Ultra-endurance cyclist Joe Barr of Ireland officially secured a Guinness World Record for cycling the entire length of Route 66, completing the 2,448-mile journey in 10 days, 6 hours and 27 minutes.
The achievement comes during the centennial year of Route 66. Barr completed his trek the day before he turned 67.
Barr averaged 9.7 mph pedaling two-thirds of the way across the country, going about 200 miles per day.
Reflecting on the scale of the challenge, Joe said;
“Route 66 has a mythology all of its own, so to ride the entire length of it in its centennial year and secure a Guinness World Records title is incredibly special. At this stage of my career, I’m not trying to prove I can still do what I did when I was younger. I’m interested in finding out what I’m capable of now. Age changes you, but it doesn’t have to remove ambition or the desire to keep pushing your limits. This was a huge undertaking for the whole team. To reach Chicago after everything we had put into it, and knowing I would turn 67 the next day, was something I’ll never forget.”
The record adds a chapter to a cycling career spanning more than five decades, with Barr winning his first race at 15 years old.
In 2023, he became the Ultra-Cycling World Champion in the 50+ age category and claimed the Ultra-Cycling World Cup, adding to a career that has included two finishes at the Race Across America, where he won the 60+ age category in 2019, as well as two victories at Race Around Ireland and a Commonwealth Games medal.
Barr is also a multiple World and Guinness World Record holder. Among those achievements is his record for cycling the entire Wild Atlantic Way.
Sam Prosser, commercial sales director for Guinness World Records, commented:
“Guinness World Records is delighted to recognise Joe Barr’s achievement in successfully completing the full length of Route 66 by bicycle for ‘the fastest crossing of USA Route 66 W-E by bicycle (WUCA) (male)’ which was completed in 10 days, 6 hrs, 27 min, and achieved in Santa Monica, USA, on 12 June 2026.
“A record of this scale requires exceptional endurance and determination, and completing it during Route 66’s centennial year makes the achievement especially memorable. Many congratulations, Joe.”
Barr’s Route 66 challenge will also be featured in a full-length documentary film, expected in early 2027, that explores endurance, aging, performance and resilience.
More information on Barr and the Route 66 project is available at barrultra.com.
(Courtesy image of Joe Barr with his support crew at the finish line in Chicago)