Guinness says no record for Naperville cyclist, but he's still going
A Naperville cycling studio co-owner's attempt at a world record has ended, but he's still riding long days for charity.
Kevin Millar's attempt to break the record for longest marathon static cycling ended Saturday after a week of nearly nonstop pedaling because Guinness World Records officials told him he lacked the two witnesses necessary to provide complete evidence of how long he'd stayed on the bike.
Millar said he was "pretty disappointed," and that night he took his first break of more than about 20 minutes since the ride began. But other than stacking a few nighttime hours together for sleep, not much has changed.
"I still have that same mentality," Millar said. "I'm still continuing to ride out the 14 days."
The ride began at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 20 with the goal of raising money for one charity each day for two weeks. At Handlebars Cycling Gym & Health Bar, 175 W. Jackson Ave., Suite 235, Millar has been giving hourlong cycling classes for free in exchange for donations to organizations including the Naperville Area Humane Society, Max Lacewell Foundation, Hesed House and Relay For Life.
Co-owner Katlyn DePace, Millar's girlfriend, said the effort has collected nearly $800 in 10 days. Millar hopes the total will build as he continues to cycle from about 5:30 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. through Saturday, accepting donations for Kyle Shines On, Animal Welfare Institute, Walk to End Alzheimer's and Center for Community Arts Partnership at Columbia College Chicago.
"We are a new business. We don't even have a sign on our building. We get a lot of calls about 'Where are you located?'" Millar said. "For people to really reach out and to come out here and show their support, make those donations - even though it's only been minimal so far - it's been a huge success. And every little bit helps."
Millar hopes to finish these two weeks of cycling and learn from the experience to build toward another world record attempt, which could come as soon as late spring or early summer.
Guinness World Records spokeswoman Sofia Rocher said the agency told Millar he needs two witnesses present at all times to complete a qualified attempt - as is the standard for thousands of record attempts each year that take place without a Guinness representative present.
"They said we didn't have enough documentation and witnesses during the night," DePace said.
Witness statements and video recordings act as the "eyes and ears" for Guinness officials to determine whether all rules have been followed.
"We encourage Mr. Millar to adhere to the attempt guidelines and move forward with his attempt," Rocher said.
DePace said the duo have heard from several supporters willing to act as extra witnesses next time around - even overnight.
"It's obviously disappointing," she said about the incomplete attempt. "But he's determined that he wants to finish these 14 days and try again in the near future."