When I am on a ride, whether I am filling the tank or just standing and stretching before getting back on, people ,more often than not, come up to talk. And it is one of the things that I love most about riding. And this book brought out the feelings of a nice enjoyable ride. Reading it was time well spent. Thank you Dave and Mike.