By Ruza Zivkusic
SCOOTER devotee Julio Languiller is on the road again.
The St Albans man is challenging his scootering prowess once again by taking on a 15-day trip around Australia.
The three-time world record holder took off last Sunday from Federation Square and expects to travel 16,138 kilometres.
Mr Languiller will be accompanied by only a mechanic and a film crew of two, and said in order to create the record he would ride 14 hours every day and obey the legal speed limits.
“It’s a privilege to do it in Australia. No other country in the world can you go around the country without having to stop at customs or cross borders,” he said.
Despite turning 50 last month, the enthusiast who once broke his leg by running into a cow while riding his motorbike, said nothing would stop him from living his dream.
“The doctor said to me you’ll never ride a bike again. After the plaster came off I bought a bigger bike,” he said with a laugh.
Only last year, Mr Languiller turned his hobby into a profession when he approached Honda and decided to create a 24-hour endurance record on a 50cc scooter to prove to the public that a scooter is not a toy.
“I’m just going to prove to people that you don’t have to be rich in order to reach your dream,” Mr Languiller said.
He estimated spending around $1500 on petrol during the trip.
Mr Languiller gave up his car a “long time ago” and, because of that decision, said he was saving $7000 on fuel a year.
However, he said riding the scooter takes some preparation, and a lot of practicing meditation.
The part-time painter, who spends hours concentrating on the art, said in order to survive on the road “you have to have a high degree of attention”.
“To be able to do what I do and not to get bored, and not lose concentration, you have to have your mind exactly on the job,” he explained.
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, John So, farewelled the intrepid scooterist last Sunday before he set off on the mammoth journey.
Mr Languiller aimed to raise funds on the trip for the Lighthouse Foundation, which provides long-term accommodation and support for young people.
