The greatest distance cycled in 48 hours on a mountain bike was 571 km (354.8 mi) by Dave Buchanan (UK) cycling an off-road trail between Cardiff and Caernarfon, UK, from 13-15 May 2011. After the 48-hour mark, Buchanan continued to cycle so as to complete a trek from Cardiff to Caernarfon back to Cardiff that covered 721 km (448.01 mi) across more than 59 hours.

Buchanan had 18 support riders alternating as witnesses throughout his ride. To be considered for this record, the cycling had to occur on an “off-road” circuit or mountain bike-designed course, as opposed to cycling on flat ground or in a velodrome.