The event was originally created by Ian Martin, Vice President of Commercial Sales for Great Floors LLC of Coeur d’Alene, ID, and his friend, avid athlete Greg Gervais, a Multiple Kona Ironman finisher.

“In early 2011, Greg and I talked about taking a four-day bike ride from Coeur d’Alene to Jasper, Canada, to raise money for charity,” said Martin. “One thing led to another, and what evolved from that was the Big Bike Adventure, which resulted in $52,000 in contributions for the Boys & Girls Club.” 

For the 2012 race, 10 people rode 606.91 miles in 24 hours — attempting to establish a new Guinness World Record category for the most miles biked during that time on a paved road or trail. The event started on September 15, 2012 and finished 24 hours later at the State Line Speedway in Post Falls, ID, which is a ¼-mile oval loop race track.