Hannah Otto has claimed one of the most well-known single-day mountain bike records on the planet, setting a new fastest known time (FKT) for a woman on Utah’s White Rim Trail of 6 hours, 36 minutes, and 51 seconds. “The White Rim is one of the most well-sought-after single-day mountain bike FKTs on the planet, and because it’s been attempted so many times, the technique to the route has really been optimized,” she said.
The May 2, 2025, ride capped off Otto’s self-designed Moab Triple Crown, which also includes FKTs on the Whole Enchilada (2022) and Kokopelli’s Trail (2024). A film documenting her White Rim ride, Chasing The Triple Crown | Hannah Otto’s White Rim FKT from Competitive Cyclist, debuts today.
Otto, a 2025 U.S. Marathon National Champion and 2022 Leadville winner, developed the Triple Crown after moving to Utah in 2018 as a way to test her all-around mountain biking skills. “The Whole Enchilada rewards an athlete with exceptional technical skills, while the Kokopelli rewards the athlete who is durable in both mind and body, and the White Rim rewards power,” she explained. “Together, these routes make up the best of mountain biking.”
In order to maximize her power and efficiency on the 100.56-mile loop, Otto told Singletracks she opted to ride a lightweight Scott Spark short-travel cross-country bike with a rigid seatpost and a 34-tooth chain ring.
The White Rim FKT has been hotly contested over the years, and Otto says athletes need to be willing to take risks to beat the record. One of the biggest risks she took in her attempt was carrying just three liters of water for the 6.5-hour effort—well below her needs—to save weight. “Luckily, I was able to ration my fluids perfectly, entering Shafer [climb] with two sips left, one for the bottom and one for the top. I finished the effort extremely dehydrated and a little delirious, but I think the risk was worth the reward.”
The conditions on the White Rim route can vary greatly depending on the weather, and unfortunately, Otto didn’t have the luxury of timing her attempt to coincide with ideal conditions.
“In the days leading up to the attempt, I was stalking Strava rides from the White Rim with many talking about the White Rim ‘being the sandiest it’s ever been,'” she told Singletracks. “Eventually, I just had to put the blinders on and commit to overcoming that obstacle. I strategized my pacing accordingly, working to gain a gap in the less sandy sections to make up for whatever drag I had to overcome.”
Otto hopes her Moab Triple Crown inspires others to take on the challenge, whether chasing records or simply riding for the experience of riding three of the best routes in mountain biking. “It’s bound to challenge you, to change you, to show you just how strong you are, and to leave you more in love with your bike and the world you live in,” she said.
You can watch the free film from Competitive Cyclist, Chasing The Triple Crown | Hannah Otto’s White Rim FKT, beginning today.
6 Comments
1 day ago
Our fully self supported private group took four days and three nights to enjoy the grandeur of the scenery. The magic of the area is unparalleled to any ride I've done in the west. The one year permitting process is difficult but worth it. To support riders, one must have a four wheel drive vehicle to do this adventure of a life time. Or, one can engage a local outfitter to accommodate you.
There is nothing like sitting under the stars reflecting on a day of hard riding with friends. Bring lots of ice to keep the beers cold. We always ran out before the last day. Also, consider doing the route clockwise unlike Hanna's route. I get goosebumps just remembering each trip. This is the quintessential adventure of a lifetime which mountain biking was meant for.
Hats off to you, Hanna. Now that you have the record, slow down to smell the desert sage and a cold second beer.
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