DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR 2moroRider IN CHINA
Round-the-world motorcyclist Rhys Lawrey is celebrating completing the first stage of his year-long trip, having reached Jianshui in Southwest China. Riding as 2moroRider, Rhys aims to be the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe on a motorcycle and has already covered 10,000 miles since leaving the Triumph factory in Leicestershire on his Tiger 800XC. He still has another 40,000 miles and five continents to cross before returning to the UK in spring 2015.
While in the ancient Chinese city Rhys, who was born in Cambridgeshire and grew up in New Zealand, will also be celebrating his 23rd birthday,
The bike has required no more maintenance than an oil and filter change at 8000 miles, but the trip hasn’t been entirely plain sailing so far. Although Rhys got into difficulties in desert sands twice, getting bogged down and having a low speed fall, by far the worst experiences have been at border crossings; “The border guards in Turkmenistan were so slow that I had to stay overnight at customs, sleeping on tables and floors”.
Crossing from Uzbekistan into Kazakhstan was just as frustrating; “I left at 9am and was made to wait outside the compound in 40∘ heat with no shelter, using the bike as a sunshade. I didn't get to my Kazakh accommodation until midnight”.
However, entering China turned out to be a highlight of the journey; “I was surprised by how relaxed and friendly the customs officers were - they even posed for photos with me. Being the youngest person to ride into China, and the first Triumph too, was an overwhelming feeling!”
While on the road, Rhys will be raising funds for the UK's leading youth charity, The Prince's Trust. Follow his progress and make a donation at www.2moroRider.com.