Guinness World Records (GWR) is celebrating its 70th anniversary by highlighting unclaimed titles people might want to attempt. And many current records are ripe for challenge, some from RVers, maybe even you! For example, care to beat Simon Robins’ RV speed record of 141.3 mph? See below.
The Guinness book, known for its “weird and wacky achievements,” first appeared in 1955. Now, its publisher is inviting people to more greatness. It offers some ideas:
- “The most whoopee cushions sat on in one minute”
- “The fastest time to blow a stamp 10 meters”
- “The furthest distance bottle flip”
- “The most high-fives in 30 seconds”
- “The fastest 400-meter sack race”
- “The fastest time to ascend the height of Everest by bicycle”
Craig Glenday, GWR’s editor-in-chief, said the records are “there for the taking” and looks forward to celebrating “the next generation of record-breakers.”
RV world records – Can you break one?
GWR also celebrates achievements in everyday adventures. For RV enthusiasts, there are plenty of records to challenge! For example:
Largest Parade of Camping Vehicles (RVs): In 2019, 868 RVs lined up in Barcaldine, Queensland, Australia, to set a new record, surpassing the previous record of 672 RVs set in Italy in 2003.
Fastest Motorhome: Simon Robins set the record in 2014 in the UK, reaching 227.35 km/h (141.3 mph) in a customized Fiat Doblo motorhome.
Longest RV Journey: Harry B. Coleman and Peggy Larson traveled 231,288 km (143,716 miles) in a Volkswagen Camper between 1976 and 1978, visiting 113 countries.
World’s Smallest Caravan: The Cutie Van holds the title for the world’s smallest caravan (travel trailer, for those of us on this side of the pond), yet it includes a bed, a TV, a kettle, and a drinks cabinet.
GWR doesn’t only cover quirky achievements. It recently celebrated the 116th birthday of the world’s oldest person and oldest Briton ever, Ethel Caterham. It also recorded a milestone in music: Taylor Swift’s album announcement “help[ed] it pull the most concurrent views ever for a podcast on YouTube with 1.3 million.”
How did Guinness World Records start?
It began with a question: “What’s the fastest game bird in Europe?” This sparked a debate at a 1950s shooting party in County Wexford, Ireland, attended by Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of Guinness brewery.
“When their discussion and search through reference books failed to come to an answer,” Sir Hugh realized a record book would be a great way to settle pub arguments. He then “recruit[ed] researchers from Fleet Street to compile a book of facts and figures.”
Decades later, with 155 million copies sold, Guinness World Records covers everything from “the largest collection of Spice Girls memorabilia (Elizabeth West, UK, with more than 5,000 pieces)” to “the longest female tongue (Chanel Tapper, US, 3.8” or 9.75cm).”
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RVT1224b
I’m already in it. Fastest 2 perfect hands (29 points) in a cribbage tournament (card game). Got the 2 within 8 games. Very rare to even see one in your life.
I would estimate that I have played over 5,000 games of cribbage and have never seen a perfect hand, let alone had one. I have seen hundreds of 28s, always missing that matching Jack.
2 in 8 games is amazing. Congratulations, sir. I hope your cribbage partners/mates are still paying for your drinks. I would be.
Happy trails ✌️ 😎
Thank you for the interesting story, Russ and Tina! This all seems pretty silly. If whoever (Guiness?) would just structure this in such a way that it leads to fewer instances of texting while driving, then I would applaud. Meanwhile, have a great day and safe travels!
I’ve wondered why I am not in it, but now I see that it did not start until after I was born.