Blue Clouds - Book One in the Series Harley Woman: Tales from the Open Road: A Cross-Country Motorcycle Tour from Oregon to Georgia

Who are these bikers? Are they those hard-living, leather-clad, tattooed guys often associated with images of the Hells Angels and Satan's Sinners? Or are they those clean-cut, suit-and-tie wearing riders with the sporty helmets you pass on your daily commute? In fact, they are both, for what began as a subculture of misfits and outlaws has grown into a flourishing society of men and women who celebrate the freedom of the open road and the brotherhood they find among bike enthusiasts of all stripes.

Today's biker has evolved from the rough-and-tumble antihero to a vast and vibrant biker culture populated by a new breed of rider including the RUBs, or Rich Urban Bikers, and championed by everyone from titans of industry like the late Malcolm Forbes to media celebrities like Jay Leno. And while elements of rebellion still remain intrinsic to the biker mystique, the culture has in fact expanded to include a plethora of riders from the American mainstream -- doctors, lawyers, and executives -- who love the freedom they find on their bikes and the camaraderie they find with their fellow devotees. It is also a multibillion-dollar industry that draws hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators to its annual events.

Born to Be Wild, written by motorcycle journalist Paul Garson and the editors of Easyriders magazine, captures as never before the spirit and evolution of the biker era. Beginning in 1895, Born to Be Wild traces the development of the modern bike, with special attention to Harley-Davidson's supreme contributions to the quality of the machines as well as the aesthetics of biker society. Featuring numerous fascinating sidebars that highlight the particular characteristics of the culture, the book also explores the socio-political events that have culminated in the great biker nation that we know today.

Ridin? the Wind is 40 stories of bikers and their life style. You will ride a low rider across the country, ride with the Grim Reaper and you will race the devil. You?ll freeze in Jersey, sweat in Georgia and see gray dogs in Arizona. You?ll spend time in bars, diners, pizza joints and bike shops. And you?ll do plenty of riding. Short rides and all day rides. Along the way you?ll meet old friends, make new ones and get into a fight or two.

Solid brothers, crazy women, sportsters, bike thieves, loving wives, super glides, runs and memories. They?re all here. Hang up your leather jacket and take a seat. I think you?ll like the read you?re about to start.