Brian Cunningham's Crossing of Gobi Desert by Kite Buggy Honoured by Guinness Record
Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 01:20PM
Hifliercanada in Kites and Technology, Kiting in the News

kiteman010806.253640.full.jpgProfessor Brian Cunningham of Bolton England has been awarded the Guinness Book of Records award for travelling the longest distance in a kite powered buggy:  1,000 kilometres (600 miles) across land by kite power in September 2004.

 The original crossing of the Gobi Desert was reported by The Manchester News and posted in Best-Breezes in a Sept. 28, 2004 posting here.

 During his records setting journey, Cunningham was accompanied by his wife, Christine, who acted as first aider and photographer, and two other expedition members, Kieron Bradley, aged 32, and Peter Ash, aged 36, both from Norfolk.

Cunningham is no stranger to adventure.  In 2002, he attempted to cross the Antarctic in a kite buggy but failed when he hit one of the most windless periods on record.  At present he does not have any plans for additional kite traction adventures.

The buggy used by Cunningham was specially designed for the long distance ride and for the conditions of the Gobi Desert.  It was named the "Parastorm Gobi Buggy".  The buggy carried Cunningham at speeds up to 50 mph and was equipped with independent rear suspension, adjustable shocks, ride-height adjustment, wheel camber adjustment, full underseat belly pan, 18” four-ply wheels all round, quick-release off-line flying system, oversize splashguard, and a special rear axle brace.

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Article originally appeared on BEST BREEZES: Kites and Kite History (http://best-breezes.squarespace.com/).
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