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Fastest 100 Miles By Bicycle – Jon Ornée World Record Attempt
On Monday, October 5, 2020 Jon Ornée attempted to set a new World Record for Fastest 100 Miles (160.9 km) By Bicycle while drafting at the Michigan International Speedway. Jon’s Dad drove the lead vehicle (a minivan) and Jon road his bike behind him. Jon hit the 100 mile mark at 2:20:46 for an average speed of 68.5 km/h!
At Bike Chaser we love all things bike, and hearing from Jon about his latest adventure was something we couldn’t pass up. For those that love some inspiration a physical and mental challenge read on, as we welcome Jon Ornée to Bike Chaser news.
First things first; A little about Jon and his why
“I’m sharing my story in hopes that it inspires others to pursue their own curiosities. We’re all weird and wonderful. My idea of fun, may sound like misery to others. What captures your imagination? What goal or idea is stuck in your head? Do it. Don’t wait for a car to hit you and shake you awake.”
“Living an “epic” life isn’t about living on the edge. It’s about pursuing a life worth living. Not idly standing by and letting life happen to you, but taking control of your life, setting meaningful goals and pursuing them. Not goals that society says you should chase, but goals that make you feel alive. Worth getting out of bed for.”
“You only get one life. Make it epic” – Jon Ornée
So…what’s the record?
Jon’s applying for a Guinness World Record for “Fastest 100 Miles By Bicycle While Drafting.”
“To my knowledge this hasn’t been done or certified by anyone previously. The current record for Fastest 100 Miles (160.9 km) By Bicycle (without drafting) is 3:11:11 (50.5 km/h avg) which is cookin! I finished in 2:20:46 (68.5 km/h avg) but drafting behind a vehicle is a huge advantage which is why I’m applying to create a new category.” Jon said.
THE OFFICIAL STATS: 100 miles (160.9 km) 2:20:46 42.6 mph average (68.5 km/h)
So… why did you do it?
Jon explains “Last May I was hit by an SUV while cycling. It was a near-death experience that has changed my life. After post-crash surgery, I recovered while riding indoors to rebuild fitness, but I was hesitant to get back on the road. Honestly, I was scared.”
“Cars and bikes clash too often. We’re supposed to share the roads, but several issues including poor infrastructure, driver education, distracted driving and road rage (because that cyclist forced me to slow down for 5 seconds) regularly place cyclists in danger.”
“Fast moving bikes belong on the road. Heck, we can go over 67 km/h for 160 km’s! Going over 15 km/h isn’t safe on a shared sidewalk or bike path with walkers, dogs, families and driveways.
Cars and bikes can and should coexist! They shouldn’t be enemies, they should be friends! Frustrated and scared for my life, I thought, wouldn’t it be cool if a car and bike teamed up for a change and did something spectacular?”
Car and bike teamed up for a change
Jon goes on to explain what many of us would never think about attempting;
“This event was my attempt to “bury the hatchet” with the SUV that hit me. To replace fear with fun in the continued pursuit of an awesome life.”
“One of the unique aspects of doing this on a NASCAR race track was the banked surface. I road near the bottom of the track where it was more flat, but it was still angled a bit. And obviously there was a lot of turning. The only truly straight section was the back stretch which felt like a dream! It was a chance to relax every lap before doubling down on focus, position and effort for the turns.”
“I was wearing a bluetooth ear-piece so that I could talk to my Dad in the lead vehicle which was super helpful. Going around a track while staring at the back of a vehicle is a ton of fun for the first couple laps. Doing it for over 2 hours is somewhat hypnotic. It was good to be able to chat a bit to keep my mind engaged.”
“Honestly it was as much of a mental challenge as it was a physical one. It was critical that I remained focused at all times so that I stayed in the “sweet spot” close enough to the minivan to reap the benefits of the draft, but far enough back that I didn’t hit the back bumper in a moment of lapsed focus.”
“The day after the event and my neck and back are more sore than my legs from being in a constant tucked position for over 100 miles.”
“This was a ton of fun and an experience I’ll remember forever!” says Jon; “As always, I’m tremendously grateful for all the people who helped make it happen. My Dad, for being an awesome lead car driver; Michael Dillon, for capturing some awesome footage; Karl Hoesch, for being my driver for some practice laps; my wife Necia, for always encouraging me to pursue my crazy ideas; the good people at the Michigan International Speedway for “sharing the road” with me; Michigan Bicycle Law for the sweet cycling kit and for helping me navigate all the details of post-crash life so I could focus on recovery; and for the awesome team at Velo City Cycles for always taking good care of me and helping me with last minute gear and service needs for my various adventures.”
So… what’s next?
After 3 world records in 8 weeks it’s time for a breather! Jon is planning on returning to the studio with his wife to record some more music this month and releasing a few more music videos for our band Lady & Gentleman.
Jon explains “I’m also going to pivot my training to prepare for a stab at the Everesting World Record this winter (running the cumulative elevation of Mt Everest – 29,029ft or 8,848 Meters).
Follow all of Jon’s adventures at:
JonOrnee.com
Facebook.com/jonornee
Instagram.com/jonornee
Photos and Video by: Pilot Field
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