When he is not lecturing, US academic Richard Rodriguez is not in the library.

I read the newspapers, I have a walkman, I have my cellphone

Richard Rodriguez

Instead the 42-year-old, who teaches at Loyola University in Chicago, likes to spend his time making record-breaking rollercoaster rides, and then breaking them again.

Currently, Mr Rodriguez is engaged on a marathon journey on the "megacoaster" Expedition GeForce at the Holiday Park in Hassloch, Germany.

He has ridden it for 10 hours a day for the past three months in an effort to beat the world record, which was set by himself last year.

Record-breaking history

Mr Rodriguez says he keeps himself busy during his marathon sessions reading newspapers and sending text messages on his mobile phone, but he is looking forward to the conclusion of his ride.

"'I've been on this rollercoaster for quarter of a year now, so I am kind of anxious for the ending."

He intends to stop next Tuesday.

Mr Rodriguez started breaking records in 1977, when he spent 104 hours on a ride called the Cyclone in a US theme park.

He has since set 14 world records.