My planned departure is 1st May from Alice Springs. I'll be attempting the above route in counter-clockwise direction and am planning approx 11 weeks. It'll be the longest and toughest ride I've done by far, approx 7500km. It'll take in all of Australia's major deserts, and some smaller ones; namely the Tanami, Great Sandy, Gibson, Little Sandy, Great Victorian, Painted, Moon, Strzlecki, Sturt Stony and last but certainly not least, the Simpson.
To the best of my knowledge, the Anne Beadell Hwy (Great Victorian desert) has never been ridden. It contains only 4 possible water stops (all rain-water tanks) dotted over 1380km. The longest stretch between water stops on this leg is 645km. I'll also be attempting a route across the heart of the Simpson desert; 420km, 1100 sand-dunes up to 20m high, with no water en-route. Many people have ridden around this deserts' edges, but never the route I am proposing. This adventure will certainly include some unique challenges. The ride will be solo and unsupported; except by support in close proximity around the Great Victorian and Simpson deserts for safety reasons.
This satellite view kinda puts things in perspective. Oz is called the sunburnt country for a reason:
I'm in the process of building up my amazing 4" Fatback fatty (special thanks to Greg at Speedway Cycles), and single-wheel "Extrawheel" type trailer.
