From the back cover:
“Anyone who has found Dave Gurman’s recent offerings in The Rider’s Digest amusing, interesting, informative, or just plain infuriating, is guaranteed to find this collection of his early contributions exactly the same – only more so. Whether he is joking about the diabolical danger of distractions and the bad old mad old days of despatch riding; discussing the serious moral issues involved when you contemplate allowing a child on a motorcycle; presenting his own bastardised version of an ancient eastern philosophy; or proffering his take on the September 11th attacks (published a fortnight after the event), Dave has never been short of an opinion, nor the ability to express it in an engaging and entertaining manner.”
- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: Digest Publishing; First edition (10 Nov 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0956086306
“Each story will have you nodding furiously in agreement, reaching for your pen to underline sentences that speak to your soul, and laugh out loud at life’s little truths that we just never thought of in that way before, until Dave spelled them out so eloquently.”
Harriet Ridley, Trinity Mirror Group newspapers
From the inside cover:
“At last, a British author comparable to those American greats, Cook Neilson & Kevin Cameron. Dave Gurman is an inspiration to riders everywhere.”
John Chatterton-Ross, Director of Public Affairs, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
“Dave Gurman is blindingly honest, funny, never PC. He writes with a refreshingly thought provoking style that has you constantly skipping back a page, to make sure that you did read, what you thought you just did! When I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down.”
Sam Manicom, Into Africa/Under Asian Skies/Distant Suns/Tortillas To Totems
“A genius friend of mine once said: “It’s a shame that nowadays bikes are boringly perfect and Bike mags are perfectly boring”. Naturally, he wasn’t referring to the fabulous Rider’s Digest! Dave Gurman’s contributions to this landmark publication remind one of the simple joys of motorcycling. His charming turns of phrase and effortless bonhomie stand in stark contrast to so much contemporary motorcycle journalism. Dave Gurman makes you glad that you’re riding and glad that you’re reading.”
Austin Vince, Mondo Enduro/Terra Circa/Mondo Sahara
“Even allowing for the veneration of diversity and the zero-tolerance of stereotyping that our multi-cultural paradise so stupidly insists upon, the concept of a rabidly socialist, moderately literate and occasionally thought-provoking hairy biker is sufficiently novel to justify perusal of his prose.”
Alan Ainsworth, Professional courier & occasional Digest contributor
“Dave Gurman is a natural writer, a natural philosopher and a thoughtful and thought-provoking biker to his bones.
Like him, I was once a Mercury despatch rider, so his reminiscences of the joys of being a DR in the 70s and 80s rang many a bell for me, but I guarantee that you will enjoy this fine collection of his musings whatever you ride, and no matter how long you’ve been riding. It’s a mighty fine read.
The Carin’ Sharin’ Chronicles ranks right up there with Running out of Road, way above the ramblings of Comrade Clarkson. An ideal present for any biker with more than half a brain.”
Paul Blezard, Motorcycle Journalist & Photographer, (Mercury 603, 1974)
“A chuckle-inducing catalogue of nostalgic sketches from a back streets biker with the skills to put on paper what most riders can only recall over a pint.”
Ian Mutch, MAG President, Editor of The ROAD magazine
Harriet Ridley’s review in full:
By Harriet Ridley for Trinity Mirror Group newspapers
THE CHRONICLES OF A BIKER.
I HAVE three words for Dave Gurman’s book, The Carin’ Sharin’ Chronicles – I love it!
The Carin’ Sharin’ Chronicles is un-put-down-able, and I don’t care if that’s not a word. It’s the most delightful, thought-provoking and entertaining collection of thoughts and experiences of motorcycling I’ve read in a long time. And so beautifully written…
Anyone who shares Dave’s love of a life filled with bikes will instantly relate to The Carin’ Sharin’ Chronicles. And if you’ve ever worked as a courier in London, then you’d be mad not to read them.
But the essence of the book is not only bikes. Indeed, you don’t even have to enjoy motorcycles to relish The Carin’ Sharin’ Chronicles.
Each story will have you nodding furiously in agreement, reaching for your pen to underline sentences that speak to your soul, and laugh out loud at life’s little truths that we just never thought of in that way before, until Dave spelled them out so eloquently.
Dave’s unique take on life shines through this collection of his early contributions to the magazine he now edits, The Rider’s Digest.
I was captivated by the story of the motorcyclist clutched from the jaws of death by the Heart of Gold Vehicle, engrossed by the Ducati 900SS that saved a young Dave from the depths of despair brought on by modern living.
His love of red heads and youth spent racing around town delivering packages are recounted with a sharp insight into life itself that makes this book a must-read, and leaves you yearning for more when you finish that final story.
The Carin’ Sharin’ Chronicles has been reviewed 34 times on Amazon and is rated 4.7 out of 5 Stars.
Interested? Buy a signed copy from The Rider’s Digest shop for just £5.99 (+ £2 p&p)
