Congratulations to Phil Fox for setting the new Lake Huron Circumnavigation Record in the following categories: Male, 18-49 Age Group, Upright bike, non-fixed gear, CW direction.
Lake Huron:
Post Attempt Report Narrative
On June 5, 2025, Phil Fox and a team of seven crew members set out from the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan in an attempt to set the world record Circumnavigating Lake Huron in support of Bike MS.
From Port Huron, we would head north to the top of the ‘mitten’ travelling clockwise around the lake. This would involve one brief shuttle to cross the Mackinaw Bridge (where pedestrian traffic is strictly forbidden). From there we would traverse across the upper peninsula of Michigan before crossing over into Ontario, Canada at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. From there – long stretches would occur on the Trans-Canada Highway (Ontario 17) around the Georgian Bay before cutting across the Bruce Peninsula to finish at Point Edwards, Ontario. No ferries. No shortcuts. We were after the whole shebang.
Unlike our prior Great Lake Circle Tours – this route would not entail any major population centers. There is no Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Toronto or Milwaukee etc. This route would be our most remote yet. Waypoints would include the following towns (with long stretches between).
- Port Huron, MI
- Port Sanilac, MI
- Alpena, MI
- Sault Ste. Marie, ON
- Greater Sudbury, ON
- Barrie, ON
- Point Edward, ON
While not the first to have completed this route, no evidence was found regarding any documented attempt to see just how fast it can be accomplished.
Accompanied by a set of three rotating support crews / vehicles, we planned on replicating a RAAM-style support strategy to keep stoppage time to an absolute minimum. We opted against an RV and would depend on finding motels on route.
Starting Line
With no fanfare, we started the clock at 6:01 am Eastern time on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from the Thomas Edison Park underneath the terminus of the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan. With the early morning backdrop of the St. Clair River and the International Flag Plaza, we quickly sprinted out into the rain.
In the days prior to the record attempt, wildfires were reported across Canada with smoke blanketing much of the Great Lakes. Air quality in Lake Huron was amongst the worst in the world before a heavy storm system passed through that morning.
Heavy rain brought temperatures down to a very manageable 55°F at the start with a very pleasant 5-10 mph breeze from the N-NE that would be a net benefit for the first stretch to Bay City. Knowing that we would have at least three hours of consistent rain – I started with additional rain layers, a rear fender and my back-up shoes. For giggles – I threw on a pair of latex gloves over my forefeet in an attempt to stay dry as long as possible. (Who says you can’t try new gear on race day?)
We hugged the coast up to Port Sanilac before cutting across the proverbial ‘thumb’ of the Michigan ‘mitten’. Before long we realized we were headed towards a bridge closure that would require a detour across the Black River. Scrambling to scout a paved detour in real-time – we found ourselves on wet muddy roads. Fortunately for the crew – my comms system was already waterlogged and unable to transmit my colorful feedback to the follow vehicle.
Bay City
The roads started to dry out by the time we reached Bay City, so I pulled over for a quick roadside wardrobe adjustment. The first 100 miles were steady — we knocked them out in 5 hours and 22 minutes with less than six minutes of stoppage time. I did my first full kit change with the crew exchange in Harrisville just before sundown and got our comms back up.
We enjoyed some coastal views before the light faded — stretches of Lake Huron peeking through the trees and small towns drifting by. From there, the roads got quiet and dark, and the cue sheet stayed simple: from mile 145 all the way to mile 329, it was just US-23 straight up the ‘Sunrise’ coast.
Mackinaw Bridge
We arrive at a sleepy Mackinaw City at 1:42am for a shuttle across the Mackinaw Bridge. Approximately one-third of the way through the course – this would be a key juncture of the route, crossing over into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Adding me and the bike to the follow vehicle would be complicated and we did not want to disturb the day crew already asleep.
We adjusted shifts so Tony, our one-man comfort crew, would shuttle me across the bridge. Despite how quiet Mackinaw was before tourism season really kicked off, Tony was able to scout some “fresh” gas station breakfast sandos. I was off the bike for nine minutes before back on the road in St. Ignace.
