30 hrs on Cruzbike this week ✅

Merge synergy is 🔥

DIRT & BMTR

…..

Bmtr ❤️

It doesn’t happen any better. Dream situation. 

https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/race-across-the-west-finishes-in-durango-with-record-breaking-time/

We had a dedicated videographer so there will be a video made about it. 

19.2mph for a new CR and Rookie record. 

44:41 total time
43:48 without shuttle
43:10 moving
~13-19 min at 5 stops (two bike changes, one pee, and two clothes changes)
~16-22 min at stop lights

Thanks for following along. It’s been amazing to hear from everyone :)

Longer write up on my website. https://matthewlefthand.com

Abbreviated version:

⸻

🚴‍♂️ RAW 2025 — Beyond Limits

At the end of August 2024, I tackled my first real ultra: the Hoodoo 500. We made plenty of rookie mistakes but I knew immediately — this is who I am. Ultra cycling is my calling.

I couldn’t jump straight to RAAM, but Race Across the West (RAW) felt within reach — if I went all in. So I did. Sebring 24hr was my first test: 576 miles, 24 mph avg, new records, plenty left to fix. That sealed the deal: full commitment.

This year, I broke a virtual 24hr world record too: 658 miles, 273 watts avg, 12 new WUCA records, 2 Guinness. RAW would be the crown jewel — 862 miles through desert climbs, wind, heat, and two nights on the bike.

Preparation was everything:
	•	Training: self-coached, 25hr weeks, smart recovery.
	•	Heat: Core sensor training, white kits, ice on key arteries, all the tricks.
	•	Sleep: caffeine taper + 9–10 hr nights before the race.
	•	Crew: my wife Bailey (crew chief & hero), the Crawfords with their sprinter van, Kevin’s energy, David filming the journey.
	•	Gear: Ventum NS1 & Tempus, ENVE wheels (zero flats in 100+ hours racing!), Formula 369 fueling, Infinity saddle, custom fit dialed to perfection.

From Oceanside to Durango I rode with one mindset: calm, steady, unscathed to halfway — then attack the finish. I managed the heat (120°F air fryer), used a condom catheter to save pit stops, banked sleep, saved caffeine for night two.

Night two hit hard — but the plan worked. The second sunrise brought a surge of belief: the record was mine if I stayed smart.

There were obstacles: bugs, nosebleeds, wrong cleats, a bunny sacrificed itself to my back wheel (!), but I stayed focused. Crew handoffs were flawless. When my body wanted to fade, my mind didn’t allow it.

In the final climbs I felt invincible. I stomped the last hills, heart full, watts steady, grateful for the suffering and the team beside me.

I crossed the line in 45 hours with a massive gap, new course record, and the quiet satisfaction that I did it the right way: methodical, joyful, and true to the plan.

To Bailey, my crew, sponsors, and my kids — this was ours. I say it every time: No Limits Left.

This is just the beginning. Thank you for following the journey. See you on the next one. 🚴‍♂️🔥

⸻

#NoLimitsLeft #RAW2025 #UltraCycling #BeyondLimits #Teamwork #TrustTheProcess

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Matthew Lefthand

RAW🥇& CR

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30 hrs on Cruzbike this week ✅

Merge synergy is 🔥

DIRT & BMTR

…..

Bmtr ❤️

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