Kevin Record Begins Bicycle Journey Around the World

At 65 years old, Kevin Record, affectionately known as the “Crazy Coach,” is embarking on an extraordinary mission: to become the oldest person to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle. Record launched his mission from Leon High School on Tuesday, where he is taking a leave of absence as the tennis coach and a teacher.

Record aims to cover over 20,000 miles of cycling, supplemented by necessary flights over oceans, totaling approximately 24,000 miles—the Earth’s circumference. His route includes two antipodal points: Madrid, Spain, and Wellington, New Zealand, adhering to Guinness World Records’ requirements for such an endeavor.

“My plan is to go 22,000 miles, roughly 20 countries, and I get 14 months to do it,” Record says.

Record has biked across the United States four times. Now, he’s opting for a much bigger expanse as he raises money for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of his late parents.

He’ll be camping 60-80% of the time. Other times he’ll be in hostels, staying with friends, and maybe even staying in churches. Friends and family will join up with him at various stops along the way, and he knows he’ll make friends.

“There’s so much kindness and so much adventure out there,” Record says. “When people see you coming on a bike, and you’re a pretty harmless guy…it’s very easy to meet others.”

Record is keeping a laid-back stance, saying he should probably be more concerned than he is.

“I’ve come to embrace uncertainty. I think I’m wired for this. I just feel better when I’m on a bicycle. Riding that bike all day, I feel like a little kid again,” Record says. “Life is uncertain. This is highly uncertain, but I’m embracing that, and I really can’t wait to see how it unfolds.”

Throughout his voyage, Record plans to share his experiences via daily updates on social media platforms and a weekly podcast titled “Tuesday Night from The Tent,” offering followers an intimate glimpse into the trials and triumphs of his global trek. Supporters can track his real-time location through his official website, fostering a sense of community and shared adventure.

For more information or to support Kevin Record’s mission, visit crazycoach4therecords.com. You can follow Record’s social media accounts for updates: Facebook: @kevin.record.5, Instagram: @kevin.record.5, YouTube: @skrappytennis and TikTok: @kevinrecord68.