The Event
What is the Paced Bicycle Land Speed Record?
Bicycle records set when the cyclist drafts (rides) behind a motor vehicle to minimize wind resistance. The vehicle is usually modified slightly by adding a tail fairing (an exterior structure) to keep the wind off the cyclist who is riding behind it.
This type of record was invented by Charles “Mile-a-Minute Murphy” who drafted a train to set a 60 mph record at end of the 19th century. In order to accomplish this feat, a mile of plywood sheets was attached to the railroad ties ensuring that Charles would have a smooth surface riding behind the train.
In 1938, Alfred Letourneur reached 91mph at a velodrome in France riding behind a motorbike.
In 1985, Denise’s coach and 3 time Olympian, John Howard, set the record at 152 mph riding behind a dragster car at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
In three separate centuries, less than a dozen people have set a bicycle land speed record.
In 2016 Denise Korenek (Mueller) was successful at setting the first ever Women’s paced bicycle land speed record of 147.7mph and September 14-17, 2018, Denise will attempt to break the overall (men’s) record of 167mph…
Denise’s Story
On September 14-17, 2018 Denise Korenek will attempt to break the overall (men’s) record of 167mph following her setting a FIRST ever women’s record in 2016 at 147mph! She will be using the same vehicle the current men’s record holder, Fred Rompelberg, used to set his record.
Denise has an inner drive “To Be Fastest!.” She describes the moment when the concept of being the first woman to set a Land Speed Record on a bicycle was presented as an epiphany similar to the explosiveness of “a match being thrown on gasoline.” There was no looking back. After accomplishing her goal in 2016, that same drive pushed her to raise the bar on the goal to the next level in 2018 … to break the overall (men’s) record of 167mph!
Denise raced bicycles as a teenage under the coaching of both Coach Doreen Williams (Smith), and Coach John Howard. Denise accumulated 13 national championship & 2 World Championship podiums before “retiring” her bicycle racing days to enter the family security business (www.RSFsecurity.com) and raise a family. Twenty three years later, she came out of “retirement” and started racing after meeting back up with her coach, John Howard, who convinced Denise to get back on the bike to ride a Challenged Athletes Foundation charity ride.
Coach John Howard, who is a 3-time Olympian and member of the US Cycling Hall of Fame, found that spark still in Denise who was now in her 40’s that she had when she was a teenager. John approached Denise about the idea of being the FIRST WOMAN ever to set a record that he had set himself over 30 years ago at 152.2 mph. So with a goal of being the FIRST WOMAN ever, spanning three separate centuries, Denise had a huge goal to focus on.
Racing bicycles and cars, Denise is no stranger to speed and adrenaline. Combining her competitive drive with her natural athletic abilities, this land speed record is the perfect goal for Denise to strive to accomplish.
Racing bicycles and cars, Denise is no stranger to speed and adrenaline. Combining her competitive drive with her natural athletic abilities, this land speed record is the perfect goal for Denise to strive to accomplish.
Denise has also finished on the podium in her other sport love- motor racing. She drives go-karts, rides off-road motorcycles and has even had a run on the Bonneville Salt Flats in her modified Mini Cooper.
Denise’s personal journey will provide an inspiration to other women (and men) to follow their dreams no matter what life path they have traveled.
In 2016 Denise may have set the first women’s record of 147mph, but 2017 proved to be quite and exciting year as well. She had a terrible bicycle training crash where she broke her shoulder blade and a rib, she ran the Great Wall of China Marathon, she met and married the man of her dreams in 111 days & was shot in the leg at a firearms competition. Nothing seems to slow Denise down; especially when she has a goal in her sights … breaking the overall paced land speed record in September 2018 is certainly that goal!
Denise is a mother of 3 adult sons and currently the CEO and second generation in the family security business. Finding a balance between responsible adult life as a mother and career woman, and training for such a huge goal has had its challenges, but has also been the most rewarding.
“There is a fine line between living as if this is your last day on earth, and planning for your future. I choose to dance, sing and play on that fine line and live without regrets.” – Denise Korenek
Team Members
John Howard
Coach and Trainer
John is a legend in American bicycle racing.
3 Time Olympian
20 Time U.S. National Champion
1985 Land Speed Record 152.2 mph
1982 Winner Hawaii Ironman Triathlon
1971 Gold Medal Pan American Games
Co-founder Race Across America
Member U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame
Shea Holbrook
Pace Car Driver
7-Time Pirelli World Challenge Winner
Jet Dragster Driver, Top Speed 278 mph
Co-Owner of Shea Racing
Spokeswoman for BUBBA burgers
Featured on espnW
Recipient of Women’s Sports Foundation Women in the Winners Circle Project Podium Grant
2011 First Woman to Win the Long Beach Grand Prix in Touring Car
Advocate for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
She is now racing Lamborghini Super Trofeo
Denise Korenek (Mueller)
Cyclist
Denise is no stranger to speed.
15 Time National Champion
2 Podiums World Championships
KHS sponsored racer
Downhill Mountain Bike Racer
CEO Rancho Santa Fe Security Systems
Proud Mother of 3 boys
2016 Women’s Land Speed Record 147.7mph Guinness World Record holder
The History
No, They Weren’t Crazy, but… Paced cycling events have been a part of the fabric of bicycle racing from the early days of the sport. As early as the 1870s, cyclists began pushing their high wheel “Penny Farthings” for more speed on banked tracks. The first pacing of cyclists was accomplished with human pace, teams of powerful racers pacing from tandems and triplets. The advent of the motorcycle, automobile and airplane (each brought to life through the guts and gears of bicycles) accelerated the pursuit of the bicycle-powered ‘need for speed’. Project Speed was created to break a world record.
Paced Bicycle Land Speed
Record Holders
The Bike
Designed for Speed
The bicycle Denise will use is sponsored by KHS Bicycles (www.KHSbicycles.com) and custom designed for this record. It will have 17″ high speed rated motorcycle wheels & tires to help reduce the center of gravity.
The frame is elongated for stability and utilizes a “short travel” suspension to dampen high speed vibration. It will also be fitted with a steering stabilizer to eliminate any speed wobble at high speeds. The bicycle is hand made by Len Lochmiller from San Diego in conjunction with SD Wheelworks (www.SDWheelworks.com) in San Diego.
The double reduction gearing and drivetrain is custom made by Todd Schusterman of Davinci Designs www.DavinciTandem.com to allow Denise to pedal the bicycle at a rpm that allows her to provide the necessary power to achieve 168mph.
Media
To Be Fastest
Denise’s Blog
The Project Speed – Denise Mueller Facebook
For live feeds and up-to-date information during this weekend, follow her on Facebook at;
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FAQ
Be a Part of It!
To make this dream a reality, we are fundraising to help offset some of the large expenses involved in attaining this goal, including pace car, custom bicycle, training, travel, etc. We ask that you provide generous support, and also follow along for this historic ride. We are offering many fantastic perks for your 501c3 donation!
Get In Touch With Us
We would be delighted to hear from you regarding any questions about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or even just to send a shout of support to Denise as she prepares for this awesome challenge!
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