Japan End-To-End World Record: Jack Thompson Has Done It Again!
Here at Steadyrack, we thrive on the success of our community and love to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our team riders. Jack Thompson's latest record-breaking ride was nothing short of inspiring! On 4 October 2024 at 2:42AM, Jack set off from Cape Sata in the south of Japan, embarking on a journey to ride to the north of the country in the fastest known time. Covering 2,503 kilometres, Jack tackled a chaotic, challenging, yet triumphant 5-day adventure.
Navigating the busy roads of southern Japan whiles surrounded by its lush, tropical landscapes, Jack's ride was paired with heavy rain which created slippery and treacherous conditions. As he worked his way north, he was met with the beauty of Japan's diverse terrain - a highlight of the trip that made the hard work and relentless effort worth the while.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
Ultra-cycling is very often paired with many challenges, and Jack's Japan record was no exception. One of the biggest hurdles for Jack was the many traffic lights that he encountered, making it difficult to maintain the average speed that he had planned. The constant stop-and-go disrupted his rhythm, forcing him to change up his strategy. To adjust to the reality of his situation, Jack decided to ride more hours each day at a slightly slower intensity, slept less hours, and soldiered on with unbelievable determination. Despite the number of setbacks, Jack and his team executed their plan precisely, proving that a combination of preparation and adaptability can overcome the most chaotic of circumstances.
The Final Hours
Battling freezing temperatures and a relentless headwind in Hokkaido, the finish line was in sight, but the journey wasn't over yet. The last 580 kilometres tested Jack's endurance like never before. However, the unwavering support from Jack's team and encouragement from local riders cheering him on was the boost he needed to get him to the finish line.
Stopping the clock at 2:59AM on 9 October 2024, Jack completed his adventure in 5 days, 17 minutes (120 hours, 17 minutes), breaking the previous record by an incredible 16 hours!
Record-Breaking Stats
- Total Distance: 2,503 km
- Total Time: 5 days, 17 minutes (120 hours, 17 minutes)
- Hours Ahead of Previous Record: 16 hours
- Total Hours Slept: 12 hours
- Average Calories Burned per Day: 15,600
- Average Daily TSS (Training Stress Score): 864
- Number of Flats or Mechanicals: Zero
- Traffic Lights Encountered: Too many to count!
For Jack, the ride was more than just breaking a world record, it was about the experience and sharing moments with local riders and his dedicated support team. At Steadyrack, we are beyond proud to support cyclists like Jack who push boundaries and redefine what's possible. Congratulations Jack on your incredible achievement, you continue to inspire us all!
Head on over to Jack's YouTube Channel where he filmed, start to finish, his epic adventure - Chasing the Impossible: 5 Days in Japan.
