Aussie cyclist’s epic world record attempt
A cyclist is about to embark on a bicycle ride from one side of the country to the other, covering more than 6800km, in an attempt to break a record and raise money for charity.
Andrew Kerec sets off from Western Australia’s Gascoyne region on Tuesday, starting from Steep Point – the westernmost location on the Australian mainland, more than 800km north of Perth, near Shark Bay.
The 54-year-old’s ride will take him across the country to the NSW tourist town of Byron Bay as he tries to complete the journey in 65 days, crossing the Simpson Desert and arriving on August 28.
That’s more than two weeks faster than the record of nearly 84 days, set in 2021.
But that’s not the end for Mr Kerec; he’ll continue from Byron to Canberra, making the total trip 6820km in 80 days as he tries to raise $200,000 for spinal cord injury research.
Hence why he’s calling it the “Spine Tingling Ride”.
“It’s going to be a tough ride that’s for sure,” Mr Kerec says, “but spinal cord injury is something very close and personal to me, my family and friends because of dad.
“He was out training for an ironman event and in the blink of an eye everything changed – he was hit by another cyclist.”
Andrew’s father Lud became a quadriplegic when the strap of his bike helmet dislocated his vertebrae in the crash.
“Dad’s an inspiration so he’ll be in my thoughts during the ride to make sure I keep going all the way,” Andrew said.
His ride aims to raise money for SpinalCure Australia, and its chief executive Kathryn Borkovic says she believes Andrew’s ride will have a far-reaching positive impact.
“Not only could he set a new record, he will also raise awareness and donations for Project Spark, a series of neurostimulation trials that SpinalCure is funding,” Ms Borkovic said.
“They are the first step in taking this groundbreaking treatment out of the lab and into the lives of people living with a spinal injury.”
Andrew has also spent the last decade raising funds for Hartley Lifecare, a support agency for people living with disabilities.
“We wish Andrew incredibly good luck for his world record breaking ride,” Lifecare chief executive Eric Thauvette said. “The money raised will help Hartley support people with disabilities to live their best lives.”
Andrew completed a similar challenge in 2017 when he rode his mountain bike from Canberra to Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory – a total of 5551km in 59 days that raised $130,000.
