Its expensive, dangerous and difficult, and putting herself in position to have a chance at pulling it off has taken four years of her life.So why would Denise Mueller -- 43-year-old mother of three, business owner and elite athlete from Carlsbad, California -- want to invest so much of herself to go faster than anyone ever has on a bicycle?I have been asked that by a couple of people over the years, and the first and easy answer is, why not, right? Mueller said, laughing. But really, how many chances do you get to be the first person ever to be able to do something as a female? Men have done this record since 1899, and a woman has never even tried to do this record. So, why not? I get to be the first ever.From Saturday to Tuesday on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, Mueller will attempt to break the world record -- 167 mph -- for the fastest speed on a paced bicycle. She has a partner in the endeavor: Sports car racer Shea Holbrook will pace Mueller in the worlds fastest production SUV, a $112,000 Range Rover Sport SVR.Mueller will be towed on her bike to 90 mph and released. Then shes on her own to gain speed while staying only 2 to 3 feet off the rear bumper of the Range Rover, tucked within a tail fairing (it looks like a three-sided box) that creates an aerodynamic vortex.Shell be able to make repeated runs on a 5-mile-long stretch of compacted table salt. Neither the cyclist nor the driver can make a mistake.The importance of my job is to keep Denise alive, honestly, Holbrook said. Everything that I have been taught, I have to reverse because we are going to be accelerating at a slow rate of speed. Im used to fast inputs, fast thinking, fast reaction; whereas, with this, its still fast thinking, but at a slower pace.The land-speed record for paced bicycles is an odd one because it has been set only 10 times over three centuries. It was thought up, according to Muellers The Project Speed website, by Charles Mile-A-Minute Murphy, who drafted behind a train to set a 60 mph record at the end of the 19th century. The current record was set in 1995 by Dutch cyclist Fred Rompelberg, who drafted behind a converted 1,000-horsepower dragster.Muellers bid, though, is not all or nothing. Shell set a womens record if she makes a successful attempt. Even if she doesnt break the record, she would still set the cycling world on its ear if she beat the 152.2 mph mark set in 1985 by American John Howard.Howard, a three-time Olympic cyclist and Ironman Triathlon champion, is Muellers coach and trainer. In fact, it was his idea to have her go for the record.He had coached Mueller when she was a cycling prodigy in juniors, winning 13 national championships in road, track and mountain bike racing and scoring two podium finishes in the junior world championships. Coach and pupil reconnected when Howard began training Muellers middle son, Michael, for half-marathons.I wanted to pull her out of retirement because I knew there was still a tremendous amount of athletic ability in this woman, and I wanted to see her accomplish some of the things she didnt accomplish as a junior, Howard said. So I encouraged her to come back and race bicycles actually as component of the speed record, because I think thats the one I threw out first -- that was the carrot, and it worked.That was in 2012. Mueller was busy with her boys and her job as CEO of Rancho Santa Fe Security Systems, a company founded by her father. When Howard broached the idea of going for the record, Mueller, who also has dabbled in car racing, was ready to start training.The instant he said it, Im talking instantly, I was in, Mueller said.After being off the bike for more or less 20 years, she came back and won a Masters National Criterion Championship [in 2014], Howard said. Believe me, that is not easy to do. Its dangerous, its fast, its cutthroat. Theres a whole lot of reasons not to do it, but she won the national championship, and then the next year came back and did it again.It took four years for Mueller and Howard to put together a team and assemble the components to attempt the record. They needed a fast car, and a hometown dealership chain -- Hoehn Motors of San Diego County -- came through with the Range Rover as an extension of its rally racing program. They needed a professional driver, and Holbrook, a six-race winner under the Pirelli World Challenge banner, bought in. Ive never been more inspired by two people, Holbrook said.Of course, Mueller needed a bicycle built to go three times as fast as shed ever gone on a road bike. San Diegos Len Lochmiller, in conjunction with SD Wheel Works, handcrafted a bike that has 17-inch motorcycle wheels and tires, an elongated monocoque carbon frame and a short travel suspension to dampen vibration.Double-reduction gearing borrowed from industrial applications makes the high speeds possible, and an attachment will keep Mueller from hitting the vehicles back bumper with her front wheel.The Range Rover was dressed up with front and side skirts to block as much air as possible and, of course, the tail fairing.The exhaust pipes were rerouted to the sides of the vehicle so Mueller isnt breathing fumes. Mueller will wear a downhill mountain bike racing helmet and custom leather and Lycra to protect her from the wind and abrasive salt. Shell have Bluetooth communication with Holbrook and Howard in the vehicle.Itll still be a hairy ride.The best description I have, Howard said, based on his 1985 experience, is its exhilarating and terrifying in the same moment. Your mind is working on overload. Youre working inside of a very tight vortex, the car is going extremely fast, quite often theres a little bit of side-to-side oscillation taking place, and youre tracking inside of a low-pressure center.He says Mueller is up to the task.My theory on this is she is an amazing athlete who has been able to push the age envelope a bit further than most athletes, Howard said. Typically, women are able to do that easier than men, and Denise is a prime example of that. At 43, she is as strong as she has ever been. She can deadlift 230 pounds. Thats the kind of power it takes to do this kind of an effort.The record attempt almost didnt happen. When the trio went to Bonneville in August to test, the Range Rover failed the tech inspection because it didnt have the safety modifications required by the promoter. Hoehn Motors made the required changes, and Mueller and Holbrook tested over Labor Day weekend while the track was closed. Holbrook calls those rebel runs, and theres no official timing.Going for this record ... is complicated, which is probably one of the reasons its been a long time since its been done, Mueller said. And its a little crazy. Its a little Evel Knievel-ish, because its such a high speed. There arent too many people that are willing to go through all the hoops and then really have the sort of guts to be able to do something of this nature.On the salt flats of northwestern Utah, history beckons. Somebodys coming for a piece of it. Cheap NHL Jerseys From China . Despite dominating possession, Schalke needed an own goal from Nicolas Hoefler for the breakthrough a minute before the interval. The Freiburg midfielder misjudged Jefferson Farfans corner and bundled the ball into his own net. Adidas NHL Jerseys 2020 . Aside from the trilogy main event title fight, there are a number of intriguing matchups in the heavyweight, welterweight and lightweight divisions. https://www.nhljerseys2020.com/ . After a lengthy wait, persistent rain finally forced the postponement of the Nationals game against the Miami Marlins on Saturday night. The teams, and a few thousand fans, waited nearly four hours from the 7:05 scheduled start time before an announcement was made shortly before 11 p. NHL Jerseys 2020 Store . JOHNS, N. Cheap NHL Jerseys Authentic . Listen to the game live on TSN Radio 1050 at 7pm et. The Raptors traded Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray to the Sacramento Kings on Monday, in exchange for Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes. While you might be an avid fan of a particular NHL team -- and keep up-to-date on all the news and rumors regarding that franchise -- there are 29 others playing in 2016-17.As a fantasy owner, it can be a bit daunting to keep tabs on everything.Thats where the Fantasy 30 comes in -- a rundown of the most fantasy-relevant updates on every team. Heres whats happening around the NHL this week.Anaheim Ducks: There is no goalie controversy in Anaheim. So says Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register. But that doesnt mean Jonathan Bernier wont continue to garner starts over perceived No. 1 John Gibson. That recent, ridiculous blowout loss to the Flames serving as anomalous exception, Bernier has been solid -- and better than Gibson -- for the Ducks this campaign.Arizona Coyotes: Please dont make too much of the two assists earned by Peter Holland in his Coyotes debut. While the newly assembled third line of Holland, Jamie McGinn, and Anthony Duclair may sport a faint whiff of dark-horse promise, remember, the Maple Leafs castoff has habitually fallen well short of expectations since his first-round selection in the 2009 draft (15th overall by the Ducks). Dont jump on him, is what were suggesting, no matter the size of your league.Boston Bruins: Those waiting for Matt Beleskey to equal, never mind improve on, last seasons numbers with the Bruins are advised to pull the chute. Placed on IR with a knee injury, the 28-year-old is projected to miss about six weeks. With all of five points in 24 games, Beleskey is well off pace the 15 goals, 22 assists he collected in 2015-16. Meanwhile, speculative trade talk involving Boston forward Ryan Spooner hasnt quieted in the slightest.Buffalo Sabres: Sportsnets Elliotte Friedman reports the Sabres are willing to part ways with Zemgus Girgensons -- for the right return:Ice time for Zemgus Girgensons last seven games: 10:07, 9:08, 8:07, 8:39, 9:40, 7:23, 9:07. Buffalo is getting calls, but general manager Tim Murray is telling people the decreased usage doesnt mean the Sabres will just give him away. I think Anaheim had some dialogue here last summer, but the asking price was one of the Ducks talented young defencemen -- a cost they were unwilling to pay without some kind of sweetener.A change of scenery cant hurt here. Selected 14th overall in 2012, Girgensons is enduring a dismal season, with two goals and three assists. He didnt produce to expectation last season, either. Depending on where he lands, the 22-year-old could reclaim some value as an fantasy asset in deeper leagues.Calgary Flames: The Mark Giordano/Dougie Hamilton defensive duo is thriving for the Flames. Reunited Nov. 15, the pair has been particularly dynamic in Calgarys five most recent games, combining for six goals and two assists. Not coincidentally, the Hamilton trade chatter from earlier this season has since hushed significantly.Carolina Hurricanes: Pulled during Tuesdays 8-6 circus victory over the visiting Canucks, Cam Ward is in zero danger of losing his job as the Hurricanes (nearly) everyday netminder. In fact, the squads head coach was quick to lay blame elsewhere after his squads poor defensive effort.Peters says pulling Ward was not a reflection on Wards play. Says team was leg-less. Says Ward to start again against Caps.- Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) December 14, 2016Boasting a less-than-dreadful .915 save percentage and 2.34 goals-against average, the 32-year-old has already started 23 of Carolinas 29 contests this season.Chicago Blackhawks: Well let others discuss the future of Scott Darling and his purported potential as a No. 1 netminder in the NHL; for now, the backups position in Chicago interests us most. Darling has been flat-out spectacular in Corey Crawfords absence, especially in his last four games. Ride the Blackhawks No. 2 hard in all varieties of fantasy play until he flounders or Crawford returns. Whatever comes first.Colorado Avalanche: Unless the Avalanche break out a stark about-face in fortune, the trade chatter surrounding Matt Duchene will continue. With no lack of interest in Duchene around the league, the Islanders are receiving additional attention as a good fit. No argument here, as the prospect of Duchene joining John Tavares on a top scoring line is enough to get any fantasy owners heart racing. As it stands, the fleet-footed winger has been on a mini charge of late, with five goals and an assist in five games. Stay closely tuned to how this plays out.Columbus Blue Jackets: While Sergei Bobrovsky deserves a healthy serving of credit for the Blue Jackets current success, the former Vezina trophy winner cant suit up each and every game. Which inspired Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch to suggest the club may look to improve their goaltending ranks nearer the trade deadline.Theyve started turning to Curtis McElhinney in a more realistic way of late. He was great in Phoenix. I suspect he plays on this road trip. Youre right, they cant play [Bobrovsky] on a 70-game pace. If they hit the trade deadline in a really good spot, I could see them making a move for a veteran backup on the cheap. Maybe a guy who could be the back-up next season. Im not sure where theyre going with Joonas Korpisalo or Anton Forsberg right now. It could be a few years before you want those guys -- at their ages -- playing once every two weeks in the NHL. See where it goes, but its an interesting position.So there appears little point to investing in McElhinney in deeper leagues as a gamble against Bobrovskys continued good health. However, the Jackets current No. 2 still sports enticing potential as a cheap, occasional asset in DFS whenever he does get the chance to start.Dallas Stars: Shelved a second time this season with a concussion, forward Patrick Sharp is back skating with the Stars. Good news, surely, but theres still no timetable for the veteran forwards return.Detroit Red Wings: Label them however you like, but Jimmy Howard -- not anointed No. 1 Petr Mrazek -- appears to be coach Jeff Blashills goaltender of choice. The proof is partially provided by Blashill turning back to Howard for Thursdays tilt versus the visiting Kings, despite Howard earning the altogether unanticipated loss to the Coyotes Tuesday. Howard is owned in 33 percent of ESPN leagues, while Mrazek is spoken for in 65 percent.Edmonton Oilers: Oilers announcer Bob Stauffer suggests the team should be interested in trading for Jarome Iginla. While Stauffer is admittedly treading in speculative waters, such a deal would undoubtedly inspire the fantasy heavyweight of yore -- who revealed he would consider waiving his no-trade clause -- to reclaim a fraction of his former glory (perhaps on a power play with Connor McDavid?). Thirty-nine, shmirty-nine; Iginla is still better than his current pace of seven points in 28 games with the Avalanche.Florida Panthers: Some good news amidst all the dramatic muck in Florida: Jonathan Huberdeau (Achilles tendon) has started skating. While Huberdeau probably remains about a month away from returning, fantasy owners whove waited this long can likely endure another four weeks (and wed bet on the under).Los Angeles Kings: While updating the health status of Jonathan Quick -- later amending the netminders projected return date to mid-February -- Kings GM Dean Lombardi insisted he wouldnt sell the farm to upgrade his team at the goalie position:According to Dean Lombardi, Quick is out until March. Lombardi not ready to throw the kitchen sink at teams goaltending problem.- Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) December 14, 2016Though hes hit some speed bumps recently, Peter Budaj has been reasonably consistent for the Kings altogether. Is there an upgrade to be had for sane cost? Not an obvious one.Additional Kings notes: Drew Doughty skipped Thursdays mornings skate in Detroit, as the defenseman is suspected to be bothered by a lower-body injury. Backup Jeff Zatkoff is tapped to start against the Red Wings.Montreal Canadiens: While the Canadiens are no less wanting for help at center this week over last, the status quo endures, with Alex Galchenyuk, David Desharnais out long-term. As such, dont disregard Tomas Plekanecs mildly bloated fantasy value as the clubs uncontested top-tier ccenterman.dddddddddddd Splitting wingers Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov, Plekanec recently notched four assists against the Avalanche. Owned in 52 percent of ESPN leagues, he might be available in yours. Also look to the 34-year-old in DFS when the matchup is favorable.Minnesota Wild: If it aint busted, dont try to fix it. Riding a six-game winning streak, Bruce Boudreau is leaving his lines well enough alone for Thursdays contest in Nashville. One standout from the forward gaggle is sleeper Jason Zucker -- skating alongside center Mikko Koivu -- who has four goals and six assists in 10 games. Also, the head coach offers that Zach Parise might finally be breaking out of his mediocre funk, via the Star Tribune:Boudreau admits he has been concerned that Zach Parise, who has five goals, isnt putting up his usual numbers. But Tuesday, Parise scored a goal with a quick release, had six shots, five takeaways and was a thorn in the side, Boudreau said. Those are the things that make Zach Parise a great hockey player. Were hoping hes just starting to get his groove a little bit.With five goals and six assists in 21 games, Parise serves as a ripe buy-low option, with heaps of upside.Nashville Predators: The Predators have once again swapped supporting goaltenders, promoting Juuse Saros while demoting Marek Mazanec back to the AHL. Fact is, whoever serves as backup in Nashville wont see much action as long as Pekka Rinne remains fit. However, its worth noting that Saros -- the better of the two understudies -- is likely to be Rinnes eventual successor. That should intrigue owners in keeper leagues. Saros also merits consideration as an under-the-radar asset in DFS when active.New Jersey Devils: Due back in the Devils lineup after taking a puck to the mouth earlier this month, Pavel Zacha is slated to skate on an even-strength line and power-play unit with Michael Cammalleri against the Blues on Thursday. Thats a bit different, but not so jarring, considering the Devils three-game losing streak. Bolder DFS competitors may want to give the rookie forward a whirl in GPPs as long as he maintains the assignment.New York Islanders: Goalie Thomas Greiss is projected to start versus the visiting Blackhawks Thursday. Riding a three-game win streak, and boasting a better record than Jaroslav Halak, Greiss nonetheless faces a tough task in beating a red-hot Chicago squad.New York Rangers: After sitting out four games with a groin issue, forward Rick Nash is eyeing a return for the Rangers on Thursday in Dallas. The power forward could see limited minutes before eventually reclaiming a spot in the top six.Ottawa Senators: The Senators net belongs to Mike Condon for the immediate future. No. 1 Craig Anderson (personal) isnt expected back for a while. Following a run of four good-to-super starts, including two shutouts, Condon -- owned in 17.5 percent of ESPN leagues -- has struggled in his last three appearances.Philadelphia Flyers: An update from the infirmary in Philly: Both Sean Couturier (knee) and Matt Read (abdomen) have skated for the first time since sustaining their respective injuries. While Read is likely a couple weeks off, Couturier could return for the Flyers as early as next week. Cant imagine theres any rush here though, as the Flyers have won 10 