Roundup: Brandon Lyons Breaks World Record With 414.71 Miles in 24 Hours

Every other week we scour the web for the latest going on in the world of U.S. Para-cycling. Here’s what you missed!

Magical 24 Hours

Brandon Lyons, who made his Paralympic Games debut last summer in Paris, has set a world record for the number of miles ridden in 24 hours on a handcycle.

He logged 414.71 miles, beating the 2009 world record of 403.8 miles.

“The human body and mind is a powerful thing!” Lyons posted on Instagram.

The native of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, continued that he attempted the same feat four years ago but came up short by 50 miles. That experience proved valuable as he went for it again, this time in Sebring, Florida.

“I came in with a new pacing plan, improved strategy and better fitness which led me to break the world record with 2.5 hours to spare,” Lyons wrote.

“It meant everything to have my mom there as my pit crew, who without her help, this effort would not have been possible! Also, it was extremely encouraging to have friends travel in from hours away to cheer me on throughout the night! It takes a village!”

Cyclist, Mom, Coach …

Jamie Whitmore-Meinz is a three-time Paralympian. She won a gold medal in Rio in 2016. She has won 11 world championships.

But she is also a mom, a driver, a cheerleader, a coach, a lunch maker.

“I’m often asked, ‘What do you do?’ I chuckle and say, ‘It’s probably easier to list what I don’t do!” she posted on Instagram.

“Sports have been a part of my life since I was 5. They have shaped me into the person/mom/athlete/coach that I am today. … Still going at 48 years old. To top that, I’m open to trying new things. There is something about pushing yourself to be better each day. I love staying active and I love setting goals.

“I’m pretty confident that gene has passed on to (twin sons) Ryder and Christian. Any spare time I have in a day is spent driving them to practices or competitions. I’m often up at 6am making lunches, driving kids to school, getting my workout in, coaching HS track, running club and don’t forget any shopping that needs to get done. I somehow manage to wash dishes or cook dinner minus the nights we don’t get home until 10pm!! I’m grateful for my husband @jmescocaptain who is always happy to step in so we get it all done!”

Get the full story here:

Birthday Boy

A happy crowd came out for 2024 Paralympian Branden Walton’s birthday celebration.

“BJ’s was a night to remember! Happy birthday @branden_walton!” 2024 Paralympian Kate Brim posted on Instagram.

Anniversary Cheer

From birthdays to anniversaries …

“12 YEARS!!!! Happy Anniversary to my bestie, my love, my confidant,” 2020 Paralympian Ryan Pinney posted on Instagram, to his wife Meagan.

“We have had so many blessings and so much fun these first 12 years. It seems like so long ago but it’s gone by so fast. You and our Addy are truly my favorites! I am so happy to live this journey with you!”

Getting Technical

Yes, technology is a game changer.

“Making up for lost time with less time to do it, harder and smarter thanks to @nnoxx_inc” Paralympic gold medalist Samantha Bosco said on her Instagram account, referring to the wearable device that delivers nitric oxide to one’s muscles.

“By measuring key indicators — specifically nitric oxide — of blood flow, oxygen delivery, and overall fitness, NNOXX is giving me more insight into how effective and efficient my workout is, whether I could be doing something different to improve my fitness, and if I’m making myself too fatigued and need to add in a rest day. All of which is helping me get back to being the best athlete I can be.”

New Tandem Team

Hannah Chadwick, who made her Paralympic debut last summer in Paris, welcomed a new tandem team partner this year with the arrival of Liz Stevenson to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I’m just beyond grateful to be here,” Stevenson told USParaCycling.org. “I’m kind of speechless. It’s not just about me. I’m able to be Hannah’s pilot and help someone reach their goals while achieving my goals at the same time. I think it’s a really great relationship.”

Chadwick won bronze medals with former riding partner Skyler Espinoza at the last two world championships and a pair of gold medals at the Parapan American Games. Espinoza, who now resides in Spain, retired from competitive cycling following the Paralympic Games.

“I’m really, really happy for her,” Chadwick said.

Read more about the new American tandem team here.

Paul D. Bowker has been writing about Olympic and Paralympic sports since 1996, when he was an assistant bureau chief in Atlanta. He is a freelance contributor to USParaCycling.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.