Denise Mueller, a seasoned cyclist from Carlsbad, California, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by setting a new world speed record for women’s paced bicycle land speed. Reaching 147 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, she has proven that breaking barriers in cycling is not just for men. Here’s a closer look at how she made history and the extraordinary effort behind her record-breaking achievement.

The Drive Behind Breaking the Speed Barrier

Denise Mueller’s journey to becoming the fastest woman to ever ride a bicycle was driven by her relentless determination and an unwavering desire to be the first woman to achieve what had been a male-dominated feat since its inception in 1899. As a 43-year-old mother of three and accomplished athlete, she had the rare opportunity to push herself beyond conventional limits in pursuit of this audacious goal.

Why did she take on this monumental challenge? “Why not?” was Mueller’s quick response when asked about the motivation. She recognized the uniqueness of the opportunity — a chance to be the first woman in history to achieve such a feat, and that in itself was an irresistible calling.

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Specialized Bicycle Design: The Secret to Speed

Achieving a 147 mph speed on a bicycle isn’t just about pure athletic power; it’s about innovation and cutting-edge design. Denise’s bike was custom-built to withstand and excel at such extreme speeds. Created by Chris Garcia of SD Wheel Works, the bike was a result of advanced engineering, including double-reduction gearing, 60-tooth chainrings, and custom 17-inch dragster wheels with shaved tires. These features minimized wobble at high speeds, ensuring stability while maintaining optimal traction.

The bike’s design also incorporated vibration-dampening technologies like a BodyFloat isolation seatpost, ensuring smooth pedaling and comfort even at breakneck speeds. This innovative setup allowed Mueller to maintain a steady cadence and ensure her bike remained stable, even when accelerating to 147 mph.

Strategic Collaboration: Working with Shea Holbrook and Project Speed

Mueller’s attempt to break the world speed record was not a solo endeavor. It required the support of a team, including professional race car driver Shea Holbrook, who served as the pace car driver. Holbrook’s skill in precise vehicle control was critical in helping Mueller reduce wind resistance as she drafted just inches behind the modified Range Rover Sport SVR. This vehicle, fitted with a tail fairing, created a pocket of low-pressure air, helping to shield Mueller from the harsh wind resistance and giving her a boost to reach top speeds.

The collaboration didn’t end there. John Howard, a three-time Olympian and previous holder of the paced bicycle land speed record, coached Mueller and helped prepare her for the grueling challenge. Howard’s experience and mentorship were instrumental in shaping Mueller’s training and strategy. Together, the team executed a careful, high-speed dance of drafting and acceleration that led to Mueller’s groundbreaking achievement.

The High Stakes and Risk of Land Speed Trials

Attempting a land speed record at such high speeds isn’t without risks. Pedaling at over 140 mph, Mueller faced a wall of air strong enough to potentially knock her off her bike if she lost control. The safety of both Mueller and Holbrook was a top priority, with every detail carefully orchestrated to minimize risk. Holbrook’s role was not only to maintain the car’s pace but also to ensure Mueller’s safety throughout the trial. The intense focus required for both the cyclist and the driver highlighted the precision and trust needed for the attempt to be successful.

Mueller’s journey was also fueled by the desire to challenge conventional limits. While the highest recorded speed for a man on a paced bicycle was 167 mph, set by Fred Rompelberg in 1995, her goal was to surpass that and claim a spot in history as the fastest person ever to ride a bicycle.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Bicycle Land Speed Records

With her record-breaking ride, Denise Mueller has now set her sights on breaking the men’s land speed record, a daunting challenge that will require even more effort and technology. Her team, Project Speed, suspects that a six-mile track will be necessary to reach the additional 20 mph needed to surpass the men’s record.

The story of Denise Mueller’s journey doesn’t end with this victory. She has become an inspiration for future generations of athletes, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to achieving greatness. At 43, she remains as strong as ever, continuing to push the boundaries of human performance.

In conclusion, Denise Mueller’s triumph on the Bonneville Salt Flats is more than just a world record — it’s a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As she looks toward the future, her journey reminds us that the pursuit of speed, like any great challenge, is driven not only by athleticism but by the sheer will to break the impossible.