WHAT RACE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
- Two race distances are on offer: Simpson 300 (300km) and Simpson 500 (500km).
- Competitors can opt to race morning stages only (Simpson 300) or the full event (Simpson 500).
- Competitors can opt to race solo or in a team relay.
- Competitors may choose any bike for the event including an E-Bike.
WHAT DOES THE ENTRY FEE INCLUDE?
- Rider Jersey specific to the event
- Desert Parks Pass for one vehicle and occupants
- Race Support – medical, water stops, timing, remote communications, and route marking.
- Crew Support – convoy security, advice, recovery assistance.
DO COMPETITORS NEED A SUPPORT TEAM?
- Riders must have a dedicated support crew, support vehicle and provisions (food and water) for the event.
- Riders that require a support crew may opt to purchase a race package or join a support team.
- The following commercial tour operators are recommended: Alice Springs Expeditions and Life Cycle Adventures
ARE WE BASED IN THE SAME PLACE FOR THE ENTIRE RIDE?
- No, all participants, crew and officials progress across the desert and camp at the location of the ‘end of stage’ of each day.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN FOOD FOR RIDING?
- Yes, you will need all your own supplies for both on and off the bike.
- The support crews will meet the riders at the lunch stop (morning stage finish) and at the evening campsite.
- Waterstop crew will transport your stage nutrition, water and misc. items that you will require for each stage. These items will be waiting for you at the water stop locations.
WILL THE RACE CAMP BE SITUATED NEAR TOWNS, SO WE CAN UTILISE BED AND BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION FOR SOME NIGHTS RATHER THAN CAMP?
- The event is remote and there are no towns or services along the way.
- You will need all your supplies (Fuel, water, food etc) for the event.
- Supplies are required for 5-6days in the desert.
DO I NEED A TENT?
- Yes, you will need to provide your own tent or swag.
- Camper Trailers are not permitted during race week.
- Alternative options include rooftop tents or 4×4 campers.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO YOU RECOMMEND?
- A Fat Bike is the most commonly used bike. These bikes have a 26x4inch wheel and tyres and have the ability to float over the sand due to the low tyre pressure (5psi).
- A XC mountain bike or gravel bike is not ideal due to the width of the tyres and the ability to ride on sand.
Are E-Bikes allowed?
- Yes, unmodified E-Bikes are allowed and must meet the Australian standard.
- Please note: No generators are allowed in the National Park. Careful planning will be required to ensure that the battery can be charged successfully.
CAN WE CHANGE BIKES DURING THE RACE?
- No, you may only use one bike for the event.
- You may repair or replace parts on this bike in order to maintain it’s running order.
IS THERE ACCESS TO MECHANICS AND PARTS?
- No, there are no mechanics or parts en route. However, there are always capable bike mechanics within the event’s support crews and volunteers who might be able to assist with basic repairs.
TRAINING
DO YOU HAVE ANY GENERAL TRAINING PROGRAM ADVICE FOR THIS EVENT?
Yes, Click Here for training advice
THE COURSE
WHAT IS THE COURSE LIKE? HOW TECHNICAL IS IT?
- The course traverses a mix of sandy and gravel tracks.
- Navigation is not required.
- The course is not technical, however, the course requires some technique for riding efficiently through sand.
- Some fast dune descents can be a bit hairy with wash aways and loose conditions.
IS THERE A COURSE CUT OFF TIME? WHAT IS IT?
- The event has a minimum speed requirement (total elapsed time).
- Riders must maintain an average of 12kph to stay ahead of the pursuing sweep vehicle.
- If caught by the Sweep, riders are transported by vehicle to the end of that stage.
- Riders will be credited with the distance they have covered and can then restart the next stage as normal.
IF WE DON’T COMPLETE A STAGE, ARE WE STILL CONSIDERED A RACE FINISHER?
- You will still be considered an official race finisher, but will not receive a 100% completion medallion.
IF AS A TEAM WE DON’T MAKE THE COURSE CUT OFF TIME, CAN WE STILL COMPLETE THE RACE?
- Yes, you can complete the remaining stages.
IF MY TEAM MATE HAS TO PULL OUT FOR INJURY, CAN I CONTINUE TO RIDE?
- Yes, you will be allowed to continue and complete the remaining stages.
IS THIS RIDE DOABLE FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR, FULL TIME JOB, KIDS ETC. IS IT AIMED AT PEOPLE LIKE ME OR IS IT MORE FOR THE ELITE. I’M A CAPABLE MOUNTAIN BIKER, NOT FAST BUT NOT AFRAID OF A FEW HOURS IN THE SADDLE.
- Anyone with a good base level of fitness can build up to this event.
- Attempt to dedicate between 8-14 hours a week of riding to ensure that your fitness level is good.