Whitehorse Press announces today the May publication of an exclusive rider account of the legendary Iron Butt Rally. Entitled Against the Wind and written by sixth place finisher Ron Ayres, this book tells the story of what many call the most grueling test of human endurance in all motorcycling. With guts and sheer willpower to overcome fatigue and danger, riders in this rally must call upon human reserves buried deeper than most of us can dig!
Averaging more than 1000 miles a day for eleven consecutive days, many riders might set their objective on simply surviving the Iron Butt Rally, not finishing or actually winning! Written in a riveting style, Ayres reveals the deepest thoughts of a successful contestant. He describes his anticipation, thrill, fatigue, heartbreak, euphoria, and ultimately the controversy surrounding this merciless trial. He also answers questions that any curious reader might ask: How is the rally scored? What takes place each day? How are routes planned? What effect do that many miles have on your body? Isn't/ shouldn't this be illegal? and most important, Why? More than the mere mechanics of making it through the eleven-day ordeal, Ayres describes the elegant strategy necessary to be a contender. Riders must balance dangers, real or perceived, against their fatigue, and also take into account just what it is they want to accomplish.
As engaging as Ron's own story is, you will also be fascinated by the experiences of the other riders who are attracted to such events. Motorcycle journalist Bob Higdon states in his foreword to the book, "Like all good sagas, its heroes and villains compete against themselves, the imponderable fates, and a ceaselessly ticking clock. Here, told from the point of view of a participant, the unravelling of human souls proceeds in almost embarrassing clarity."
5-1/2 x 8-1/2, approx. 250 pp., b/w photos and illustrations.To order Ron Ayres's book about the Iron Butt Rally, Against the Wind, send a check for $18.50 (includes the shipping) to: Against the Wind Iron Butt Association 6326 W. Grace Street Chicago, IL 60634 Please ship Against the Wind to: _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________
© 1997 Iron Butt Association, Chicago, Illinois