Motorcycles in Mind — Peter Steele
A route to serenity
Classification: Memoirs, Motorcycles: general interest
Reviews
A wonderfully well-written memoir
Motorcycling in mind a route to serenity.
By taking huge leaps of faith throughout his life, Peter created opportunities that gave him choices he could only dream of when growing up.
Written with Humour and an infectious enthusiasm for motorcycling, Peter reflects on a life that will strike a chord with all those who have followed their dreams and ambitions.
The book is a must-read for any generation and an amazing guide for those who wish to escape mundanity
A master class in risk and reward!!
Hopefully, there are more books to come.
Motorcycles In Mind takes the reader on the literal journey of a lifetime. Over the foothills of adolescence; across the rocky terrains of homelessness, heartbreak and loss; through the valleys and peaks of working life; before emerging into the open vistas of contentment and calm.
Throughout, these vignettes roll past us gently as we cruise along. Sometimes colourful and vivid, other times more sombre. Always entertaining and sincere. All framed through the prism of a lifelong passion.
I read the whole thing in one sitting. Highly recommended.
From the first page, this book drew me in completely. Peter's writing style is engaging and very entertaining. His stories are told with unflinching and disarming honesty. I could imagine myself on the lonely hills in the middle of the night, or struggling through a blizzard with Marigolds and wellington boots!
I was also absolutely delighted to see the mention of Mental Health Motorbike, As any biker knows, biking can be a form of self-therapy in itself and Peter's book clearly displays the positive mental aspects of biking and the generally wonderful community of bikers.
I highly recommend this book, you will not regret it!
Verified Purchase
Thoroughly enjoyed this. An engaging memoir which intertwines the thrill of motorbikes with personal growth, and all to a cracking soundtrack…. A Triumph!
Firstly, a confession: I am not a reader of books. In fact, this is the first one I’ve read in full this entire century. Secondly, when I do read, I gravitate toward factual stuff—auto/biographies I can dip in and out of whenever the mood (or attention span) allows. Thirdly, I know the author personally, although it’s been far too long since our paths last crossed. And finally… I’m in it! Naturally, I flipped straight to the chapter with my name in it (and breathe—it’s all good, phew), before getting properly stuck in.
What follows is Steele’s life served with a generous mix of humour, sadness, reflection, and unapologetic honesty. He takes us from his post-teen days stumbling through the rapidly declining cesspit of 1980s Manchester, through all manner of trials and tribulations, and eventually to a pocket of Hertfordshire happiness and calm. Threaded through it all is his unwavering love for motorbikes. And not just one. No, no—this man changes motorbikes as often as I change my socks.
Add in the perfectly chosen song lyrics that soundtrack his ups and downs, and the result is a thoroughly entertaining read—heartfelt, relatable, and far more enjoyable than this self-confessed non-reader ever expected.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. An engaging memoir which intertwines the thrill of motorbikes with personal growth, and all to a cracking soundtrack…. A Triumph!
Verified Purchase
There’s laugh out loud humour and an unflinching honesty about the lows, as well as the highs, of his life in this unusual memoir by a working class Mancunian who made good. There are also enough heart-warming tales of the kindness of strangers during the 42 years Steel covers to restore one’s faith in the innate goodness of humanity.
Among many other things, he charts his progress from being a part timer selling dodgy luggage in a Debenhams store to a job where he did make a noticeable difference to other people’s lives as a police Covert Surveillance Officer – “helping ensure criminals got the punishment they deserved and the victims of their crimes had the justice they deserved.”
Of course there are the motor bikes, starting with a 50cc Tomos moped bought from Woolworths to the BMW F800ST he uses today. Steel points out that when you are riding a motor bike you are using all your senses all of the time, so you have to give it your complete attention. Looking back he says “I realise I’d discovered ‘Mindfulness’ before it was even invented – riding a motor bike gave me total peace of mind and a way through all my seemingly insurmountable problems.”
