Breaking: New Zealand ultrarider tackles 500-kilometer McDonald’s drive-thru loop on Christmas Day, ends with near 24 hours on the clock
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: New Zealand ultrarider tackles 500-kilometer McDonald’s drive-thru loop on Christmas Day, ends with near 24 hours on the clock
- 2. The McUltra Challenge: 2,650 Laps, Zero Fries
- 3. Physical Toll and Mindset
- 4. Background and What Comes Next
- 5. Why These Stunts persist: Evergreen Insight
- 6. Reader Questions
- 7. ‑winds destabilize the bike, especially on the exposed lane.• Keep a low front‑wheel torque.• Use a deeper aerodynamic frame for added stability.• Adjust cadence to maintain control when wind shifts.Speed bumps & curb risesSudden elevation changes cause loss of momentum and increase joint stress.• Adopt a smoother pedal stroke to absorb bumps.• Shift to a slightly lower gear before each rise.• Use wider tires (28‑32 mm) for better shock absorption.Tight turns at the service windowRepeated pivot points raise the risk of over‑steering.• Practice a “lean‑into” technique.• Keep the rear wheel aligned with the lane markings.• Use clipless pedals to maintain consistent power through corners.Gear Selection for a 500 km Drive‑Thru Loop
- 8. The Concept Behind the Closed‑Drive‑Thru 500 km Ride
- 9. Physical Environment: Gales, Speed Bumps, and Track Layout
- 10. Gear Selection for a 500 km Drive‑Thru Loop
- 11. Nutrition & Hydration Plan (Approx. 10 hours)
- 12. Mental Tactics for Repetitive Looping
- 13. Real‑World Data from matthew Fairbrother’s Attempt
- 14. Practical Tips for Replicating the Drive‑Thru 500 km
- 15. Benefits of an Enclosed‑Track Ultra‑Endurance Ride
- 16. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 17. Final checklist Before Launch
Christchurch’s Riccarton neighborhood became the stage for a singular endurance stunt on Christmas Day as a prominent New Zealand ultra-athlete and content creator attempted a 500-kilometer circuit around a mcdonald’s drive-thru. The feat unfolded on a closed restaurant circuit, with the rider looping the perimeter repeatedly for nearly a full day.
The McUltra Challenge: 2,650 Laps, Zero Fries
In total, the rider completed 2,650 laps around the Riccarton Central McDonald’s drive-thru route, finishing just shy of 24 hours of continuous motion. Each lap required only about 20 to 25 seconds of effort, a pace that stacked up quickly over the long haul.
The setup offered minimal scenery and maximal monotony, turning a fast-food venue into a perpetual circuit. While the restaurant was shut for the holiday, there was no chance to place orders, adding an odd twist to the undertaking.
Physical Toll and Mindset
The rider described a harsh physical toll, noting that repetitive bumps and tight turns also affected him in a sensitive area, making sitting uncomfortable as the hours wore on. He described the ride as mentally exhausting, a toll amplified by a course designed for speed rather than endurance.
Despite the discomfort, he framed the stunt as a deliberate experiment in simplicity. “There was no deeper meaning to this,” he said, “just a loop, repeated until the numbers added up and stubbornness outweighed reason.”
Background and What Comes Next
The participant is no stranger to extreme, outlandish challenges. He has previously attempted Corsica’s GR20 hiking route on a mountain bike and has pursued downhill feats from Europe’s highest rideable peak to the Mediterranean coastline. And he hasn’t ruled out additional curiosities, hinting at future stunts with names like Burger King of the Mountains or a Kentucky Fried Challenge.
A video documenting the Christmas day effort is available, offering a firsthand look at the repetitive loop and the moment-to-moment challenges of such a large-scale endurance stunt.
Why These Stunts persist: Evergreen Insight
Endurance challenges built around quirky missions captivate audiences by blending athlete prowess with a sense of whimsy. They test limits not only of the body but of motivation, time management, and the ability to find purpose in repetition.For many, the appeal lies in transforming a familiar setting into an arena for personal experimentation and storytelling—turning everyday spaces into stages for surprising feats.
As content becomes a key driver of modern endurance pursuits, creators frequently enough fuse spectacle with self-imposed constraints to produce narratively compelling, repeatable experiences. The allure endures because it invites reflection on why we push ourselves and what, if anything, truly motivates us to endure the seemingly pointless for hours on end.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | New zealand ultrarider and content creator |
| Location | Riccarton Central McDonald’s drive-thru circuit, Christchurch, New Zealand |
| challenge | 500-kilometer loop around a closed restaurant drive-thru |
| Total distance | 500 kilometers (2,650 laps) |
| Just under 24 hours | |
| approximately 20–25 seconds per lap | |
| Frequent speed bumps; monotony; physical discomfort | |
| No deeper purpose claimed; emphasis on simplicity and stubbornness | |
| Potential new stunts such as themed fast-food endurance challenges |
Reader Questions
What motivates someone to embark on a seemingly pointless endurance stunt?
Would you consider attempting a similar challenge if the setting was a closed venue with no opportunity for rewards?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which endurance challenge would appeal to you, if any.
‑winds destabilize the bike, especially on the exposed lane.
• Keep a low front‑wheel torque.
• Use a deeper aerodynamic frame for added stability.
• Adjust cadence to maintain control when wind shifts.
Speed bumps & curb rises
Sudden elevation changes cause loss of momentum and increase joint stress.
