87-year-old completes LEJOG on an 18-year-old Brompton

Donald and his son are investigating if the feat can be recognised as a world record

Donald Wells reaches his destination. Image: Donald Wells
(Image credit: Picasa)

An 87-year-old man has ridden from Lands End to John o'Groats, aboard a Brompton folding bike that's almost two decades old.

Donald Wells completed the 1,000-mile journey in five weeks and two days, enjoying the ride at what he called a "leisurely pace."

In 2014, Tony Rathbone took the Guiness World Record for being the oldest person to complete the ride - aged 81 - so Wells and his son are investigating if his ride can be recognised as the new standard to beat.

Wells - a lifelong cyclist from Emsworth, Hampshire - started embarking on long distance challenges after his wife passed away, more than 23-years ago.

He's toured all over the world, but proclaimed this trip was one of the hardest due to the "sharp, unforgiving hills" the UK roads have to offer.

The Brompton bike Wells used is 18-years-old, though he did splash out on a new saddle before beginning the journey. Along the way, Wells slept in hostels, hotels and on a park bench.

Donald stops off in Bristol. Image: Donald Wells

Speaking after his trip, Wells commented: “I’m pleased with what I did but it’s just like any normal cycle ride for me, I don’t see it as anything particularly daring.

“I felt fine after I finished the ride – no aches and pains. I don’t rush and tear around, I take it easy.

“I suppose it’s what’s I’ve been doing all my life. I feel at home on a bike."

Wells is a lifetime Cycling UK member. Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive at the national charity for cyclists, congratulated him on his ride and said: “I was delighted to hear about Donald’s achievement; he’s a true testament to how cycling can enrich your life, whatever your age or pace.

“As a fellow Brompton owner I appreciate this was no small feat. Everyone at the charity is really impressed. Hopefully Donald can officially be recognised as the oldest man to complete the route, and we wish him all the best with his cycling adventures.”

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan is a traditional journalist by trade, having begun her career working for a local newspaper, where highlights included interviewing a very irate Freddie Star (and an even more irate theatre owner), as well as 'the one about the stolen chickens'.


Previous to joining the Cycling Weekly team, Michelle was Editor at Total Women's Cycling. She joined CW as an 'SEO Analyst', but couldn't keep her nose out of journalism and in the spreadsheets, eventually taking on the role of Tech Editor before her latest appointment as Digital Editor. 


Michelle is a road racer who also enjoys track riding and the occasional time trial, though dabbles in off-road riding too (either on a mountain bike, or a 'gravel bike'). She is passionate about supporting grassroots women's racing and founded the women's road race team 1904rt.


Michelle is on maternity leave from July 8 2022, until April 2023.