American cyclist Kristy Bellmer has set a new world record for the largest GPS drawing by bicycle, covering an astonishing 4,707 kilometers across Europe. The feat, accomplished in memory of her beloved dog Slinky, not only surpassed the previous record held by fellow American David Schweikert but also tripled the distance, making her tribute even more extraordinary.
A Journey of Love and Tribute
Kristy embarked on her two-month-long journey on May 1, from Amsterdam, Netherlands—symbolically chosen as it was Slinky’s birthday. The route she meticulously planned formed a closed loop that wound through Germany, Switzerland, France, and Belgium before returning to Amsterdam. The end result was a GPS drawing resembling a dog, a fitting homage to her late pet.
Speaking to Guinness World Records, Kristy shared her inspiration behind the route. “I wanted to start in Amsterdam because it is cycling heaven! I also wanted to go to Paris and Brussels, and I had friends I wanted to visit in Switzerland and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany,” she explained. The journey wasn’t just about breaking a record; it was also about connecting with people and places that held special significance to her.
Challenges on the Road
The trek was not without its challenges. Kristy faced the wettest spring Europe had seen in years, which led to several difficult nights camping. On a few occasions, her tent was flooded, and her bicycle, humorously nicknamed Bikecephalus after Alexander the Great’s horse Bucephalus, sustained damage. The hilly terrain, particularly between Czechia and Germany, also tested her limits. “The hills went on and on until around Frankfurt,” she recalled. “I had thought I was done with hills once I was out of the Alps! I wasn’t prepared mentally.”
Despite these obstacles, Kristy’s determination never wavered. Her journey, marked by perseverance and love for her late pet, culminated in a record-breaking achievement that is as heartwarming as it is inspiring.
A Creative Tribute
The GPS drawing Kristy created wasn’t just a random design. She had to be creative with her route to ensure it resembled a dog. Adjustments were made along the way to accommodate visits to friends and ensure the drawing maintained its intended shape. “I ended up making the butt bigger to get to my friend in Garmisch, and the foot longer for my friends in Switzerland, and I made the tail longer so I’d go into Czechia too – I thought that was cool,” she said.
Kristy Bellmer’s journey across Europe is a testament to the lengths one can go to honor a loved one. Her record-setting GPS drawing is not just an impressive physical accomplishment, but a deeply personal tribute that will be remembered for years to come.