Halfway to history: Cycle Mania update

As of 1:05 yesterday afternoon, the two men working to break the world record for stationary cycling were at the halfway point and feeling good. However, according to the current record holder, they're just beginning to get to the point where the going gets tough.

Mike "Mad Dog" Gallagher of Gilford and John "Blue Dog" Jurczynski of Holderness are hoping to each break the current Guinness World Record of 111 hours, 11 minutes, and 11 consecutive seconds spent on a stationary cycle. They started in the early Monday morning, and expect to break the record shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday. The event, dubbed "Cycle Mania 2007" is taking place at the Laconia Athletic and Swim Club, where for the initial 48 hours the men were cycling in the lobby, and as of Wednesday morning they were moved to a studio filled with many other "spinners" — working on relay teams — who are also busy raising money for the 25th Annual WLNH Children's Auction.

Gallagher had a rough start, and Tuesday morning had to take a break. "I had to lie down for 40 minutes. I started feeling like I had a stomach bug all of a sudden."

Guinness's rules for this record allow the cyclists to take breaks, five minutes of break time per hour of time spend on the stationary bike. After taking some anti-nausea medication, Gallagher recovered in time and was back in the saddle before he used up his accumulated rest.

"I feel good," he said on Wednesday afternoon, although he admitted to being "definitely worried" about feeling so bad so early into the event. "It took me a few hours to get through it, but I did."

Their biggest concern is battling sleep deprivation and managing their nutrition and hydration. They frequently shift riding positions, from sitting straight to leaning forward and then standing on the pedals, all to keep their muscles loose.

Fortunately for them, they've got the room full of relay cycle teams spinning along with them and an omnipresent team of official witnesses and medical support staff, as well as a stream of well-wishers and encouragers passing through the club. "If we didn't have all these people, forget it," Gallagher said.

Gallagher added, "I just want to thank everyone that's being so supportive, working at the auction, volunteering here or contributing to our cause."

"And a latté every now and then is pretty good, too," said Jurczynski, Whole milk, he specified.

Another great concern is boredom. One of the methods they have to keep themselves entertained is that large-screen television that alternates between broadcasts of the auction on Lakes Region Public Access and movies on DVD. So far they've seen some family-friendly comedies, such as "Wild Hogs," and a horror film, "1408," based on a Stephen King novel. Jurczynski said that genre isn't usually his cup of tea, but he's glad they watched it. "I don't usually like it, but it works well to keep you awake."

If things get bad, Jurczynksi has the entire collection of "Seinfeld" episodes on DVD for emergency reserve.

George Hood, of Aurora, Illinois, who set the current record, completing his spin on July 14 earlier this year. He wasn't aware of the run for his mark until contacted by The Laconia Daily Sun. "I applaud their efforts," he said last evening. His record-breaking benefitted the Kiwanis Club, and he was glad to hear that Gallagher and Jurczynski's event is also a fundraiser for non-profit organizations.

"There's something about that desire to achieve, and to do it in conjunction with a fundraiser, they're doing it right," Hood said. "I'm emotionally energized because they're attempting this with the best of hearts…We continue to inspire each other to do our best."

The current record-holder's experience saw the biggest challenge being the sleep deprivation that sets in after two full days of cycling. "Once you cross 48 [hours] and get into 50, you're in no-man's land." For Hood, his sleep deprivation manifested itself by poor temperament.

The second greatest challenge Hood found was the physical discomfort of sitting on a bicycle seat for five days. He said it took him several days before his rear-end was back to normal.

Hood said the Guinness record checkers are very keen to scrutinize paperwork and evidence to ensure the validity of the attempt. "Make sure they cross their 't's and dot their 'i's."

The Laconia Athletic and Swim Club is open to the public around the clock for the duration Cycle Mania 2007.