Congratulations to Etan McDonagh who set 3 new virtual records in the follow categories: Male 9-10 age-group, upright ride, virtual.

Distance Event KilometersTimeAvg Sp (Km)Avg Sp (Miles)
100 Km Virtual3:50:54.8525.9916.15
Distance Event MilesTimeAvg Sp (Miles)Avg Sp (Km)
100 Mile Virtual6:28:9.0015.4624.88
Timed EventMilesKilometersAvg Sp (Miles)Avg Sp (Km)
6 Hour Virtual94.026151.32015.6725.22

Virtual Record – Ethan McDonagh

Categories: 6-Hour | 100 km | 100 Miles

Age: 10 years old

Start Date: November 30, 2025

Start Time: 11:31 AM EST

Finish Time: 6:57:45 (based on head unit at mile 100)

Location: New Hope, PA, USA

Conditions: Indoor, basement setup, ~65°F

Finding My Voice on a Bike: How a Virtual World Helped Me Break Barriers

By Ethan McDonagh

A World Without Limits

Picture this: a five-year-old perched on a tiny bike, legs spinning furiously—not on a sidewalk, but in a virtual world. No Fortnite. No Minecraft. Just Zwift. That day, something clicked. I wasn’t just pedaling; I was exploring. And for a kid who couldn’t always find the words, that mattered.

Silence Before Speech

You see, I was the quiet kid—the one people noticed for silence before anything else. Speaking felt impossible. My first words didn’t come until first grade. And when they did, they weren’t about “hello” or “how are you.” They were about the things I loved: outer space and cycling with my family.

I told my teachers about planets and moons, about how the universe had no limits—just like my imagination on a bike. That moment was everything. It was the start of finding my voice.

A School That Listened

Reach Cyber School didn’t just teach me math and reading—it gave me something far more powerful: freedom. For me, flexibility wasn’t a buzzword; it was a lifeline. Teachers like Kristen Gentille, Nicole Wentzel, Mary Kay Pronio, and Sarah Gallagher didn’t just deliver lessons—they listened. They encouraged me to explore my passions and reminded me that everyone has a superpower; sometimes, we just need help discovering it.

And then there’s Jane Swan, the CEO, whose vision transformed Reach into more than a school—it became a community of inclusivity and possibility. Thanks to her leadership and an incredible team, Reach is state-funded, giving families like mine the freedom to choose a fully virtual education without worry. That freedom means I can learn from talented teachers across the state, build real relationships, and still spend hours doing what I love—like cycling. Opportunities like that? Absolutely priceless.

Turning Pedals Into Power

Cycling became my language. Before age seven, I rode my first 100 miles. Every year, I pushed harder. At ten, I wrote my own training plans. And then I wondered: What if I could set a world record? What if I could show that virtual doesn’t mean limited?

It takes a pit crew to make something like this happen. That’s why I’m forever grateful to Larry from World Ultra Cycling Association for joining us virtually and helping with the setup. It’s not just about riding—it’s about learning from cycling gurus and finding a community that lifts you up.

Crossing the Finish Line

Six hours and forty-seven minutes later, I stopped pedaling. I’d done it. Not just for me, but for every kid who’s ever felt different. For every kid who needs a place in this world. Reach Cyber School and World Ultra Cycling Association gave me that place. And today, I’m proud to say: I didn’t just find my voice—I found my superpower.

Why It Matters

Every mile I rode was proof that virtual environments work—not just for school, but for life, and even for setting virtual records like this one! This wasn’t just about breaking a record. It was about showing that kids like me can soar when given the right environment—and virtual spaces make that possible.

Choosing a virtual school or creating a virtual training setup isn’t a limitation—it’s a superpower. It gave me the freedom to learn, grow, and discover my voice. And today, I’m living proof that being different isn’t a barrier—it’s the key to unlocking potential.

Join Us on the Next Adventure

We love setting records with others! Have an idea or want to help us brainstorm our next big challenge? Want to help us dream up the next big adventure? Join the ride! We’re all about pushing limits, setting records, and having fun along the way.

Ready to make history with us?

Connect here:

Acknowledgments

This record wouldn’t have been possible without:

  • Larry, from WUCA for helping give us the idea
  • Michell, for being a WUCA official
  • My parents, for setting up everything and cheering me on.
  • My brother, for riding with me at the start.

Equipment Used

  • Bike: FUJI ACE with 650 wheels
  • Trainer: Computrainer
  • Platform: Zwift
  • Power: Favero power meter pedals
  • Head Unit: Magene
  • Tech: Custom-built computer + large-screen TV

Nutrition

  • Vital electrolytes
  • Boulder Avocado Oil potato chips
  • Hippeas snacks
  • Apple sauce
  • Huma Chia Gels

Ride Experience

  • Best Part: The finish! Stopping my legs after 6+ hours felt amazing. Music and cheering made it even better.
  • Hardest Part: Mile 75 — my legs were burning, and no position change could make it easier. Riding indoors means limited adjustments, so I just pushed through.
  • Unusual Events: None — just a normal day riding in my basement.

Performance

  • Average Power: 80 watts
  • Average Cadence: 70 rpm
  • Zwift Distance: 140 miles
  • Head Unit Distance: 100 miles in 6:47