Congratulations to Larry Oslund – for setting a new 100 Km, and 100 Mile Road Record in the Men’s, Solo, Recumbent Bike categories  on June 12, 2022

Distance Event Kilometers Time Avg Sp (Km) Avg Sp (Miles) Existing records : 60-69 , male, recumbent
100 Km Road 02:24:33.65 41.51 25.79 none for 100 Km
Distance Event Miles Time Avg Sp (Miles) Avg Sp (Km) Existing records : 60-69 , male, recumbent
100 Mile Road 03:56:58.73 25.32 40.75 none for 100 Mile

Larry also set the “oldest Male to ride an unfaired bike 100 Miles in under 4-hours” category.

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Executive Summary:

On June 12, 2022 at 5:40am I took off on my quest to become the oldest person to ride an unfaired bike 100 miles in under 4-hours. This was on an ordinary road in Savannah Ga with less than average surface quality. It was about 80 degrees F at the start with constant winds at 5mph that steadily increased to >15mph by the end of the attempt.

I felt pretty sluggish after a 2 mile warmup wondering if I could ride twice that hard for 4 hours straight. I rode at an average pace of 26.1mph for the first 50 miles and managed to accumulate a buffer of over 4 minutes above the average goal speed of 25.0 mph. Then I cut back to about 95% max effort. At about the 74 mile mark my right hamstring cramped up. I recovered and continued on with a little less effort trying to hold off any continuing cramps. At about mile 83 both hamstrings cramped up and again I had to stop pedaling to massage both legs but I also did not stop. I again gingerly started back at an even lower effort level. By this time the wind was also the strongest and I was fatigued and hurting now. The only thing I needed to do was to make sure I did not have to stop and totally abort due to any further severe cramps.

I successfully managed to complete the final 17 miles after my double cramping and finished with a final time of 3:56:58.73. This was good enough to give me several titles:

#1 – Oldest Male to ride unfaired bike 100 miles in under 4 hours (WUCA and GWR)

#2 – Fastest 100 Miles on Road Course on recumbent bike at 3:56:58.73 (WUCA and GWR)

#3 – Fastest 100 Km on Road Course on recumbent bike at 02:24:33.65 (WUCA and GWR)

It was a great feeling to complete this attempt and I thank all my friends who were able to be there with me: Jim, Maria, Robert, Eric, Jeff, and Hardy, Ken and Rick – thank you so much for your help, support and encouragement. It means the world to me!

I also thank everyone who was also unable to be there in person but were praying for my safety and success. I first include my wife Gayle in this group. I know I really stress her out when I do these and she would rather stay home and pray for my safety and success than be there and watch me in person and worry about me crashing. I know she is for me, just as the Lord is. And finally I give all the Glory to the Lord my God who gave me the desire, passion and ability to do this. It is my hope that someone will read this and put their trust in His eternal love and saving Grace.

Blessings to everyone,

Larry Oslund

Always excited to talk about my 2 favorite topics: Cycling and God!

What is next: Perhaps becoming the oldest person to break the 500 mile barrier in less than 24-hours. Stay turned