Halfmoon Bay's Bruce Gordon has pedaled more than 16,000 km so far in his quest to beat the Guinness World Record for fastest solo global circumnavigation by bicycle. Coast Reporter spoke with him as he entered Nova Scotia this week, giving the rider the chance to reflect on the journey so far.
"There have been many memorable moments. I think maybe evenings when I push on into the dark, past where I planned to stop. When the traffic disappears and I'm alone on the highway with the night sounds of the forests, or fields or desert. Especially on clear, warm nights. Those are the moments that really stick with me and make me so appreciative to be able to do something like this," Gordon said. "But crazy wind storms, torrential rainfalls, jam-packed rush hour through big cities, people's generosity, etc. There are many moments I won't ever forget."
Bruce set off on his around-the-world ride on April 8, attempting to beat the current record holder who completed the trek in 163 days, six hours and 58 minutes.
Bruce also chose to set some new records, being the first person from North America to attempt the ride, the first to choose to travel west and the first to use a recumbent bicycle.
In order to beat the current record holder, Gordon needs to travel an average daily distance of 178 km. He's been averaging 190 km.
"I don't think I'll have a problem beating the current record holder's time. Not that it's easy; it's tough. I'm determined, though. I hope to be back just before the end of August," Gordon said.
He thought the ride would be a lonely one, but he's been surprised to find people wanting to talk with him wherever he goes.
"I thought this was going to be quite a lonely experience, but you know, I meet and talk to people all the time. Other cyclists, travellers by motorcycle, caravans, folks at gas stations just filling up and curious about the bike or the ride, and friends on Twitter or Facebook or email," Gordon said.
He is thankful for the support from home that comes to him via the Internet, and he admits days when he doesn't have that connection are hard.
"I'd have to say, without a doubt, the hardest part of the journey has been the times when I can't get any WiFi or cell phone signal for days and can't communicate with my family," he said.
He hasn't had any mechanical problems with his bike, but he has had one injury so far that will forever be remembered as the kangaroo incident.
"I've had one injury, early in the adventure in Queensland, Australia. One evening at dusk doing about 30 kph, a kangaroo jumped out right in front of me. I didn't even have time to brake. I hit him, went down hard on the right and slid along the ground a little ways. I had torn shorts, road rash on my forearm and a dislocated pinky," he said.
The dislocation was serious, though, as is evident from a picture he posted showing it angled at 90 degrees from his hand with an obvious gash.
"It sounds funny, but it was dislocated at the first, second and third knuckle. It was cut open on the inside and bone was showing. I thought it was broken, the police who eventually picked me up thought it was broken, and the doctor thought it was a multiple fracture that would require me being flown to a hospital where I could undergo surgery," he said. "I was very relieved to see the X-rays. It still hurts often as I'm always gripping the handlebars and it has healed in a way that I can't straighten it out completely."
Although the ride has been difficult at times, it has been rewarding for the local 48-year-old biker.
"Every day is a reward. Seeing so much of Australia was such fun. Staying ahead of the current record, seeing many different places, making it this far maybe that's the most rewarding thing. Whenever I think about the fact that I'm past halfway and back in Canada, I can't believe it," he said.
Gordon is now in the home stretch of his ride and he can't wait to get back to his family.
"More than anything else, I miss Nisha, Jessica and friends. That and Strait Coffee's lattés. And yeah, I miss roofing too. I'm really enjoying myself, but I'm really looking forward to getting home," he said.
You can follow Gordon through his website at www.globebent.org, where you can find links to his blog, email, Twitter and Facebook. There you can also donate to a World Vision charity he has set up in conjunction with his ride to raise money for Zambian children.
