Maritzburg biker sets new world record
Double amputee, Bushy McKelvey, has finally succeeded in reclaiming his previous Guinness World Record for the greatest distance on a motorcycle by an individual in 24 hours.
The Pietermaritzburg resident’s third attempt at the record took place at Phakisa’s Oval in the Free State on December 18, where he completed 3 508km. The previous world record was 3 406.17km.
McKelvey dug deep and raced an extra 101km to help raise funds to feed children across South Africa.
During his epic ride aboard a Triple Black BMW S1000XR, he averaged 200km around the tight 2.5km oval.
McKelvey is no ordinary motorcycle fundi. He lost both his lower limbs in two separate vehicle collisions nearly a decade apart.
But the motorcyclist believes the real journey started when he was forced to learn about patience while spending a year in traction after his first major motorbike accident. His broken neck was rebuilt through his throat in a pioneering procedure.
The 59-year-old is not ready to hang up his boots just yet. Having also survived Covid-19 and a heart attack, McKelvey wants to inspire others to overcome their challenges step by step, while raising funds for worthy causes.
McKelvey started his registered charity Out On A Limb (www. ooal.org.za) to raise funds and awareness for the Association for the Physically Challenged in Pietermaritzburg.
He also teaches defensive motorcycle riding to beginners, racing enthusiasts and the provincial traffic police, helping others to ace the K53 test and ride more safely on our roads.
If that wasn’t enough, McKelvey makes time to counsel amputees and their families in emergency rooms across KwaZulu-Natal, offering his own experience to those at the start of their healing journey.
Bushy’s Guinness World Record donation line is still open, raising funds aimed at feeding one million children across South Africa.
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