Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally ("Incredible journeys" books) [Paperback]

Ron Ayres (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1884313094 | ISBN-13: 978-1884313097 | Publication Date: June 1, 1997

Ten consecutive thousand-mile days on two wheels in a mental race against imponderable odds and a ceaselessly ticking clock--welcome to the legendary Iron Butt Rally. Against the Wind is a riveting new book, written by sixth-place 1995 finisher Ron Ayres, telling the story of what many call the most grueling test of human endurance in all of motorcycling. With guts and shear willpower, riders must overcome (or succumb to) fatigue and danger, calling upon human reserves buried deep within. Ayres reveals the innermost thoughts of a successful contestant and lets us share the anticipation, the thrill, the fatigue, the heartbreak, the euphoria, and ultimately the controversy of completing this merciless trial. More than the mere mechanics of making it through the eleven-day ordeal, Ayres describes the elegant strategy necessary to be a contender. You'll discover what motivates the riders, how the rally is scored, what takes place each day, how the routes are planned, and what it's like to ride to the very limit of endurance--and then ride some more.As engaging as Ayres own story is, you'll also be fascinated by the experiences of other riders who are attracted to such events. Motorcycle journalist Bob Higdon states in his foreword to the book, "Here, told from the point of view of a participant, the unraveling of human souls proceeds in almost embarrassing clarity." It's an incredible journey most of us would rather enjoy from our easy chair, and now we can with this first-rate book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Against the Wind is a rousing read, and a rare insight into the rarefied world of endurance riding." -- Rider

"Even nonmotorcyclists will appreciate this gripping story of human endurance pushed to the absolute limit." -- Motorcyclist

"Given the topic, just about anyone could have written an interesting book, but Ayres' storytelling skills enable him to weave together a tale so engrossing, many people will read it from cover to cover without putting it down. I did. I even cancelled a 600-mile motorcycle ride to finish it." -- Motorcyclist

"I couldn't put this book down and ended up reading it in just two sittings. The author makes you feel like you're riding the trip with him." -- The Granite Statement

"It is destined to become one of those 'must read' books on the shelves of Mittys and motorcyclists everywhere." -- BMW Owners News

"Warning: Do not start reading this book unless you have time to finish it! Otherwise it may prove hazardous to your schedule." -- BMW Owners News

"You don't have to ride a motorcycle to truly appreciate Against the Wind. The book is captivating from cover to cover." -- Street Bike Magazine

About the Author

Ron Ayres is a nationally recognized motorcycle endurance rider who has completed numerous endurance competitions, including two Iron Butt rallies. His first book, Against the Wind, chronicles his participation in the 1995 Iron Butt Rally, which he finished in sixth place after riding more than 12,000 miles in eleven days. Against the Wind has been widely acclaimed among motorcyclists and non-riders alike and is now in its third printing.

In 1998, Ron shattered a Guinness World Record when he visited all 48 contiguous states by motorcycle in just six days. After completing his 48-state journey in Washington, he continued to Hyder, Alaska, and set a record as the first motorcyclist to visit all 49 North American states in seven days.

In 1999, Ron and his wife Barbara relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa. Ron is Chief Executive Officer of EDS Africa, a global firm which provides information technology services to companies in sub-Saharan Africa. Ron continues his motorcycle adventures in Africa. In March 2000, he and South African rider Shaun Powell will lead a group of experienced motorcyclists on an "8 Flags" ride through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Mozambique. His e-mail address is [e-mail].

Product Details

• Paperback: 237 pages
• Publisher: Whitehorse Press (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884313094
• ISBN-13: 978-1884313097
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Miscellaneous > Motorcycle Racing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the next best thing to riding in the Iron Butt., August 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally ("Incredible journeys" books) (Paperback)

If you have ever thought about trying a long cross country ride, then you will love this book. I have read articles about the Iron Butt Rally, but there is no way a 2 or 3 page article can capture the true spirit of this many miles in so few days. Congrats to Ron Ayres on the wonderful job he did in putting it all together. This is a tale that will be enjoyed by all of those who strive to expand the limits of their every day lives. This should be required reading for anyone thinking about taking on the Iron Butt. I've read it once and now I'm going to read it again.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vicarious Enjoyment for Those of Us with Less than Iron Butt, June 10, 2001

By 

DOUG BEY (Normal, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally ("Incredible journeys" books) (Paperback)

Most of us will never ride in an endurance event but by reading this book we can get an idea of what it entails. It certainly causes the reader to respect those who are endurance riders! There are many practical tips that are helpful for the 300-500mile/day rider. I sent a couple E Mails to the author and recieved a speedy response and an answer to my question as to why there were so few Harley's in these events (apparently BMWs are better suited for the 1000+ grueling miles and nature of these contests.) Any motorcycle rider would enjoy this book as would any non biker who enjoys reading about individuals meeting and overcoming challenges in life.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Impatient Insomniacs On Parade, September 2, 2002

By 

Victor Cruz (Dover, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally ("Incredible journeys" books) (Paperback)

Eight iron butts sat in folding metal chairs at the Midland fairgrounds rally in July, explaining comfort strategies. Just listening to them made my rear sore. How else to explain the anguish le derriere must tolerate to compress 10K miles in 11 days worth of Iron Butt Rally-ism?
Against the Wind author Ron Ayres, who etched an entry in the Guinness Book for most miles ridden in X days (at the tender age of 55 no less) and who led the panel of IBR contestants, acted as though he had seen God and lived to tell the tale. Yet he was short winded on endurance riding tactics.
Others dispensed these pearls of wisdom: get comfy; sing in helmet; play math games; run around bike at gas ups; stand on pegs, stick face in wind; dream of next steak; suck fireballs.
Held on every odd year, the IBR ought to be classified as an extreme sport. This race makes ESPN's X-Games look like Bambi Goes Hollywood. These crazies crisscross the U.S.A. twice, collecting points by hanging a pink towel at designated side road attractions, taking a Polaroid for proof, catching a catnap on the auxiliary tank before remounting again at 3:23 a.m.
The insomniac who can ride 1,000 miles per day on maximum sleep deprivation and minimal state trooper interference, boldly avoiding bodily harm while hallucinating at 100 mpg, wins a $13 trophy.
Nearly half the field drops out. Dehydration is common; misjudgments more so. Yet the thrill of completing the world's toughest endurance race is said to change one's life permanently, providing one still has a life to change.
As a read, Against the Wind is a page-turning adventure that constantly begs the question, "how?" Evidently there are vast reserves of kidney juice in storage waiting for just such a feat.
In 1995, the rally year Ayres' book documents, of the top 10 finishers from a pack of 55 entrants, half rode upon the esteemed BMW K1100, if not the R1100. The winner? A 46-year-old financial advisor from Salt Lake City astride a '94 K1100LT.
In these pages considerable time is spent relating individual trials and errors, such as when somebody failed to use his side stand, or when another forgot to remove his sunglasses when applying eye drops.
Just reading this grueling account caused me to oversleep and run late for work.