Amy & Kyle on Cycling Around the World & Their Record Attempt | ROUVY Unchained (Ep. 2)

ROUVY Unchained podcast highlights

Episode 2 dives deep into the realities of preparing for a self-supported circumnavigation, blending gripping storytelling with honest reflections from two riders on the brink of an extraordinary challenge.

We’ve pulled together some moments, insights and quotes that capture the heart of Amy and Kyle’s conversation with Zach.

How two ordinary cyclists found extraordinary purpose

Amy, an ambassador for the ROUVY indoor cycling app, opens the conversation by sharing the unlikely beginnings of her cycling life. Working as a mental-health nurse and struggling deeply herself, she found unexpected relief through riding after Kyle surprised her with a basic bike.

Kyle followed a year later, curious to experience the joy he saw in Amy. At first unsure, he slowly grew to love long distances. The bike became their shared escape, a way to reconnect and support one another during difficult moments. Riding together “helped bring the two of you closer,” Amy says.

The moment they decided to cycle around the world

The idea for a circumnavigation of the globe didn’t come from a dramatic epiphany – but, rather, from a moment of joy on another huge ride.

While riding 2,000 kilometres from Italy to London, the pair realized they didn’t want the adventure to end.

They looked up the record while still pedalling, and the seed was planted. Kyle admits he wasn’t convinced at first, but soon came around. Now, both are fully committed – and excited – for the challenge ahead.

A meticulously crafted route across four continents

Amy has spent “over a year” planning the route, finalizing a path that takes them through Europe, Turkey, Georgia, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, the U.S., and back through Portugal and Spain.

Weather-analysis spreadsheets, advice from previous record-setters, strategic flight connections and careful border planning have all shaped their target start date of May 1, 2026. Their goal: make it home for Christmas – because “if we’re not home by December, something’s gone really badly wrong.”

Supported vs. self-supported – and why they chose the harder way

Despite the difficulty, the couple chose to attempt the record self-supported, carrying all gear themselves without a follow car or crew.

Guinness World Records doesn’t differentiate between supported and unsupported attempts, but the Hudsons value the self-reliance and purity of the challenge.

Fears, realities and the strongest threats on the road

Extreme weather is inevitable, but one warning surprised them most: stray dogs in Turkey and Georgia.

“Since someone mentioned that to me I’ve not stopped thinking about it,” Amy admits. They’ll bring an air horn – and bread to throw if needed.

Other concerns include bears in North America, flight logistics with cardboard bike boxes, and everyday road safety.

Bikes, gear and the tools needed to cross the planet

The couple will ride Pinarello gravel bikes with mechanical gearing – “a safer option” in remote regions. They’ll run tubeless Panaracer tyres, which Amy says served her flawlessly during her epic ride of the Tour stages.

Amy will also bring practical essentials such as waterproof trousers, face nets for flies, and even a shower cap under her helmet. Her saddle mascot, Tormy the mountain goat, is coming along too.

Training for 150 consecutive days on the bike

The Hudsons rely on years of high-volume riding, regular interval workouts on ROUVY, strength conditioning and crucial back-to-back long days. Amy said she logs 12,000-13,000 miles (approximately 19,300 to 20,900 kilometres) annually, and undergoes threshold-focused sessions to improve lactate clearance.

A coach helps guide their preparation – but even he admits that training someone to ride 80,000 kilometres is unique.

Partnership on and off the bike: arguments, laughter and love

Spending months riding together guarantees friction, and they’re honest about it. Wrong turns, fatigue and weather can spark shouting – but they have rules: apologize, move on, and “don’t ride miserable.”

One memorable moment came on the Tourmalet, where Kyle tried to encourage Amy to enjoy the view – only for Amy, deep in the struggle, to shout: “I can’t see anything but tarmac!”

Mindset: the true engine behind the record attempt

Amy’s biggest mental tool is perspective.

For Kyle, repeating “prove that you’re tough – don’t give up” helps him push through.

Music, humour and even improvised songs also help distract them on long, lonely miles.

Don’t miss an episode of the ROUVY Unchained podcast

The ROUVY Unchained podcast brings authentic cycling stories to life.

Whether you’re chasing big cycling goals, craving a taste of true adventure or simply inspired by stories of resilience, Amy and Kyle’s epic, round-the-world mission will spark your imagination and remind you just how far a bike can take you.

• ▶️ Watch the full episode now on YouTube
• 🎧 Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Music to get new episodes every two weeks.
• 📷 Follow Amy Hudson (@amy.cycling.adventures) on Instagram
• 📷 Follow Kyle Hudson (@thesnackingcyclist) on Instagram

Further reading

• ROUVY, “Ep. 1 | Juliet Elliott On Her Cycling Adventure In Sri Lanka”
• Cycling Weekly, “Meet Amy Hudson, Who Just Completed All 21 Stages Of The Tour De France”
• ROUVY, “Best Cycling Instagrams: A List Of Riders And Creators To Follow”
• ROUVY, “Our Cycling Podcast Picks – Including What We Listen To At ROUVY”