Stay tuned to find out when this event takes place in 2025!
Every September, racers and engineers from around the globe come to Battle Mountain to test the limits of human powered speed and attempt to shatter world records. During the World Human Powered Speed Challenge, State Route 305—which possesses the unique traits required for this competition—becomes a racing tarmac for some of the fastest humans on the planet.
Just south of Battle Mountain, teams from around the world race the fastest bicycles in existence in an attempt to break human powered land speed records.
Teams come from Canada, Mexico, England, France, Japan, Australia, and beyond, traveling with anything-but-ordinary cycles to a destination in the middle of the Cowboy Corridor. These aerodynamic, low-profile rides look like they’re from another planet, but expert cyclists pilot the reclining recumbents with mind-boggling precision. Speeds have reached upwards of 90 mph, and the allure of breaking human powered speed records keeps athletes and spectators coming back for more.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
What makes SR 305 an ideal racetrack? At an altitude of 4,619 feet, this stretch of highway provides riders with an acceleration zone of over four miles, letting bikes reach their maximum velocity before being timed out over a 200-meter distance.
The World Human Powered Speed Challenge is free to attend. Snag a bleacher seat at the timing traps for maximum speed thrills, or wait in the “catch” area to see how racers exit their fully enclosed bikes. For evening races, take the once-a-day shuttle from the Battle Mountain Civic Center parking area. Attend the Show & Shine to meet challenge participants and see their rides up close, and bring your own bike to test your drag racing skills against some of the world’s fastest humans.
