Former Lymington man Lawrence Walters becomes fastest solo person to ride unsupported around Australia on fixed gear bike

A FORMER Lymington man has become the fastest solo person to ride unsupported around the whole of Australia on a fixed-gear bike.

Lawrence Walters completed the ‘hot lap’ in 50 days and 14 hours.

The previous record stood at 51 days. An overjoyed Lawrence posted a message to those who came to see him pass the finishing line: “Thanks to everyone that came down and particularly those that rode with me the final miles back to South Mole Lighthouse on Sunday evening.

“You can only imagine how incredible it was to share that life-changing moment.”

Lawrence had set off for Perth as a participant in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race to Sidney on his track bike. The 14,200km lap travels east across the the Nullarbor Plain, through southern Australia before traversing the Australian Alps and finishing at the Sydney Opera House.

Speaking about his epic adventure, Lawrence, a naval architect fundraising for the RNLI and Australian lifesaving charities, said: “The support through this ride has simply blown me away, brought me to tears with the generosity I’ve experienced on the road both on the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride and completing the lap.

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to getting me around safely with all kinds of support from beds to food and just a roadside conversation. You may never know how much it changed the course of my day and the ride, always for the better.”

His mother Vanessa, who lives in Lymington, had revealed how her son, who attended Ashley Junior School, was fundraising for charity during the ride – something he has done as a teenager.

She said: “The father of his friend at college died of a brain tumour which inspired them to undertake the North Atlantic crossing. He has done so much since, it’s remarkable.”

To see how Lawrence managed to complete his latest adventure visit: https://bit.ly/42fReo4

To donate to his cause visit: justgiving.com/page/lozwalters