Lael Wilcox Rides The World And Inspires Us All
Unstoppable: Lael Wilcox’s Decade of Ultra-Endurance Triumphs
Over the last ten years, Lael Wilcox has redefined what’s possible on two wheels. From shattering records in extreme races to setting a Guinness World Record for fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle, she’s pushed the boundaries of endurance cycling—and inspired a whole new generation of adventurers.
🌄 Record-Breaking Moments
- Tour Divide (2015 & beyond)
In 2015, Lael obliterated the ITT (Individual Time Trial)women’s record for the 2,745 mile Continental Divide Race , clocking in at 15 days, 10 hours, and 59 minutes.
She has returned several times and continues to dominate the field. - Trans Am Bike Race (2016)
Lael became the first American and first woman to win the 2700 mile Trans Am Bike Race, pedaling over 235 miles per day. What!? - Baja Divide FKT (2015 & 2017)
Lael set the women’s FKT in 2015 and then broke the men's record in 2017. Whether it's pavement, dirt, or sand, Lael is a force to be reckoned with. - Navad 1000 / Hope 1000 (2018)
Lael Wilcox in the Navald 1,000 finished second in 2018. This rough and rugged Swiss race challenges riders through brutal terrain. Lael still holds the original course record for female competitors . - Westfjords Way Challenge (2022)
Lael Wilcox won the inaugural ride of this soon to be iconic Icelandic ultra-gravel race. - Fastest Woman Around-the-World (2024)
Lael departed Chicago on May 26, and covered 18,125 miles in just 108 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes, earning the Guinness World Record. She eclipsed the record by nearly 16 days, averaging ~170 miles/ day and climbing the equivalent of 21.7 Everests - Iditarod Trail Invitational 350 (2024 & 2025)
In 2024, she flew through the harsh Alaskan winter to finish as first woman. In 2025, she repeated the feat in blazing time—finishing in 2 days, 11 hours, 19 minutes, becoming the first woman & fifth overall.
Lael Wilcox: Breaking Barriers for Women in Cycling
In an industry generally dominated by men and their achievements, Lael Wilcox has become a transformative figure in the bike industry and sports world at large. It's not solely based off her accomplishments on the bike but it's about the trail that she's blazed for women in ultra endurance events. She's shown that when it comes to extreme endurance it might be time to flip the script.
A New Kind of Champion
Lael didn't just enter the scene - she completely redefined it. I can still remember hearing her name for the first time when she rode from here then home in Alaska, to the start of the Tour Divide in Banff. At that time I thought "whoa, who is this bad-ass lady?". A little later on she became the first American, and the first Woman, to win the 4200 mile Trans Am Bike Race. Oh, and not just the women's category. She won the overall that year.
That moment wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a turning point in the narrative around female endurance athletes. Suddenly, mainstream cycling media couldn’t ignore what many already knew: women are just as capable, strategic, and tough as their male counterparts in ultra-distance events, if not more so.
Sorry, no team car here (most of the time)
Unlike many pro cyclists backed by race crews, coaches, and sports nutritionists, Lael’s approach has always been refreshingly grassroots. She shows up with a stripped-down kit (though it has gotten lighter and more dialed in through the years), rides alone, and races against the clock—not for glory, but to push her own limits. That authenticity makes her victories all the more inspiring, especially to young women who may not see themselves reflected in elite cycling.
She's consistently proven that you don’t need a WorldTour contract to leave your mark—you need drive, a steel stomach for pain, and an unrelenting belief in yourself. Lael is helping so many people to find their own "why".
Changing the Culture
Lael isn’t just about personal records—she’s about community transformation. She co-founded Anchorage GRIT (Girls Riding Into Tomorrow), a mentorship program that introduces 12-year-old girls to long-distance cycling. It’s not just about riding bikes—it’s about teaching confidence, resilience, and independence.
She’s also launched the Lael Rides Alaska Women’s Scholarship, specifically aimed at getting more women and trans riders into bikepacking. Her message is clear: adventure belongs to everyone, and if the industry won’t make room, she’ll carve out the space herself.
Shaping the Future
Her public visibility, friendly demeanor, and deep community engagement have turned her into a role model for riders around the world. Whether she’s racing through the Yukon at sub-zero temps or talking to school kids about setting goals, Lael continues to embody what the next era of cycling looks like: inclusive, bold, and self-powered.
What about Rue?
Behind many of Lael Wilcox’s greatest adventures is not just grit and determination—but love, too. Lael’s partner, Rue Kaladyte, is a professional photographer and videographer who has become an essential part of Lael’s story both on and off the bike. The two met through cycling and quickly formed a bond that’s as enduring as the rides they share.
Rue documents Lael’s efforts across the globe, capturing everything from windswept ascents in Kyrgyzstan to snowy stretches in Alaska. Her photographs and films offer a rare, intimate look at what ultra-endurance truly requires—emotionally, physically, and mentally.
If you’ve seen a breathtaking image of Lael mid-race or a short film that made your heart skip—chances are Rue was behind the lens. They’re a team in every sense of the word.
Rue is an accomplished photographer capturing incredibly stories of endurance and grit.
Official Sponsors & Impact
Lael’s journey is backed by some of the biggest names in Cycling like Specialized and Revelate Designs. Off the bike, she makes an impact as well and has co-founded the following endeavors:
- Anchorage GRIT, empowering girls to cycle.
- The Lael Rides Alaska Women's Scholarship, female identifying bikepackers
- Co-developed the celebrated Baja Divide route.
Gear That Fuels Her Adventures
Here’s a snapshot of equipment Lael and her sponsors rely on
Schmidt Edelux II Dynamo Headlight
- A 6 V AC hub-powered dynamo light delivering up to 100 lux, with robust aluminum housing and flawless standlight performance (Clever Cycles Ebike & Bicycle Store).
- Ideal for ultra-distance riding—always on, zero charging worries, and dependable in all weather.
Revelate Pitchfork Aerobar System
- Custom-made holster for aerobars with a 6 L dry bag, side stash pockets, and a top bungee—designed with ultra racers in mind (Revelate Designs).
- Enables easy access to snacks, tools, or layers while riding long days.
Why This Gear Works for Ultra-Distance
These are proven setups Lael trusts during her toughest challenges.
Conclusion
Lael Wilcox’s evolution from Alaska to world-record-setting bikepacker exemplifies grit, ingenuity, and purpose. Her equipped gear reflects careful choices focused on endurance, reliability, and innovation. Whether you're rallying for a coast-to-coast ride or crafting content for affiliates, aligning with Lael’s kit puts quality and performance front and center.
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