purnibore
YouTube Video Gallery
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2017 winner, Eckart Altenkamp
“Why?” is the question I heard most often. “Why on earth would anyone want to cycle thru the Simpson???” It’s a good question. There are obviously many reasons NOT to participate in this event… Personally, I have 2 answers to offer: One from before the event and the 2nd with the benefit of hindsight. My … Read more 2017 winner, Eckart Altenkamp
French Line Route Survey – 2015
In 2015 the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge featured a new route traversing the French Line. Video of the French Line Survey – Alan Keenleside (Race Director) Here is a blow by blow description of what to expect when you tackle the big dune country. So what’s it going to be like to ride this year’s … Read more French Line Route Survey – 2015
COURSE MARKING AGAIN and OTHER FUN JOBS
Water Stop Crew 2015 Lorraine and Alan Hancox In 2014 we ventured into the unknown by accepting the role of Course Markers. Apparently we did an acceptable job because the Race Director made it clear the job was ours for “life”. Fortunately, as in that other event where life sentences are handed down, victims are … Read more COURSE MARKING AGAIN and OTHER FUN JOBS
2015 winner, Paul Schroder
SDBC – 2015 tour de French line I can remember quite clearly getting the Simpson newsletter email, I usually have a quick read of them to see how things are proceeding. There was a friendly reminder that entries closed on August 15th, it was the 11th and I had not even considered entering the 2015 … Read more 2015 winner, Paul Schroder
The Worlds most hardcore endurance races (we’re on the list)
So, you’ve mastered the marathon, triumphed in the triathlon and kicked ass in the CrossFit Games. But what does an endurance sports adrenaline junkie do next? Here are 12 of the world’s most hardcore endurance races to test your bones, brains and bodily fluids to their absolute limits and earn you bragging rights for the … Read more The Worlds most hardcore endurance races (we’re on the list)
Harold & Jeni Hawson – water stop 2014
Alan, on behalf of both Jeni and I thank you for all of your work and effort to make the Challenge the success it obliviously was. We simply has a ball, met lots of wonderful people and felt like we had been there before. Jeni commented on the way home that it was one of … Read more Harold & Jeni Hawson – water stop 2014
May Newsletter – Tubeless and Puncture Management, Legends Return
This month we feature some great advice and video on managing tubeless tyres and punctures on your fatbike. Also the return of the silly old fart (legends) plus the meanderings of Grim through outback Australia. Not to mention some very interesting sponsor messages about Fat Tyres and Comfy Handgrips. CLICK HERE
November Newsletter – Race Report Feature
This month featuring: When things go wrong Amazing Fundraising Race Directors blow by blow report Winner Ronn Slusser’s story Click Here for the November Newsletter
2013 winner, Ronn Slusser
STYLE AND PERFORMANCE The Simpson this year, what an effort. Amazing riders and some good competition. It was a cooler year than normal, but to bring about tough conditions mother nature threw in some very strong winds and some chilly mornings. She also showed us how we can have up to a 30 degree temperature change in the one … Read more 2013 winner, Ronn Slusser
2013 Race Updates
You’ll get the blow by blow account as the drama unfolds with details of the winners, losers and carnage. Day 5 – Final Placings 5th Oct 2013 Well it’s all over now bar the drinking. Ronn Slusser rode a strong and consistant race winning every stage. While Ronn had a couple of hours on the … Read more 2013 Race Updates
2013 Rider Profiles
The Lineup for 2013 Click on image for information, use <- and -> for next and previous Riders with no picture Rider: 13 Name: Doug Mitchell Category: U40 – Male Desert Attempts – 1st timer Race Strategy : At the time of going to print we hadn’t heard from Doug, we here at SDBC … Read more 2013 Rider Profiles
Riders Special Edition: Surviving the Desert, Essential Tools, Be Afraid
August Newsletter This month’s edition features articles of special interest to riders who are in the final stages of preparing for this year’s event. Practical hints, inspirational stories and also not taking it too seriously. Click Here for Newsletter
May News: Canning Stock Route by bike! :: RFDS in action :: winter training :: Poeppel corner – the new party hot spot
Features this month include:- An Alaskan riding the Canning Stock Route! RFDS in action Winter training is not all bad Poeppel Corner the place to be …and more [button text=”Click for Newsletter” link=”http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d28dcccdc9740f646c58e5508&id=09a70872c1″]
April Newsletter now available
Features this month include:- Cool Bike Frame could be yours Track conditions in the desert Desert Romance Wayne’s world gear report ….and more [button text=”Click Here for April Newsletter” link=”http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d28dcccdc9740f646c58e5508&id=264aaa3ef0″ target=”_blank”]
Muru Cycles donate a very cool bike frame
