Going the Extra Mile: Insider Tips for Long-Distance Motorcycling and Endurance Rallies [Paperback]

Ron Ayres (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 19, 2002

When Ron Ayres first competed in the Iron Butt Rally in 1995, a hardy, but loosely organized group of endurance riders took the field to participate in a sport that barely existed at the time. Ayres riveting account of his sixth-place finish, Against the Wind, would introduce countless motorcyclists to this virtual community for whom mileage means nothing-and everything. And naturally, many readers became hooked. Best-selling author Ron Ayres has written the first book to share the proven advice of long-distance veterans with all riders who are looking to extend their range on a motorcycle. Those hard-core motorcyclists who aspire to participate in endurance rallies will find all the basic information they need to get off to a great start, but touring riders and less ambitious travelers also will be well-served by this book-as would anyone looking to learn a few tricks for enjoying more time in the saddle. To ride long distances, first one must be comfortable riding in a wide range of conditions and situations, and long-distance riders typically choose and modify their gear with these goals in mind. Preparation is also key to success, and you'll learn how to make the most of your ride before you even mount up, utilizing the latest techniques for computer mapping and GPS navigation. See how the Big Dogs manage fuel consumption, speed, and rest breaks to maintain a high average mileage. And lastly, an extensive resource directory will put hundreds of valuable contacts at your fingertips.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a book for any rider interested in extending their range on a motorcycle." -- IronWorks

"...a must-have for any rider planning to burn miles few or galore." -- BMW Club Journal

"...this book is a reference that you will return to again and again..." -- Jonathan Eubank, Motorcycle Times

"All in all [this book] is for all riders who are looking for the edge in their riding..." -- Backroads

"We guarantee you'll learn something about you, your riding habits and your motorcycle." -- Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Whitehorse Press (December 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884313396
• ISBN-13: 978-1884313394
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #503,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #61 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Miscellaneous > Motorcycle Racing

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary reading, February 6, 2003

By 

Tom Murphy, author (Gardnerville, NV United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going the Extra Mile: Insider Tips for Long-Distance Motorcycling and Endurance Rallies (Paperback)

Coincidences? Sure, they happen.
Picture this. I planned a 2500 mile 4-day ride through sUtah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Needed something to read and Ron"s book had just shown up from the publisher, so I threw it in the saddlebag without even opening it.
I finally got to it while parked for the night in a dirty motel in a seedy town in southern Utah. Imagine my surprise when I saw Ron on the cover traveling the same sort of roads I had just been on.
After reading this book, my advice to you is buy it, read it and follow it. If you plan on covering a lot of superslab on your rides, you need this book.
My only complaint (small) is that Dan Kennedy at Whitehorse Press needs to use more color in these books. Some of the scenery in Ron's book deserves to be seen in glorious 4-color.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid advice for the long distance rider, March 30, 2007

By 

Craig Libuse (Vista, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Going the Extra Mile: Insider Tips for Long-Distance Motorcycling and Endurance Rallies (Paperback)

Although most of what the author tells you here should be common sense, I still gathered enough good tips to make the price of the book well worthwhile. If you plan to do any long distance riding, even if you are an experienced rider, you will no doubt learn something too. The author has done a lot more touring than most of us, and his experience is worth listening to. For me, the most important chapter is on proper gear for riding, as being comfortable is the key to being able to stay on a bike a long time. It doesn't matter how soft the seat is, if you are freezing or too hot you are not going to last long. Other tips on gear to carry for various types of trips can save you a lot of time making checklists. It may even inspire you to take a long trip if you have never done so. When you are properly prepared and comfortable the miles go by a lot easier.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Grows in Value as you increase your L:ong Distance Riding, April 4, 2008

By 

John R. Tubb - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Going the Extra Mile: Insider Tips for Long-Distance Motorcycling and Endurance Rallies (Paperback)

As an additioal post comment to my review. As I have begun to get more involved in Long Distance Riding this book has increased in value to me. It is a common book that I carry with me on all my trips to open and reread areas to remind me of things I need to improve and ideas on better approaches. If I could I would bump my rating to a 5 star now for those that want to get serious about Long Distance Riding.