Mirra Images [Paperback]

Dave Mirra (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2003

Since age ten, Dave "Miracle Boy" Mirra has been defying gravity and changing people's minds about what can and can't be done on a bike. But in 1993 he lived up to his nickname in ways that his fans could never have anticipated. Six months after he was injured by a drunk driver and told by his doctors that he would never ride again, he was back on his bike, competing in -- and winning -- high-profile BMX events. Since then he has gone on to win more X Games medals than any other competitor -- in any event -- and has inspired a devoted following always hungry for a new miracle.

"Mirra Images" captures all of Dave's most daring and explosive tricks -- carving flairs, wallride-to-tailwhips, and his record-setting nineteen-foot air -- in stunning color. In addition, Dave delves into his past and his personal photo album to shed light on his rise to the top of the action sports world and reveal a side of himself that has never before been seen. This action-packed photo-autobiography is the first ever look into the life, times, tricks, and bikes of the biggest of all BMX superstars.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The teenage boys who idolize extreme bicycling superstar Mirra will groove on this desultory and somewhat inarticulate photo-autobiography. Mirra's childhood obsession with bike tricks, indifference to school, unsuitedness for steady work ("by the middle of the third day I'd had enough of someone telling me how to wash cars") and miscellaneous travails ("my girlfriend and I were arguing and it was messing with my head in a big way") will resonate with adolescents. They will thrill as ESPN's decision to televise extreme bike competitions brings Mirra fame, a huge house, and a signature video game. They will thoughtfully appraise the many top five lists-of favorite bands, extreme bike stars, and movies, Schindler's List comes after Caddyshack but tops Rocky IV). And they'll probably understand the unglossed references to such extreme bike maneuvers as the "one-handed, no-footed can-can," the "X-up 180 over the spine" and the "framestand-tweaker-nosepick." (There are hundreds of photos of Mirra riding down staircase railings, pirouetting on ledges and launching off ramps.) Their parents, though, will be suspicious of all the arcana, and Mirra's "five worst injuries" list will confirm their darkest forebodings. For all its gonzo exhibitionism, extreme bicycling is not the most photogenic of sports. Static mid-trick shots of contorted bicycle and flailing rider make for an ungainly image, especially in the dank indoor practice facilities where many of the photos were taken. At their best, some of the pictures-especially the flips, where Mirra appears to be serenely pedaling along, upside-down and 20 feet in the air-have an arresting surreal quality.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Dave mirra began competing in BMX events in 1987, and in the years since he has won numerous worldwide competitions, created his own traveling BMX tour, and showcased his talent during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. He lives in Greenville, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: It Books; 1 edition (September 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060989165
• ISBN-13: 978-0060989163
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,452,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Mirra Images, August 15, 2006

By 

Juan "bob" (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mirra Images (Paperback)

Mirra Images

The book I read was called "Mirra Images" by Dave Mirra. This book takes place all through Dave's life. Some of the competitors he faces during some of his competition are Mat Hoffman which was one of the best riders until Mirra the miracle man. This book influences me by not giving up my dreams or goals in life. Even though you have obstacles in your way. I though that when you suffer from a head injury, you can not recuperate or recover as fast. But Dave Mirra shows that nothing will get in his way to become the best rider in the world. I learn that every thing in life is not easy. So prepare your self. My book was written in a figurative language way.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect For A Fan, April 27, 2004

By 

Diluted Acid "Marc" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mirra Images (Paperback)

The book Mirra Images tells the story of Dave Mirra's life and thankfully told by Dave Mirra. This is a very in-depth book on Dace Mirra's life, the book sorta starts out like a photo album of his with pictures of him and brief but well-written notes on how it bmx came to him and what pushed him to do better. In this book Dave Mirra lets us take a look at his music and film tastes, horrible yet humorous accidents(...drunk driver), sponsors, achievements, records, goals, friends, medals. The book also shows what its like out on the road when touring. Aside from his writtings the book contains photos in more than half of the pages in the book with Dave Mirra doing some of his most daring and explosive tricks such as wallride-to-tailwhip(nuf said) and his groundbreaking record-setting of 19 foot air. The only thing maybe Dave Mirra could discuss more would have to be his school-life and how he helped out with the videogame otherwise this is a thrilling book for all fans. As for some reminders, don't expect any how to's in this book and for those wandering how many pages there are there is 191 pages including pictures. Fans you must buy this, however those new to bmx or have never heard in this daring sport may be interested.