Man to traverse Sweden on lawnmower

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- A 59-year-old man in Sweden on a riding lawnmower has set out to traverse the country from top to bottom at 6 mph.

Kjell Fundin told local media he expects the 1,060-mile journey will take at least a month, The Local newspaper reported.

The truck driver said he was now in the little driver's seat after telling a radio DJ his similar stunt aboard a motorcycle was no big deal.

"I had a big mouth and said that if he could ride a motorcycle then I could drive a lawnmower. He then sorted out all the sponsorship and here I am," Fundin said.

He didn't reveal how much radio station RIX FM was paying him, but said it was worthwhile to take a month off from his regular job.

The station is setting his course, and is keeping him away from major highways, he said.

Fundin set out Monday in Haparanda bound for Ystad in the south, and said bouncing through the northern forests was already "a bit tiresome."