The Simpson Desert Bike Challenge has been held annually, inspired by the spirit of our riders and their determination to keep going no matter what nature throws at them.At the August 2021 Committee Meeting, and the extra ordinary meeting held the next week, we discussed the current situation and the alarming spread of the new … Read more Simpson Desert Bike Challenge 2021 – Race Cancelled
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
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
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
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
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
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
Features this month: New Race Director Announced Changes at the Pink Roadhouse Having a red on Big Red This year’s lineup Wayne’s gear report [button text=”Click for Newsletter” link=”http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d28dcccdc9740f646c58e5508&id=467ab0aa0a&e=7faf69497a”]
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″]
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”]
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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