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.
11 comments:
WOW!!! ... what more can I say, but Russ you are a legend.
I look forward to following your progress from the start .... and may you find only tailwinds this time.
The dictionary will soon be spelling "adventure" as "Russ".
That's all very well and good but what are you going to do after lunch?
Seriously looking forward to seeing the monster truck in the flesh. Let us know if you need any help that doesn't involve sand. :-)
Cheers
Aaron
You're a crazy guy Russ.
Shame it's so far away... It'd be tough to convince my wife to let me ride a section or two of the ride with you...
Think I could with just a bidon?
You talk the talk & you are certainly walking the walk. Smash it.
the spirit of adventure is alive and well mr.worthington. I cannot wait to follow your progress this one!
you'll have no probs, you can live off those calves for atleast 12 weeks ;)
Thanks for the encouragement guys. Yes, nothing more exciting than stepping outside that comfort zone and pushing one's boundaries.
Kenzo, I think you should bring your camelback:p
Wifey says I need to bring the camel and ride its back...
Hmmm, Russ says smart wifey;)
Russ, I checked out your BIKE this morning. SWEET as Bro.
very nice in eed.
hi Russell, ummm i don't know if you remember me but i am the one from Rainbow Beach in December 2009, and took a photo of you with our family!!! i think you have done an absolute phenomenal job for RFDS!!!!!
KEEP THE GOOD WORK UP!!!!!
Thanks Chantelle.
Hope the weather continued to improve for your stay up on the beach. It was nice chatting to 4WD'ers up there; all in party mode:)
Cheers, Russ.
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