Have you ever wondered how fast a human powered machine can go?
Well, wonder no longer.
This week in Nevada a group of human powered speed enthusiast are challenging themselves and their bikes on an open stretch of the state's lonely roads.
The Battle Mountain World Human Powered Challenge concludes today with several new records being set by the racers from around the world.
From the Challenge web site:
"Cyclists from around the world will gather on SR305 outside of Battle Mountain, Nevada for the 9th consecutive year to race on one of the straightest, flattest, and smoothest surfaces in the world. The 4,619ft (1,408m) altitude road allows riders an acceleration zone of over 4 miles, enabling them to reach their maximum velocity before being timed over a 200 meter distance."
Last Year Damjan Zabovnik broke the European speed record by going 74.96 MPH facing backwards!
From the Back to Battle Mountain blog:
"A record that has stood since 1986 was broken tonight by Chuck Royalty in a vehicle designed and built by Raymond Gage. In fact, it was not broken, but shattered. Chuck's speed of 66.08 eclipsed the old mark of 63.01 by a full 5%, an almost unheard-of margin."