So congratulations to Alan Bate whose ride has just been ratified by Guinness World Records:

The fastest circumnavigation by bicycle is 106 days, 10 hours and 33 minutes, and was achieved by Alan Bate (UK) who cycled a distance of 29,467.91 km (18,310.47 mi) and travelled over 42,608.76 km (26,475.8 mi) in total (including transfers). The journey started and finished at the Grand Palace in Bankok, Thailand, from 31 March to 4 August 2010. 

That's 273km (170 miles) per day.  Amazing.  There is no way I can do that without a support team (which he had).  My plans are based around riding solo and unsupported @200km per day.  Arguably there should be two categories, for supported and unsupported - though that would be a difficult can of worms for Guinness to manage - what would constitute support, where would the line be drawn, and how would it be policed? 


Anyway it almost certainly means the end of my dreams to chase this record.  But not to do the ride - I will simply go for fun :-)