Approximately 100 miles into the four-person team relay, Blue Ridge Parkway law enforcement pulled us over and stopped our attempt at a point-to-point from the north end to the south end of the parkway. Law enforcement informed us that we would not be allowed to bike through the night, effectively preventing our attempt. That was Saturday, June 9, 2007. Not a good day to remember.

After returning home and several days of depression, we began to consult with Drew Clark, UMCA Records Chair, about how we might attempt a second try. Thanks to Drew and his patience with our e-mailed questions, we became convinced that a second try was possible and the team was reassembled. Three of the four riders were willing to make another attempt, so another rider was added to complete the four-person team. Two new officials were found and a crew member was recruited.

The memory of the first failed attempt was still on our minds when at exactly 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2007, the second attempt began. This time we started at mile marker 469 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (southernmost end) and proceeded toward mile marker 0 on the parkway (northernmost end). To minimize the night riding on the parkway, the team decided to exit onto HIghway 221 at Blowing Rock, NC. With an 8:30 a.m. start, a temperature of 79° F., and cloudy skies we estimated our arrival in Blowing Rock to be around nightfall.

Exchange: Ryan Dye and Anthony Darby make a transition during the Blue Ridge bicycle record attempt.

We actually arrived an hour earlier than estimated and proceeded onto HIghway 221 with daylight left. Our strategy was to bike on Highway 221 from Blowing Rock, NC, to just south of Roanoke, VA, at Adney Gap and at that point to re-enter the parkway. We estimated that we would arrive at Adney Gap around daylight. This was unknown territory for us as none of us were familiar with Highway 221.

The nighttime brought a few showers that helped to keep us cool, animals of all sorts that kept us alert, and a single policeman that wanted to know what we were up to. Fortunately, the policeman was understanding and let us proceed. Biking approximately 10-mile segments per rider, we arrived ahead of schedule at Adney Gap. Okay, way ahead of our anticipated arrival time — 3:30 a.m.

Exchange: Todd Watts and Rodney Darby make a team exchange during the Blue Ridge bicycle record attempt.

We then proceeded onto the Blue Ridge Parkway with the follow vehicle. Daylight finally came over the mountains at 7:30 a.m. The entire night had come off without a hitch, excluding stomach problems with the crew member. Riding in the back of a car over curvy mountainous roads at night translated into car sickness which resulted in a mess in the backseat of the follow vehicle and down one side of the car. The officials were not to be distracted though, and the team continued riding . . . and eating. We began the ride with enough food and drink to carry us to the end. With water, Accelerade, Spiz, Perpetuem, Heed, energy bars, fig Newtons, bagels, breads, peanut butter, jelly, honey, crackers, pretzels, etc. we had more than enough nourishment to sustain us to the end.

At just past noon (exactly 12:00:12 p.m.) on Sunday, August 26, 2007, the four riders crossed mile marker 0 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Total distance biked was 454 miles and the overall time was 27 hours, 30 minutes, and 12 seconds.

After racing 454 miles the team reaches the finish.

Our officials did a great job of ensuring our safety and documenting the record attempt. Their attention to detail without the benefit of sleep or, at times, much needed restroom stops, allowed the riders to minimize the overall time. A record attempt requires a lot from the officials and ours did a magnificent job. Our one crew member paid the ultimate sacrifice by enduring a queasy stomach throughout the night. He overcame his sickness though and helped us attain our goal. Our sincere thanks to all of them.

Official record: 454 miles in 27 hours 30 minutes, 16.51 mph
South endpoint: mile marker 0
North endpoint: mile marker 469
Riders: Rodney Darby, Todd Watts, Anthony Darby, Ryan Dye
Officials: Jackie Whitaker, Josh Burton
Crew: Matt Pinkston