But you don’t have the slightest interest in Harleys and Hondas to enjoy joining Steel on this thoroughly entertaining and rewarding journey.
Pete Steele takes you on a rollicking ride through episodes of his life that are at times comical and other times overwhelmingly awful. Throughout his struggles as a young adult in Manchester, motorcycles come to his rescue. When the demons set out to torment him, long motorcycle rides in the hills of the North West, often at night, provide the space and the solace that he cannot find elsewhere.
Steele’s lively writing style pulls you in making you feel part of his narrative. Sometimes enjoying the farce of a housemate trapped in a fallen wardrobe, at other times feeling the suffering of a journey through freezing rain without all the gear but as well, the joy of just riding, alone or with friends.
As you accompany him on the journey through these and later episodes, you will enjoy the tales and thoughts on the dozens of motorcycles he has owned and ridden, from spluttering East European two-strokes to luxurious smooth-running tourers. including one spell selling and riding the iconic Harley Davidson bikes.
Motor Cycles in Mind is a great read. It combines Steele’s personal struggles with the love of motorbikes. Riding provides his resilience to overcome adversities and is a fulfilling hobby. He also reflects on the kindness of strangers whose unexpected interventions over the years have helped to make him what he is today.
Click to Share Links
Paperback eBook
Description
Hit the open road and discover the healing power of riding in Motorcycles in Mind — a gripping motorcycle memoir by Peter Steele that blends personal journey, riding stories, and self-discovery into one unforgettable ride. Whether you’re a seasoned biker, a fan of travel & adventure books, or someone curious about how motorcycles shape lives and perspectives, this heartfelt narrative delivers raw honesty, sharp wit, and emotional insight.
In this compelling non-fiction motorcycle book, Steele takes readers on a deeply personal journey through life’s twists, turns, and unexpected detours, showing how two wheels became more than just machines — they became therapy, escape, and connection. Drawing on his years as a Covert Surveillance Officer and a lifelong passion for riding, he shares stories that are sometimes funny, sometimes raw, but always sincere.
From solo rides through the hills of the North West to nights battling the elements, Motorcycles in Mind mixes motorcycle culture, travel adventure, and self-reflection as the author reflects on the people who shaped his life — from trusted colleagues to compassionate strangers and loyal friends. Bikers and non-bikers alike will appreciate the relatable themes of resilience, camaraderie, mental wellbeing, and the freedom of the open road.
Why Motorcycles in Mind Will Resonate With You
- A gripping motorcycle memoir that reads like a life-affirming adventure
- Inspiring stories about riding, resilience, and personal growth
- Perfect for fans of motorbike travel books, self-discovery memoirs, and bike culture
- Engaging narrative that appeals to riders and non-riders alike
Whether you’ve ever thrown a leg over a bike or simply wondered what drives those who do, Motorcycles in Mind shows how the rhythm of the road can carry you through the darkest moments and straight into life’s richest experiences.
Further details
We also publish on Amazon in their proprietary Kindle format.
Reviews
A wonderfully well-written memoir
Motorcycling in mind a route to serenity.
By taking huge leaps of faith throughout his life, Peter created opportunities that gave him choices he could only dream of when growing up.
Written with Humour and an infectious enthusiasm for motorcycling, Peter reflects on a life that will strike a chord with all those who have followed their dreams and ambitions.
The book is a must-read for any generation and an amazing guide for those who wish to escape mundanity
A master class in risk and reward!!
Hopefully, there are more books to come.
Motorcycles In Mind takes the reader on the literal journey of a lifetime. Over the foothills of adolescence; across the rocky terrains of homelessness, heartbreak and loss; through the valleys and peaks of working life; before emerging into the open vistas of contentment and calm.
Throughout, these vignettes roll past us gently as we cruise along. Sometimes colourful and vivid, other times more sombre. Always entertaining and sincere. All framed through the prism of a lifelong passion.
I read the whole thing in one sitting. Highly recommended.
