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

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.

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.

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.

Ron is a consummate gentleman who has, without any bravado or macho BS, brought to life the trials and tribulations of a rider competing in the Iron Butt motorcycle rally. With input from numerous other competitors he has woven a fast reading account of the events surrounding the toughest competitive event in long distance motorcycle endurance riding.I'm betting that, whether you're a motorcyclist or not, you will enjoy this book.

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!