Josh Quigley, a Scottish round-the-world cyclist who was hit by a car at 70 mph while riding across America last year, is aiming to set a new World Record for cycling the North Coast 500 route (NC500) this weekend. The news comes as Josh reveals he is now fully rehabilitated from his life threatening-injuries and very definitely back in the saddle.
Josh will be aiming to set a new World Record for the fastest time to cycle around the North Coast 500—a 516 mile route around the Scottish Highlands—which has gained popularity in recent years and is now ranked as one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges.
Josh is using his record-breaking attempt to raise money for the Texas hospital in which he received life-saving intensive care treatment and rehabilitation.
The first NC500 World Record was set by round-the-world record holder, Mark Beaumont, at 37 hours and 58 minutes. Just under a year later, Commonwealth Games Medallist and ex-professional cyclist James McCallum took over six hours off the record and set a new time of 31 hours and 23 minutes.
In the last week alone, two UK cyclists have made unsuccessful tries at the same World Record—highlighting the magnitude and scale of the challenge Josh is undertaking.
“Ever since my accident, I’ve wanted to do something to thank to the hospital and staff at the Baylor Scott & White Medical Centre, in Temple, Texas, who saved my life,” explains Josh. “During the weeks I spent there, I underwent a series of surgical procedures to fix the long list of injuries I sustained.
These included a traumatic brain injury, fractured skull, seven broken ribs, punctured lung and multiple fractures to my back and legs. I then embarked on a rigorous physiotherapy and rehabilitation plan and, just eleven weeks later, was back on my bike; determined to get back to my peak fitness levels and complete my challenge.”
Josh’s big goal in 2020 was to recover from his injuries and get back to Texas to finish his round-the-world cycle. But the Coronavirus pandemic has prevented this and has forced him to find challenges closer to home—it was in this context that Josh decided to attempt the NC500 World Record.
Josh’s World Record attempt will start at Inverness Castle at 5 am on Saturday 19th September. This gruelling non-stop challenge will require him to cycle through the night—including 12 hours of total darkness. Josh will not stop to sleep and will not take any breaks along the way.
It’s estimated he will burn over 20,000 calories during this time and will consume all his food and drink while on his bike.
Josh’s World Record Attempt sponsors are Sterosport Activ by Steroplast, manufacturers of specialist Bike First Aid kits. Sterosport Activ are passionate about changing the culture within cycling and encouraging more cyclists to carry first aid kits.
Adam Brown, Steroplast Healthcare Managing Director, said, “When I first met Josh, I knew instantly that he could achieve anything he put his mind to. His story of setback to comeback is truly inspirational and makes Josh the perfect ambassador for our new range of Sterosport Activ specialist bike first aid kits.
We’re delighted to play a part in supporting Josh in his North Coast 500 World Record Attempt.”
To support Josh’s fundraising initiative for the Baylor Scott & White Medical Centre, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/north-coast-500-world-record
To learn more about Josh and his endurance cycling, please check out his socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josh.quigley.311
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshquigley92/
Twitter: @JoshQuigley92