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.

Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally

Ayres, Ron

Biographies & Memoirs

Whitehorse Press

The incredible story of Ron Ayres' record-breaking and historic ride demonstrates the importance of teamwork in achieving a difficult objective many thought unattainable. Ayres' compelling text captures the flavor of the ride as it happened with total sincerity.

Against the Clock: The incredible story of the 7/49

Sports & Outdoors

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.

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

Engineering & Transportation

Automotive

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ayres, Ron. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Ayres, Ron

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ayres, Ron. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally

Against the Clock: The incredible story of the 7/49

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