Two-Up: Navigating a Relationship 1,000 Miles at a Time

by Lynda Lahman

A thousand miles in under twenty-four hours? In a plane, sure. A car, maybe. On a motorcycle? That’s crazy. But that’s what it takes to earn membership in the Iron Butt Association, the world’s foremost organization for long-distance motorcycle riders. For these elite riders thousand-mile days in the saddle are so routine that for fun they turn them into cross-country scavenger hunts, awarding points for bonus locations along the way. The biggest of them all is the eleven-day Iron Butt Rally. When Lynda asked Terry to take her for a ride on his motorcycle on their third date, she knew his passion was long distance riding. What she didn't know was that within a few short months they would be navigating the complexities of falling in love, blending families and building a life together. Becoming partners both on and off the bike, they found themselves charting a course through intense heat, bitter cold, exhaustion, disappointment, and exhilaration in the world of competitive riding, culminating in their entry into “The World's Toughest Motorcycle Competition.”

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2012

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this account of the Lahman's experiences riding together at IBA rallies and learning about each other and building a strong relationship. It hit all the sweet spots for me...wonderful descriptions of the rigors and rewards of their rides and contemplative and thoughtful explorations of their relationship. I appreciated the phrase they came to use whenever they needed to talk something out in their relationship..."we need to sit on the sidewalk and talk."

I've often thought how fun it would be to participate in some of the IBA events...a Saddlesore 1000, the Bunburner Gold, the Iron Butt Rally, and so forth. Sadly, I would be a danger to myself and others because I get sleepy too easily. One day after I retire, though, I will do the National Park Tour (50 NPS sites in 25 states), because it can be done over a two year period, and doesn't involve the risks of sleepiness. Despite that limitation, though, I enjoy reading about others' accomplishments in these rallies, and Lynda Lahman's account was a good one.

[Pat Loughery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and entertaining look at long distance motorcycle rallying through the eyes of a newlywed marriage therapist. It is well written and a fun page turner. I highly recommend this glimpse into a unique sport from a unique perspective, that of a passenger team member on a rallying team.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

About a motorcycle relationship. didn't really inspire me, although it was fun to see them mention Wing Washington and several western Washington sites. Too much about their relationship for me.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting to learn about endurance motorcycle rallies but the touchy-feely relationship wasn't so interesting. I would have like more people involved in the story.

[John Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story about long distance riding, and their relationship.