AI sports glasses promise to record your rides, spot danger, monitor fatigue and even automatically turn your ride into a visual story

The World Championships come within the space of three weeks, a key period of the season in which Worlds, Europeans and Il Lombardia take place in consecutive weekends. For most of the World Tour riders, it's a last-minute bid to improve a season, and Mathieu van der Poel is aiming for the rainbow j...

While sightings first surfaced at the Traka gravel race in May, we got our first real look at a Factor One-inspired gravel bike at Unbound later in the same month, ridden by former WorldTour pro Romain Bardet and some of his teammates. I wouldnt say I was shocked so much as I was surprised, as I was told just a few weeks earlier that the company was capping its gravel bike offering at three distinct models at the time that comprised the Ostro Gravel, Aluto and recently released Sarana. Unbeknownst to me, however, Factor was already cooking up a radical new aero gravel machine designed to replace the Ostro Gravel. Dubbed the Elara, it came to fruition as an idea floated by the brand's athletes Magnus Bak Klaris and Romain Bardet, both of whom were instrumental in bringing it to life. Magnus, a self-confessed cycling tech obsessive and PhD candidate, asked the design team for an aero gravel bike solution that could accommodate 57mm-wide tyres, as he felt this was the future of gravel racing and could potentially make him faster. At the time, and still today, there isnt another aero-racing gravel bike on the market that can accommodate a 2.2-inch tyre. The Elara is available in two colours: virescent blue (pictured here) or matte carbon (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)That said, before I'm summoned for a public flogging, I know there are other gravel bikes that can take a 2.2-inch tyre - the Factor Sarana is a case in point - the only difference here is that they're not in the same category as the aero-optimised Elara; they're more adventure-focussed.Factor's three-model gravel lineup aims to address the various offshoots of the burgeoning gravel cycling discipline: the Aluto represents the middle ground (Race Balance), the Sarana takes care of the adventure side (Race Endurance), while the Elara is an all-out speed merchant (Race Speed).F.K.T. is an acronym for Fastest Known Time an apt moniker (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)Design detailsThe Elara is available in two colours: virescent blue (pictured here) or matte carbon. I'm a huge fan of raw carbon finishes and would have loved to see the bike in that configuration but the metallic, desaturated turquoise hue is rather pretty. I like the colour-coded setapost, too it's a lovely detail, so is the F.K.T. logo (Fastest Known Time) on the top tube.In terms of frame options, the Factor Elara is available in six sizes from 49 to 61cm.As expected, the frame and fork are constructed using a meld of materials TeXtreme, Toray, Nippon Graphite and Pan-Based fibres, but where 3K woven fibers typically comprise the downtube, Factor has incorporated reinforced TeXtreme for extra strength.The front triangle draws many parallels with the Factor One and Ostro VAM specifically the fork integration, hourglass-shaped head tube, and leading edge around the downtube. Factor cites a 2.5w gain from relocating the leading edge forward on the fork compared to the original fork design. Ah yes, original fork design, I hear you mumble?Yep, the Factor Elara initially started out with a traditional-looking fork, but after seeing the online memes showing the Factor One aero bike with a 2.2-inch mountain bike tyre shoehorned up front, the design team got thinking and tested the Elara with a wider, Factor One-style fork in the wind tunnel in December last year. What started as a laugh turned out to be an effective solution that benefitted both aerodynamics and handling. This was quantified using CFD modelling with a textured map and followed by 3D tyre testing before validation in the wind tunnel the testing showed that airflow was contained within the fork with measurable drag reductions with 4557mm race tyres, delivering aero efficiency on par with modern road frames.While it uses a similar aero chin protrusion to the One, in this application, the fork is UCI-illegal because the fork conformity and down tube boxes intersect. Look closely, and there's no UCI-approved decal to be found; then again, most of the races where the Elara will be used are non-UCI-sanctioned events, so it doesn't