The Greatest American Long Distance and Ultra-Distance Cyclists

A couple of days ago I wrote an article about the greatest cyclists in American cycling history. It mainly focused on the media darlings that we have all seen on the Tour de France and other big time races. I am particularly impressed with ultra-long-distance cyclists too and wanted to give them some recognition too.  

Cycling is a sport that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. Whether it's the rush of wind in your face as you ride through beautiful landscapes, the feeling of pushing yourself to your limits, or the satisfaction of achieving a long-sought-after goal, there is something truly special about cycling that keeps people coming back for more.

One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of cycling is long distance and ultra-distance riding. These events push cyclists to their limits, challenging their physical and mental stamina as they ride hundreds or even thousands of miles in a single race. And in the United States, there are a number of well-known long distance and ultra-distance cyclists who have achieved incredible success in these events.

Rebecca Rusch, also known as "The Queen of Pain," is one of the most accomplished ultra-endurance cyclists in the world. She has won the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race six times and set the women's course record in 2010. She has also won the Dirty Kanza 200 gravel race multiple times and set the women's course record in 2017. Her achievements have inspired countless people to take up cycling and push themselves to new heights.

Another American ultra-distance cycling legend is Pete Penseyres, who set the record for the fastest crossing of the United States by bicycle in 1986. He covered the 3,107 miles from San Diego to New York City in just over 8 days, pushing himself to the limits of what was then thought possible. His incredible achievement inspired a generation of ultra-endurance cyclists to take on their own challenges and push the boundaries of what they thought they could do.

Lael Wilcox is another American ultra-endurance cyclist who has achieved great success in long distance and ultra-distance events. She has won the Trans Am Bike Race twice and set the women's course record in 2016. She has also won the Tour Divide mountain bike race twice and set the women's course record in 2015. Her achievements have inspired countless people to take up cycling and push themselves to new heights.

Mike Hall, a British cyclist who lived and competed in the United States, was another ultra-endurance cycling legend. He won the inaugural Trans Am Bike Race in 2014, covering the 4,233 miles from Oregon to Virginia in just over 17 days. He also set the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle in 2012. Sadly, he passed away during a race in Australia in 2017, but his legacy lives on as an inspiration to all who seek to push themselves to new limits.

Seana Hogan is another American ultra-endurance cycling legend, having won the Race Across America (RAAM) six times and set the women's course record in 1995. She has also set the women's record for the fastest crossing of the United States by bicycle. Her incredible achievements have inspired countless people to take up cycling and push themselves to new heights.

Long distance and ultra-distance cycling is a challenging and rewarding aspect of the sport, and there are many well-known American cyclists who have achieved incredible success in these events. From Rebecca Rusch to Pete Penseyres, Lael Wilcox, Mike Hall, Seana Hogan, and many others, these athletes have pushed the limits of what is possible and inspired others to take up cycling and push themselves to new heights.

I have almost 300 posts on my blog. Take some time to check them out!