The roadcraft bookshelf
ROAD WORK: IMAGES AND INSIGHTS OF A MODERN DAY EXPLORER
In this autobiographical travelogue award-winning professional photographer and veteran motorcycle traveler, Michael ONeill, invites you to ride along on some of his two-wheeled adventures across The United States and Canada. Along the way he shares detailed and informative back stories behind some of his most memorable journeys, life lessons learned on and off the road, coupled with a bounty of timely social commentary; all accompanied by breathtaking photographic images captured during his travels. Whether you are a motorcyclist, just someone interested in the lifestyle or a person who wants to get more out of life; Michael’s words and images are bound to challenge and inspire you on to greater adventures, experiences, successes and satisfaction in all that you do.
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praise for road Work
• “This is not just about motorcycles but about life itself. Excellent photography and enjoyable to read. Inspires you to get outside and live a more full life!”
• “A powerful journey through life itself, Road Work reminds us all that life is most meaningful if you grab it and enjoy each moment, NOW. It reminds us of the beauty that exists in this world, despite the many problems we face. It reminds us of the benefits of practicing what we enjoy, and becoming a better, more fulfilled person. This work was well-written, easy to grasp, swift in its conveyance of ideas, and, a wonderful escape to countless locales, restaurants, scenic spots, and natural marvels, through the eyes of a visual, talented, storyteller. I highly recommend Road Work, if you want to be more inspired, more challenged to improve, or more enthusiastic about life itself.”
• “I am an avid reader, and rider… Michael has written this book in such a way that not only keeps your attention, but makes you feel like you are living his experiences through his eyes! This book makes me want to put down what I am doing and get on the road!”
• “Simply couldn’t put it down! A journey through life and down the road. Couldn’t help but connect with the author, his insights and experiences and philosophy are so elegantly portrayed, in a world where other authors want to shove their ideas and beliefs down your throat Michael O’Neil takes a completely opposite route. Absolutely wonderful read, and hope he writes more.”
• “What an amazing read. I was captivated from beginning to end. The images were also amazing and practically took me to many of the roads described in the book.”
• “For the avid adventure motorcyclist or someone who goes touring on their bike, this is a great read. You will invariably think back to some of your adventures. Highly recommended!!!”
• “Order this book immediately. If you have an appreciation for riding or photography, you won’t put it down. If you love both, you’ll hope that he gets to work on the cross country version. Road Work is a great read!”
• “I just read your book from front to back in one sitting. Not only is your photography stunning but your story telling ability is beyond belief. If any of my motorcycling friends are looking for a great read this book “ROAD WORK” by Michael ONeill is a book to have in your library. I give this a 6 star review.”
ROADCRAFT RECOMMENDED READING
These are some favorite books that have earned a spot in the Roadcraft USA library. The subject matter ranges everywhere from travel and adventure – to motorcycling – to self improvement and beyond. What are some of your favorite books that the Roadcraft community might enjoy? Use the contact link and let us know. Your suggestion just might earn a coveted spot on the Roadcraft bookshelf.
The Lost Continent • Bill Bryson
The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America is an absolutely brilliant book that will have you laughing heartily from the first page to the last. American-born author/humorist, Bill Bryson, spent most of his adult life in Great Britain but returned in 1987 and 1988 for a 14,000 mile trek, mostly by automobile, around the United States. Starting in his childhood home town of Des Moines, Iowa; the author sets out on a mission to avoid tourist destinations and experience real every day life…while searching for the quintessential American small town. Reliving vacation car trips of his youth, Bryson articulates the observations he makes along the way in an incredibly humorous fashion. If you want to laugh…a lot…read this book.
Proficient Motorcycling • David L. Hough
Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide To Riding Well is the “bible” for motorcyclists. The subjects, science and lessons within are as valid today as when the book’s first edition was published in 2000; after the author’s 40+ years of riding, as well as writing for, various outlets in the motorcycle publishing industry. David L. Hough has assembled this most informative collection of theory, instruction and tips that will enhance the knowledge, and sharpen the riding skills, of motorcyclists of all experience levels. This book should be a part of every riders personal collection and bears to be re-read from time to time to stay safely on top of your two-wheeled game.
Ghost Rider • Neil Peart
Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road is a mainstay piece of literature of motorcycle travelers and adventurers everywhere. The autobiography tells of the late 1990’s travels of Neil Peart, the drummer for legendary Canadian rock band, Rush; who sadly passed away in 2020 following a long battle with brain cancer. The book has very dark overtones as the author chronicles a 55,000 mile soul-searching journey throughout Canada, The United States and Central America; coming to grips with the loss of his daughter, Selena and wife, Jackie; both of whom had passed away in less than a year’s time. The author defines the consummate adventure motorcyclist, undertaking this extraordinary trek completely unaccompanied; without any support vehicles or other preparations in place for emergencies or contingencies.
