Stuart A. Kirk recently retired as a distinguished professor of social welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles, where his academic research focused on the interplay of science, social values, and professional politics in the helping professions. He is the coauthor or author of nine books, many chapters, and over one hundred articles published in social welfare, psychology, psychiatry, and other journals. Among his books are Science and Social Work, The Selling of DSM, Making Us Crazy, and Mad Science. In thirteen engaging essays in his new book, Prof. Kirk takes you with him as he plunges into the world of motorcycling. As a midcareer professor, he recounts his discovery of the complexities and pleasures of the moto life—the escape, adventure, and mastery. He also shares intimate moments of coping with the dangers and exhilarations of learning to ride well.