Lael Wilcox is one of the greatest ultra-endurance cyclists ever. She holds the women’s record for the fastest ride around the world, has set records on the Tour Divide, Trans Am, Baja Divide, and so much more. She's also helped reshape what is possible in bikepacking, especially for women.
This episode was recorded days before Lael's attempt to go around the world a second time, faster than anyone.
In this episode, host Ben Capron sits down with Lael to talk about the spirit behind her attempt. Not just the miles, logistics, equipment, or record, but the mindset that lets someone take on a challenge this big and still keep it joyful.
Lael shares how ultra-endurance cycling has changed as more women enter the sport and raise the level of competition. She talks about riding to the Tour Divide from Alaska, getting stuck in peanut butter mud, working through dark moments, and learning that not all suffering is useful.
Her approach is simple and powerful: if you are doing your best, let it go. If you want to quit, you can always quit later.
They also get into her 2024 around-the-world ride, why she turned it into a rolling invitation for people to join. This time the route is faster, the pace is higher, the support crew is bigger, and the goal is clear: ride around the world faster than anyone ever has.
Along the way, Lael and Ben talk about comfort as performance, why sleep and fueling make you faster, the role of the Specialized Roubaix in her around-the-world setup, and why women can compete at the highest level in ultra-distance cycling.
They also discuss GRIT, the girls’ cycling mentorship program Lael started to help young riders build confidence, adventure, and independence through bikes.
This episode covers:
Why Lael is going back around the world to chase the overall record
How her 2024 ride became a rolling party with everyone invited
Why ultra-endurance is changing as more women enter the sport
What it means to compete without losing joy
Why suffering is not the point
How Lael works through dark moments on the bike
The meaning behind “you can always quit later”
Why comfort is performance in ultra-distance riding
How sleep, fueling, and recovery can make riders faster
Why Roubaix was the right bike for riding around the world
How Lael thinks about equipment, efficiency, and durability
Why women can compete at the highest level in ultra-distance cycling
How GRIT helps young girls build confidence through bikes
Why bikes can expand what people believe is possible
Guest:
Lael Wilcox
Follow Lael: Instagram - @laelwilcox
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