Books
The STOIC RIDER
OUT NOW!
Blending ancient Stoic wisdom with the full throttle chaos of real-world riding, The Stoic Rider weaves philosophy into the dirt, drama, and joy of life on two wheels.
From land speed records on the salt flats to breakdowns in the Alps, desert crossings, and group rides that changed my life, this book draws on years of adventure, mishap, and movement.
Whether you’re a track-day junkie, long-distance tourer, or weekend warrior, The Stoic Rider speaks to anyone who’s ever faced fear, failure, or uncertainty—and twisted the throttle anyway.
This isn’t just a book about riding. It’s a book about choosing your line, embracing change, and living with courage—even when the road is rough.
I wrote this for you — the rider, the seeker, the one who’s quietly wondered if maybe there’s another way to meet life. Not harder. Not faster. But wiser.
️ Where to Buy
The Stoic Rider is available worldwide — wherever you like to get your books. Order online through Amazon, or support your local bookshop by quoting ISBN 978-1-0682107-0-9 and they can bring it in for you. Available in paperback and eBook.
praise for the stoic rider
“Beautifully written, with enthralling descriptions, humour and razor-sharp thought processes, The Stoic Rider could well change the way you think. Louisa Swaden has created a book of revelation and inspiration that absolutely everyone needs to read.”
—Sam Manicom: Author of Into Africa and “One of the world’s leading motorcycling authors” -Motorcycle Sport & Leisure Magazine
“In The Stoic Rider, Louisa Swaden has created an intriguing, original book that effortlessly blends the thrills of a wide open throttle with life lessons from the great minds of our time. Honest and thought-provoking, it will inspire you to hit the road—and squeeze the most out of life.”
—Lois Pryce: Travel Writer (Guardian, Observer & Telegraph) and Author of Revolutionary Ride, A National Geographic, Traveller ‘Books of the Year’
“Who would have thought that ancient philosophy could be applied to motorcycling? In The Stoic Rider, Louisa Swaden uses her own examples and experiences to illustrate that Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca are just as relevant now as they were in their day. How can philosophy be applied to riding a missle on wheels on the salt flats at Bonneville? What did men of hundreds of years ago with beards and wearing togas know about social media and chat-bots? How can stoicism stop you from riding over that pothole you’re trying to avoid? Louisa accepts that they didn’t have to contend with life as we know it now but, with insight and great humour, applies their wisdom to modern situations. And she knows what she’s talking about where motorcycling is concerned. Fastest on Pendine Sands in Wales; a blood biker; a motorcycle traveller of note; a volunteer helping people who thought they couldn’t ride, ride again; a tour guide and a multitude of other skills. Philosophy was never this funny! Robert M. Pirsig of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance would be proud of her. You might not think that you need to read a book on stoicism to be a good motorcyclist but believe me you do!”
—Jacqui Furneaux: Motorcycle Traveller and Author of Hit the Road, Jac!
“Louisa Swaden’s book is a warm, wise and at times laugh out loud life manual that delivers clarity and insight without ever being preachy. With relatable stories and personal lessons from a life lived with extraordinary gumption, she walks beside the reader like a modern-day Yodaa—calm, clever and deeply human. Her signature humour and heartfelt wisdom make this an unputdownable read. A brilliant, contemporary companion to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance—I devoured it in one sitting and loved every page.”
—Claire Elsdon, Global Director for Capital Markets at CDP and Founder of Pikilily, A social enterprise in Tanzania focused on community motorcycle safety and empowering women through Africa’s first female-led motorcycle workshop.