Guinness World Record for Tim Moss

London-based adventurer, Tim Moss has just been awarded the Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Rickshaw Ride, for his 31 day 1,000 mile rickshaw journey in 2010 from Aviemore Scotland to West Molesey, England to raise awareness for Special Olympics Great Britain.

“The longest journey by rickshaw was made by Tim Moss (UK) who cycled 1,377.96 km (856.22 mi) from Aviemore, Scotland to West Molesey, England, from 26 April to 19 May 2010. The rickshaw Tim used for his attempt was a second-hand, box-standard, three-wheeled rickshaw, capable of carrying passengers. Throughout his journey, Tim visited several Special Olympics locations as his journey was made to raise money for the Special Olympics Great Britain. He rode solo for most of his journey, but did, on occasion, pick up a passenger or two.” Guinness World Records state.

According to Moss, “The official record is only for 856 miles. That’s because I went via my parents’ house on the ride and, apparently, if you go home at any point during a record attempt, it automatically comes to an end. I hadn’t read that before I departed so I still kept evidence right the way up to the 1,000 mile mark.” See journey here.

A team of riders from London rickshaw company Bug Bugs, formed a ‘guard of honour’, as Moss powered through the finishing line outside City Hall to break the world record for miles travelled, cheered on by employees from Special Olympics GB’s Premier Partner National Grid.

The distance between Aviemore and London is only 529 miles as the crow flies but Moss planned a scenic route, visiting all of Special Olympic GB’s 19 regions and many of its 135 clubs and meeting its athletes and volunteers along the way.

“It’s been a long time coming but this official confirmation from Guinness World Records means so much to me. It was a hard journey — especially in the Scottish Highlands! But it was fantastic to meet all the Special Olympics athletes and help create a bit of awareness for the charity. I don’t think enough people are aware of the year-round sports opportunities they offer for anyone with a learning disability.” Moss adds.

For nearly 35 years, Special Olympics Great Britain has been providing daily, year-round sports training and competition programmes in England, Scotland and Wales for children and adults with learning disabilities of all ability levels.

Special Olympics is the third member of the Olympic family and is often confused with the Paralympics which is for elite disabled athletes. Both are Olympics and both are Special.

Stats and Highlights from the 31 Day Ride:

· Average speed: 7.71 mph

· Top speed: 28.8 mph

· Longest day: 74 miles (roughly Hereford to Oxford)

·Average daily distance: 40 miles (not including rest days)

·Fastest day: 9.82 mph (Aldershot to West Molesey, 33 miles)

·Slowest day: 5.23 mph (Shrewsbury-Bishop’s Castle)

· Distance without using front brakes: 138 miles (Aviemore to Edinburgh)

· Number of angry car honks: 10

· Number of supportive car honks: 77

· Number of hills too steep to cycle: 0

· Punctures: 5 (of which self-inflicted during repairs: 3)

· Actual Distance travelled: 1,001 miles

· Top speed: 28.8 mph

· Times I was turned away asking for permission to camp in a farmer’s field: 0

· Number of times I had to get off and push: 0

· Steepest gradient: 20% (Winnats Pass, Peak District; I went down it!)

· Number of overtakes: 3 (twice teenage girls and once a guy towing a trailer)

· Distance cycled without using front brakes: 138 miles (Aviemore to Edinburgh)

· Number of impromptu standing ovations: 1 (a family who parked at the top of a hill to greet me)

· Number of kids taken to school in the morning: 3 (brothers in Rockcliffe)