Going the Distance - and Why It Matters | Lael Wilcox | TEDxAnchorage
Lael Wilcox is the first American to win the Trans Am, an ultra-distance cycling race spanning 4,200 miles across the United States. In her talk, Lael instantly plops you in the seat of her saddle, recounting the grueling climb from Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia. Her story addresses issues of gender discrimination in a largely male-dominated sport, and illustrates what can be achieved by pushing past your comfort zone. Born and raised in Anchorage, Lael started cycling for transportation. This quickly became riding everywhere she went, traveling around the world on her bike and competing in ultra-endurance races. Lael is the top ultra-endurance female cyclist and sometimes beats all of the men too. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
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Lael is everything that is awesome about cycling. She rides for herself. She rides for fun. And she inspires other's to ride bikes more. Goals.
Lael, I am a 22 year old hispanic woman and I just want to say thank you so much for everything you do. I began my journey with riding in 2020 and I have loved every second I get to be out on my bike. I hope one day I’ll be able to go on adventures like yours and share them with the rest of the world in such a positive way. Please never stop doing what you do, there is so much more left to conquer!
I love how she is so authentically proud of her self. It's a healthy state
My favorite part (spoiler alert) is when the #2 guy tried to take away Lael's win by trying to convince her to "finish together", and she refused. Heck no! Good for you, Lael! You were in it to win it!
Life is beautiful , here we see different different types of flowers with their own unique smells😄
Lael is a national treasure. She is the hero that we should be telling all women and girls to look up to. We are all so blessed that Lael and Rue have decided to share their lives with us.
Lael is amazing. Her love of bicycles is contagious. Most of all, I so appreciate her rooting on women!
You rock Lael!! Thank you for being such an eloquent ambassador and inspiration! Bikepacking is my favorite hobby. I’m 54 and recently completed a 6 day solo ride through mountains and desert. It felt so healthy to go at exactly my own pace, doing exactly what I want, when I want. Freeing, meditative, soul nourishing. I encourage all women to take a solo adventure for yourself if you hear the calling.
The more I learn about Lael, the more I'm amazed and astounded!
The following is a true story about when I met Lael. I’d seen her blog about her first race and followed her online when she raced the Continental Divide the next summer. When she got into New Mexico, I waited and cheered her on at a couple of locations. In Silver City we spoke as she got food at McDonalds. I’m sure she was wondering who was this guy? That’s when I told her not to worry, “I’m just a fan.” At the finish in Antelope Wells I visited with her friend as we waited for her. When she got there, it was just us three. Endurance racing can be a very lonely experience. I’m Lael’s first fan. That’s when I said to her, “You’re going to be famous.” Never give up. Never quit. Lael, I wish you peace, love, and happiness.
Lael is a bikepacking monster a true champion 💪
Thankyou Lael. Two weeks ago I rode The KAW in England by myself. 350km over a few days. On my last day, a male cyclist came up to me, asked me if I was on my own and then asked who was going to fix my bike if it broke! He would not of asked that if I was a man riding alone! I was shocked but kept calm, patted my repair kit and said that I would be fixing it. His turn to be shocked. 🤣
@JeremyLawrence-imajez
Жыл бұрын
Quite a few male cycling friends are clueless when it comes to fixing bikes.
I thoroughly enjoyed your talk! An excellent presentation. Just what I needed to hear as I am about to embark on my first long distance self supported tour across Canada at 62 years of age. Your talk is a good thing for girls of all ages to hear!
Watch with enthousiasme her videos on KZread. Now, that she's also my favorite story teller, she's my definition of persistance and focus. What an inspiration you are Lael Wilcox. From a 75 years old newbie cyclist merci beaucoup
I love following this woman. So much to love about her.
She's so best. A true inspiration for me and my life since i discovered her few years ago.
I live in Bumpass!!! I ride along 76 every time I ride. I would absolutely DIE if I ever saw Lael riding here, haha!
Love this lady, inspiration personified!❤
Lael inspired me to ride my bike further and further. Thank you! 😘
Lael has certainly been my inspiration! I think often about her accomplishments and attitude as I have completed my (much less less amazing) long rides. Just her calm, "I won't do it if I don't try" approach coupled with astonishing results has been a source of strength. Thank you Lael!!
Ultra endurance cycling is pure will power. Across 3000 miles a 220 vs 230 watt rider will finish maybe 2-3 hours apart. And being able to sustain 220 watts vs 230 watts for that long is a big power difference. However because air resistance pushes back the harder you push against it, after about 180-200 watts, your speed gain from power decreases exponentially. And in a 2 week long race, you have plenty of opportunity to make up the 2-3 hour gap. Lael is a monster because she does not sleep, and when she does she just lays down on the ground and sleeps on anything. She's relentless like a horror movie killer that never stops.
Wonderfully said. We can all be that inspiration for women of all ages. And racing isn’t necessary, just bike touring is “good enough.” At age 58, I just completed a 3+wk solo self-supported bike trip doing 1120 miles. If I can do it, you can.
So so good! Thank you Lael!
Lael is an awesome person! Rue too!
best motivation ever
Living the dream. Love it. Very lucky to find the one thing to keep you happy. A wonderful journey.
Lael is amazing
I just love her so much
Lovely video - in my own small way I discovered how bicycling has given me such good health and off course- I like you ride to enjoy nature- Thank you so much for inspiring all with your challenging rides across US etc. Good Day to you.
… thank you Lael ! .. well done and well said !! .. something I needed .. been through 71 birthdays 😊 … will be buying a present to myself .. my first bike .. for solo cycling across .. maybe all over .. first India - my native country.. and then .. if I am still pedaling.. rest of the world .. many trying to scare me out .. say it can end with a fall , hip bone fracture.. bone marrow coming out .. let’s see 😊
I begin to watch 😀🇺🇿🇺🇿
Love this! Great talk!
Love you! So proud of you Lael!!!
Quite the inspiration! Keep up it Lael :)
Awesome talk, Lael!
What an amazing person Lael is! Thanks for doing this talk.
What a true champion! We love you Lael!!
An inspiration to all! Keep it up Lael!!
A true inspiration for everyone.
Thanks. Great comments. So inspiring!
Well done!
Great story, well told.
Amazing.
what an inspiration!
She is amazing and an inspiration
We need more lael
Awesome!
Great job Lael
Lael is my SHERO!!!!!!
So cool!
Lael is my favorite superhero
It's great women have an event that suits there body attributes and can compete with and beat men.
Bravo Lael!
Bicycles was a mode of escape for me, as well.
Well done Lael, never stop riding take care outhere 👍
Leal you are amazing.
Yes she can! 🙂
Sometimes on long rides I imagine I'm racing Lael and she's just miles behind me. That's when I push myself and drop the hammer!
@Mantis858585
Жыл бұрын
Better pedal hard, Lael is a terminator who won't stop.
😊
233 miles per day, average. i felt into stunned silence and an open mouth
Women are much better at endurance then men :) she’s such an inspiration!
I'm not a star struck person, ok so your Brad Pitt or someone, fine....I meet endurance athletes on GDMBR, that's special!
Wow! I had no idea this lady lael I met on TD race my property, she stopped, took a couple pictures with. Very sweet. I will cherish the pictures Lael here together... Like really, don't know anything about, give water out... Later lady Lael.... I'm trail Angel. Ute Pass Steven Colorado.