There’s a new world record in town ….

heading somewhere fast

Yorkshireman Mike Hall has obliterated the round-the-world cycle record, arriving back in Greenwich on Monday just 91 days and 18 hours after his departure from the same point in February.

His monumental 18,000-mile ride, which works out at almost 200 miles a day, eclipses Alan Bate’s previous benchmark of 106 days by a full fortnight. Yet he still managed a wry apology to supporters at the finish line for being late after arriving later than planned just after midday.

Hall, who had a double reason to celebrate after turning 31 on the day of his return, didn’t have it all his own way during the race and a video he posted back in April in Australiademonstrated the physical and mental toll it was taking. He somehow managed to pull himself together and haul himself across the US and up through Europe.

“I think I had a lot of the emotions in the last few weeks on the roads,” he said. “It was quite difficult and I think it builds up – the stress.

“So I kind of released all that in the last few days. Now I just feel pretty calm, actually. There’s been some moments, some kind of breakdowns, but I keep the breakdowns on the bike, I don’t stop for those”

He believed there was further scope to shave even more time off the record and reckons “around the world in 80 days” is a legitimate target.

Hall becomes the latest in a long line of cyclists who have broken the record, which was kick-started in 2008 by Mark Beaumont, whose time of 194 days seems an age away. The man he replaces as the record holder, Alan Bate, received support at various points of his attempt, which makes his achievement all the more remarkable. The previous “unsupported” benchmark was Vin Cox with 163 days.

Monday brought to a close the World Cycle Racing Grand Tour, which saw 12 riders from around the globe depart from Greenwich Observatory on 18 February in pursuit of the record. Various accidents and incidents have befallen many and only four others are still on the road.

But it was clear from the outset only one man was capable of getting anywhere Bate’s record and in circumnavigating the world in under 92 days, Hall has ridden his way into the record books.

CYCLING HERO – Do you think you cycled far? – Tommy Godwin’s ‘unbreakable’ cycling record

Tommy Godwin cycled the equivalent of three times around the world in a year. It has been described as an “unbreakable” record. I only just heard about him after some news about him came out saying he was carrying the torch prior to the olympics and at the cyclist reference I had no clue …. luckily wikipedia and some googling came to light. According to Singletrack the chap Dave Bartlett is writing a book which will be good to read … he was also badly quoted in this shoddy BBC article … but you get an idea of the legend that was/is Tommy Godwin.

In 1939, Tommy Godwin rode 75,065 miles in a single year to set an endurance riding record that some believe will never be beaten.

In fact, he kept on going until 14 May 1940, setting the record for the time taken to ride 100,000 miles.

Born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1912, Godwin would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. But unfortunately, Godwin’s record is now largely forgotten.

The Year Record has fallen out of fashion and is no longer the coveted cycling achievement it used to be.

Imagine spending every day in the saddle for 18 hours, covering over 200 miles, repairing any mechanical failures, picking yourself up after crashes and then riding even further the next day to make up lost time.

When I tell other cyclists about the record, they simply don’t believe it’s possible”

Dave Barter – Year Record historian

The distance is the equivalent of three times around the world in a single year, or riding from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back every week. 1443 miles per week – for transatlantic readers or those more worldly – that is Boston to Miami EVERY WEEK for a year.

It was all achieved on a heavy steel bike with only four gears. Yet more than 70 years later, the record still stands.

‘Beyond the limit’

“It’s those statistics that make the record virtually unbreakable,” said Dave Barter, a keen cyclist who is writing a book about the Year Record.

“I’ve gone through his mileage diaries and painstakingly recreated each day’s mileage into a spreadsheet.

“Sometimes he survived on four hours’ sleep and there were probably days when he didn’t even bother and just carried on and kipped in a field for an hour.

Godwin had to learn how to walk normally again when he finished the challenge

“He pushed it [the record] beyond the limit of any mere mortal.

“I worked with a guy who tried it again this year – he lasted about a month and a half.

“The essence of it is that for a year you have to completely give up your whole life.

“When I tell other cyclists about the record, they simply don’t believe it’s possible.”

‘Butcher’s bike’

Godwin’s daughter, Barbara Ford, described her father as “hard as nails” but also said that he was really “a big softie”.

“There was nothing he wouldn’t tackle or do, and nothing he wouldn’t do to help anyone.”

“At 14, he used to ride a bike in a pair of shoes he’d borrowed from the lady next door.

“He’d get on an iron-framed butcher’s bike and cycle a road race of 25 miles and win it.

“He never bragged or told anyone. He was so unassuming and didn’t want any fuss.

“He once saved a woman from a fire, and after checking she was ok, he simply got on his bike and carried on riding.

“All his cups and trophies, he gave away. It wasn’t that he was ungrateful – he just didn’t need any recognition.

“When they unveiled a plaque in his honour someone asked me what my dad would have said. I told them he wouldn’t have turned up.

“Everyone should have had the privilege of meeting Tommy Godwin, because he was just so lovely.

“I remember asking him why he attempted the record.

“He just said: ‘Why not? Why did Mallory Hillary climb Everest? Because it’s there.’

“He did it just because he loved cycling so much.

“Guinness did say that my dad’s record would always be safe. They won’t accept a challenge because they think it’s too dangerous.”

‘Unimaginable constitution’

Godwin often slept in a field to get some well-earned rest

There are also issues over verification: it would be all too easy for a rider these days to swap a tracking unit with other riders.

Tracking devices did not exist in 1939, so Godwin’s mileage was verified by respected figures such as police officers, and posted daily to Cycling – the magazine that originally set up the challenge.

Stoke-on-Trent cycling legend Brian Rourke said: “In theory, the record should be breakable because new road surfaces and modern bikes offer a huge advantage.

“They can do 500 miles in a day now. But to do over 200 miles, every day for a year, on a three-speed bike made of steel, is basically impossible.

“Nobody could ever match his record. Even if it was broken, the conditions just aren’t comparable.” After the feat, Godwin had to learn to walk normally again and uncurl his hands. Yet within weeks, he was serving his country in the RAF.

“I honestly don’t know how he did it. His constitution is just unimaginable,” said Mr Rourke.

“He is totally unique – someone the world will never see the likes of again.”

Here is a clip of him speaking ( a different tommy see more below) – what a geezer and no mention of his amazing year feat JUST the olympic medals …… (which is why no mention – I am an idiot)