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Injury. Adrenaline. Addiction. These are the things that fuelled one man's race to international stardom as he pushed boundaries and took life on and off the bike to the limits.
Starting out as a talented youth riding the desert tracks of California, his reckless nature and incredible talent earned him a position in the rarefied world of professional motorcycle racing. Despite the success in his professional life, his personal life was crumbling around him - John was battling with depression and temptation, which began to threaten his career, health and marriage, ultimately bringing him to a life of alcoholism, addiction and even smuggling.
In his remarkable memoir, one of the world's most renowned riders takes us on a raw and unique journey to the extremes of fast living.
John 'Hopper' Hopkins is an icon for motorsport fans worldwide. He won't let anything hold him back. He has broken almost every bone in his body (twice), suffered a bleed on the brain, and had a finger amputated... yet he continued to race. Finally, at the age of 35 - with his latest crash at Brands Hatch in 2017 putting him in rehab for two years - he decided to hang up his helmet.
Leathered tells the incredible story of an unparalleled career. From bone-crunching injuries and alcohol-fuelled antics to the breakdown of his marriage, it unveils the true stories behind the lurid headlines.
About the author
John 'Hopper' Hopkins is a former motorcycle road racer based in the United States. Raised by English parents in California he became the youngest professional rider on the MotoGP circuit. In 2007 Valentino Rossi labels him as his most-feared rival. A series of horrific crashes and debt took their toll and John becomes addicted to alcohol and pills. He turned his life around and despite further crashes and injuries comes within .006 of a second from winning the British Superbike series. Another horrific crash finally ended his career at the age of 35. He is known to MotoGP fans as the most fearless rider of a generation.
Summary
Injury. Adrenaline. Addiction. These are the things that fuelled one man's race to international stardom as he pushed boundaries and took life on and off the bike to the limits.
Starting out as a talented youth riding the desert tracks of California, his reckless nature and incredible talent earned him a position in the rarefied world of professional motorcycle racing. Despite the success in his professional life, his personal life was crumbling around him - John was battling with depression and temptation, which began to threaten his career, health and marriage, ultimately bringing him to a life of alcoholism, addiction and even smuggling.
In his remarkable memoir, one of the world's most renowned riders takes us on a raw and unique journey to the extremes of fast living.
John 'Hopper' Hopkins is an icon for motorsport fans worldwide. He won't let anything hold him back. He has broken almost every bone in his body (twice), suffered a bleed on the brain, and had a finger amputated... yet he continued to race. Finally, at the age of 35 - with his latest crash at Brands Hatch in 2017 putting him in rehab for two years - he decided to hang up his helmet.
Leathered tells the incredible story of an unparalleled career. From bone-crunching injuries and alcohol-fuelled antics to the breakdown of his marriage, it unveils the true stories behind the lurid headlines.
Foreword
The autobiography of one of the most talented, charismatic and popular racers ever to grace the sport of motorcycle racing.