The upper peninsula was even more quiet in the wee hours of the morning. Already dodging the smoke threat… our next concern would be swarms of biting black flies typically hatching in early June. These “Buffalo gnats” are common across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and they draw blood. But zipping through the cool night, we dodged another bullet I was dreading after experiencing it first hand during our 2021 record ride around Lake Michigan.
With long stretches on the “Mackinaw Trail” referenced in the route book – the crew was pleasantly surprised to find that this was not a pedestrian path. The entire 1,001 mile course would include no bike paths and would keep me in visual contact with the crew at all times.
Sault Ste. Marie / International Bridge
The next key juncture would be the international border crossing in Sault Ste. Marie. Right at the 24-hour mark, we were exactly on our planned pace down to the minute. After scouting the course weeks ago, I knew bikes were allowed across, but even I was surprised how easy it turned out to be despite it being the only border crossing between US and Canada within 300 miles.
There was no wait for the toll booth, no hassle at customs, no friction at all. With day breaking and open roads ahead, we were excited to keep pushing. We rolled through into Ontario and I sent the day crew off in search of the first open Starbucks.
Sudbury
From Sault Ste. Marie, the next big question was how fast I could knock out the next 200 miles to Greater Sudbury before my only sleep break 600 miles into the effort. I’ve done stretches like this before, but with how remote and exposed Highway 17 is, there wasn’t much room for error.
For long stretches, I was riding right on the fog line, a soft gravel shoulder just inches away leaving no room to maneuver. At one point, a semi-trailer ran me off the road – hard to believe it wasn’t intentional. With no realistic alternatives in-or-out of Sudbury on a Friday night, I had no choice but to keep my cool and continue on.
Knowing the next stretch from Greater Sudbury to Parry Sound would get even hairier with 85 miles of controlled-access highway, we meticulously choreographed my only sleep break.
The Sudbury Motel 6 was right on course and was the central strategy we had planned for months. We slowed my caffeine intake. The night crew went ahead and got the rooms ready. Tony had food standing by. Just a quick shower and straight to bed. The challenge would be how much time could we allow before I had to get back on the road. After white-knuckling Highway 17 all day, I really wanted to take advantage of the night.
I set a timer for three hours and fell asleep within minutes. By the time the alarm rang, Donsbach was through the door before I could hit snooze. Within fifteen minutes, I was back on the bike rolling south through the dark and empty highway.
Parry Sound
One of the coolest parts of the course turned out to be this stretch through a sanctuary — the crew spotted a black bear, a quick reminder that out here, you’re never really alone.
What else goes here?
Barrie
Rolling into Barrie, we hit our most unexpected obstacle yet – an airshow right in town that made the race route impassable for the follow vehicle. I snaked my way through police barricades, while overhead bi-planes looped and dove for the crowds below. It was a surreal moment, pedaling through an urban festival while the crew scrambled to reroute around the closures.
Somewhere around mile 800, right at the foot of a climb, I got an adrenaline jolt I didn’t need — a loose dog came out of nowhere. On dead legs and three hours of sleep, I didn’t have much juice in the tank. That dog had me dead to rights but never went for the bite. Just a reminder that in these record attempts, anything can happen. No room to let your guard down.
Unlike hugging the shore on our previous Great Lakes routes, this stretch around the Georgian Bay threw in a huge inland peninsula. Long straight climbs with no curves, no switchbacks, and no shoulder. Just a concrete gutter and traffic getting backed up. False summit after false summit until we passed an unexpected ski resort I didn’t recall from the recon.
Not long after the resort, we rolled up on the actual motel from Schitt’s Creek. The real deal, right there off the highway. It was too good not to stop. We grabbed a quick pizza break on the on the side of the road before
Final Approach
The closer we got to the finish, the more my speed picked back up. At this point, we started rotating Tony into the night crew for a fresh voice on the radio. Somewhere on the final approach, Andrew Wyton found us on course to snap a few nighttime shots – a cool boost after so many hours alone out on the road.
