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

by Ron Ayres

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.

Genres: Motorcycle, Adventure, Travel

237 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Chuck Stoddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can appreciate this book if you've ever been fatigued. Imagine riding for 36 hours with very little rest. Now round that out to 11 days and 11,000 miles. Ron Ayres takes you along on the 1995 Iron Butt Rally. These guys are hard core riders. One leg is Salt Lake City to Spokane. Riders have to make it within a two-hour window. Riders have to pick bonus locations to get points in attempt to win. These bonuses are several hundred miles that take him away from Spokane. Ayres explains the strict rules that you can run afoul of and either lose points or be disqualified. There is no relief given for any reason. You're expected to make the checkpoints even if there is a hurricane.


I give this 4 stars because I ride a motorcycle and am interested in long distance endurance riding. Probably a 3 for anyone just looking for a quick read.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and instructive autobiographical account of Ron Ayres 1995 ride in the Iron Butt Rally. The IBR is a grueling eleven day, typically 10,000+ mile endurance rally traversing the United States and Canada by motorcycle. Ayres finished sixth in this, his first attempt at the IBR. With a gripping writing style, he gives readers a rare glimpse into this test of human endurance.

[Johnny T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a real interesting account of a mid 90's Iron Butt Rally. Targeted to impress the "motorcycle enthusiast", it's a good account of what to expect from a IBA rally. Being an IBA member this kept me captivated and I could relate to the mayhem. Johnny T (IBA member #27342)

[Pat Loughery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best story yet told of the Iron Butt Rally, an 11-day, 11,000 mile competition between the world's greatest motorcycle riders. One day I want to rally with them. The Rally has changed since Ayres wrote his book, but it's never been told better.

[Wes]

Endurance / Perseverance