The Primal Blueprint • Mark Sisson
The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram your genes for effortless weight loss, vibrant health and boundless energy was released in 2009, and still holds a coveted spot on the shelves of devotees who practice an ancestral fitness and dietary lifestyle. Ten Primal Blueprint Laws are outlined in great detail and backed up with numerous irrefutable, documented studies that lay to rest the flawed conventional wisdom of the standard American diet and traditional cardio-intensive exercise programs. The author has written numerous other books on the topics of fitness and nutrition since the release of this volume, as he continues on his mission to positively impact the lives of 100,000,000 people.
Into Thin Air • Jon Krakauer
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the 1996 Mt. Everest Disaster, is author Krakauer’s personal account of his summit of the iconic mountain during one of the deadliest climbing seasons ever experienced on the highest peak in the world. The author was part of the expedition led by renowned guide, Rob Hall, who sadly was one of the lives that Everest claimed that year. Meticulously researched and masterfully written, this national bestseller was adapted into the 1997 TV movie Into Thin Air: Death on Everest and the 2015 feature film Everest.
Conversations With A Motorcycle • Jack Riepe
A great work from another extraordinary humorist. The best description of this book comes from the author’s own web site: “This book is about seduction… Being seduced by the wind… By the scream of an engine… By the dancing of the headlight… By raw speed… And by the road itself. It is also about foreplay. The kind of foreplay that begins when a woman straddles the back and puts her arms around the rider. A mix of autobiography, philosophy, and humor, this is a testosterone-fueled account of one man’s struggle to define himself through his first motorcycle. Conversations With A Motorcycle explains the mysterious voice riders hear when on the road, and the consequences of listening too closely, or not at all”. You can order autographed copies of all of Jack Riepe’s books on his web site: www.jackriepe.com. We highly recommend that you do so.
Motorcycles Speak Louder Than Words • Jack Riepe
“The sequel to Conversations With A Motorcycle, this book is 25 chapters of backstory initially deemed too controversial for Riepe’s first moto work. It is a high-speed run through betrayal, crashed bikes, and exploded romances, with enough plot twists to cause whiplash. Riepe’s unique story-telling style is more pronounced in Motorcycles Speak Louder Than Words as his humor takes an even sharper edge. The author has become more comfortable revealing the darker side of himself and other characters introduced in Conversations With A Motorcycle”. You can order autographed copies of all of Jack Riepe’s books on his web site: www.jackriepe.com.
Travels With Charley In Search Of America • John Steinbeck
Travels with Charley is another brilliant and humorous travelogue; this one written by a winner of both The Nobel Prize in Literature and The Pulitzer Prize. In 1960 the author, one of the country’s most beloved writers, set out on a road trip to rediscover America. His mode of transportation and primary place of lodging was a GMC 3/4 ton pickup truck equipped with a custom camper shell on the back. His traveling companion was Charley, his 10 year old French Poodle, with whom he has many “conversations” on the journey. Leaving his Long Island, NY home he travels through 40 of the continental United States, on a round trip to the Salinas Valley region of California, where he had lived in earlier years. In a humorous yet poignant fashion, Steinbeck metaphorically chronicles a time of racial strife, technological advances and rampant environmental destruction.
Far And Wide: Bring That Horizon To Me • Neil Peart
One of the numerous travelogues that Neil Peart has penned; this one revolves around his legendary Canadian rock band’s 2015 R40 Tour (Rush’s 40th Anniversary tour). It chronicles 35 concert dates over a three month period and Peart’s 17,000 miles ridden on his BMW Motorcycle to each of the tour’s performance venues in The United States and Canada. Far and Wide is the last of Neil’s “Far And…” series, and the last book he authored before he left this world, entirely too soon, in 2020.
Flipping a Switch • Barbara O'Neill, Ph.D.
A fine work by Roadcraft USA contributor, Dr. Barbara O’Neill, our resident expert on planning and budgeting for travel and adventure. This book holds great appeal to the travelers amongst us that have reached an age in life where they have left full time employment and are pursuing some of the bucket list dreams they worked for all their lives. Flipping A Switch: Your Guide to Happiness and Financial Security in Later Life explores the unique concerns of older travelers who may have never experienced adult life without a full-time job. Great information and guidance retirees need as they undertake their new lives.
Think and Grow Rich • Napoleon Hill
Beyond any doubt Think and Grow Rich is one of the greatest personal development books of all time. Originally published in 1937 the lessons in this volume are timeless…still ringing true today. After 85 years and 15 million copies this work remains as one of the top ten best-selling business books of all time. A must read for anyone who wants to improve their performance; not just financially, but in all that they do.
