Friday, August 14, 2015

  Youngest person to cycle around the world: Tom Davies sets world record (VIDEO)

LONDON, UK -- Tom Davies , 19, has completed an "amazing" 18,000 mile ( 30,000-kilometre) around-the-world cycling journey while raising £60,000 ($93,580) for charity; he completed the final leg in Dorset, after 6 months on the road, setting the the new world record for the Youngest person to cycle around the world, according to the World Record Academy .

  Photo: Tom Davies holds his arms aloft in triumph after crossing the finish line in south London. Photo: Tom Davies/Twitter ( enlarge photo )

The Guinness World Records' record for the youngest person to trek to the South Pole is Lewis Clarke (UK, b. 18 November 1997), who was 16 years 61 days when he reached the Geographic South Pole on 18 January 2014, having skied 1,123.61 km (698.18 miles; 606.7 nm) from Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf in a two-man unsupported and assisted expedition.

  Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the youngest Antarctic trekker; it was Teodor Johansen (b. 14 August 1991) who at 20 years, 4 months, and 29 days old successfully traversed Antarctica. He commenced his journey from the Axel Heiberg on 26 November 2011, reaching the South Pole on 18 December 2011 and ending at the Hercules Inlet on 12 January 2012. A total distance of 1,665 km was recorded to have been completed during a supported and wind-assisted team expedition.

     He was looking to become the youngest person to cycle around the world and although Guinness World Records do not recognise "youngest" records, the World Record Academy (which has unlimited categories) recognized his achievement.

    Mr Davies, who was first inspired when cycling with his father from London to Chamonix in the French Alps, described the trip as an enormous personal challenge.

    "It's been a lot of pain, a lot of suffering, so it's amazing to finish," the Guardian quoted him as saying. "Up to the 5 hour mark, the ride was fantastic. Unfortunately, it went slightly downhill after that.

    He ensured he adhered to key criteria on his trip such as using the same bike frame and starting and finishing at the same point.

   When asked about his achievement, Davies said that he had a difficult time riding through different terrain, weather and even against other drivers on the road. He said that he plans to give his legs at least two days to rest, but that he will be back to riding his bike again soon.

    Davies' journey around the world has allowed him to raise close to £60,000 ($93,580) for charity, pedaling on his bike for about 100 miles each day at a 17 miles per hour average speed.

     Related world records:  
Youngest pilot to fly around the world: Tan James Anthony breaks Guinness world record

Youngest pilot to fly around the world: Carlo Schmidt sets world record (PICS & VIDEOS)

Youngest person to sail solo round the world: Laura Dekker sets world record (Video)

Youngest person to ski to the South Pole: Amelia Hempleman-Adams sets world record (Video)

Youngest people to cycle the length of the Americas: twin brothers sets world record (Video)

Youngest to circumnavigate the globe: Jessica Watson

Youngest rower to cross an ocean solo: Katie Spotz

Youngest to sail solo around world: Zac Sunderland

Youngest passenger to fly in microgravity: Jules Nader

Youngest to solo airplane and helicopters on same day: Errick Smith