matter.The hour-glass-shaped headtube is an elegant touch, and contrasts the bold, wide-set fork legs (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)Those with a keen eye might even recall the Factor gravel bikes used by Romain Bardet and Magnus Bak Klaris at the Santa Vall gravel race in Spain earlier this year. While some cited the bikes as updated Ostro Gravel bikes, they were actually early Elara prototypes just without the aero fork pictured here. Factor actually had aero forks ready to go, but they hadn't undergone the necessary safety checks and stress testing, so the call was made to field-test the Elara with the regular fork.The Elaras geometry is inspired by Factors road bikes, and the riding position also reflects this so it has a long reach with reduced trail number and a bottom bracket that is positioned lower to ensure stability across the board. To avoid stretching out the chainstays, the bottom bracket has been positioned lower (80mm) to help triangulate the rear end this has also ensured stability and preserved agile handling characteristics. It also doesnt veer too far from rear centre dimension relative to the riders centre of gravity, as the Ostro Gravel does.On a medium-sized frame (54cm), Factor has paired a 72.5-degree head angle with a 74.5-degree seat tube angle, with the chainstays measuring 420mm. In fact, the head tube angle, trail number, and fork offset are basically the same as the Ostro Gravel.While it uses a similar aero chin protrusion to the One, in this application, the fork is UCI-illegal because the fork conformity and down tube boxes intersect (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)The big news with the Factor Elara, however, comes in the way it was manufactured: the entire frame is a one-piece monocoque, constructed to exact tolerances needed to clear a 57mm chainline, 52T 1x chainring, and a two-by front derailleur. The monocoque construction also makes for a lighter frameset. This also means the chainstays are constructed as a single piece and not bonded, so the alignment is perfect. It has allowed Factor to use wafer-thin rather than solid carbon, so Shimano Di2 cables can still thread out the rear. As such, the rear triangle uses a split-plane design with a lowered drive-side stay and an offset seat-tube junction.To ensure a polished product, Factor spent considerable time refining the details and industrial design of the rubber gaskets used throughout the bike. Another area was the seatpost clamp, which is now removable and easily serviceable while retaining all the benefits of the pusher clamp system seen on the Ostro Gravel 2.0. Other details include a default 160/160 front/rear rotor configuration, a threaded bottom bracket, UDH functionality, range-universal dust caps for handlebar cross-compatibility, and the same seatpost dimensions as the Ostro VAM.SRAM's Force XPLR AXS groupset is faultless, not to menton bulletproof (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)SpecificationsThe Elara is the second Factor gravel bike I've recently sampled that came outfitted with SRAM Force AXS and a power meter. It really is a superb groupset, delivering Red AXS performance at a much more palatable price point. In terms of the tactile experience, overall performance, and brake modulation, the differences are marginal.This particular build features Force XPLR AXS, which combines a one-by 44T chainring with a 10-46T cassette and direct-mount rear mech. Shifting is crisp and predictable, and the gearing is nicely matched for the terrain I traverse around the Surrey Hills. The Elara also benefits from a new 38cm Black Inc Aero Gravel Bar AB07 matched to a 120mm stem, complete with a 17-degree flared drop. With a 64mm-deep rim profile and 30mm internal width, the Black Inc 64 Gravel wheels were made specifically for the Elara platform (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)Of all the components, the big talking point is the Black Inc 64 Gravel wheels. Built exclusively for the Factor Elara, they function as a complete system with the frameset. While you can outfit it with shallower Black Inc 46 wheels or pair it with another compatible brand, the bike was optimised around the 64mm deep rim and 2.0in-wide tyres. The deep rim profile is matched to a modern 30mm internal rim width (40mm external) and plays nicely with tyres up to 57mm (2.2in). The minimum tyre size compatible with the Black Inc 64 Gravel wheels is 47mm.All this, however, means the wheels tip the scales at a rather hefty 1,620g (720/900g