Lael Wilcox, a renowned ultra-endurance cyclist, has embarked on an extraordinary adventure – attempting to break the women’s Guinness World Record for the fastest trip around the world by bicycle. With a goal of completing the 29,000 km (18,000 mile) journey in just 110 days, Wilcox is set to push the boundaries of human endurance and showcase the incredible potential of the human spirit. The current women’s round-the-world record stands at 124 days and 11 hours, set by Scottish rider Jenny Graham in 2018.
Follow Lael’s progress on her live tracker
https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/lael/rtw/
Wilcox’s passion for cycling has evolved over the years, from a cheap way to travel to a deep-rooted love for the sport and the experiences it offers. “It’s become what I want to do every day,” she says, reflecting on her journey. The upcoming challenge, however, is not without its obstacles. Wilcox acknowledges the challenges of jet lag and sleep deprivation, but remains determined to adapt her strategies as she goes, prioritizing rest and recovery to ensure optimal performance.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Wilcox’s preparation is her gear and packing. With a focus on minimalism and efficiency, she has carefully curated her equipment to ensure she can tackle the diverse terrain and conditions she will encounter. From the specialized bike she will ride to the GPS systems and phone mounts, every item has been chosen with purpose and function in mind.
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https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lael-rides-around-the-world/id1743983335
But Wilcox’s journey is not just about breaking records; it’s about the personal challenge and the opportunity to experience the world in a unique way. “I like going into situations that are unknown and with unexpected outcomes, and I like thinking on my feet and figuring it out,” she says, embracing the unpredictability of her adventure.
As Wilcox embarks on her journey, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their own dreams and adventures. “If they are curious or want to have some kind of adventure, then they have the confidence to try,” she says, recognizing the importance of leading by example.
With a route that takes her through Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand before returning to North America, Wilcox is set to experience a diverse array of cultures, landscapes, and challenges. From the ancient trade routes of Türkiye to the breathtaking mountains of Georgia, each kilometer will offer a new opportunity for discovery and growth.
Follow the Daily route and Photos on Komoot
One of the unique aspects of Wilcox’s journey is her approach to support. While the record doesn’t have a distinction between supported or self-supported, Wilcox prefers to travel solo. “I don’t want anybody to have to help me. What a boring job—to hang out in a car and hand me a burrito or change out my water bottles or clean my bike. I can do it,” she says, embracing the freedom and independence that comes with self-supported riding.
However, Wilcox is open to accepting kindness along the way, whether it’s cookies from a supporter or an invitation to sleep at someone’s house. “I like having the freedom to do it differently along the way,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability in an adventure of this magnitude.
As Wilcox pedals away from Grant Park in Chicago, the world will be watching, captivated by her determination, resilience, and passion for adventure. Her journey serves as a reminder that with dedication, courage, and a spirit of exploration, anything is possible.
In the end, Wilcox’s “why” is not just about breaking records or achieving personal bests; it’s about the joy of the journey itself. “I like how dynamic it is that you’re involved in the whole process, but you also get some moments of rest as you descend,” she says, reflecting on the beauty of cycling as a mode of travel. “It’s where I think best, because I have all this fresh air and an appreciation for the place I’m passing.”
As Wilcox embarks on her round-the-world adventure, she invites others to join her in spirit, to be inspired by her story, and to embrace their own dreams, no matter how big or small. For Wilcox, this journey is not just about the destination, but about the transformative power of the ride itself.
The current women’s round-the-world record stands at 124 days and 11 hours, set by Scottish rider Jenny Graham in 2018. To break this record, Wilcox will need to cover at least 29,000 km (18,000 miles) in one direction, with the same start and end point in Chicago. Hopping between continents is permitted, as is sea and air travel, but the minimum distance of 29,000 km must be ridden by bike.
Wilcox’s route will take her from Chicago across North America, then to Europe before flying to Bangkok to cycle across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. She will then tackle Australia and New Zealand before flying to Alaska and starting the route back to Chicago. Along the way, she will need to average around 265 km (165 miles) per day to complete the journey within her 110-day goal.
Wilcox, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, has won some of the world’s biggest bike endurance races since entering the sport roughly a decade ago. In 2016, she raced across the United States, covering 6,700 km (4,200 miles) in 18 days and 10 minutes. This experience has helped shape her approach to the round-the-world challenge, as she now brings a different level of resilience and experience to the table.
As Wilcox embarks on her journey, she will be documenting her progress through a podcast called “Lael Rides Around the World Podcast.” While she will mostly be riding solo, Wilcox is open to having supporters join her for stretches along the way, adding to the sense of community and connection that often arises during such adventures.
Throughout her journey, Wilcox will be exposed to a wide range of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. She is particularly excited about riding in Georgia, with its unique alphabet and huge mountains, as well as Türkiye, which has had a strong influence on many surrounding countries through its ancient trade routes and cuisine.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with such an ambitious undertaking, Wilcox remains focused on the joy and freedom that cycling provides. “I like that when you work hard, when you’re climbing, you get warm and that keeps you going, versus riding a motorcycle,” she says. “I like how dynamic it is that you’re involved in the whole process, but you also get some moments of rest as you descend.”
As Lael Wilcox embarks on her round-the-world adventure, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of countless others who aspire to push their own boundaries and explore the world on two wheels. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of human determination, resilience, and the transformative potential of the bicycle as a tool for adventure, discovery, and personal growth.
