BOISE, Idaho – October 25, 2021 – Ultra-distance cycling is growing in popularity, pushing the human limits beyond what one thinks is possible, but unless it’s on gravel, many overlook the ultra-open road records. Events like Unbound XL(350 miles), Iowa Wind and Rock (340 Miles), Gravel Worlds Long Voyage (300 miles) have gained traction and the spotlight but let’s take a moment to read about Amanda’s accomplishments this past Friday. Words come to mind like astonishing, outstanding, incredible, amazing, and well, frankly, a little crazy! The goal was to ride as many miles as possible in 24 hour open road ride, she eclipsed the previous record of 439 miles and scored a total of 11 world records in the one ride. We are wondering if she is thinking of a Zwift 24hr attempt? Join us on Thursday 7:00am Mountain on our
weekly ride so we can ask her that very question!
Ultra-endurance competition is defined as events that exceed than 6 hours in duration. The longer events rely on long-term preparation, sufficient nutrition, accommodation of environmental stressors, and psychologic toughness
Amanda’s accomplishments on Friday October 22nd, 2021. (unofficial)
100K – 2:42:20
100 Miles – 4:20:32
200K – 5:24:10
300K – 8:09:06
200 Miles – 8:45:11
300 Miles – 13:22:06
500K – 13:51:32
500 Miles – 23:13:45
6 Hours – 137.88 miles
12 Hours – 270.64 miles
24 Hours – 512.506 miles
“After months of planning, training, prep work, and research, my dream to be the first woman in history to break 500 miles in 24 hours came true!
Before I go on I would just like to thank my amazing crew/officials, Donna (mom), Ricky (dad), Allan, Chris, Dan, Jason, and Sonya for being there for me for every single mile! It definitely takes a village to make breaking multiple world records a success, and I’ll forever be thankful for having each of them there to keep me rolling, and for catching me at the finish line.
The course I selected (which was surveyed and verified to be used for my open road record attempt by the WUCA [World Ultra Cycling Association] records chairman), is 28.39 miles on an out and back open road. It was nice finding this strip of road, not only because it was close to my home/convenient location for my crew, but also for visibility (no sharp turns/blindspots), as well as a nice sized area on the right side of the white line to ride in. With that said, the notorious Florida winds (Florida hills) were ever so present, even through the night time the crosswinds were constant, regardless of the North/South direction. Thank goodness I was riding my new FELT IA, this bike was designed to take on crosswinds, which made it much more tolerable!
In accordance with WUCA rules, I had a follow vehicle keeping an eye on me all throughout the 24 hours, with flashing rear caution lights and signage. Very glad I had such great follow vehicle drivers because traffic flowed over 60mph on this strip of road! To ensure my record was up to par and within all WUCA rules I had several WUCA officials present, monitoring the entire attempt, verifying every mile/minute.
Standing atop the hill at the Start/Finish line with my crew, giving everyone final high fives and hugs, I took my last deep breath and hit the start button on my Wahoo. At 8:15am, my 24 hour record attempt began. There’s an indescribable feeling pushing off the ground, clipping in, knowing the next 24 hours are going to be emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing. With numbers locked in my head, I was fully focused the entire time. The first twelve hours flew by so quickly, surpassing the 100K world record in 2:42:33, 100 mile record in 4:19:40, the 6 hour record with 138 miles, 300K record in 8:06:35, 200 mile record in 8:42:37, 300 mile record in 13:17:00, and the 12 hour record with 272 miles. I concentrated on settling into a smooth and steady rhythm, focusing on getting calories in early and keeping my caffeine levels even. During the day I had one headphone in listening to music, which is allowed within WUCA rules, and I could hear all the notification dings from my friends, family, teammates, athletes, sponsors, and followers. Even though I couldn’t see the messages it definitely helped boost my drive just hearing them!
My crew kept me fueled efficiently, handing off bottles by running beside me at full on sprint pace! Major kudos to them for turning into Olympic sprinters for the day. I personally like to use a liquid only diet during any race, to get quick absorption and for any off chance I feel sick (which I never did), throwing up fluid is a lot less disgusting than solid food.