front/rear).There's in-frame storage for those who require it. Accessible through a door beneath the Black Inc bottle cage on the downtube, it houses a pouch for storing tools, a tube, and perhaps some emergency gels.The Factor Elara is at home on fast, open gravel roads where it can utilise its aero-honed tube shapes and wheels it's fairly rapid in this environment (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)PerformanceThe Factor Elara was designed for speed its a fast bike, and that goes for whether you ride it on gravel or tarmac. As such, the bike works as a complete system - frame set and wheels combined - and you can feel this out on the trail. For a bike as radical-looking as the Elara, its incredibly easy to ride, and despite the 8.75kg weight, it minces rolling hills and is able to get up the steeper stuff fairly adequately, too. While you can feel the added rolling resistance of the 2.0in Continental Race King tyres, the benefits these rubber options afford are truly incredible, especially when the terrain is washboard-like or heavily corrugated. I've raced gravel bikes in week-long stage races with much firmer ride qualities than the Elara, and I think the firmness-to-comfort balance here is good. The vibration-induced speed loss I've often experienced just didn't feel present as the Black Inc 64 Gravel wheels and tyres soaked up vibrations and ever-changing chunky terrain effectively. The result is speed unlike anything else Ive tested in fact, youll find yourself held back more by your lack of confidence rather than the Elara. Overcome this and ride the Elara harder than you usually ride a gravel bike, and the rewards are massive.I found myself barreling into corners at much higher speeds than usual, relying on the blocky shoulder knobs of the Race Kings to grip into the hardpack lurking under the powdery surface layers. At first you can hear the tyre breaking traction as you lean in, pushing the front end into the trail beneath, followed by a skidding sensation from the unweighted rear but then the tyres bite, and grip comes in spades. Get into a rhythm and start stitching together a state of flow, and it becomes a vivid picture of detail and connection, often missing from the gravel bike recipe. Its a little trickier in singletrack especially when climbing tightly stitched-together sections owing to the narrow Black Inc Aero bar and expected toe overlap on what are essentially 29-inch off-road wheels.The frame can accommodate tires as wide as 57 mm or 2.2 inches. I tested it with the stock 2.0-inch Continental Race Kings as well as 42mm Vittoria Corsa Control road tyres (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)The Elara only truly comes alive when the road ahead opens up. Tuck in and assume the lowest position you can, and watch the speed increase on your cycling computer. Its absolutely mental; not even the terrain can hold it back or scrub off progress. The ride quality is actually very good for all intents and purposes. Of course, the wheels and tyres are a large reason for its ability to soak up bumps and hits from below, and this helps with keeping things swift. The front end and Black Inc Aero Gravel Bar AB07 arrangement is pretty stiff (as is the BB area) and expected at this level, and while I suffered no real hand and arm pain, Im confident that if you pair it with the correct tyre pressure (for your weight), youll be able to find a balance to best suit your needs. The riding position is fairly aggressive and not too far removed from other racing gravel bikes (and some road bikes for that matter); Factor made a point of retaining the Ostro Gravel's frame angles and for good reason there was nothing to fix. As a racing gravel bike, the Elara needs to be ridden hard, and that means setting it up to match its intentions. I kept things aggressive with a forward-bias setup, which let me stretch out into an aero position. The gearing is good, too. While it can accommodate two-by drivetrains and subsequently unlock another level of speed, the stock 44T, 10-46T gearing spread was ample for my testing routes. While you'll unlock greater top end from a two-by chainring configuration, the stock 44T, 10-46T SRAM Force drivetrain proved ideal for the testing I carried out (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)The bars are pretty ergonomic for the application, with a slight flare that can help you change hand position should you require it. The one-piece bar-stem configuration provides confidence to hit ruts at speed without fear