Over the years, many individuals have accomplished insurmountable feats and have earned themselves a spot in the Guinness World Record. Ray Whitlow III, a 59-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, hopes to set a new world record as he embarks on a long journey from North America to South America riding the Himiway Cobra e-bike.
Ray has always loved riding bikes, and he got the idea of using a Himiway bike for this challenge when his cycling partner introduced him to Himiway e-bikes. Although Ray had four other traditional bikes and another e-bike, however, for this challenge, he chose to ride the Himiway Softail Electric Mountain Bike Cobra because it's more fun, more comfortable, can switch batteries, and has a better range and pedal assist feature.
Setting out on a Guinness World Record Journey
The idea of challenging the world record is somewhat a target for the strong. Ray has wanted to take on this challenge since he was a kid, which pushes his excitement about starting his Guinness World Record challenge, especially now as he already turns 59. And for Ray, it's not over until it's over. He is not the type to sit down and stay absorbed, enjoying the golden years.
“Today I'm 59, and it feels really great finally getting a start on it. Because as you get older, the likelihood of being able to do it kind of fades in the background. So it feels really good to finally be doing this.” – Ray.
Ray's influences and motivations
Growing up in Central America and seeing many bicycle rotters on the Pan American Highway made Ray fall in love deeply with cycling.
Before embarking on this Guinness World Record, Ray's identified his influences to include Michael Palin of Monte Python, a British comedian who does travel blogs. He was also influenced by McGregor from Star Wars, who played Kenobi. He did a similar route in the opposite direction on a Harley Davidson electric motorcycle.
The Challenges of Ray's 20,000 Mile Journey
Ray's total riding distance is a little over 20000 miles. His cycling journey starts from the north of Atlanta at Bob Marker 20 on the Silver Comet Trail. Then he moves up to the Georgia-Alabama line and crosses into Chief Ladiga trail, bringing him into Alabama.
“As the route sits, we've calculated the distance to be a little over 20000 miles. There would be some, for instance, I added the Yucatan because I thought it would be great to see the pyramids and see how the bike handles on those back roads.” - Ray.
From Alabama, he makes his way to Brownsville, Texas. From there, he crosses into Matamoras, Mexico. In his plight to visit all the capitals of continental Latin America, Ray first makes his way toward Mexico City. His journey proceeds to go all the way up to the Yucatan and then from Yucatan down to Guatemala City, where he plans to stay on the Pan American Highway for most of the ride into the Republic of Panama. Ray intends to visit Yucatan to see the pyramids and experience how the bike handles the back roads. Himi Riders always attest to the bike’s ability to maneuver through the most challenging terrains.
According to Ray, he intends to take a break for a month in Panama to get equipped and ready for the South American portion of the journey. Then he would go to Cartagena, Colombia, or Bogota from Panama. To begin the South America portion, Ray would first travel on the Pacific coast, visiting all the countries and cities. Then he would go up to Argentina through Buenos Aires, Brazil, French Guyana, and Venezuela and end up where he started, either in Cartagena or Bogota.
One major challenge Ray may face on his trip is the need for more power. Even though the Himway Cobra Electric Bike can successfully power him to Journey up to 80 miles per charge, he may often have to ride his bike without electrical power for some part of his journey — especially in places he can't charge.
Also, Ray feels he may face other significant challenges in the Atacama Desert, Northern Chile, and the Amazon since these areas are deserted. While in the Atacama Desert, the main challenge he will face is the need for more water. And in the Amazon jungle, where he wouldn't be able to charge the bike; here, he would pedal instead.
What makes the Himiway Cobra the best choice for this challenge?
While Ray must have had several suggestions and contemplations on the exact bike suitable for this trip, Himiway Cobra became his best choice for this challenge. It has durable features for off-road riding, which would keep Ray safe and give him the best riding experience on this challenge.
“I did have another e-bike from another manufacturer, but it did not have the capacity to switch the batteries at all, but I have come to enjoy the (Himiway Cobra) very much.”
Below are some of the top mentionable features of the Himiway Cobra electric bike:
1. Updated Motor: Fast acceleration & good grade ability & Longer Lifespan
The Himiway Cobra has a powerful motor that balances the front and rear without affecting the bike's outstanding vibration absorption capabilities. When powering up steep hills or rapidly accelerating from a standstill, the torque-sensing mid-motor supplies significant torque. Riders can easily conquer even the most challenging terrain with 1000W of peak motor power.
2. Four-Bar Linkage Suspension & Coil Suspension
Himiway Cobra is the first middle-class e-bike with four-bar linkage suspension technology on the market in the United States. The four-sided polygons in the four-bar linkage are the seat stay, chain stay, seat tube, and rocker. These absorb vibrations and rear-upward force, while the coil suspension provides front stability. Both suspensions ensure your safety even in the most challenging riding situations.
3. Superior Battery: Smaller Size & Longer Range & Shorter Charging Time
Himiway Cobra has the new Samsung/LG battery technology with a 5000mAh single-cell capacity in a small yet more diverse package. Moreover, this 960Wh battery significantly improves the stability, range, and safety of Himiway bikes. With pedal assist, riders can go up to 60 miles on pure electric power and about 80 miles or more. Also, the e-bike's battery can maintain an 80% capacity after 1000 charges.
4. Shimano 7 Speed Gear Shift System
Shimano's 7-speed gear shift mechanism gives riders additional options in various circumstances. Riders can choose the appropriate pace for their travel thanks to the pedal-assist system. When used correctly, this technology can increase the range of a single charge by up to 15%.
5. 26"X4.8" CST All-Terrain Tires
With the Cobra tires, riders can travel long distances and on different terrain types. These extra-fat 4.8 inches tires would give a firm grip and good traction on challenging roads. The Cobra fat tires will guarantee safety and provide a smooth and easy riding experience, regardless of the terrain or weather.
Benefits of Long-distance Cycling
Even though Ray intends to break the world record, long-distance cycling offers several benefits for riders who engage in it. These advantages bring an invitation to most of us who would love to attempt exploration on our Himiway Electric Bike.
It’s impossible to argue the admission that exercising elongates our lifespan. Ray said, “Starting this challenge on my 59th birthday feels very good. I have a grandfather who lived to the age of 107 and had wound up and passway around 1997. And it's not over. It's not over until you say it's over or till you feel it's over. I'm just not one; I'm just not the kind of person who can sit down and enjoy the golden years.”
Pushing Limits and Embracing Adventure with Himiway
Ray challenging himself to break a world record is a great personal accomplishment and a platform for others to push their limits. When individuals embark on such challenges, it tests their physical, mental, and emotional limits, overcoming apparent barriers.
Furthermore, breaking world records increases the public's interest and gives a unique platform for demonstrating the possibilities of e-bikes. Himiway encourages individuals to explore the outdoors and embrace adventure. Himiway will be Ray's backup for this trip; stay tuned!