Rolling into Point Edward, we hit an unexpected road closure downtown with the bridge in sight. I waited so the follow vehicle could reroute. After 1000 miles, I wanted to make sure we crossed the line together. Joining the crew would be my parents, and even a few early morning (or maybe very late night) fishermen who learned of our record attempt on the local news.
Every finish line is special and this was no exception. Unsure of what might transpire and what challenge we might encounter, we successfully passed under the Blue Water Bridge at 3:34am (Eastern) on Sunday June 8, 2025.
We completed the full 1,001 mile course in an elapsed time of 69 hours, 33 minutes and were able to raise over $10,310 (and counting) in support of the National MS Society. Ahead of both our stated time and fundraising goals.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to 84 donors who contributed to the cause. These funds support groundbreaking research and life-changing services for people living with MS. While we aren’t there yet, we continue to make progress towards a world free of MS.
Thank you to everyone amplifying our story including our friends at the National MS Society, the World UltraCyling Association, UltraCycling Magazine, Univision, WBBM and CBS Detroit.
Thank you to Infinity Bike Seats, Infinit Nutrition, Velofix, Specialized Chicago and Rapha Chicago.
Largely together since 2021 – this world record crew of William, Tony, Morgan, Demian, Emily, Michelle and Donsbach continues to keep me safe and supported. They had my back through some truly remote and difficult conditions on little rest, determined to keep moving. With each record they find ways to make me better. I can’t imagine doing it without them and cherish all we’ve accomplished together.
Special thanks to Andrew Wyton for tracking us down ahead of the finish line to capture these special moments.
Ultra efforts take a village and involve the countless sacrifices of my immediate family. Support on all the recon. The training. The recovery. The coordination. The distractions. Extra special acknowledgement to my parents, Suzanne, Leanne and our two boys.
Thank you to my Chicago Rando family, all my friends and colleagues. I’m truly fortunate to have the support of so many. Your enthusiasm keeps me moving.
One lake left. Lake Superior. 2026.
Let’s go.
| World Record | Distance (Miles) | Moving Speed (MPH) | Moving Time | Elapsed Time | Moving Percentage |
| Lake Michigan (2021) | 921 | 16.4 | 56:05 | 64:35 | 86.8% |
| Lake Erie (2023) | 626 | 16.1 | 39:00 | 40:36 | 96.1% |
| Lake Ontario (2024) | 512 | 17.3 | 29:38 | 30:36 | 96.8% |
| Lake Huron (2025) | 1001 | 16.4 | 61:04 | 69:33 | 87.5% |
Equipment Used:
- 2019 Roubaix Pro (Primary)
- Infinity Saddle E3
- Zipp Speed Weaponry Aero Bars
- FLO 64 AS Disc Wheels
- Vittoria Rubino Pro Control 32mm (TPU Tubes)
- Assioma Duo Power Pedals
- 2022 Roubaix Expert DI2 (Back-up)
- Infinity Saddle E1X
- Roval CL 32 Disc Wheels
- Vittoria Rubino Pro Control 30mm (TPU Tubes)
- Assioma Duo Power Pedals
- 2022
- Garmin 1040 + Charge Power Pack
- Lake CX242 Shoes
- Lake CX201 Shoes (Back-up)
Nutrition Consumed:
- 33x bottles of Infinit (Custom Mix)
- 14x bottles of Ensure Plus
…and don’t judge me
- 19x Lemonhead Ropes / Sweet Tart Ropes
- 5x Mom’s Macadamia Cookies
- 5x McDonald’s McDoubles
- 5x San Pellegrino Blood Orange
- 4x Little Caesars Pizza Slices
- 3x Double Espresso (Tim Horton’s, Starbucks)
- 3x Breakfast Sandwiches (Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Speedway)
- 2x McDonald’s Medium Fries
- 1x McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets (10-Piece)
- 1x Tim Horton’s Supreme Stacker
World Record Crew
- William Edwards, Crew Chief
- Demian March, Mechanic
- Andrew Donsbach, Comms
- Tony Moguel, Route Scout / Night Crew
- Brian Morgan, Night Driver
- Emily Gunnels, Night Crew
- Michelle Hartman, Night Crew
Additional links: