Willkie Sprint

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

By: Kerry Hellmuth

Narrated by: Kerry Hellmuth

In the triumphal spirit of Breaking Away comes the unforgettable true story of the first women's Little 500 race at Indiana University.

In 1987 four young women from different walks of life enrolled at Indiana University. No one knew that these four freshmen would defy the odds and go down in history as the underdog team to win the first ever women's Little 500 bicycle race the following spring. Willkie Sprint is the inspiring true story of that year of wonder and challenge, of the unbreakable bond they forged, and of the race they were determined to win.

Kerry Hellmuth, a member of the legendary team Willkie Sprint, tells of that remarkable year of finding friendship and competitive purpose with her teammates, discovering the many beauties of Bloomington and the surrounding countryside from her bicycle, and embracing a larger world of insight and women's rights through the guidance of remarkable professors. Hellmuth soon realized that her team did not ride alone: they rode to victory on the shoulders of so many bold and visionary women who came before, including the team of upperclassmen whose belief and perseverance had helped found the women's Little 500 race and who were the heavy favorites to win in its inaugural year.

Willkie Sprint relives the thrilling race across 100 grueling laps, not only making it a story for the history books but also serving as an inspiring testament to all women riders on that landmark day.

©2024 Kerry Hellmuth (P)2024 Kerry Hellmuth

Excellent, captivating story !!! Loved it !!

I loved this true story and the fact that it was narrated by the author herself. My boyfriend and I listened to it on a road trip in two sittings! While the story is about the first woman’s Little 500 bicycle race at Indiana University in 1987, it is really a heart-warming narrative about friendship, going off to college, coming-of-age, setting goals, overcoming obstacles, first loves, family and feminism. That being said, the plot, which revolves around Kerry’s team and the bike race, is so exciting, interesting and inspiring. I literally felt like I was a spectator in the stands on the edge of my seat. It doesn’t matter whether you are a woman, a cyclist or an athlete. This book is for anyone. When it ended, it left me with a warm, sweet feeling and I was sad it was over. I can’t recommend it enough !

Loved it. Nice work.

An endearing story about her Little 500 experience. As a parent of a student planning to do the race this year, this was an especially fun listen.

A Fantastic Book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and Kerry's reading was excellent. Kerry's reading gives you a feel for the excitement of the race, the dedication of training, and coming of age in that time and that place. I recommend this book to everyone as it is so much more than the telling of a bike race.