Tucson’s Trailblazing Cyclist: The Fastest Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe on Two Wheels

On September 11, Lael Wilcox rode into Chicago just as the sun was setting, completing an incredible 109-day journey around the world. This ride not only ended her adventure but also set a new world record.

Despite the long miles, Lael was full of joy—smiling and shedding a few tears. “I was so focused on being in the moment that I didn’t think about finishing,” she said. “Then it hit me—oh my God, it’s over! I felt so relieved.”

Lael began her journey in Chicago on May 26, covering over 18,000 miles across four continents and 23 countries in three months. Her record-breaking time of 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes for the fastest solo circumnavigation by a woman was confirmed by Guinness World Records on September 20. This beat the previous record set by Jenny Graham in 2018.

Wilcox first got the idea to break the record after winning the Trans Am Bike Race in 2016. Even though she was excited about the challenge, she initially had no clear plan. After taking a break to recharge, she decided to attempt the world record—a mix of an athletic challenge and an incredible adventure.

With help from her friends at the Adventure Cycling Association, she developed safe routes in the U.S. and had assistance for routes in Europe and Australia. The planning process took around 200 hours. The night before her trip, she celebrated with her wife’s family in Chicago, filled with anticipation and a bit of sadness at what lay ahead.

The ride wasn’t without its difficulties. On the first day, she faced a tornado warning and braved heavy rain and strong winds. By the fourth day, she dealt with food poisoning, tire punctures, and constant rain. “It was overwhelming,” she recalled. “But I never thought about quitting; I just knew it would be tougher than I expected.” Gradually, the challenges faded, and the excitement returned.

Throughout her journey, Lael connected with many supporters. About 3,000 people joined her ride over the weeks, with up to 300 cyclists at a time along certain routes. Lael kept everyone updated via her podcast and social media updates, bringing a sense of community to her adventure.

Even while breaking the record, she was able to enjoy the ride. “Every day, I felt fortunate to have such a unique experience,” she said. On average, she cycled about 162 miles daily—roughly the distance from Tucson to Phoenix, but she made the journey enjoyable with the support around her.

Lael’s cycling journey didn’t start until she was in college, when biking became a way to get around. Over time, she discovered a passion for long-distance cycling and began entering races. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, she now calls Tucson home. A trip years ago led her to fall in love with the city.

With the world record achieved, you might wonder if Lael is taking a break. Surprisingly, she felt energized after her ride. “I thought I’d be exhausted and done with biking for a while,” she admits. But soon after, she found herself back on the bike every day, even returning to Mount Lemmon, her favorite spot in Tucson. Lael plans to join more races in the coming years, eager for both thrill and enjoyment in her adventures.

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cycle racing, cycling