Ever wondered what it takes to cycle to the moon and back – twice? Well, Russ Mantle has done just that, at least in terms of total miles covered.
Sadly, Russ passed away in 2023. This post is dedicated to his incredible achievement
A Journey Like No Other
Russ Mantle was the first person in the UK to document cycling one million miles.
That’s equivalent to circling the Earth 40 times, and perhaps even more remarkably, he achieved this at the age of 82.
From Humble Beginnings
Starting with his first bike at age 15 in 1951, Russ didn’t just ride bikes – he lived and breathed cycling. He built his own wheels, customized his frames, and turned his passion into an art form.
Racing Glory and Beyond
The really fascinating part? Russ’s story isn’t just about endurance. Between 1953 and 1975, he dominated time trials, collecting over 100 medals along the way. But here’s where it gets interesting – after retiring from racing, he didn’t slow down. He actually picked up the pace.
Age? Just a Number
Russ logged his highest yearly mileage (a whopping 22,550 miles) in 2001, well into his 60s. Even a suspected heart attack in 2016 couldn’t keep him off his beloved Holdsworth bike.
The Ultimate Inspiration
What makes Russ’s story truly remarkable isn’t just the numbers, it’s his humble attitude. When asked about his million-mile achievement, he simply called it “just another milestone”. No fuss, no drama – just pure love for cycling.
Just Another Milestone
For anyone who thinks they’re too old, too busy, or too anything to pursue their passion, Russ Mantle’s story stands as a powerful reminder: with dedication and joy in what you do, anything is possible.
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