Willkie Sprint: A Story of Friendship, Love and Winning the First Women's Little 500 Race

A sport-loving college freshman, Kerry Hellmuth commits instantly to riding in the first women's Little 500 race at her first dorm floor meeting. Only later does she learn what the Little 500 is--a bicycle race around a cinder track pitting dorm teams against independents and sororities--and how much riding in the historic first edition of the race will enrich her college experience. Led by two RAs, Hellmuth and her dorm team of motivated and scrappy athletes begin training indoors and on long rides through the beautiful rolling hills of South Central Indiana, sometimes so intensely that they lose their lunch or finish in tears. Along the way, they come of age together, navigating the passage from their respective family lives into adulthood. Hellmuth finds herself and she even finds love with a handsome teammate. Willkie Sprint is the inspiring true story of that year of wonder and challenge.

The team's plucky freshman dream of glory despite the sense that no one can beat the upper-class(wo)men from the sorority team whose historic attempt to qualify for the men's event helped bring the women's edition into existence. The closer they become, the better the teammates perform on their bikes. Will the rag-tag Willkie underdogs pull off the Cinderella story? You will love witnessing the unbreakable bonds that emerge between these richly painted team members, be entertained by their lively discussions as they pedal, be awed by their dedication and perserverance, and be inspired by their triumphant approach to racing and life.

"With heart and humor, Kerry Hellmuth shares her cycling team's journey to victory in the inaugural Women's Little 500 ― from their kick-off meeting to their final lap. This coming-of-age memoir is a powerful story about perseverance, unbreakable friendships, falling in love, and learning who you are."―Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta, and Founder of LeanIn.org/OptionB.org

© 2024 IU Press (publisher of paperback/hardcover/Kindle) and Kerry Hellmuth (Author/Rights Holder for Audiobook) (Audiobook): 9798882464683

Release date

Audiobook: 9 May 2024