Man on bike charity ride gets bicycle stolen

An Australian man into a solo bicycle ride around the Aussie coast for charity has had his bike stolen, local media reported on Monday.

Chris Anderson, 32, said his bicycle was stolen in Perth three months into his ride around Australia to raise money and awareness for Beyond Blue, an organization which helps people with depression.

He left his home in Victoria on May 1.

He found his bike stolen on Sunday night when he was resting at a caravan park south of Perth.

“I heard someone at about 3 this morning tinkering around outside. I went straight outside, but (the bicycle) was already gone,” Anderson said.

Anderson, who calls himself the Lone Aussie Rider on Facebook, said he was devastated to find his bike stolen.

“I’m really lost for words, to tell you the truth,” he said.

“I just can’t believe it actually happened. It’s just a lowlife act.”

Anderson said the black Avanti bicycle, which features Beyond Blue stickers, cost A$1,000 ($765) but was donated to him for the charity ride.

Despite the theft, Anderson said he planned to finish the 20,000-kilometer ride around the country’s coast, estimated to take about 12 months to complete.

He has set himself a goal of raising A$20,000 and has so far received more than A$2,000 in donation.