The rider summary I sent to the UMCA for certification of the record.

Record attempt: 1000K Outdoor Unpaced Track Record
Name of rider(s): Bryce Walsh
Start date and exact start time to the nearest minute: 8/23/08 10:10:00.00am CST
Exact start location: Ed Rudolf Velodrome, Northbrook IL
What were conditions like? Hot and Humid, threatening rain.
Why did you want to do a record? I think of the 24 hour track record as the ultracycling equivalent of what the hour record is for traditional racers. Also, through the process of preparing for this record I would learn a great deal about training, myself, and racing that could than be applied to future races. It was be fun to organize an event near my home and do something unusual that would give me some staying memories.
What equipment did you use?  Lake Shoes, Rudy Project Syton Helmet, Cervelo P3C, Zipp Wheels, Powertap
What did you eat & drink? Infinit Nutrition, From 10 hours in I made the mistake of trying some solid food only to encounter stomach problems from that point on.
What was the best part? Riding at night with Mikes mixes playing over the speakers and friends from Turin Bike Shop clanging cowbells and yelling encouragement on each lap. Later as kids in the neighborhood took up the cowbells to make some noise and cheer me on.
What was the hardest part? Continuing on after the 24 hour mark. Hours 24-30 were mentally very difficult. The first 10 hours also were difficult as I was having some aches and pains that were hard to overcome.
Did anything particularly unusual happen? Some physical pains that were unexpected. I had expected the record attempt to be difficult mentally. I was surprised how physically wearing it became to hold an aero position. The most unusual thing was the way in which my mind coped with the monotony. I would often find myself thinking back on the previous evening or even hour and thinking it was a completely different race and location.
Exact finish location described so that someone else could find the same spot: Northbrook Velodrome Finish Line
Exact finish time: 8/24/08 7:01:03.99 pm

Updated article with pictures and video.

Cyclist spent weekend chasing world record

Watch the video interview of Chuck

A nice article in the Northbrook Star about this past weekend.

Cyclist spends weekend chasing world record here

Quick Summary: I missed the 24 hour record. I wasn’t even close on that one. I did manage to hang in and set a new 1000K outdoor track record(pending certification) due to tenacity rather than speed.

This weekend, August 23-24 2008, I will be attempting to set the world record for 24 hours on a track as well as the 1000KM track records. Beginning at 10:00 AM Saturday morning I’ll begin doing 2578 laps on the Northbrook Velodrome in Northbrook IL. The velodrome is located at Meadowhill Park – North 1500 Block, Maple Avenue, Northbrook Illinois.

It is going to be a test. While 30 hours is a long ride, I am more concerned with the monotony of the track. Most endurance races I look forward to being out in the countryside and the motivation of competition. This will be different in that it is completely a battle with myself. No external diversions to occupy my mind.
The current records are:

24 hour record – 535.86 miles indoor, 532.74 outdoor.
1000K record   – 29:12:33 indoor, unset outdoor

I’ve been preparing for this record attempt for most of the summer.  Working on position, equipment, and nutrition to find a balance of comfort and aerodynamics that will get me those numbers.
Come on out and picnic in the infield, yell some encouragement, shake your head at one of the more unusual endurance tests you’ll ever see.

A few weekends ago I headed down to Ohio to do Calvins Challenge. Calvins is a bit unique in Ultracycling. It is relatively short – 12 hours. Its very flat. Most importantly pack positioning, drafting and energy conservation are central to competing for a top place.

My goal this year was to stay with the lead pack as long as possible, which i hoped to be all day. Weather conditions were sideways rain and heavy winds. I have had only one race in the past 16 months that did not include rain. I would love a break from it.

I tempted Murphy’s law right from the start by deciding to use my new TT bike(Cervelo P3C) for the race and also ride my Zipp 404 wheels rather than go with more conservative equipment.

The race started in the usual flurry as riders jockey for places to get as much protection from the rain. I’m feeling pretty good though the winds are obviously going to make this a slower race than last year where I managed 232 miles. We take a left turn and POP, my rear tire blows out. I yell a curse as this is the end of my aspirations for a top finish.

I quickly yank the tire off, grab a tube, attach my CO2 inflater to put a bit of air in, and snap off the valve of my only tube. A flurry of additional curses and i pick up my back and start walking back towards the start. Luckily another rider eventually came along with a long stem tube and CO2 and got me back on my bike. Many thanks to him for stopping his race to help me out.

I had probably lost 45 minutes by this point. I hopped on and began fighting the rain and wind by myself. When i completed that first 50 mile loop I stocked up on tubes and put a pump in my coat pocket.

I felt great all day. Even with the crazy winds I maintained a strong pace. I was never passed on the course by another rider. The new bike was comfortable all day and fast. A few knee pains in the last few laps, but not too bad for building it up the day before.

In the end I completed 212 miles. Not nearly the distance i had hoped for, but I was really happy with my fitness. My confidence is good looking toward my main goals later in the season.