HHS Alums Conquer ‘Huracan 300’ Bikepacking Challenge

If you had told Ryan Silva and Austin Fausett back in 2004, when they were graduates of Horicon High School, that they would one day traverse the Florida wilderness on two wheels in a single push, they likely would have thought you were crazy.
Yet, as they both turn 40 this year, the two HHS graduates—who became brothers-in-law when Ryan married Austin’s sister, Amber, in 2010—have proven that limits are meant to be redefined. On February 9th, the duo officially crossed the finish line of the Huracan 300, completing the grueling 330-mile self-supported trek in 2 days, 12 hours, and 20 minutes.
A Test of Resilience
The Huracan 300 is notorious for its unforgiving terrain, consisting of deep sand, thick mud, and remote forest trails. For Silva and Fausett, the challenge was as much about logistics as it was about physical endurance. On the first night, after riding 90 miles, the brothers camped in 29-degree cold and were shaken by the humidity that made Florida feel colder than they had anticipated.
Midway through the journey, faced with the daunting “Green Swamp” and concerns about water and food resupply, the pair made the strategic decision to camp at Willow Tree. It was a calculated pause before an epic finale. On their last day, the pair broke camp in the pitch black at 4 a.m., embarking on a massive 162.5-mile final stint through the Green Swamp and the Citrus Wildlife Management Area.

“It was a big undertaking, but we were both committed to the finish on Monday night,” said Fausett.
“It was an epic route, with single track, gravel, and sandy roads. It was invaluable to be able to share the experience with my brother. We both picked each other up when we would bonk or feel defeated, and we pushed each other to keep moving forward towards Shangri-La,” said Silva.
From Local Roads to Ultra-Endurance
The pair’s commitment to ultra-endurance has deepened in recent years. While Fausett focuses on half-ironman events and sprint triathlons, Silva has expanded his discipline to 200-mile bike rides and ultra-running over 32 miles, both demonstrating a dedication to pushing the limits of human resilience.
In 2023 and 2024, Silva competed in the Frigid Fox winter 64-mile trail running event and the Coast to Coast 204-mile bike ride across the state of Michigan. With the Huracan 300 checked off the list, Silva is already looking toward his next horizon: the Midwest States 100-mile run in 2026.
Their shared journey began with a personal mission, cycling in Santa Rosa, California, in 2022 and 2023 for the charity Chefs Cycle No Kid Hungry as Team Rainbow Room, an homage to Connie Fausett’s classroom at Van Brunt Elementary. This commitment quickly evolved into tackling major Midwestern endurance events. The brothers recently took on the Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder in Michigan, a grueling 204-mile single-day relay ride. In 2025, their consistent training saw them successfully complete the Door County Triathlon 70.3.
The Power of Growth and Mental Health
For Fausett, these miles represent more than just a physical hobby; they are a cornerstone of his well-being. “I had no idea I could be capable of riding 100 miles,” he admits, recalling the early days when a 13-mile ride would leave him sore for days. “Riding gives me a sense of accomplishment each day. It’s been an amazing thing for my mental health, and I have to thank the friends who got me started.”
As they return to the familiar routes closer to home, Silva and Fausett leave behind a trail of 330 miles of Florida dirt and a powerful reminder that the greatest adventures often begin well into adulthood.