of the bar rotating in the stem, as traditional bar/stem setups often can. A setup like this is even more important on descents where you need the confidence and trust to navigate technical terrain at high speeds.I tested the Elara on both gravel and tarmac, with both the stock Black Inc 64 Gravel wheels with 2.0in Conti Race Kings as well as Fulcrum Sharq GR wheels wrapped in Vittoria Corsa Pro Control 42c road tyres. This test showed that the Elara is absolutely rapid on tarmac with slick rubber fitted, and can easily keep up on fast group rides even at average speeds of 36km/h and above. On the road with the stock Race Kings, the Elara never really feels held back either; if anything, its more the humming of the 50mm tyres that suggests youre going slower or working harder than you actually are. The chainstays are constructed as a single piece and not bonded, so the alignment is perfect and width wafer-thin to ensure compatibility with 57mm tyres and internal clearance for Di2 cables (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)Tyre clearance is ample, especially on the stock 2.0in Race King configuration. While its been fairly dry in South of England where I've done the majority of my testing, there was at least one wet, muddy day that put the grip and clearance tolerances to the test. The Race Kings are great in that their mud clearing is impressive, as is grip in the wet, but over some prolonged, seriously sticky sections, I could feel and hear mud coming into contact with the underside of the fork crown. Whether this might be more of an issue in areas with clay soil, I don't know, but in those conditions, no bike will be immune. Overall, I had no issues with the stock 2.0in tyres, as well as no desire nor reason to shoehorn anything wider in either and I put this bike through its paces on properly chunky, muddy technical terrain.As a racing package, the Factor Elara makes complete sense for events sich as Unbound and stage races like Gravel Burn. In fact, if I were entered for this years edition of Gravel Burn, the Elara would be my weapon of choice given the speed its able to maintain over rough terrain any weight penalty is more than made up for in comfort, speed and confidence. The Black Inc 64 Gravel wheels and 2.0-inch tyres essentially act as suspension and let you bulldoze and bully your way through terrain that would previously thwart progress and bring about unimaginable levels of vibration-induced wrist, head, neck, and body pain.There's more than enough space for a 2.0-inch tyre, granted you might get some mud rubbing the inner crown during winter riding (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)ValueAs it stands, the Factor Elara occupies a unique position: it has no real rivals. Sure, the 3T Racemax2 Force gravel bike comes to mind, but it offers neither the same level of tyre clearance nor the aggressive geometry of the Elara, despite coming in at a more affordable price point in the UK and EU (it's pricier in the US). It also lacks the super-aero Black Inc 64 Gravel wheels, which are a key differentiator and a key component that set the Factor Elara apart.The Factor Elara - as expected - is a pricey beast, but there are options available. The bike pictured here will set you back 9,499/ $9,699/ 11,599 as a full build. Opt for SRAM Red AXS, and this figure will climb to 10,999/ $11,399/ 13,599. You can also purchase the frameset and build it up accordingly if you've already got some components lying about; this will cost you 5,899/ $5,999/ 7,199. Factor says you can build and spec it with any gravel wheelset. That said, having tested it both as a full system and with aftermarket wheels, the Black Inc 64s are the way to go if you're after the full experience. Purchasing the Black Inc 64 Gravel wheels separately will add 2,199/ $2,199/ 2,599 to your bill, but there's also a shallower 1,699/ $1,699/ 1,999 Black Inc 46 wheelset option if that's too dear.Black Inc Aero Gravel Bar AB07 is stiff and narrow, and allows for confident descending thanks to the one-piece construction (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)Scoring breakdownDesign detailsThe Elara is stunningly designed, retaining Factor's product DNA. The wide-set fork works well both visually and practically and the virescent blue paint job complements the entire package.10/10SpecificationsSRAM's Force XPLR AXS groupset is all you need. Sure, you can drop a few grams going Red AXS, but that means hiking the price significantly. The Black Inc handlebar and 64 Gravel