Behind A World Record
How do you even go about setting a world record? I’ll take you through my process (in brief):
Research! Is there a record? Will you be the one to set a record? Is there even a category for what you want to do??
Google Pan-American Highway -> Female record. Check Guinness World Records for title. Category exists with no record.
Apply!
Wait three months and receive confirmation of accepted application.
Happy dance.
Research routes from previous men’s records (Jonas Deichmann, Michael Strasser).
Reach out to World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) and review their rules for a point-to-point self-supported record. Drop down to +Unsupported Category for a full list of rules.
Become a WUCA member.
Print out rules (I like a hard copy) and make too many notes (print a second copy for clarity).
There’s a lot of rules surrounding a self-supported record attempt, and if you’re interested in the nitty-gritty, check out their page. In summary, here’s what sets a record attempt apart:
Daily witness log book.
GPS track verification (aka. Strava).
Heart rate monitor and power meter (not necessary, but encouraged for verification).
Only using services commercially available. No special assistance while en route.