Taking in the View

"Taking in the View - Life from a Scooter" tells of my journey over the past 40 years. Covering music, fashion, the optimism of youth and the grittiness of life, teenage subculture of the 1980s, Lambretta and Vespa scooters, racing, travel, friendships and memories, it will entertain both scooter people and the uninitiated alike.

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1980s Britain was a harsh place. Sharply defined styles separate a multitude of teenage subcultures. Youngsters want to find the one that suits them, for a sense of purpose, for belonging, for safety, where violence is often just around the corner. The adult world is full of wars in far-off places and industrial strikes are two-a-penny, while jobs are scarce and the threat of nuclear oblivion looms overhead. Continually trying to find his place in the world, one young lad discovers music, fashion, and then the one place that will give him purpose and belonging. A place where everyone can fit in, whatever jacket they wear on their back, if they share just one common passion. Along with music, this place becomes a constant presence in his life. It gives him purpose and drive, taking him far and wide, meeting new people and visiting unfamiliar places, places that he would not have seen if life had taken a different route, and he will make memories too, lots of memories. It will cost him a lot of time and a small fortune too, but there are no regrets, only opportunities, because at the end of the day, if you don't do it, you haven't done it.