wheels complete a rather impressively appointed machine.9/10WeightIt's not what I'd call heavy but a number closer to 8kg would be welcomed. All in, the Elara weighs 8.75kg (54cm), which I reckon will be par for the course among new aero gravel bikes.8/10Performance and handlingFaultless. Grip and handling are sublime, and straightline performance is exceptional this goes for all terrain types, gravel and tarmac included. I had no issues with the stock 2.0in tyres as well as no desire nor reason to shoehorn anything wider in either.10/10ValueFor a complete Force-level bike and the option going the frameset route, there's scope to offset the investment to a certain extent. It is pricey but at the same time, there's nothing else like it it on the market, so perhaps I'll revisit this attribute once the segment starts populating.5.5/10Overall85%Tech specPrice: 9,499/ $9,699/ 11,599Brand: FactorFrame: TeXtreme, Toray, Nippon Graphite with Pan-Based FibreFork: Full carbonWeight: 8.75kg (actual, 54cm)Sizes: 47, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cmLevers: SRAM Force AXSBrakes: SRAM Force AXS, 160/160mm front/rearRear derailleur: SRAM Force AXSFront derailleur: SRAM Force AXSCrankset: SRAM Force AXS with Power Meter, 44TBottom bracket: T47A, threadedCassette: SRAM Force XPLR AXS 10-46TChain: SRAM ForceWheels: Black Inc 64 GravelTyres: Continental Race King 2.0Bar/stem: Black Inc Aero Gravel Bar AB07Seatpost: Factor aero-profile carbonSaddle: Selle Italia SLR Elite

As it stands, Primoz Roglic is favourite number two to win the 2026 Vuelta a Espaa. But the veteran has four overall wins in the Spanish race, and in its second half, is perhaps the only rider capable of dethroning Enric Mas. On Calar Alto, the Slovenian once again put in a strong performance, avo...

Factors new Elara gravel bike is the latest addition to its off-road range, and looks set to rival Ridley and Argon 18s aero-optimised gravel racers.The Elara gets a wide-mouth fork inspired by the road-racing One, alongside new progressive geometry with a longer reach, yet shorter trail for fast handling and clearance for 57mm tyres.Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, is Factor has managed to retain 2x compatibility, yet kept the back end short with 423mm chainstays.We spotted an aero-gravel prototype from Factor at this year's Traka, alongside the suspension-fork equipped Sarana. This looks to be the full production version of that bike. I've tested 2026's leading gravel race bikes these three made the podium, but only one stood above the rest as our Bike of the YearNew geometry We spotted the prototype Factor aero gravel bike at the 2026 Traka. The Elara is the production version of this bike. Simon von Bromley / Our Media The Elaras geometry has a longer reach, reduced trail and lower bottom bracket compared to its predecessor.According to Factor, this is the key to improving the handling, especially when using larger tyres.The increased length of the front centre is said to better manage the centre of gravity and put the rider within the bike. Its a position Factor says will feel familiar to road racers, with the bike remaining composed over gravel. That's something Im keen to try out because the previous Ostro gravel struggled to maintain its composure on the roughest terrain.The shape of the Elaras frame is informed by lots of CFD aerodynamic work, and you can see the influence of both the One and Ostro VAM road bikes in the Elaras design.1x or 2x The Factor Elara has provision for a front derailleur. Factor In a bold move, Factor has retained 2x compatibility for the Elara, whereas its rival gravel bikes from the likes of Argon 18, Scott and Ridley have switched to solely 1x designs.Factors design engineer, Stuart Munro, explains: Nobodys managed to keep a proper short rear-centre on a 2x gravel bike with 57s. We just kept shaving it until it fit, 423mm chainstays, and everything still clears. 