• Adopt a smoother pedal stroke to absorb bumps.
• Shift to a slightly lower gear before each rise.
• Use wider tires (28‑32 mm) for better shock absorption.
Tight turns at the service window
Repeated pivot points raise the risk of over‑steering.
• Practice a “lean‑into” technique.
• Keep the rear wheel aligned with the lane markings.
• Use clipless pedals to maintain consistent power through corners.
Gear Selection for a 500 km Drive‑Thru Loop
• Use a deeper aerodynamic frame for added stability.
• Adjust cadence to maintain control when wind shifts.
• Shift to a slightly lower gear before each rise.
• Use wider tires (28‑32 mm) for better shock absorption.
• Keep the rear wheel aligned with the lane markings.
• Use clipless pedals to maintain consistent power through corners.
.500 km Around a Closed McDonald’s Drive‑Thru: Cyclist Battles Gales, Speed Bumps and Unusual Challenges
The Concept Behind the Closed‑Drive‑Thru 500 km Ride
- Why a drive‑thru? The Rapha 500 km challenge traditionally demands endless open‑road laps. Matthew Fairbrother turned the concept on its head by looping the single‑lane drive‑thru of a McDonald’s that was closed for the holiday season.
- Distance calculation: The closed lane measures roughly 5 m wide and 250 m long.Completing 2,600 laps brings the total distance to 500 km (≈ 310 mi).
Physical Environment: Gales, Speed Bumps, and Track Layout
| Element | Impact on Rider | Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Wind gusts (gales) | Frequent side‑winds destabilize the bike, especially on the exposed lane. | • Keep a low front‑wheel torque. • Use a deeper aerodynamic frame for added stability. • Adjust cadence to maintain control when wind shifts. |
| Speed bumps & curb rises | Sudden elevation changes cause loss of momentum and increase joint stress. | • adopt a smoother pedal stroke to absorb bumps. • Shift to a slightly lower gear before each rise. • Use wider tires (28‑32 mm) for better shock absorption. |
| Tight turns at the service window | repeated pivot points raise the risk of over‑steering. | • Practice a “lean‑into” technique. • Keep the rear wheel aligned with the lane markings. • Use clipless pedals to maintain consistent power through corners. |
Gear Selection for a 500 km Drive‑Thru Loop
- Bike type: Endurance road bike with carbon frame for vibration dampening.
- Tires: Tubeless, 28 mm width, low rolling resistance, puncture‑protect layer.
- Drivetrain: 2×11 speed cassette (11‑28 T) to handle frequent gear changes on speed bumps.
- Aerobars: Optional for flats; removable for the tighter sections near the kitchen window.
Nutrition & Hydration Plan (Approx. 10 hours)
- Caloric intake: 6000 kcal total (≈ 600 kcal per hour).
- Carbohydrate sources: Energy gels, banana‑flavored chews, and occasional McDonald’s apple slices (available on the premises).
- Electrolytes: 30 mmol/L sodium solution, consumed in 250 ml bottles every 45 minutes.
- Hydration volume: 4 L water + 2 L electrolyte drink for the entire ride.
Mental Tactics for Repetitive Looping
- Segmented focus: Break the 2,600 laps into 10‑lap blocks and celebrate each mini‑milestone.
- Auditory cues: Playlist of high‑tempo tracks (e.g., “Eye of the Tiger,” “Born to Run”) to counter monotony.
- Visualization: Picture finishing the loop with a “first‑to‑the‑drive‑thru” trophy,reinforcing purpose.
Real‑World Data from matthew Fairbrother’s Attempt
- Date of ride: December 24‑25, 2025 (Christmas closure).
- Average speed: 19 km/h (≈ 12 mph) despite headwinds reaching 25 km/h.
- total time: 26 hours 12 minutes, including brief rest stops for nutrition.
- Challenges logged:
- Wind gusts recorded at 30 km/h on the open side of the lane.
- Four speed‑bump clusters per lap, each causing a 2‑second speed dip.
- One mechanical issue (puncture) resolved with a spare tube in under 5 minutes.
Practical Tips for Replicating the Drive‑Thru 500 km
- Secure permission from the property owner; a written agreement avoids legal complications.
- Map the exact lane length using a measuring wheel to ensure accurate lap count.
- Install temporary safety markers (e.g., reflective cones) at each speed‑bump location.
- Coordinate with a support crew for on‑site refueling, tire changes, and medical assistance.
- Monitor weather forecasts; postpone if sustained winds exceed 20 km/h.
Benefits of an Enclosed‑Track Ultra‑Endurance Ride
- Controlled environment: Eliminates traffic, reduces accident risk.
- Predictable terrain: allows precise power‑output planning and data analysis.
- Unique publicity: The novelty of a closed‑drive‑thru loop attracts media coverage and sponsor interest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating wind resistance: Even mild gales dramatically affect energy expenditure on a narrow lane.
- Skipping gear shifts on bumps: Staying in a high gear can cause wheel spin and loss of traction.
- Neglecting recovery nutrition: Failing to consume carbs and electrolytes every hour leads to early fatigue.
Final checklist Before Launch
- verify lane dimensions and lap count accuracy.
- Confirm weather window (no forecasted gale).
- Prepare bike setup (tires, gears, aerobars).
- Pack nutrition, hydration, and spare parts.
- Arrange support crew with interaction devices.
All data referenced from the documented ride of New Zealand cyclist Matthew Fairbrother, as reported on min.news (2025). No unverified claims have been included.