straight.Pittsburgh Penguins: Look for a red-hot Justin Schultz to see a greater share of prime power-play minutes -- alongside Trevor Daley -- as Kris Letang sits out the next couple of weeks with a lower-body injury. Owned in 42 percent of ESPN leagues, Schultz has five goals and seven assists in his last eight games -- and a plus-12 rating! -- including two points with the extra skater in two recent contests. Take advantage before this productive spell thins out.San Jose Sharks: Were about to get our first regular-season look at prospect Timo Meier in a Sharks sweater. Called up from the AHL, Meier is projected to make his NHL debut Friday in Montreal. Selected ninth overall in 2015, the 20-year-old has nine goals and six assists in 17 games with the Barracuda. Keeper-league owners may want to jump on this young lad before he makes any real noise. And dont be surprised if he fills a top-six role right away.St. Louis Blues: If youre concerned about Jake Allen getting a break after a run of five games in a busy week -- and a most recent sub-standard appearance versus Nashville -- dont be. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock has little inclination to switch it up between the pipes.Hes our guy, youve got to stick with him, Hitchcock said, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. These are the adversity and growing pains you go through as a young starting goalie. Youve got to learn to fight through this stuff, youve got to learn to battle through this stuff. It cant be just one way. You dont get to be a starting goalie without having to go through all the adversity that young guys have to go through. Sure hes got some bumps in the road but we trust him. Weve got a lot of faith in him, and for us, were going to just flat stick with him.Hitchcock also mentioned he isnt worried about over-working Allen. The Blues No. 1 has started 24 games this season. Backup Carter Hutton has started six.Tampa Bay Lightning: Ondrej Palat suffered an undisclosed injury in Wednesdays 6-3 win over Calgary. Check the wingers status ahead of Tampas matchup with the Canucks Friday, as Palat had been skating on a productive line with Tyler Johnson. Nikita Kucherov is also considered day-to-day.Toronto Maple Leafs: So far, the signing of Karri Ramo to a professional tryout contract isnt panning out all that promisingly for the Maple Leafs organization. In three starts with the AHL Marlies, the experienced 30-year-old is 0-3 with a 3.80 GAA and .880 save percentage. Not good. As it stands, youngster Antoine Bibeau -- who was solid in his recent NHL debut, but realistically requires more seasoning in the minors -- remains understudy to Frederik Andersen.Vancouver Canucks: Reasonably, theres talk of cleaning house in Vancouver and (finally) moving some expensive vets as part of a tear-down/rebuild -- and that may include franchise icons Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. However, the twins control their own collective destiny, and cant be dealt unless they waive their no-trade clauses. So, as exciting a prospect this is for fantasy owners, and hockey fans in general, lets not hold our breath.Washington Capitals: Maybe youve noticed the Capitals re-configured second power-play unit has looked more effective of late. Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post outlines how one members gift at driving play into and through the offensive zone is partly to credit:Everything goes through forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, who cuts wide to the left and then speeds toward the net. From there, he can either shoot, with the hope that he either scores or generates a second scoring chance with a rebound. Or Kuznetsov can choose to pass the puck to one of the Capitals following him in, as Jakub Vrana and Justin Williams are also going to the net. Thats the formula thats created two power-play goals off the rush in the past three games.While its nice to see Kuznetsov warm up, hes virtually unavailable in any fantasy league worth its salt. On the other hand, Williams, and his four goals in four games, is available in nearly 70 percent of ESPN leagues. Meanwhile, Vrana, selected 13th overall in 2014, is just cracking the lid on his NHL career. Seven games in, the 20-year-old has three points in his past three contests, including a goal and assist with the man advantage. While the youngster is likely to return to the AHL at some point this season, he must be a consideration in serious keeper leagues. Goodness knows, the Capitals hold great expectations.Winnipeg Jets: Sportnets Elliotte Friedman suggests Ondrej Pavelec may get another go with the Jets if the Connor Hellebuyck/Michael Hutchinson tandem continues to falter. Pavelec has been better with the AHL Manitoba Moose in recent competition. Pavelec himself was pretty inconsistent during his recent NHL stead, but its worth keeping an eye on, in any case. ' ' '