2x was never negotiable; we didnt want to force a drivetrain choice just to fit a tyre. Thats not how we work.Factor says it has overcome this challenge by using a shapely and very thin driveside chainstay. It claims this could be achieved by producing the Elara frame as a true monocoque one-piece construction because a thin joint here could be a weakness. The result is a frame with better alignment, less machining required and a lighter weight.Aero included The Elara fork has a similar forward-facing leading edge as the One road bike. Factor Factor says the Elara design draws on Factors One and Ostro VAM designs, with planar fork integration (the wide-mouth crown and forward position of the fork's leading edge), a narrow hourglass head tube, and refined leading-edge transitions around the down tube and bottle zones.The brand says CFD validation has confirmed measurable drag reductions with 45-57mm race tyres (although it hasnt provided any data to support this). Factor claims the Elara delivers aero efficiency on a par with modern road frames.There is a down-tube storage port, so Factor says you wont spoil the aerodynamics with add-on bags when carrying all the essentials for training and race days.Black Inc components The new gravel bar is designed to work aerodynamically with the Elara's hourglass head tube and wide fork. Factor Factors component partner, Black Inc, has created both a one-piece cockpit for the Elara and a new aero gravel wheelset.The new Black Inc Aero Gravel Bar AB07 one-piece cockpit offers a subtle flare, integrated computer mount and internal hose routing.The new Black Inc Sixty Four gravel wheels have a 64mm-deep aero rim and a 30mm internal width. The new Sixty Four gravel wheel is 60mm deep with a 30mm internal width. Factor The Factor Elara will be available in six sizes, ranging from 49 to 61cm. The Elara can be ordered with a zero or 20mm-setback seatpost.The Black Inc Aero Gravel Bar AB07 Barstem comes in a wide range of sizes, from 36cm bar width and 80mm stem length to a 40cm-wide bar and 140mm-long stem.Pricing begins at $5,999 / 7,199 for a frame package.

The Vuelta a Espaa began as a Tadej Pogacar fest, but ever since the World Champion's withdrawal, the race has become much more open for the breakaways and climbers. Guillaume Martin believes this to be the case and hopes to grab the opportunity. The former red jersey withdrew from the race on sta...

London cycling showroom and cafe VIA Atelier is currently closed with mystery surrounding when or whether at all it will open again. On 24 July, a notice of forfeiture by peaceable re-entry was placed in the window of the store located in Coal Drops Yard, behind Kings Cross Station. It explained that the landlord had seized the property due to the tenants failure to pay the reserved rents in accordance with the lease, in that rent due under the terms of the lease is now overdue, has not been paid and remains in arrears.The store has now been closed for six weeks. Cycling Weekly has contacted VIA for comment. Writing on Instagram last month, the business said: VIA caf and showroom are currently closed due to [an] unforeseen series of events, we are working to reopen.We know this news may be worrying for our community and for the riders who have become friends over the years. Thank you for bearing with us while we work through the challenges. The notice in the window, signed by law firm Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, also states the landlords intention to immediately re-let the premises. Cycling Weekly understands this is an ongoing process, with new tenants currently being sought. VIA was co-founded by designer Michael Sodeau and chef Anthony Demetre and opened in 2022. The central London store sold products from brands including POC, Pas Normal Studios, Q36.5 and Standert, hosted events such as launches and race watch-alongs, and previously organised its own VIA Criterium race. Its bike workshop has remained open throughout the store closure.Cycling Weekly understands there is now limited stock remaining inside the store. According to the notice, VIA had until 7 August, two weeks after the notice was issued, to remove its goods from the premises, otherwise the landlord would sell or dispose of them in the appropriate manner and without further notice.An accompanying notice in the shop window, issued by VIA, re-assured that their cycling club's weekly rides will continue to take place as they seek to "resolve this situation". Thank you for your continued support, the VIA notice ended. Cycling Weekly will update this article if VIA respond to our request for comment. A post shared by VIA (@via_atelier.cc)A photo posted by

Organisers of the Sauerlandrundfahrt say they are "thoroughly reviewing the incident" and that security measures have been tightened for the upcoming stages

Oscar Onley had until stage 12 been in the fight for the overall win at the Vuelta a Espaa but that might have ended in Calar Alto. The Netcompany INEOS rider struggled on the final climb after a rough day where he suffered a crash, eventually losing important time in the fight for the overall clas...

