Sumner man falls short of breaking world record for riding bicycle backward

Published 1:41 pm Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Danny Rodgers of Sumner rode around the track at Sunset Chev Stadium Saturday, Aug. 1 in an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for riding a bicycle backward.

Rodgers’ bicycle technique is to pedal while sitting atop the handlebars facing the seat, causing the bike to travel backward.

During the attempt Saturday, wind came from the west and created resistance, Rodgers said.

He tried to make up for the time lost, but after three hours and 10 minutes, he realized he wasn’t able to beat the record and stopped to avoid injuring himself, since he’d been straining during the event.

More than 20 family members and friends were at the stadium to cheer on Rodgers as he circled the track. He said people shouted encouragement toward him as they drove by and after the attempt, a young boy asked for Rodgers’ autograph.

Rodgers hasn’t ruled out another attempt, but said he plans to continue riding his bike the usual way just for fun.