Being There: An autobiography by arguably the most successful all round international rider in the history of New Zealand motorcycling - Paperback

by Hugh Anderson (Author)

Motorcycling legend Hugh Anderson's Autobiography 'Being There', was not only written in his own words but designed, printed under his personal guidance, published and sold by him. Very much an Autobiography in every way. A Dream RealisedHugh was introduced to the Isle of Man by an emotive report in The Motorcycle magazine of the 1946 Manx Grand Prix. He read it twice, reflected on it and decided that he would like to go there one day. A strong unsettling buzz rushed up his spine and he burst out in goose bumps. He had visited his future when just ten years old.The world championship series was introduced in 1949. Englishmen Les Graham won the 500cc class and became his idol. Being an avid reader of all things Motorcycling, Hugh, in the following years searched for a book that informed the reader, in detail, of what it was like, behind the handle bars or steering wheel of a Grand Prix vehicle. To share the very personal aspects of this exciting, dangerous, rewarding sport. He so badly wanted to travel the same roads, breath the air, and via the printed word be part of it. Hugh never found that book but feels 'Being There' provides the reader with the knowledge, adventure and understanding that he so keenly sought.From humble origins to the heights of world domination Hugh explains the motivation, strategies, psychology of winning, the heart aches and triumphs on the Grand Prix circuits through the golden age when Japanese and European factories battled for supremacy on the worlds most dangerous tracks.Hugh's career continued for decades with motocross and then International classic racing affording him a show case for the skills that made him New Zealand's most successful all round rider. The book demystifies the Grand Prix scene that seems so sanitised on television. It takes the reader inside the mind of one of the most resourceful, brave and analytical riders in the history of Grand Prix racing.

Author Biography

Motorcycle racers aren't like other sports people. When they enter the arena they are taking their lives in their hands. When they are on the racetrack, if they are not there in every sense of the word they are more likely to be at risk of serious injury or death. Very few champions can explain exactly what it takes to compete at the highest level. What makes them tick, how they cope with the challenge and what the science is that makes them so dominant in their chosen sport. Hugh Anderson is one who can. From humble origins as a lonely teenager on the family farm in New Zealand, to the heights of world domination, he explains in his own words the motivation, racing strategies, psychology of winning, heartache and triumph that helped him deliver Suzuki its first major Grand Prix successes in the 1960s. This was a golden age, when Japanese and European factories battled for supremacy on the world's most dangerous circuits. When technological changes saw two-stroke and four-stroke motorcycles compete in 50cc, 125cc, 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc classes. Hugh Anderson's career continued for decades after winning four World Championships, with motocross and then classic racing affording him two more showcases for the talent that has made New Zealand's most successful racer.