Introducing 'Leathered' – The New Autobiography from MotoGP Legend John Hopkins

From riding motorcycles for fun with his father on the dirt roads of the Californian desert, to the pinnacle of the most extreme of extreme sports, via the desperate lows of personal tragedy, alcohol and drug abuse, Hopkins’ story is truly a rare one of adrenaline, addiction, recovery and redemption at the highest level of international sport.

John’s huge and loyal fan base in the UK, USA and far beyond will know much about the career of a teenage motorbike racer signed from obscurity to compete at the elite level of the sport, who within just a few years emerged as one of its most exciting stars. Many will also be aware of the bone-crunching injuries and the rumors around his alcohol-fueled antics, that ultimately proved his downfall at the peak of his success.

Untold until now, however, are the true stories behind the lurid headlines, the extent of John’s mental torment at the time, his eventual total dependence on painkillers and alcohol, the drug smuggling trips to Mexico, his contemplation of suicide and the rehabilitation that saved him. The love story with his wife Ashleigh provides the backdrop to a dramatic, funny and uplifting story of an extraordinary life lived before the age of 40.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.