2008 Results

2008 Race Report

Another year has come and gone. This year’s event was one of the tougher ones with the desert testing riders, crews and vehicles alike.
As we headed from Dalhousie Springs to Purni Bore we were buffeted by strong winds and flying sand. Ominous signs of things to come.
With all riders, crews and officials safely at the starting line by 3pm it was time for the 2008 Simpson Desert Bike Challenge to get underway. The briefing commenced at 4:30pm with introductions of the officials and riders. Heinz (from Bali) and Ron (from QLD) returning this year to have another go. Both were ready and raring to go along with ten new participants.

Day 1

Temperature 36’C

Stage 1, 77.5km

With little knowledge of what is ahead of them, the riders and crews were up early on the first morning. A combination of fear and anticipation descending on all those present. The lead convoy headed out at 5:30am leaving nervous riders to wait on the start line.
With the race underway, the enormity of the task ahead dawns on the riders in the first 10km. Wayne is swept by the 15km and Freddy punctured two tyres in the first 20km and was swept by the 25km mark. Lawrence finishes strongly with Lynton and Roman in close pursuit.
A beeping from HF radio in Race Directors car is heard. I investigate, seeing the message “Low battery” on the handset. My co-driver has left the lights on flatting the battery. Sounds like “Goose of the Day” material to me.
Stage 2, 49.5km

Riders find the afternoon stage a little easier but are feeling the strain of the morning stage. Lynton finishes first with Lawrence one minute behind.

Day 2

Temperature 39’C

Stage 3, 80km

The third stage started with and easy ride along a flatter section but about 10km in the sand and corrugations start. Between the 50km and 60km mark, there is light to medium sand on the track which took its toll on all riders. The temperature was on the rise, hitting 39’C as the wind picked up.
The 3rd stage, typically the hardest, saw all riders start but only four: Roman, Lynton, Heinz and William complete the 80km section. Ron aggravated an existing injury, dislocating his shoulder whilst trying to negotiate the sand. Lawrence and Emerson withdraw from the event suffering from heat exhaustion.

Stage 4, 49km

The afternoon stage presented large dunes with deep sand between 39 and 45km. Snatch straps were dragged out as vehicles sank, getting bogged on several of the dunes.
The riders struggled with only 3 finishing the stage. The remainder of the field was swept before the 24km mark.
Mike (crew No.2) battled on as his vehicle protested vigorously. The dual battery relay system locked out at Dalhousie Springs leaving the fridge without power. Once bypassed, the fridge refused to cool down in the heat as his water containers developed leaks.

Day 3

Temperature 41’C

Stage 5, 79km

With soft sand drifts over the track for the first 25km and dunes with 1 to 2 meter vertical walls of sand between the 48 and 60km, it was going to be an interesting stage for riders and drivers alike.
Lynton was horrified when he realised that he had left camel back behind and had to rely on the water bottles on his bike. Freddy came off the bike in the sand hurting his calve muscle. Three of the riders (Kane, Vance & Wayne) staying with him until the sweep and medical crew arrived.

Stage 6, 48km
Starting with a 35km run between the dunes into a strong head wind, four riders pulled out at 6km and two at 15km leaving only three on the track. Heinz, Warren and Lynton push on to finish the stage.
At this point only Lynton and Heinz have completed 100% on the course.
William battling the dunes on Day 3

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Comments from the Peanut Gallery

Of course, nowhere near as tough as when I did it. 1990 featured swooping pterodactyls, water that boiled as you drank it and wind in excess of 400 km/h.  Luuuuuuxury!!
Did I mention I am from Parkes too? Breaker Morandt country!!
Greg Roger, triumphant winner of under 30 category, 1990!!
See 1990 Race Report
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Day 4

Temperature 44’C. Strong northerly winds.

Stage 7, 79km

With large drifts of sand on the track for the first 12km riders struggle to get a good start. After the grid, conditions improved with some corrugations and light sand on the clay pan out to the Birdsville track. Strong cross winds on the Birdsville track for 24km then head winds gusting up to 40 knots on the inside track left most struggling on day four morning.

As the temperature rose and winds increased water stop two was deployed to set up a forth emergency water stop 5.5km from the end of the stage. An exhausted band of four riders, Warren and Lynton (riding together), Heinz and Kane finish the stage in a slow time.

Stage 8, 51km

Track conditions were good and on a normal year, the times should have been fast but the desert wasn’t finished delivering a punishing eighth stage. Head winds continue to buffet the riders as they set off after lunch. By the 15km mark there was only one rider left on the track. Riders electing to take cover under whatever shade that was available along the side of the track.

Sitting at the finishing line, we were stunned when the rear convoy started to arrive about one hour prior to the close of the stage. Fearing the worst, that “Bastard Sweep” had swept the entire field, I was relieved to learn that there was still one rider on the track. Warren had refused to lie down and battled on to complete the stage.

Much to my shame, I was suddenly the first race director to preside over a race where no-one completed 100% of the race. Sweep (Andy Griffiths) taking great pleasure in present me with the sickle at the evening briefing.
After the briefing, Dillon (medic crew) treated us to an evening of classical guitar accompanied by a spectacular light show as an electrical storm swirled around us.
Mike’s (crew No.2) battles continued as the Air Con failed, the shade tarp collapsed and various containers of food broke spreading throughout the food bins.

Day 5

Temperature 41’C

Stage 9, 79km

The final stage to Birdsville. The track was flat and fast and the wind finally abated.
Roman found a new lease of life and bolted through to the finish line in 3 hours. Freddy, who struggled all week, blasts in second with Lynton and Warren in pursuit.
Kane, Vance, William and Heinz elect to stay back with Wayne to see if they can get him across the line to complete the last stage. In true desert style we start to hear reports of Kane riding along pushing Wayne with the others there providing moral support. Finally an exhausted Wayne finishes his first stage almost collapsing on the finish line. Truly inspirational stuff!