Thornlands cyclist Reid Anderton is back in the Redlands after conquering Australia on a 14,100 km gruelling record-breaking ride in just over 37 days.
Reid arrived back at the Bike Nirvana shop at TownCentre Victoria Point at 5.25am after setting out on March 10 and riding north to Townsville, to Mount Isa across to Katherine and Darwin and down the coast of Western Australia before heading home to Queensland.
He rode about 400km each day over 16-18 hours, burning around 15,000 calories a day.
Reid said at times it was so tough so had thoughts of giving up, but he kept going.
“It’s been a bit of a nightmare - very difficult at times.
“I’m happy to be home, to be alive and live another day, “ he said.
Reid is set to have a new record confirmed for a solo supported cycling record around Australia. He will beat the previous the record of 37 days, 20 hours and 45 minutes set by cyclist Dave Alley in October, 2011 by 19 hours.
His marathon effort has been to raise funds for and awareness of Eagle's Wings; a Christian not-for-profit aid and development organisation registered in Zambia (EW Zambia) and Australia (EW Australia) that works to help vulnerable children who are living in extreme poverty in southern Africa to realise and reach their potential.
Reid, is the (voluntary) national director of EW Australia and a former missionary to Zambia.
"Funds raised will go to educating and housing children who are currently living in abject poverty, Reid said.
He asked people to give up some luxuries and be generous with what they saved. “They really can help change the lives of people who have nothing,” He said.
You can still donate to the Reid’s fundraising campaign by going to challengeforchange.org.au/donate
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