May
15
If you find it hard sometimes to get motivated to go to the gym and ride the stationary bike before or after work, here is a story that might inspire you…
According to the Chicago Tribune story Aurora man pedals into Guinness Book of Records by Joel Hood…
“May 12, 2008 - Battling exhaustion and severe muscle fatigue, a retired drug enforcement officer from Aurora, IL pedaled into the Guinness Book of Records on Monday morning, after riding more than 176 consecutive hours on a stationary bike.
George Hood’s marathon journey began at 9 p.m. May 4 and spanned parts of nine days at the Fry Family YMCA in Naperville. He eclipsed the previous record of 175 hours, 50 minutes at about 5:40 a.m. Monday, then stretched it another two hours before being helped off the bike to a chorus of cheers from dozens of family members, friends and volunteers who helped support him during the week.
“My body took a beating,” he said. “My quads are very sore, and I’m stiff. But it’s nothing a hot bath won’t cure.”
A Guinness official was present Monday to witness Hood breaking the record. However, his official time has yet to be recorded and, he said, could exceed 180 hours after his log of rest periods is examined. Guinness rules allow riders to rest for five minutes for every hour in the saddle, time riders typically use to stretch, go to the bathroom and sleep. But riders don’t have to stop each hour and are able to stockpile five-minute breaks for longer periods of rest.
Over the course of the nine days, Hood slept a combined 9 hours, 36 minutes in 10- and 12-minute spurts. He traveled an estimated 2,600 miles and burned nearly 47,000 calories. He also raised about $30,000 for YMCA charities.
Hood and his supporters said they are hoping the record will be certified before the next edition of the Guinness Book of Records goes to print in June.”
