Couple complete fastest cycle around the world
BBCA cycling couple have broken a record, and possibly a collarbone, by pedalling across the globe in 123 days.
Amy and Kyle Hudson, both 30, from Mickleover in Derby, biked over 18,000 miles through 20 countries, including Malaysia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and Spain.
Kyle injured his shoulder in a crash with a car in Canada with only two weeks of their journey remaining, but was determined to pedal through the rest of their trip.
"It's been so amazing and I just can't believe that we're here and we're ahead of our schedule," Amy said.
"I'm so grateful for everyone that's come and supported us. It's all a bit of a blur, but I'm looking forward to not getting up at 4am every day now," she added.
The previous record was set by David Ferguson and Caroline Soubayroux in 2023, who completed the challenge in 205 days.
The Hudsons, who were tracked by GPS throughout their journey, are now awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records.
The pair set off on 1 May, determined to inspire others, raise money for mental health charities and celebrate the hobby they credit with saving their lives.
Amy has previously struggled with an eating disorder and mental health challenges, while Kyle overcame a difficult upbringing that included periods of homelessness.
He later found direction through cycling and supported Amy on her own recovery journey.
"We'll be drawing on everything we've been through and leaning on our resilience together," Kyle said, before setting off four months ago.
"There will be tough moments, no doubt, but that's exactly where we do our best."
The husband and wife rode fully self‑supported, carrying their own equipment up 470,435ft (143,388m) of cycling incline, travelling an average of 146 miles (234km) each day.
@amy.cycling.adventures
@amy.cycling.adventuresThey said the amazing views of New Zealand and the grizzly bears of Alaska were two of the highlights across their epic journey.
The couple were welcomed by a gathering of friends, family and their dog, Chester, when they finally applied the brakes at Sudbury Stables in Derbyshire.
"I think it just makes you appreciate life so much more and I'm just so grateful that we're in this place and I'm happier now," Amy said as they arrived home on 2 September.
The pair have raised over £55,000 for the mental health charities, Shout and The Mix.
"It all just feels a bit of a blur. It just feels unreal," Amy said.
"I'm just so relieved. It doesn't feel real at the minute, for me."
They said they need time to fully comprehend their world record achievement and are planning a spa visit to recover physically from the journey.
But their first priority was a visit to A&E, for Kyle to get his shoulder checked.
"I'm very swollen, my hands are very big compared to normal, my body's sore, but overall, apart from the collarbone, our bodies are doing quite well," he said.
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