Liane Langlois, 50, pushed herself to the limit as she raced on her motorcycle at speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour on a salt flat, repeating to herself, “I’m almost there. Just hang on.” This daring attempt took place at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah on August 26. Despite facing challenging conditions with rough salt flats due to inclement weather, Langlois managed to break a new motorcycle land speed world record, reaching just over 136 miles per hour, or approximately 219 km/h, over a timed mile.
The record-setting run occurred in the 2500cc sidecar class and was officially certified by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the global governing body for motorcycle sports. Langlois, the president and founder of the Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society, was confirmed by FIM members as the first Canadian woman to achieve an official FIM-accredited motorcycle speed record.
Langlois achieved this feat riding a 2295cc Triumph Rocket 111 Roadster with a weighted sidecar, which boasts an engine larger than most small cars and generates close to 275 horsepower. Jeremy Ragle, the owner of the race team Langlois rides for, emphasized the exceptional power and intensity of the motorcycle, stating that it is not for the faint of heart.
In Langlois’ competitive class, riders were given three miles on their first run to build up speed before their velocity was measured at specific marks on the track. By strategically positioning herself for maximum aerodynamics during the initial distance, Langlois optimized her performance. The recorded speeds at designated marks were then averaged out, with a timed kilometer speed also calculated. Successful riders qualified for a return run, where their speed was measured in the opposite direction for further evaluation.
Langlois’ remarkable achievement was recognized as one of four new records set at the event, making her the fourth Canadian to establish an FIM-accredited motorcycle land speed world record. She aspires to return to the salt flats for more record-breaking endeavors, hoping to inspire other women to engage in the sport.