Just entered into the Guinness Book of World Records, Brendan Walsh’s sub 12-day ride from Madawaska, Maine to Key West, Florida set the record for the Fastest Crossing of America by Bicycle (North to South). Learn more about his goal to raise $10,000 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) here, plus photos from his trip and a complete gear list…

Words and photos by Brendan Walsh (@bicyclebrendan)

On May 7th, 2019, during a morning training ride to Walden Pond, I was struck by an oncoming car. The 50mph collision speed tossed me into the air and subsequently bounced me off the ground. I was transported to the nearest ER for a dozen tests: x-rays, cat scans, etc. I limped out of the emergency room with no broken bones, but a severe concussion, damage to my left meniscus and right ankle, and PTSD. Unfortunately, Gary Truman, the bike I was going to ride, was totaled. This has not stopped this mission, only fueled it more. Through support of everyone we gain the courage to move forward. This is only built into the mission’s true purpose, inspiring those who can’t!

  • Brendan Walsh usa record 2020
  • Brendan Walsh usa record 2020
Brendan Walsh usa record 2020

On September 30th, 2019, I left on a journey down Atlantic Coast of the United States. From Madawaska, Maine, on the border of Canada to the southern most point Key West, Florida, I rode for 11 days, 9 hours, and 33 minutes, covering 2,288 miles and set a new Guinness World Record for the Fastest Crossing of America by Bicycle (North to South). My mission is to raise $10,000 for NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, with this adventure. I’ve lost multiple friends to the terrible disease called depression, and suffer from it myself, which helps me empathize with others. My hope is to inspire others to ride, run, swim, ski, and hike their ways to a clearer, happier life. Through endurance sports like cycling, I have found a better version of myself. You are not alone in life’s journey!

  • Total Mileage: 2,288.47 miles
  • Furthest Day: 221.4 miles
  • Longest Day: 20 hours, 8 minutes
  • Average Miles/Day: 200.83 miles
  • Total $ Raised for NAMI: $6,149
  • NAMI Fundraiser Goal: $10,000

Bike Details

  • Bike: GT Grade Carbon 53cm
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra
  • Gearing: 50/34 11-32
  • Brakes: TRP Spyre Mechanical
  • Saddle: ISM PN 3.1
  • Bars: Whiskey Parts Co No.07 12F Alloy, Profile Design Clip-on Aero bars
  • Wheels: Dt Swiss R470 32/36
  • Hubs: Schmidt Son 28 (front), Hope Pro 4 (rear)
  • Tires: Continental Grand Prix 4-season
  • Front Lighting: Sinewaves Beacon, NiteRider Lumina 900
  • Rear Lighting: NiteRider Solas 250, Serfas Thunderbolt- 3
Brendan Walsh usa record 2020

Electronics

  • Garmin Fenix 5x Watch
  • Garmin 520
  • SPOT GEN3
  • iPhone 7
  • Rav Power 10,000mAh power bank
  • Anker 4 port brick

Clothing

  • GoreTex Rain Jacket
  • GoreTex Rain Pants
  • Pearl Izumi hi-viz Shoe Covers
  • Sugoi RC Pro chamois (2)
  • Giro cycling gloves
  • Sugoi knee warmers
  • Smartwool socks
  • Darn Tough cycling socks

Sleep System

  • Black Diamond Twilight Bivy
  • LL Bean down jacket
  • Klymit X-lite 3/4 sleeping pad

Bags

  • Revelate Designs Mountain Feed Bags (2)
  • Revelate Designs Gas Tank
  • Revelate Designs Tangle Frame Bag (small)
  • Revelate Designs Terrapin 8L Seat Pack
  • Camelback 2L hydration pack

Tools

  • Pedros mini tool
  • Park Tool Patch Kit
  • Spare Tube (3)
  • Zip ties taped to rear triangle
  • Tyre levers (4)
  • Spare brake/shift cables
  • Spare brake pads
  • Patch repair kit- half self-stick, half glue
  • Extra AAA batteries for SPOT

You can learn more about Brendan’s record-setting ride at GuinessWorldRecords.com. To help him reach his $10,000 goal for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, you can donate here.

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