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Wayne Rainey, a motorcycling kid from Downey, has experienced higher highs and lower lows than most people, and in his autobiography he shows both. Surprisingly, the high of winning world Grand Prix motorcycle championships had a down side, and the low of having his spinal cord snapped and facing life in a wheelchair brought some inspiring, upbeat moments.

Most poignant are the journal notes of his childhood sweetheart and wife, Shae, when Wayne was fighting for his life after the cartwheeling crash at 130 mph during a 1993 race at Milano, Italy.

On the rewards of victory: “When I crossed the finish line, and I was world champion, I had this burst of emotion. I felt really great. For about two-tenths of a second. Then it was gone. It left me feeling really disappointed. It meant so much more to me emotionally losing the title in Sweden when I crashed than it did winning it.”

On the fear of losing: “Winning the [third] championship screwed me up. I was way too intense. I knew I might die, but I was willing to risk that to avoid getting beat.”

After his injury, Rainey battled to return to the globe-trotting life as a Grand Prix team owner, working with the same intensity that drove him to win, win, win as a rider.

Scott, a British motorcycling journalist, has filled in among Rainey’s comments to make a fascinating, yet frightening story of what it takes to ride on the edge--and beyond.

“Wayne’s spirit and honesty are a shining light in his new life,” wrote Kenny Roberts in the foreword. “In this book he is also fearlessly honest about his life, his career and his rivals.”