Danell Lynn

Danell Lynn is an American long distance motorcycle rider. As of 2016, she holds the Guinness record for the world's longest motorcycle journey in a single country. She is the first woman to earn the record riding solo.[1]

Riding

Lynn's parents rode while she was in utero.[2] Around 2000, Lynn began riding pillion (i.e. as a passenger). About six years prior to her record-breaking trip, she decided she wanted to be in control. Although her desired ride was a Triumph Bonneville, she heeded the advice of family to begin with a starter bike as new riders inevitably drop (tip over and damage) their first bike. She purchased a 1982 Virago for $1200 and learned her riding and mechanical skills on it. She later purchased the Triumph, which she named Amelia.[2]

Prior to the US tour, Lynn had ridden as a passenger in Chile and Argentina. As a driver, she completed trips in Costa Rica, Cuba, Arizona, California, Utah and Colorado.[2]

Record-breaking trip

Lynn saved for two years, sold possessions,[3] and received sponsorship from Giant Loop, a motorcycle luggage supplier.[1][4] She left on Sep 19, 2014,[5] tracking her progress with a SPOT Tracker to meet the verification requirements of Guinness world records.[3] Over the next year, she traveled over 53,000 miles in all US states and three Canadian provinces; only the 48,600 miles (78,214 km) in the lower 48 US states counted towards the record.[6] She completed the trip August 29, 2015.[6]

Lynn stated she thought it would be a "grand statement" for a woman to make the journey, but she was told a woman-specific category would not be added. She then decided to break the existing record for the longest trip in a single country.[2]

Personal life

The daughter of an Air Force service member, Lynn lived in Europe with two siblings as a child.[3] Lynn graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas in 2000.[5] A frequent traveler, by the age of 19 she had visited every US state.[3] Lynn also works as a custom fashion designer;[7][8] in 2009 she designed the first NFL authorized ball-gown out of recycled Arizona Cardinals jerseys for sale at a charity auction.[9]

Awards

Lynn has been awarded four Iron Butt awards and an American Motorcycle Association Long Rider award.[2]

References
  1. "Rider Danell Lynn Sets New Guinness World Record". Rider. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  2. "World Record Rider Danell Lynn". American Motorcyclist: 20. June 2016.
  3. "ONE WOMAN, ONE MOTORCYCLE, ONE YEAR, ONE RECORD". RevZilla.com. 22 Sep 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  4. "The Big Idea – Giant Loop". Retrieved 26 May 2016.
  5. Levesque, George (January 15, 2015), Cooper grad travels the U.S. hoping to break world record on motorcycle trip, Abilene, Texas: KTXS Television News
  6. "Longest journey by motorcycle in a single country". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  7. "About".
  8. Garcia, Laura (November 18, 2014), "Woman rides cross country for world record", The Victoria Advocate, Victoria, Texas
  9. Kohl, Gillian Ferris (7 November 2009). "NFL Fashions A Plan To Dress Up Female Fans". npr. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
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