Hoehn Adventures Land Rover Carlsbad Project Speed powered by Cylance
Denise Mueller sets the First Women’s Paced Bicycle Land Speed Record at 147.757 MPH
Denise Mueller may have set a women’s bicycle world speed record of 147.7 mph but the untold story is even more applaudable. Fighting pace car issues, a shortened 4 mile track, gusty cross winds, the 15 time US national champion and mother of three never gave up on her quest to be the fastest female cyclist in the world.
With no test time on the $25,000 hand made KHS race bike, or the Hoehn Adventures Range Rover, Project Speed powered by Cylance, rolled on to the salt. In addition to Mueller, the team included Olympic Cyclist, Ironman champion and former world speed record holder John Howard as her coach, and Pirelli World Challenge sports car champion Shea Holbrook as the driver, the team went to the annual World of Speed hosted by the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association meet a week early to dial in bike, car and women.
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With extensive aerodynamic modifications needed on the Salt Flats the Range Rover SVR gradually came up to speed and the first runs went down at 103 mph. More mods were applied to both car and bike, and by the end of week 1, speeds were approaching 135 mph. After an initial timed record run of 147.2 mph, Mueller struggled to find her groove on rapidly changing track conditions. By the end of the 3rd day a speed of 147.7 mph was logged in spite of erratic and dangerous winds. The final day proved anti-climatic as the the track became a shallow lake with overnight rains and the final day of racing was canceled.
“My goal is to inspire other women to challenge themselves to push their limits and achieve whatever goals they desire.” added Mueller. “Which might just include breaking my 152 mph 1985 men’s record, and we will be back” replied Howard.
Project Speed:
- Denise Mueller – Cyclist & 1st women’s world record holder for women’s paced bicycle land speed record at 147.757mph Sept 12, 2016
- John Howard – Coach & 1985 Men’s paced bicycle land speed record holder at 152mph
- Shea Holbrook – Pirelli World Challenge race car champion / pace car driver
Sponsors:
The Hoehn Adventures Land Rover Carlsbad Project Speed powered by Cylance
KHS bicycles, Primal Wear & many more
Facebook – Facebook.com/Teamfirecycle
Website – TheProjectSpeed.com
Photos by Robert Dudzik – Ranger Rob Photography
