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

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Ron Ayres (Author)
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Ron Ayres (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 47 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-1884313097
ISBN-10: 1884313094
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Product Details

  • Series: "Incredible journeys" books
  • Paperback: 237 pages
  • Publisher: Whitehorse Press (June 1, 1997)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1884313094
  • ISBN-13: 978-1884313097
  • Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #535,036 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsThis is the next best thing to riding in the Iron Butt.
By A Customer on August 7, 1999
Format: 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.
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3.0 out of 5 starsImpatient Insomniacs On Parade
By Victor Cruz on September 2, 2002
Format: 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.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsIf the maximum Amazon rating is 5 stars, this one is a 6!
By A Customer on September 4, 1998
Format: Paperback
Once I started this one, I couldn't put it down.
This book is a MUST read for anyone interested in nuturing their Walter Mitty streak buried beneath years of family responsibilities and too many hours spent listening to NPR rather than living the Dream.
The author's writing style is so refreshingly clear and embracing, readers will feel they are riding along behind Ron Ayres on his BWM motorcycle as he races from checkpoint to checkpoint, and covers 12,000 miles in 11 days around the country.
This book is not so much about motorcycles and those who ride them as it is about each of us striving to achieve our personal "best". In the Iron Butt Rally, participants of both sexes, from their 20's to their 70's, holders of "day jobs" ranging from grandmothers and corporate VP's to shopkeepers and computer geeks race against the same two clocks we all face every day --the external one ticking away at our respective "checkpoints" (at the office, school, or home) and the internal one that tells us how much stamina we have left before throwing in the towel.
Some of the BEST writing I have ever read.
If you're over 50, and haven't read this, you will have missed something. Even if you're not, it makes a terrific gift for those of us who are!
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5.0 out of 5 starsVicarious Enjoyment for Those of Us with Less than Iron Butt
By DOUG BEY on June 10, 2001
Format: 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.
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5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Adventure Riding Book
By A Customer on February 7, 2003
Format: Paperback
Having ridden three Iron Butt rallies myself, I find that this is THE BOOK to describe this unique sport to others. It gives the reader an insight into the challenge of the ride. Short of riding in the Iron Butt, this is your best chance to understand what riders go through competing in this rally.
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5.0 out of 5 starsMind travel
By C. Forno on March 16, 2006
Format: Paperback
The book is the report of a real trip.

One can actually travel along the writer whilst he tells the story of "his" Iron Butt.

I read it three times in a row since I wanted to grasp as much detaiils as possible. The book is also slightly informative for the mile-bugged biker, although "Going the extra mile" is THE source for long distance riding.
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5.0 out of 5 starsAs a travel writer and a motorcycle writer, Kudos ...
By Amazon Customer on April 17, 2015
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
As a travel writer and a motorcycle writer, Kudos to Ron Ayres. Well done sir! A very well written account of the Iron Butt rally. Not only from your ride but you also included the hapenings of other riders as well. It made for a much more interesting book. It may be a bit dated now but is still well worth the read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsGreat, Though Dated, Description of Riding the Iron Butt Rally

I don't even ride motorcycles, but I enjoyed the book. It's the second I've read covering the Iron Butt. Read more

Published 1 month ago by bjm
5.0 out of 5 starsFor those with bugs in their teeth.

I've made a few long motorcycle trips, but those Iron Butt guys are amazing. I loved reading this book.

Published 3 months ago by Matt Lawrence
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Real good read!

Published 4 months ago by David
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Excellent adventure book. I have not read Ron's other books but this is well written....really enjoyed the book.

Published 6 months ago by Steveoreno
4.0 out of 5 starsWhile this isn't a perfect book, it does give one a good idea ...

While this isn't a perfect book, it does give one a good idea of what it takes to compete in the Iron Butt Rally. Ron's personable style is easy to follow. Read more

Published 10 months ago by Phil Howell
3.0 out of 5 starsThree Stars

ok!

Published 14 months ago by Wendall J. Alexander
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Great Book!

Published 16 months ago by Tonyp884
4.0 out of 5 starsMust read for all future and present Ironbutts.

If you ride, especially long distance. This is the book for you .

Published 16 months ago by Kevin Weaver
2.0 out of 5 starsTwo Stars

not my cup of tea

Published 18 months ago by Daniel McCluskey
4.0 out of 5 starsGood product. good price.

Fun read

Published 20 months ago by 2muchcoffee

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