Robert Murray from Alberta achieved the record for the greatest distance cycled (no hands) in a time of 5 hours and 37 minutes.
Alberta cyclist Robert Murray has secured a place in the Guinness World Records by covering a remarkable distance of 80.95 miles (roughly 130 km) on his bike—all without using his hands. Murray’s accomplishment not only stood as a significant personal victory but also functioned as a potent means of raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary.
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Guinness World Records officially recognised Murray’s feat, acknowledging him for achieving the greatest distance cycled (no hands) in a time of 5 hours and 37 minutes. The record-breaking ride was part of Murray’s broader initiative to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s, a cause that holds personal significance for him.
“Alzheimer’s is something that runs in my family, and I have since lost my grandma to the disease,” Murray shared in an interview with GWR. “Breaking a record and raising money for a cause near and dear to my heart was just a double win!”
Murray’s connection to cycling traces back to his childhood when he would pedal alongside his sister during early morning trips to the swimming pool. It was these early rides that ignited his love for long-distance cycling. At 15, he purchased his first road bike, the very same one he used to break the recent record.
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Despite facing challenges in the lead-up to the attempt, including a last-minute repair scramble for his bike, Murray said that he remained undeterred. A broken gear and a snapped bike seat, which turned out to be a fortuitous incident, didn’t shake his determination. The setbacks, however, became stepping stones to success.
Months of stressful preparations included securing a suitable venue, finding volunteers as witnesses and overcoming unexpected bike issues. Two days before the attempt, Murray’s bike seat broke, but this setback ultimately led to a crucial upgrade that contributed to his record-breaking achievement.
Murray’s proficiency in cycling without hands has become second nature to him over the years. This unique skill allowed him to multitask during his attempt, from massaging his legs to changing music tracks and texting.
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As he pushed through the distance during his training period, Murray’s body faced challenges, with his lower half falling asleep. Remarkably, having his hands free allowed him to massage his legs, overcoming this hurdle.
The day of the record attempt saw overwhelming support for Murray, with spectators, witnesses and timers rallying behind him. Even those who read about the event in the paper dropped by to witness the extraordinary feat of cycling without hands.
The cyclist’s focus remained steadfast until he surpassed the 122 km mark. Only in the final stretch did fatigue set in, but Murray, committed to reaching 130 km, powered through. There was, however, a momentary lapse around the 125 km mark, where he instinctively reached for the handlebars.
Reflecting on his journey, Murray expressed newfound confidence and pride. “Putting myself out there to the community put me in a very vulnerable position, especially if I was not able to actually beat the record.”
Looking ahead, Murray has plans to tackle another record, leveraging his side business selling ice cream on a bicycle in Calgary during the summers.
