Over ten years ago, I set a cycling goal that felt almost unreachable: a 300-mile one-day bicycle ride. The farthest I had ever pushed myself before this ride was 225 miles back in 2013. When you make a promise to yourself and share it with others, it becomes a commitment you can’t back away from—it’s a matter of integrity.
Just 10 days after completing a grueling 50-mile walk, I didn’t think a 300-mile ride would be possible this year—especially since my longest ride all year had been just 63 miles in a single day. But when an unexpected stretch of warm weather hit the Midwest in late October 2024, with highs reaching 80 degrees, I decided to seize the opportunity and give it my all.
My Weapon of Choice: The Velomobile
“What is that thing?” or “Does it have a motor?” is a common reaction to my Velomobile. For those unfamiliar, a Velomobile is a human-powered vehicle, essentially a recumbent bicycle (or tricycle) enclosed in an aerodynamic shell. The design reduces air resistance, making it incredibly efficient for long-distance travel while providing some protection from the elements.
My Velomobile, the Bülk MK1 from Northland Velomobile, is built from lightweight carbon fiber and optimized in a wind tunnel for maximum performance. It’s pedal-powered, but its sleek design allows speeds far beyond what you’d expect from a traditional bicycle. While I’ve owned several Velomobiles in the past, I had just picked up this used Bülk a couple of weeks earlier. With only a few miles of experience in it, I figured, what better way to break it in than by attempting a ride across a couple of states?
The Start of the Journey
I left Cannonball Garage in Gilberts IL at 4:15 am, aiming to make it past Lake Geneva, WI, by 6:30 am to avoid the morning traffic. Early starts come with unique challenges, and just 10 miles into the ride, I got pulled over by a police officer. He was puzzled by my mode of transport. When I explained that it was pedal-powered, he chuckled and said, “Well then, I don’t have anything for ya.” I was back on my way.
On Schedule and Rolling Strong
By 6:00 am, I reached the Wisconsin state line, perfectly on schedule. Passing through Lake Geneva with minimal traffic was a breeze, and soon I was deep into rural Wisconsin. One memorable stretch came as I sped downhill on Bowers Road near Alpine Valley, hitting a high speed of 52.5 mph. I had hit almost 60 mph on this stretch a couple times 10 years ago but the road had aged quite a bit. It was exhilarating—and terrifying. And let me tell you, the elevation gain getting out of that valley was just as steep as the descent!
The first half of the Kettle Moraine forest provided a smooth, fast run, where I found myself hitting 40+ mph on the descents. The ride was full of highlights, like passing through Fond du Lac and eventually stopping at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, home of the Packers. But not every mile was easy; County Road P, which I took up to Fond du Lac, was in rough shape and drained a lot of my energy.
A Cyclist’s Experience in a Velomobile
The route was hilly and featured crosswinds that made fast downhills feel risky. I often had to drag the brakes to keep the Velomobile under control. Rumble strips along the road forced me to ride in the actual lane, which could have been nerve-wracking. As a cyclist, I’m used to drivers treating me as if I’m almost invisible—or worse, as if I don’t belong on the road at all—passing uncomfortably close without a second thought. But in the Velomobile, it is a completely different experience. Drivers almost always gave me plenty of space, likely because they either had no idea what I was riding or were intrigued and excited enough to slow down and take pictures. It is a refreshing change that made sharing the road much less stressful.
Fueling Up and Pressing On: The Final Stretch Begins
By mile 190, as I rolled into Green Bay, I felt the familiar weakness creeping in—once again, I hadn’t eaten enough (a lesson I clearly didn’t learn from my 50-mile walk!). A quick boost of calories brought me back to life and gave me the energy to keep going. At mile 247, I arrived in Menominee, MI, at the edge of the Upper Peninsula, where my ride, Charlie, was waiting for me. He had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches ready (thanks, Charlie!), and after refueling and catching my breath, I realized I had another 50 miles left in me. With Charlie’s encouragement to push through, I got back on the road and kept going!
Eerie Road and Painful Miles: Pushing Through the Last 50
The last 50 miles on M-35 were both eerie and serene. The road was desolate, with no stores, gas stations and hardly any signs of civilization along the way, and I often went 10-15 minutes without seeing another car. A wide shoulder made the ride easier until it abruptly ended, forcing me to cross rumble strips at 25 mph. The sudden jolt sent the back of my Velomobile sideways at a 45-degree angle, but I managed to stay upright—a nerve-wracking moment that highlighted just how quickly things can go wrong during such a long ride.
To make matters worse, my SPD shoes, with their fixed position, had been causing severe cramping in my feet for miles. The pain was so intense that I began to worry I might be doing permanent damage. Each pedal stroke was a battle against the discomfort, adding yet another layer of difficulty to an already grueling ride.
The Final Moment: Achieving a Decade-Long Goal
At 12:45 am EST, I finally arrived at the Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba, Michigan, marking the end of an epic journey. After 19.5 grueling hours and an incredible 302.5 miles, I had accomplished a goal I’d been contemplating for over a decade. The moment was surreal—a mix of sheer exhaustion and overwhelming exhilaration. My body ached, my feet throbbed, and my energy reserves were completely depleted, but the sense of pride and fulfillment made it all worthwhile. Standing there under the quiet glow of the lighthouse, I reflected on the perseverance, preparation, and sheer willpower it took to make this ride a reality. It wasn’t just about the distance; it was about proving to myself that I could push through every obstacle and reach the finish line.
300-Mile One-Day Bicycle Ride: A Decade-Long Goal Achieved
Standing under the soft glow of the lighthouse, I couldn’t help but reflect on the perseverance and sheer willpower that carried me through this journey. It certainly wasn’t due to preparation—there was hardly any of that! This ride wasn’t just about covering the distance; it was about proving to myself that, despite every challenge, I could push through and reach the finish line.
Reflections on a Triple Century
When I first completed a Century ride in 2010, I felt accomplished. When I hit my first 200-miler in 2011, I was amazed at what I could achieve. But a 300-mile, unsupported ride on public roads? That’s a whole new level of crazy, even for me. This ride reminded me of the importance of pushing boundaries and setting ambitious goals. You never know what you’re capable of until you challenge yourself to go beyond your limits. And no, I’m not planning a Quadruple Century—this is as far as I think I can push myself unsupported.
Final Thoughts
My 300-mile ride wasn’t just about achieving a personal record; it was about the journey, the unexpected moments, and the satisfaction of honoring a promise I made to myself over a decade ago. So set those big, audacious goals. You never know where they’ll take you.
What’s Next?
After completing this incredible 300-mile ride, my thoughts are already turning to what’s next. I’m considering riding around Lake Michigan as my next big adventure—a journey that would combine challenging distances with beautiful scenery. Someday, I hope to tackle an even bigger dream: riding across the United States. Unlike this ride, it wouldn’t be about setting any speed or distance records. Instead, it would be about soaking in the experience, exploring the country at a slower pace, and embracing the freedom of life on the road. One thing is certain—there’s always another challenge waiting, and I’m excited to see where my Velomobile takes me next.
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