Amy and Kyle Hudson were well ahead of schedule during their round-the-world cycle when a serious traffic incident in Canada caused Kyle to crash, leaving him with a broken collarbone and throwing the couples whole record attempt into doubt.We were just getting out of Montreal, on a bike path, when a car decided to turn left without any right of way, Kyle told Cycling Weekly, while enroute to hospital. Amy had to slam her brakes on which was the best course of action, otherwise we would have all got run over and there was nowhere for me to go. I ended up hitting her bag and then the floor. I stood up straight away and said: I think my collarbones gone. I hit my head quite hard off the floor and cracked my helmet.It was really horrible, Amy Hudson adds. I could see the look in his eyes and at that point I thought, Oh noit's over! But Kyle was like: No, it's not over there's no way I'm letting it be over.We had 2,000 thousand miles left to go. We just had to carry on and keep trying. He managed to just live with it, but obviously we had to be really careful. I kept thinking, I hope nothing else bad happens if he hits a pothole and comes off, its definitely over. It did taint the last bit of the ride.However, their luck and Kyles pain threshold held, and on 2 September, the bikepacking couple came to the end of their epic adventure in their home county of Derby. (Image credit: Ottrworks)Travelling self-supported, the bikepacking pair finished their lap of the globe in 123 days, 27 days quicker than they had planned on doing it, and 83 days faster than the previous record of 205 days, set by David Ferguson and Caroline Soubayroux in 2023.Arising each day at 4am and cycling until 8pm, Amy and Kyle pedalled around 150 miles each day, passing through 20 countries and visiting both hemispheres during their 18,100-mile ride, satisfying the requirements for a round-the world record. The route they took can be seen here, and whilst on the adventure the pair have also raised almost 70,000 for the mental health charity Shout a cause very close to their hearts. The expedition is currently being ratified by the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) as the fastest cycling circumnavigation of the globe by bike by a mixed pair, and by Guinness as the quickest round-the-world ride by a married couple.Aside from bad and occasionally aggressive drivers (one of whom, in the US, screamed that he hoped they would get run over), they had to contend with wildlife on the roads, wet weather, brutal heat and severe cold during their journey. In Serbia and Bulgaria, there were so many stray dogs, recounts Amy. Big scary dogs that would chase you. And in Canada, there were massive bison with babies beside the road. In Thailand and Malaysia, it was 45C with 99% humidity we bought ice in every shop we passed and stuffed it into our shorts and jerseys.We rode through a heatwave in North America. Kyle's really good in the heat and I'm not. I get quite swollen up in the heat and need loads of electrolytes. There was a lot of cryingbut I got through it.Kyle Hudson in Australia (Image credit: Amy Hudson)Even more amazingly, the couple are still speaking to another. It actually brought us closer together, observes Kyle. We've been together 10 years, but when you spend so much time with each other, you learn new things like how you both deal with certain situations.We got know how each other ticks, agrees Amy. I know that we had to get Kyle a coffee in the morning, otherwise he wont talk for the first two hours. And he knows that when I'm struggling, I need to have a little cry and a shout. And then, 10 minutes later, I'll be fine.Their bikes carbon Pinarello gravel steeds survived relatively unscathed too. We got so many messages saying how risky it was to use carbon bikes, and urging us to use steel bikes instead, but honestly, they were so good, laughs Amy.The only mechanicals we had were punctures and we had 53 punctures in total, which for 18,000 miles on two bikes isnt actually too bad and a cable snap, which Kyle fixed on the side of the road. We fell off our bikes six times in total, including the crash, and they were fine every time.A post shared by Amy Hudson (@amy.cycling.adventures)A photo posted by For now, the pair are looking forward to catching up on some sleep, but they already have more rides planned. Kyles collarbone needs to mend, but I'm going on a ride this weekend, says Amy.There's ParisBrestParis next year. Last time we did it wed only really been cycling for about two years, and we did it in 72 hours so we want to try and beat that this year.Kyle tells me he is planning an attempt to beat his clubs one-day distance record, with a view to doing 450 miles in 24 hours, and Amy alludes to a new record attempt, but shes keeping that one under wraps for now, so watch this space.