Andrew Murphy’s epic bike journey pays tribute to lost mate Luke Boylan

CYCLING solo for more than 12,000km across two continents is not everyone’s idea of a scenic holiday. But the ride has special meaning for Andrew Murphy.

CYCLING solo and unsupported for more than 12,000km across two continents is not everyone’s idea of a scenic holiday.

But this adventure had more riding on it for Andrew Murphy.

Mr Murphy, 24, of Berri, spent 10 months in 2013 cycling along mountain peaks and remote roads with just his bike and the memories of his great mate, Luke Boylan, spurring him on.

Mr Boylan, 22, and Stuart Crompton, 17, drowned in a boating accident at Venus Bay on the Eyre Peninsula in April 2012.

A third person on the boat — Matt Sampson, 22 — was able to swim ashore.

The tragedy prompted Mr Murphy to embark on an incredible journey that would finish at the entrance to Venus Bay, where, after raising almost $7000, a permanent memorial was established.

Mr Murphy — who has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal in the Courage category — cycled from Singapore to Hanoi before flying to Istanbul to continue his ride, which finished in London, where he was met by Luke’s family and friends.

He then flew to Perth and cycled across the Nullarbor to Venus Bay to complete the fundraiser.

“I got the idea last time I was in Europe and I saw people cycling and I thought it would be a good way to raise some money,” he said.

“I got pretty fit by the end of it. I would do two-week blocks and then have a couple of days off, but I would try to cycle for six to 10 hours a day and that could either get me 160km or 80km depending on the terrain.”

Mr Murphy said he was proud of his nomination and the memorial dedicated to Mr Boylan and Mr Crompton.

“I met Luke at school when I was in Year 10 and he was always the life of the party,” he said.

“(Luke’s family, friends and I) think about Luke every day and we rally around each other and remind each other of funny stories.”

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