Nicola jelinek – SDBC2021
The 2021 race was all set to go, but again it was cancelled just one month before the starting gun. With so much preparation already underway, we decided to ‘just do it anyway’.
Stories
Bits & Pieces
From the saddle of David Griffin… Part 3
Committing to a bike race such as the Desert Challenge, sets us off on a path of discovery. A discovery of ones inner strengths and by association of course, weaknesses. At the risk of stating the bleeding obvious this event is one of physical and mental attrition and it could be argued, basic survival given … Read more From the saddle of David Griffin… Part 3
2020: COVID-19 Update
Updated: 14th July 2020 The Simpson Desert Bike Challenge has been held annually for 33 years, inspired by the spirit of our riders and their determination to keep going no matter what nature throws at them. Recently Australia has been faced with some very difficult times with drought, floods and fires. Now we are emerging … Read more 2020: COVID-19 Update
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
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)
Desert Dreaming (from Ride-On Magazine)
We were heading for the start of the 2014 Simpson Desert Bike Challenge. As an event, it pretty much does what it says on the tin—a race 600km across the Simpson Desert and yes, it’s a challenge for all concerned. It begins at Purni Bore and to get there one simply heads 850km north of … Read more Desert Dreaming (from Ride-On Magazine)
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