Hood nearing stationary-bike Guinness World Record

Posted on May 11th 2008 4:51AM by Bev Sklar

I reported yesterday U.S. ultra-athlete George Hood is attempting to make the Guinness Book of World Records for consecutive hours cycling on a stationary bike -- he has to beat 175.5 hours to be exact. Just happens Hood has been cycling since last Sunday night at the Heritage YMCA Group's Fry Family YMCA near my home. In addition to trying to break the World Record, Hood is raising big bucks for the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign which provides YMCA programs and membership for kids and families in need.

I just returned from a Midnight Spin class to support Hood. Even though my hair is wet with sweat and it's 3:00 a.m. CST as I'm writing this, I'm pumped and inspired. Watching Hood and team try and break a Guinness Record is a sight to behold. From the painstaking record-keeping, motivational coaching, supporters carrying him off the bike for allowed rest breaks, and smiling friends and strangers stopping by, it's an exciting fitness circus of fun. One moment during the spin class the entire room was clapping in rhythm to spark Hood's pace -- unforgettable! If I didn't have to work this morning, I would have stayed all night to cheer him on -- nighttime is Hood's roughest time in the saddle.

I did get a chance to speak with Hood and asked him what was more satisfying, raising the money or beating the record? Now this guy's in his eighth day on the bike, yet he didn't miss a beat and replied, "They're both simultaneous endeavors, but the World Record certificate pales in comparison to the looks on the faces of the kids [receiving YMCA scholarships]. Colorful "Go George" posters designed by YMCA kids adorn the cycling room.

Right now Hood looks very strong. If he keeps up the 12 mph pace required by Guinness, he should break the record sometime early Monday morning. Check out Hood cycling live via Webcam. So far Hood's Spin for Kids has raised over $25,000 for the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign. If you'd like to make a donation, click here.

If all goes as planned, I hope to return early Monday morning to witness Hood make history. You can bet I'll report on it here at That's Fit, along with a gallery of photos, too.

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Tags: Bev Sklar, BevSklar, Fry Family YMCA, FryFamilyYmca, George Hood, GeorgeHood, Guinnes Book of World Records, GuinnesBookOfWorldRecords, Heritage YMCA Group, HeritageYmcaGroup, Spin for Kids, SpinForKids, stationary-bike world record, Stationary-bikeWorldRecord, YMCAs Strong Kids Campaign, YmcasStrongKidsCampaign

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jim Durkin 5-11-2008 @ 10:12AM

Nice note of info. Great job!

I, too, was at the event on Sunday morning and spoke with you afterwards. Was helping my friend, George, in his attempt to regain his record. His first two attempts last year motivated me to continue my exercise routine. Initially made a goal to pursue my own world record attempt on the treadmill. May change the event, but will do an event with the treadmill or walking around a football track in the future.

His committment to physical exercise is incredible. It motivates me in my pursuit for better fitness after some issues with blood clots from the past.

Just arrived home after helping the rest of the team in motivational efforts to help George until 6 (am). He is a good person trying to raise money for a very worthwhile charity, as he has done before. The people who work at the Naperville location are wonderful. Was cool to meet you afterwards. Keep up the good work.

James T. Durkin (Jim)
Author "In My Dreams" (2001)
Author of "The Call of Angels" to be published this fall.

Bev Sklar 5-11-2008 @ 10:17AM

Jim,

It was a pleasure meeting you -- thanks for sharing all your insights.

If you ever go for a world record, I'll definitely deliver water your way! Much luck with your writing endeavors.

Bev

Jim Durkin 12-11-2008 @ 4:38PM

Bev,

Thanks for the generous offer to help me. More details on that isue in the weeks ahead.

The event been successful in many ways. He's helped a worthy cause and we can return to our normal lives (smiling).

After catching up on my sleep I'll resume the active part of training later next week (well, in between a variety of exercise routines.)

Was nice to see you again today. Have a great week. Keep up the good work. We'll discuss the other health issue in thew weeks ahead.

Jim Durkin