Andrew Kerec is taking on a record breaking, solo mountain bike ride from the western-most point to the eastern-most point of Australia – a total of around 5500 kms in just 65 days. And he’s doing it to raise money for people with spinal cord injury, like his father. Andrew’s 65-day ride is looking to beat the current record set in 2021, which is 83 days: 21 hours: 27 minutes to go from Steep Point in WA to Byron Bay in NSW. Andrew’s route will include crossing the Simpson Desert (along the “French Line” which crosses approx. 1200 sand dunes at right angles). But that’s not all, Andrew will then ride from Byron Bay to Canberra, making the total ride 6820 kms in 80 days. No wonder Andrew calls it ‘The Spine Tingling Ride’. Andrew is raising money for people with disabilities and medical research for people with spinal cord injury and their families and carers. The donations will be split equally between Hartley Lifecare and SpinalCure Australia. 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 5551kms in 59 days that raised $130,000. This time Andrew is looking to raise at least $200,000.
“It’s going to be a tough ride that’s for sure. 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 commented “His helmet strap had become caught up on something in the collision and caused a dislocation of his spine around the C5/C6 vertebrae – his spinal cord was damaged beyond current medical capacity to repair – and he became and remains a ‘complete’ C5 quadriplegic with no movement or function below the chest line including his hands. Dad’s an inspiration so he’ll be in my thoughts during the ride to make sure I keep going all the way”.
Kathryn Borkovic, CEO SpinalCure Australia, believes Andrew’s ride will have a far-reaching positive impact and encourage people with spinal cord injury to enrol in Project Spark clinical trials that are taking place now:
“We are all amazed and grateful for the effort Andrew will go to on this ride. 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. They are the first step in taking this ground breaking treatment out of the lab and into the lives of people living with a spinal injury,” Ms Borkovic commented.
Eric Thauvette, CEO Hartley Lifecare, along with all the staff and supporters at Hartley Lifecare are incredibly grateful for Andrew’s continued support and raising awareness of people with disabilities.
“Andrew, his family and friends has supported Hartley Lifecare in various ways for over ten years.We wish Andrew incredibly good luck for his world record breaking ride. The money raised will help Hartley support people with disabilities to live their best lives” Mr Thauvette commented.
For More Information About the Ride
Facts about Spinal Injuries
