Record breaking 4500km bike ride ends on Gold Coast

Gold Coast man Peter ‘Jonah’ Lawton cycled into Burleigh Heads at 5.10pm this afternoon, the final destination of his 4,500km cross-country trek from Perth.  The ride was completed in just 15 days, which is a record time for a solo-ride of this distance.

The never-before-attempted journey began at Perth’s General Post Office on Friday 9 March at 5am.  Jonah has cycled an average of 300kms per day to reach the Gold Coast today, Friday 23 March at 5pm.
“Today, after 12 months of planning and preparation, I have realised my dream and completed my journey across Australia in record time,” said Jonah.

Over the past two weeks, Jonah and his support crew have endured not only blistering heat, but strong headwinds and
driving rain left in the wake of Cyclone George.  They’ve dodged road trains, raced emus, negotiated roadworks and endured hour upon hour of relentless straight roads with very little sleep – but Jonah was in fine spirits when he reached Point Break at Burleigh Heads where a welcoming reception from his supporters awaited him.

Jonah, who has been involved in running, triathlon events, and cycling for over 20 years, knew the commitment and endurance that would be required for this type of event.  A strict physical and mental training schedule began 12 months ago, including 30 – 40 hours of cycling per week, equating to over 40,000kms since February 2006. He consequently lost 18 kilos from his already fit frame, paring down to just 6% body fat.

“I needed to be as light as I could be to allow me to go faster.  But on the other hand I couldn’t afford to lose any strength,” he explained.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Endeavour Foundation, a Queensland not-for-profit organisation supporting over 3,000 Queenslanders with a disability.

“I’ve been involved with Endeavour’s 500 Summer Challenge fundraising relay for some time and it has brought my attention to the tireless effort that Endeavour  puts in to supporting people with a disability and their families. I wanted my ride to provide an opportunity to raise the profile of Endeavour and the important role that it plays in the community.”

As a weary Jonah dismounted amid the cheers of his supporters, Jonah said he was tired but elated.
“There are five very special people that I want to acknowledge: my support crew  Michael, Lee, Jeff, Katrina and Kitty.  I only hope I have enough time left in my life somehow to repay them for all they have done and given.

“I would also like to thank my sponsors, including Stratco, and the people who have donated money to this very worthwhile cause.  I thank you all so much.”

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