Cycling is an activity that can be truly customised to suit your ability and preferences. Unlike many forms of exercise that necessitate a certain level of fitness in order to enjoy them, cycling can be just as pleasurable as a beginner as it is for the hardcore mountain bikers.
Whether you decide to explore a new country by bike, stopping at your leisure to discover villages and areas of natural beauty along the way, or you choose to face the challenge of winding your way up a mountain, cycling is what you make of it.
Here we take a look at 5 inspiring cycling achievements throughout cycling history; in homage to the athletes who faced some of the cycling world’s biggest challenges and conquered them.
Photo: David Carroll.
In 2001, cyclist Gethin Butler cycled from the south-western point of Land’s End to John O’Groats in the North East in one uninterrupted trip. And that’s not even the impressive part.
The popular 874 mile trip usually takes around three months to walk and two weeks to cycle. Extreme cyclist Butler spent just over 44 hours on the saddle – that’s a whole 12 days less than the majority of people who take on the mammoth course.
Photo: Daniel Burton.
On 2 December 2012, Utah-based Daniel Burton embarked on a mammoth ride to the South Pole – solo. 49-year-old Burton completed the 780 mile trek in 50 days, setting a new world record by making the journey across the continent on a bike.
The bike shop owner pieced his specially made fat bike (a bicycle with extra wide tyres designed to navigate sand and snow) with donations from manufacturers, but otherwise made the journey solo – without a support vehicle or sponsors to aid his expedition. Instead Burton relied entirely on a satellite phone that allowed him to maintain contact with his wife, four children and emergency help.
Photo: Andrew Last.
This Great British Olympian has almost too many achievements to list. So we’ll focus on his latest record breaking performance that cemented his status as Britain’s greatest cyclist.
On 7 June 2015, Sir Bradley set the new standard for Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Hour Record, riding 54.526km (33.88 miles) on the Lee Valley Velodrome in London and beating Alex Dowsett’s existing record of 52.937km (32.89 miles). The UCI Hour Record is the record set for the longest distance made on bike from a stationary start in one hour.
Photo: Abi Kant.
In 2011, Wolfgang Mader cycled between Telfs and Mosern in his native Austria in just 48 hours. That’s 25,346 metres (or 83,156ft), and meant cycling up the mountain between Telfs and Mosern 46 times, which is the vertical distance of 551 metres.
Photo: Vittorio Innocente.
Finishing off our list of 5 great cycling feats is Vittorio Innocente’s record-breaking underwater ride. The Italian mounted his bike at a depth of 28 metres (92ft) and pedalled along a 109.73 metre (360ft) long underwater slope.
The 62-year-old broke his own record in 2008 by cycling 49 metres further than his attempt three years previously.
Our carefully planned walking and cycling holidays in locations all around the world let you explore at your own pace, with time to take in the local culture, history and nature along your route. Hand-picked family-run accommodation provides welcoming comfort at the end of each day, with every hotel and guest-house being chosen for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food featuring regional specialities, and unique character.
