Britton Brewer Aims to Conquer 500 Miles on Two Wheels

Uptown Sedona resident Britton Brewer is on a mission to set a world record in the World Ultra Cycling Association’s 500-mile Outdoor Track category for men aged 60 to 69. His choice of equipment? An elliptical bicycle.

This endeavor promises to be historic. Any records he achieves will be the first for ElliptiGO riders of any age. In addition to the primary goal, Brewer aims to set other benchmarks for distances of 300 miles and continuous pedaling for 24 hours.

“It’s a recognition that I’m not getting any younger,” Brewer commented. “There’s a sense of urgency for me as strength, speed, and agility become more challenging with age. Tackling this massive task is appealing and I find value in the attempt itself.”

Brewer anticipates that completing 500 miles will take approximately 40 hours. He has scheduled his attempt for March 15 and 16 at Sedona Red Rock High School, with backup dates set for the following two weekends in case of bad weather.

He pointed out, “The elliptical bike is quite upright, making it vulnerable to wind. A wind advisory could complicate things significantly.”

Brewer, a retired psychology professor with a focus on sport and health psychology, moved to Sedona two years ago after abandoning running due to injuries. He and his wife, Judy Van Raalte, a former psychology professor and dedicated tennis player, share a background rooted in academia; they met at Arizona State University in the 1980s and have been married since 1990, raising two children together.

As Brewer prepares for this endurance challenge, he acknowledges the difficulties that lie beyond just pedaling. “Once you exceed 24 hours, the challenges amplify,” he stated. He elaborated on how physical demands, along with nutrition, hydration, sleep deprivation, and cramping, become increasingly complicated over such extended periods.

Currently, his longest distance stands at 295 miles in 24 hours. Training since November 1, he rides six days a week, averaging 35 to 40 miles per session, to condition himself for the attempt.

However, Brewer faces a pressing logistical challenge: recruiting volunteers to officiate during the record attempt. The World Ultra Cycling Association mandates that two certified officials be present at all times, amounting to a required 120 total person-hours of coverage.

“Certification for officials is straightforward,” Brewer explained. “We assist with registration and fees, and they only need to complete an online, open-book exam before the event. The role primarily involves pushing a mouse button every minute. Candidates must be at least 21 years old to officiate and 18 to join as crew members. Anyone interested in endurance sports, especially night owls or insomniacs, would be a great fit for this task.”

He requires three ongoing volunteers for the event, specifically two timing officials and one crew member. Shifts are generally four hours long, but Brewer encourages any level of involvement.

Spectators are welcome to witness the record-setting attempt. For Brewer, this journey transcends the goal of a world record.

“There’s a wealth of inspiring endurance athletes in Sedona,” he noted. “You won’t know your limits until you push them. Setting a goal and working toward it is always a valuable exercise.”

Those interested in volunteering can contact Brewer directly at bbrewer@springfieldcollege.edu or by calling (413) 896-3538.