Simpson Desert Bike Challenge would like to announce that we have Muru Cycles on board for 2013. Muru have generously donated one of their Witjira Frames, with the SDBC logo sandblasted into it! We plan to offer this frame to the highest bidder at our charity auction at the end of the 2013 race. stay … Read more Muru Cycles donate a very cool bike frame
Mud Mud Mud – revisiting 2004
The 2004 Race was not the toughest year due to cooler climate and firmer sand….but ooh the mud. Storms moved in dumping massive amounts of water in the desert. Have a look at these photos from the event. PS. See if you can’t spot a much younger more virile Grim in lycra. [button text=”Click Here for … Read more Mud Mud Mud – revisiting 2004
Yep.. it’s our new website
Our new look website is now online. It features a completely new design utilising stronger colours and larger bolder imagery. The new layout will make it easier for you to find the information you want. It’s easy to update and is integrated with our social networking. Dont forget to ‘Like our pages’ Our home page works as … Read more Yep.. it’s our new website
Race Director Vacancy
Due to Mark Polley’s resignation, the Race Director’s role is now vacant. We are actively looking for the right person to join us in staging this exciting event. Firstly the Race Director role is suited to somebody who has a passion for the desert and the event. He/She is the primary representative of the Desert Challenge … Read more Race Director Vacancy
Changing of the Guard
In 2013, Mark Polley will be stepping down from his role as Race Director. Mark has made a huge commitment to the event over many years and is now looking to have a break and get on with other personal commitments. Mark first attended the SDBC back in 1999 and has been out there continuously ever … Read more Changing of the Guard
Lorraine & Alan Hancox – Water Stop 2012
Our son, Graham was part of a support team in 2011 and became determined to enter in 2012. We thought we would be a support crew for another rider this year but that did not eventuate so successfully applied to become Water-Stop Officials. We have been in or across the Simpson Desert at least once … Read more Lorraine & Alan Hancox – Water Stop 2012
Tim Grimes – Rider 2012
Day 4, 11.30 am. Temperature about 45. Location, somewhere in the Simpson Desert. 5K from the finish of the stage and with an hour to get there, I sat down under a tree and told myself I had had enough, I was pedaling no more. I decided there that there were two types of people … Read more Tim Grimes – Rider 2012
New course for Desert Challenge
By popular demand, the 2013 event will follow the 2012 course across the Rig Road, K1 and QAA lines. The fat tyre flyers have won another battle. Now the route traverses even more sand. Fantastic scenery through some of the largest dunes in the desert including Big Red.
Michael Dalton – Rider 2009
I kept on riding and when the boxing kangaroo flag came into view my spirits lifted. As I crossed the finish line Mark Polley and Donna congratulated me and Cassandra who I did not know proceeded to give me food and fluids. I did not know this person but her caring nature was quite overwhelming. … Read more Michael Dalton – Rider 2009
RFDS fundraising handover for 2011
Magnificent Effort for 2011 On the 29th February 2012, President Iain Blair handed over the final fundraising proceeds from the 2011 event, to Gemma Snewin at the RFDS hanger at Adelaide Airport. This brings the final fundraising total to a massive $36,724.95. For more details, see below. RFDS continues to provide an essential service to … Read more RFDS fundraising handover for 2011
Super Bike Carrier for Sweep Vehicle
Rider/donor George Couyant formally hands over a new bike carrier for the Sweep vehicle. Although Grim wont be sweeping next year it would have been nice to know that your bike would be travelling in such luxury when you got swept. Thanks to George Couyant who donated the carrier to our auction night. The carrier … Read more Super Bike Carrier for Sweep Vehicle
In memoriam – Su Spencer
It is with great sadness I heard that Su Murphy has lost her battle with cancer and died on the 5th of August. Almost everyone involved with the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge will remember little Su, the timekeeper. I first met Su when I supported Grim in 1995, and she was timekeeper for all the … Read more In memoriam – Su Spencer
25 years of the Desert Race
It’s our 25th year and we’re planning to make it very special. If your planning to ride, support or officiate in 2011, please register and keep up-to-date with the latest news and race updates. We have filled the waterstop crew positions but we are still looking for Medical crews. To register on the mailing list … Read more 25 years of the Desert Race
2010 Fund Raising Handover
On Friday the 11th March 2011, race director Mark Polley presented a cheque for $4500.00 to Ross Curtis at RFDS Central Operation, Adelaide. With all the problems of flooding and relocating the race to the Great Victoria Desert, we are extremely pleased to announce that this brings the total fund raising for the 2010 event to $14,823.90. … Read more 2010 Fund Raising Handover
Audax Accreditation for SDBC
Did you know the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge meets Audax ride rules? The afternoon of Day 3, both stages of Day 4 and Day 5 qualify as Dirt Series events. Check out the Audax Calendar for September.
