Following Alex’s World Over 75 Mountain Running Gold Medal in 2008, not to be tempted into athletic retirement and TV sofa interviews he set, amongst many other pursuits, a new objective to bust the formidable world record for not being beaten by Guinness World Record rules. We believe this is currently held by Alex’s junior Carnethy colleague Bob Johnson who became the Guinness World Record holder for Fastest Marathon dressed up as Mr Potato Head.
Today, Alex heading East from Bettyhill completes a Lands End to John o’ Groats scenic bike route after 18 days on the road. This was not a minimum distance/resistance least-hills route, but a fantastic minor roads scenic and hilly minimal traffic route devised by Cycling UK (former CTC). Next will follow weeks of official scrutineering by Guinness World Records to confirm that he has complied with their Rules Manual on avoidance of drafting, record keeping, witness statements etc. stopping just short of rules on shorts padding and bum cream chemistry. Joking apart, once ratified, as Bob J found, this will become more a triumph of overcoming bureaucracy than cycling prowess, itself no mean achievement which Alex would be the first to admit was a jolly good holiday with three generations of his strictly non-draughting family and friends.
You can read all the details here: https://www.oldesttocyclelejog.com/blog while Alex closes on a Thurso pub with, no doubt, a pint of free Guinness.
Bloody marvellous Alex for an 85th birthday project!!
Keith Burns