Rhys Lawrey.
How one young man started a trend of young adventurers and inspiring ideas into action.
THIS IS MY STORY
Being exposed to travel all through my youth, from travelling on the back of my father (Kevin Sanders) bike in South America at the age of 16, to going across Europe to Istanbul, growing up and living in New Zealand, to then setting off on my own at the age of 22 to become the first recognised Youngest Person to Circumnavigate the World by Motorcycle as well as trying to keep up with Dad who also has two world records. I went on to break the Guinness World Record for the Most Consecutive Capital Cities Visited by Motorcycle.
I didn’t stop there as I went on to ride across USA, from New York to LA in 2015, then on GlobeBusters tours to Austria and 2016 Tridays. Across mainland China in 2019, back on the road travelling around Iceland in 2022 as well as ticking off another new country, Morocco as well in 2022. With already done so much, it makes you wonder what will I do next. . .
Timeline
I first started riding at the age of 8 going to some weekend dirt tracks with my father, Kevin Sanders. My father, Kevin Sanders was the main inspiration to motorcycling as Kevin also has Guinness World Records on a motorcycle, he also runs the UK based motorcycle tour company, GlobeBusters. So breaking records, travelling the world and riding bikes runs in the blood of the family.
Moving to Auckland, New Zealand at the age of 10 with my mother and sister, New Zealand will soon become the place I call my second home. While in New Zealand, finding sport & bartending as the main passion and with no real drive for university I chose to leave school at 17 years old and get behind the bar and start working my way up the ranks in the hospitality industry.
Dirt biking as a kid with Dad
Bartending in Australia
My first bike Suzuki GS500
With already travelling in the bartending scene, it came to the point at 21 years old when having a Skype call with Dad, and coming up with the grand idea of riding around the world. Before I knew it, I was declining a top of the range bartending job offer in Las Vegas, packing up and moving back to England to start planning the world trip and come 2nd May 2014 (aged 22) setting off to ride around the world solo riding 56,854 miles through 71 countries over 441 days, to become the first youngest person to do such a thing as well as break the Guinness World Record for the "Most Consecutive Capital Cities Visited by Motorcycle" After riding into the history books, helping put the Triumph Tiger range on the map in the adventure market and change the way adventure motorcycling can be shared through social media, it has opened up a whole new world of opportunities.
Touring NZ age 11 Pillion on the bike
Aged 16 Travelling South America
Van trip to Istanbul at 18
Riding across the States from New York to Los Angeles, being featured in film campaigns, print material, event attendance, giving inspirational talks, working as a consultant in designing adventure motorcycle gear, ambassador roles, modelling for motorcycle & non-motorcycle companies. What lies ahead for me, with already doing so much at a young age is the big question. With wanting to still inspire others, not to go ride around the world but to get out there and achieve what they want to achieve. Making it clear that hard work, sacrifice, and determination all plays off.
I am excited for what is to come!
My Travels (So Far...)
Around The World
02nd May, 2014
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Touring Europe
July, 2016
Iceland Adventures
August, 2022
Thailand 660 Adventure
January 2023
Pan American Expedition
July - December 2023
Patagonia Adventure
March, 2024
Across the States
December, 2015
Press Launches
2015/2016
Morocco Adventure
September, 2022
Across Canada
June, 2023
Thailand - Tiger 900 GT
January, 2024
My Partners
GlobeBusters Motorcycle Expeditions
GlobeBusters was founded in 2002 by Kevin and Julia Sanders, Double Guinness World Record™ for the Fastest Circumnavigation of the World by Motorcycle and the Trans Americas by Motorcycle. Coupled with this, Kevin and Julia have notched up hundreds of thousands of miles riding independently around the world, on all six continents, covering iconic routes such as the Silk Road, the Pan American Highway, the Trans Siberian and the Tibetan Plateau.
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I'm proud to say I'm officially apart of the GlobeBusters team. Being your support van driver and tour manager. As well as the behind the scene tour logistics to help make travelling the world on a motorcycle possible.
KLIM
When it comes to motorcycle gear it's always a difficult choice on what to pick. In the new year of the world opening and back travelling, I've chosen to partner up as Scott's Ambassador for both on and off the bike gear.
With their wide range of clothing and accessories it makes it all the more easier when travelling, hiking, and motorcycling, being a one-stop-shop for all your gear needs.
Their new adventure range is something I'm looking forward to trying out in the world of travelling on motorcycles. Also may even move to wearing googles when riding!
Scenic App
Navigation via mobile is becoming far more the preferred choice. However you want to make sure the mobile app can navigate while you riding in different countries.
Scenic app is by far the best choice for adventure riding navigation with the ease of GPX filing, overseas mapping and simple features when on the move.
Media & Appearances
Triumph Explorer Film Shoots
TeapotOne - Bru Time Interview
1000PS Interview
Ace Cafe London Interview
Who I've Worked With
