Later this year, before most people have finished their morning coffee, Aaron will already be deep into one of the most brutal endurance challenges on the planet. He’s taking on the full length of America’s legendary Route 66, 2,517 relentless miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, with one clear goal: to make history. As a below-knee amputee, Aaron isn’t just chasing a time; he’s aiming to become the first amputee ever to complete the route, and to do it faster than any recorded cyclist, earning a place in Guinness World Records. This isn’t a comfortable charity ride or a one-day stunt. It’s a calculated, unforgiving test of physical resilience, mental grit, and absolute commitment.
We caught up with Aaron to chat about his upcoming challenge and how Physique Academy has set the foundations, the resilience and the drive to go further and attempt this awesome challenge.
Q: What record are you attempting?
I’m attempting to complete the full length of Route 66 — Chicago to Los Angeles, being the first amputee to ever complete this and faster than any recorded cyclist. The route is iconic, brutal, and unforgiving. That’s exactly why I chose it.
Q: How far is Route 66?
The route is 2,517 miles from start to finish. That’s the equivalent of riding the length of the UK more than three times, through heat, wind, elevation, and long, empty stretches of road.
Q: Why Route 66?
Route 66 represents resilience. It’s historic, tough, and unapologetic, much like the journey after losing a limb. This isn’t about comfort or convenience. It’s about choosing a challenge that demands everything you’ve got.
Q: What makes this attempt different?
I’m a below-knee amputee, riding day after day with no shortcuts. Recovery, fuelling, load management, and mindset will matter as much as fitness. This isn’t a one-off endurance ride, it’s a calculated, disciplined campaign.
Q: How long will it take?
The exact time will depend on conditions, but the goal is aggressive, no more the 22 days. Every day counts. Every hour counts. That’s why training, nutrition, and recovery have to be nailed.
Q: Why is Physique Academy involved?
Because winging it doesn’t work at this level. Physique Academy are handling my training structure, conditioning, and nutrition strategy so my body can actually sustain the workload. Without that, the record doesn’t happen, simple as that.
Q: What does the training look like?
Long endurance rides, controlled intensity, strength work to protect the residual limb, and serious attention to recovery. It’s not flashy, it’s repeatable and relentless.
Q: What’s the bigger purpose behind the ride?
This ride supports charities close to my heart and underpins the Reborn mindset: recognise reality, embrace change, and never quit when things get uncomfortable. Its showing the world and myself what we are truly capable of, no matter what.
Q: What do you want people to take from this?
That limits are often imagined. You don’t need perfect circumstances, you need commitment, consistency, and the willingness to suffer a bit for something that matters.
