Photo credit: explorersweb.com
Bond Almand set off from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, on August 31, 2024, and arrived in Ushuaia, Argentina, marking the completion of a remarkable journey. He not only broke the existing record for traversing the Pan-American Highway by an impressive nine days, but he did so under challenging conditions, riding fully unsupported—an extraordinary feat given that the official record requirements did not stipulate such a limitation.
Almand’s Pan-American Highway Route
Almand’s journey took him along one of the most challenging and diverse cycling routes in the world. The Pan-American Highway, envisioned in 1923, was intended to create a continuous roadway connecting the Americas. By 1937, various countries across the continent, including Argentina, Bolivia, and the United States, committed to constructing sections of this ambitious roadway, with the initial segment in Mexico being completed entirely with local funding and support from the U.S. for sections in Central America.
This highway is mostly continuous; however, a major exception is the treacherous Darien Gap, a perilous 100 km expanse between Panama and Colombia, infamous for its risks including kidnapping and violence. The region is ecologically sensitive, home to Indigenous groups who resist development, leading many travelers to bypass this segment via alternative modes of transport like boats or planes.
Almand’s trek took him through an array of terrains and climates, starting in Alaska and proceeding through Canada, then down through several U.S. states like Montana, Wyoming, and Texas, before continuing into Mexico and Central America. He flew from Panama to Colombia and subsequently followed the Pacific coastline through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, concluding his expedition in Argentina.
And if the route wasn’t challenging enough …
Obstacles Along the Way
Throughout his extensive journey, Almand faced various challenges. In Mexico, he often found himself navigating around semi-trucks parked on rumble strips, forcing him into busy traffic, highlighting the considerable dangers cyclists can encounter on such routes.
Mechanical Failures
Almand’s bike also faced significant setbacks, including a critical frame failure caused by a pothole in Nicaragua. This breakdown could have halted his journey, but thanks to the assistance and generosity of a local bicycle mechanic, he was able to continue his quest.
Additional Records Broken
Besides his overall accomplishment, Almand likely set other unofficial records during his journey, such as the unique challenges posed by cycling solo, including mundane tasks like applying sunscreen, which illustrated the improvisation required on such an extreme adventure.
The Almand Legacy
Upon completion of his historic ride, Almand celebrated his success despite not finishing with his original bike or front wheel. His journey underscores a significant achievement in endurance cycling, inspiring many with his resilience and determination.
This story first appeared on GearJunkie.
Source
explorersweb.com