American cyclist aims to break Strava record with a 950-mile cross spanning three states
The Guinness World Record attempt will traverse three state lines and is expected to take seven days to finish
The group of four friends recently recognized by Strava and the Guinness World Records for creating the largest ever GPS drawing made by bicycle had better enjoy their fame while it lasts because an ultracyclist from Indiana is coming for the record this spring.
The current record takes the shape of a huge velociraptor in the middle of France. This intricate 1025-kilometer (763-mile) design took the cyclists 43 hours, 47 minutes and 26 seconds over six days to complete.
But with his cross design already approved by Guinness World Records, Dave Schweikert hopes to break the record by nearly 300 miles.
Schweikert, an engineering manager at Zipp and already a two-time world record holder, has been planning his endeavor for over a year. Come May, he aims to break the Guinness World Record with a 950-mile bike route in the shape of a colossal Latin cross.
"My backstory is that I like taking on big cycling challenges. And I always do these challenges for charity," Schweikert told Cycling Weekly. "Doing crazy things that are a little bit fun and bring some attention and raise money is kind of my niche."
As with his previous 'challenges,' Schweikert will raise funds for World Bicycle Relief (WBR), an international non-profit organization specializing in large-scale bicycle distribution programs in developing countries around the world.
The world's largest cross
"The cross has meaning for me personally but for the message I want to share with people, you don't have to be religious for it to resonate," said Schweikert. "It's about me using my 'gifts', if you will, of riding a bike long distances to help others. The idea is around doing something that comes naturally to you to help others. I hope that is what resonates."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Despite the simple appearance, Schweikert said the cross was neither his first design nor the easiest.
"I spent dozens and dozens of hours trying to find enough straight roads. And that's why I chose where I'm doing it because it's really hard, for an image this big, to find that many straight roads without a mountain or a lake or something that gets in the way," he said.
The, what's likely to be, world's largest Latin cross will traverse three state lines — Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota— and use unpaved, gravel roads for at least 35% of its distance. The rough terrain will slow the pace but even so, Schweikert hopes to complete the course in seven days.
According to the Guinness World Records rules, a rider can stop and pause the ride in order to find food or water or to rest somewhere that isn't on course. The extra mileage won't count toward the record attempt and the rider is required to keep detailed records of any course deviations. Schweikert plans to bring a superlight bikepacking setup to sleep along the course, which includes remote stretches where lodgings aren't nearby.
The food, rest, and even the mileage doesn't seem to concern Schweikert too much. The biggest challenge, he said, will be "dealing with the unexpected".
"I think the biggest challenge will be discovering a bridge or a detour somewhere."
'You're never too old'
This year's Guinness World Record attempt is far from Schweikert's biggest, or craziest, cycling endeavors.
The 55-year-old Ohio native has racked up some impressive feats in recent years, including riding 17,132 miles in the year 2020, a 3600-mile solo ride across the United States in 28 days, and completing a total of 376.4 miles in 24 hours around a roundabout.
For 24 hours straight, Schweikert rode circles around the same roundabout in Carmel, Indiana, to earn his first world record.
Schweikert was also part of a group of 24 athletes who set the Guinness World Record for the longest spin class. In 2019, Schweikert and his fellow record holders pedaled to nowhere for 28 long consecutive hours.
What's perhaps most remarkable is that Schweikert didn't become a cyclist until he was 40.
"You're never too old and I don't really consider myself a special athlete. I just think that people are capable of much more than they realize and our minds are what hold us back," Schweikert said.
"So there's that element for me of just trying to inspire people to go, take out a big challenge, whatever that is, whether it's on a bike or anything else, and just go big."
You can be part of the record-breaking attempt
Inspired? Then Schweikert would love for you to follow him along, support his charities or, better yet, join him for some miles in May.
Not only would he enjoy the company; Guinness World Record also requires evidence and witnesses to submit a record attempt.
Weather permitting, he plans on setting out on Saturday, May 27. He'll be wearing a GPS tracker and people can follow him online. A link will be posted on his website and social media ahead of time.
"Come ride a few miles with me. And maybe, throw in a dollar for every mile," said Schweikert. "It's fun to participate in a world record attempt, and we raise some money along the way."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Cycling Weekly's North American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.
Originally from The Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a cycling journalist for 11 years.
-
Forget Spain and France, your next touring trip should be in Albania
Hungry for a touring destination less ordinary, Simon Thomas sets the controls for southern Albania and North Macedonia
By Simon Thomas Published
-
Genesis Croix de Fer 30 review: a bike for life and all of life's adventures
The newly updated Croix de Fer stays true to its 'do it all' roots but with an eye to the future. It's now more capable than ever.
By Rachel Sokal Published
-
Strava says its new AI feature is 'not a novelty' - but I think it's pointless
It promises to help users understand stats more, although it has just left me feeling more confused
By Adam Becket Published
-
Strava introduces new artificial intelligence feature for subscribers
Athlete Intelligence will take workout data and translate it into personalised insights
By Adam Becket Published
-
Strava introduces new feature which brings privacy settings up to speed
Quick Edit option allows users to hide specific workout data the moment they open the app
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'It was a nice break' - Cycling sensation 'on holiday' breaks Zoncolan, Stelvio and Giau Strava records
Hill climber Illi Gardner added more iconic climbs to her trophy cabinet
By Tom Davidson Published
-
You can now pay a 'mule' to earn your kudos - we went inside the murky world of Strava jockeys
We asked someone to ride 100 miles for us, and uncovered a network of moral dilemmas
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Shaved arms, special tyres, and an 11-page plan: How one rider masterminded his way to Strava's most popular KOM
Dom Jackson's Box Hill coup was a team effort, fuelled by rice and sweets
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Strava rolls out shared subscription plan for any 4 friends, family members or teammates
Strava aims to enhance the benefits of community with the launch of a new Family Plan that can be shared among any four friends, family members or teammates.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
'Haters gonna flag' - Tadej Pogačar flagged again on Strava after dominant ride at Giro d’Italia
Slovenian flagged after queen stage victory in Livigno before being flagged on stage 17 in the Dolomites
By Tom Thewlis Published