15 Years of Doctoring in the Desert
On the 21-8-10, Dr John Hill was presented with a commemorative plaque to acknowledge his 15 years of “desert doctoring”. His 1st trip to the desert as Dr John was in 1989 after being coerced to come along for a “drive out in the desert” by Ike Trelor and so it all started. This 1st … Read more 15 Years of Doctoring in the Desert
Simpson Desert Closed
Any chance of getting across the desert has now been ruled out. Heavy rains have fallen on the desert over the last few weeks and more rain is forecast. The Simpson Desert now resembles a swamp and many outback roads are closed or have major flooding. Local police and park rangers are discouraging anyone from … Read more Simpson Desert Closed
Simpson Desert Closed – Alternate Course for 2010
Good News and Bad News The Bad News is that floods have closed the Simpson Desert for the 2010 Race. The Good News is that we’ve found another desert to race across. The Great Victoria Desert!!! Yes it’s official….Race Director Mark Polley has pulled this one out of the hat and put together a unique … Read more Simpson Desert Closed – Alternate Course for 2010
2009 Fundraising
Our Fundraising Efforts In recent years the Desert Challenge Committee has turned it’s attentions to raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The RFDS is essential out in the areas where the Desert Challenge is held and so is an appropriate organisation for us to support. Last year alone we raised over $20,000 2009 … Read more 2009 Fundraising
Crikey it’s a Megasaurarse
by workmates of Declan Brazil…rider No 3, 2001 Scientists trekking by Bicycle through the Simpson Desert have found the rare and endangered Megasaurarse. This Dinosaur from the late Devonian Period, was thought only to have inhabited the Oxford Street Precinct of Sydney. Rated a “ground breaking find”, the Megasaurarse was dressed similarly to the Oxford … Read more Crikey it’s a Megasaurarse
Desert Storm
Inside Sport Magazine – December 1999 Story: Robert Drane Images: Ian Kenins Purni Bore, South Australia, not far from the NT border. Nothing to do but look for shade from the stinging sun amidst vegetation too low to sit under. Forty-three degrees and rising. Last night, camels and donkeys frolicked and toileted in the paludal … Read more Desert Storm
Three Simpsons: Two Up
The Simpson Desert Cycle Classic is the year’s most insane endurance race. Bob and Jayne Simpson made it even tougher by tackling it on a tandem. With almost 600 sand dunes behind us and plenty still ahead I glanced at my watch. As we pushed and shoved the tandem through the deep sand, sweat pouring … Read more Three Simpsons: Two Up
1995 Race Report
No Name Category Sex Total Time(hh:mm:ss) TotalKms OverallPosition % DistanceCompleted 14 Richard Millard 50 & Over Male 1:05:38:26 581 1 100% 19 Darren Benson 20 & U30 Male 1:06:17:18 581 2 100% 36 Micheal Worden 30 & U40 Male 1:06:28:00 581 3 100% 30 Mark Leach 30 & U40 Male 1:06:41:52 581 4 100% 32 … Read more 1995 Race Report
1994 Race Report
No Name Overall Position Total Time (hh:mm:ss) State Category Gender Team 27 Robert Eckel 1 34:55:48 Qld U 40 M Crabs Crack 32 Tom Landon-Smith 2 35:42:54 NSW U 30 M – 14 Novak Thompson 3 36:05:49 NSW U 30 M Desert Storm 1 7 Garry Ridley 4 36:48:15 Qld U 50 M The Tale … Read more 1994 Race Report
1993 Event
Placing No Name Total Time (hh:mm:ss) Outright 1st 3 Ian Thompson 15:01:25 Outright 2nd 30 David Austin 15:12:45 Outright 3rd 4 Mark Baker 15:30:53 Under 20 yrs 44 John Ioannou 35:08:01 Under 30 yrs 3 Ian Thompson 15:01:25 Under 40 yrs 4 Mark Baker 15:30:53 Under 50 yrs 29 Ken Worral 20:13:15 Over 50 yrs … Read more 1993 Event
1990 Race Results
[tabby title=”Results”] No Name OverallPosition Total Time(hh:mm:ss) DistanceCompleted 10 Peter Wood 1 28:32:15 575k 7 Mal Cummack 2 28:48:51 575k 22 Kevin Piercy 3 29:26:26 575k 24 Kevin Aubrey 4 30:53:52 575k 12 Gregory Roger 5 32:19:21 575k 17 Edward Freeman 6 32:45:01 575k 15 Jonathan Cook 7 34:00:52 575k 6 Arnold Frollows 8 35:12:20 … Read more 1990 Race Results
1989 Race Report
Placing No Name State Total Time (hh:mm:ss) Outright 1st 12 Ross Martin NSW 26:18:20 Outright 2nd 8 Peter Barnard NSW 26:48:34 Outright 3rd 2 Jim Smith NSW 27:17:01 First Female 11 Patricia Thomson NSW 31:24:16 Under 20 yrs 24 Glen Sharrock NSW 33:55:23 Under 30 yrs 8 Peter Barnard NSW 26:48:34 Under 40 yrs 7 … Read more 1989 Race Report
1988 Race Report
The 1988 race didn’t go anywhere near the Simpson Desert. Because of flooding in the desert, the race started at Kulgera on the Stuart Hwy near the NT/SA border and ran along the back roads past Ayers Rock finishing at The Olgas.
