Liane Langlois, a 50-year-old motorcycle enthusiast, recently made a daring attempt to break a speed record at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials held on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Despite facing challenging conditions on the salt flat, Langlois managed to set a new motorcycle land speed world record by reaching speeds exceeding 136 miles per hour, or approximately 219 km/h, over a timed mile.
Riding a powerful 2295cc Triumph Rocket 111 Roadster with a sidecar, Langlois successfully broke the record in the 2500cc sidecar class, as certified by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). This achievement also made her the first Canadian woman to establish an official FIM-accredited motorcycle speed record.
Langlois expressed her excitement over the accomplishment, emphasizing the uniqueness of her experience riding the massive motorcycle with a sidecar as the smallest rider. The Triumph Rocket 111 Roadster, with its impressive engine producing nearly 275 horsepower, presented a thrilling challenge not suited for the faint-hearted.
In explaining the process of setting the record, Langlois detailed how riders in her class were given a distance to build up speed before measurements were taken at specific marks along the track. The final record-breaking speed was calculated by averaging the speeds from her two runs.
Looking ahead, Langlois expressed her aspirations to return to the salt flats for future record-breaking attempts, aiming to inspire more women to participate in the sport. Her remarkable feat not only marked a personal achievement but also added to the legacy of Canadian motorcycle speed records.
The journey of Liane Langlois at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials serves as a testament to determination and skill in the world of motorcycle racing, showcasing the thrill and challenge of pushing boundaries in pursuit of excellence.