From the first page, this book drew me in completely. Peter's writing style is engaging and very entertaining. His stories are told with unflinching and disarming honesty. I could imagine myself on the lonely hills in the middle of the night, or struggling through a blizzard with Marigolds and wellington boots!
I was also absolutely delighted to see the mention of Mental Health Motorbike, As any biker knows, biking can be a form of self-therapy in itself and Peter's book clearly displays the positive mental aspects of biking and the generally wonderful community of bikers.
I highly recommend this book, you will not regret it!
Verified Purchase
Thoroughly enjoyed this. An engaging memoir which intertwines the thrill of motorbikes with personal growth, and all to a cracking soundtrack…. A Triumph!
Firstly, a confession: I am not a reader of books. In fact, this is the first one I’ve read in full this entire century. Secondly, when I do read, I gravitate toward factual stuff—auto/biographies I can dip in and out of whenever the mood (or attention span) allows. Thirdly, I know the author personally, although it’s been far too long since our paths last crossed. And finally… I’m in it! Naturally, I flipped straight to the chapter with my name in it (and breathe—it’s all good, phew), before getting properly stuck in.
What follows is Steele’s life served with a generous mix of humour, sadness, reflection, and unapologetic honesty. He takes us from his post-teen days stumbling through the rapidly declining cesspit of 1980s Manchester, through all manner of trials and tribulations, and eventually to a pocket of Hertfordshire happiness and calm. Threaded through it all is his unwavering love for motorbikes. And not just one. No, no—this man changes motorbikes as often as I change my socks.
Add in the perfectly chosen song lyrics that soundtrack his ups and downs, and the result is a thoroughly entertaining read—heartfelt, relatable, and far more enjoyable than this self-confessed non-reader ever expected.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. An engaging memoir which intertwines the thrill of motorbikes with personal growth, and all to a cracking soundtrack…. A Triumph!
Verified Purchase
There’s laugh out loud humour and an unflinching honesty about the lows, as well as the highs, of his life in this unusual memoir by a working class Mancunian who made good. There are also enough heart-warming tales of the kindness of strangers during the 42 years Steel covers to restore one’s faith in the innate goodness of humanity.
Among many other things, he charts his progress from being a part timer selling dodgy luggage in a Debenhams store to a job where he did make a noticeable difference to other people’s lives as a police Covert Surveillance Officer – “helping ensure criminals got the punishment they deserved and the victims of their crimes had the justice they deserved.”
Of course there are the motor bikes, starting with a 50cc Tomos moped bought from Woolworths to the BMW F800ST he uses today. Steel points out that when you are riding a motor bike you are using all your senses all of the time, so you have to give it your complete attention. Looking back he says “I realise I’d discovered ‘Mindfulness’ before it was even invented – riding a motor bike gave me total peace of mind and a way through all my seemingly insurmountable problems.”
But you don’t have the slightest interest in Harleys and Hondas to enjoy joining Steel on this thoroughly entertaining and rewarding journey.
Pete Steele takes you on a rollicking ride through episodes of his life that are at times comical and other times overwhelmingly awful. Throughout his struggles as a young adult in Manchester, motorcycles come to his rescue. When the demons set out to torment him, long motorcycle rides in the hills of the North West, often at night, provide the space and the solace that he cannot find elsewhere.
Steele’s lively writing style pulls you in making you feel part of his narrative. Sometimes enjoying the farce of a housemate trapped in a fallen wardrobe, at other times feeling the suffering of a journey through freezing rain without all the gear but as well, the joy of just riding, alone or with friends.
As you accompany him on the journey through these and later episodes, you will enjoy the tales and thoughts on the dozens of motorcycles he has owned and ridden, from spluttering East European two-strokes to luxurious smooth-running tourers. including one spell selling and riding the iconic Harley Davidson bikes.
Motor Cycles in Mind is a great read. It combines Steele’s personal struggles with the love of motorbikes. Riding provides his resilience to overcome adversities and is a fulfilling hobby. He also reflects on the kindness of strangers whose unexpected interventions over the years have helped to make him what he is today.