Epic Aussie Adventures of 2009

It's official ... or at least according to premier Australian outdoor magazine Outer Edge; the 10 deserts solo cycle epic was infact an Aussie epic! Here is their epic adventure list for 2009:


Outer Edge includes some great articles covering amazing and inspirational adventure feats throughout the year inc. mountaineering, sailing, hiking, MTB, kiting, surfing, swimming, diving and more. The mag is definitely worth a read if you need any inspiration for your upcoming "holiday with a difference".


I took the above photo using tripod on my 2nd to last day, approaching Alice Springs. Sand and spinifex make way for rocks and trees.

Spring Mountain

It's always fun exploring a new area. This weekend my mate Clewsy (tour guide) and 10 other keen souls ventured out to the rough and ungroomed area that is Spring Mountain. Being predominantly sandstone in the area, the heavy rain that had fallen was barely noticable on the trails.

The riding was great. Very rough and raw, or was that my arse after some of the rough downhills?!? We crossed paths with one red-belly black, but I was too slow to get the camera out for this one.



Clewsy definitely won the prize for shiniest bike, both pre and post-race. I couldn't also award him prize for best mono since this was his 2nd attemp;)



The riding here was reminiscent of Nerang, but without Nerangs kick-arse hills. Either way, I think a return visit is in order. Thanks for the company lads.

Snakes Alive

It was time for a reccy in Lost world yesterday. I love this place. This time I explored Christmas Ck up to Pt Lookout, and a couple of adjoining trails too.



This bridge crossing was fun, and I'll definitely bring togs next time. There were several tempting water-holes.




It was a special moment to see the site of the Stinson plane wreck. The story of rescue/survival is amazing ... definitely worth the read for those that don't know it. After signing the register myself, I scrolled through the pages of other visitors, and see another friend has also visited this sacred site. Good to see you're still getting out and about Steve (Epic) Turner - lol!



It is definitely snake season. I nearly stood on one black snake, but fortunately saw these two in advance. The carpet python was coiled up, just soaking in the warm sun. It rained on my return to Xmas Ck trailhead, and I picked up a few lazy hitch-hikers. Blood suckers aside, Lost World is an amazing place to visit; definitely worth time to explore.

Great Sandy NP - Cooloola Section

.... My original plans for Fraser Island didn't eventuate this Xmas thanks to the above weather pattern; a big low from T.C. Laurence and heaps of rain. I was still keen as a bean to get out on the fat-bike though, so instead headed to Great Sandy NP: Map

I headed north up Cooloola Way, then cut across Kings Bore Rd to Teewah beach, straight up the beach to the amusement of all the 4WD NY party revellers, cut back along Freshwater Ck Rd, and back via Cooloola Way; 2 half days of nice (but hot) riding.




Even with all the rain from TC Laurence, water in the Noosa River was low. Last time I crossed this bridge, I dangled my feet off the bridge into the refreshing tea-tree water.


In this beautiful stretch of forest, Sacarda's were in their element. They were singing in chorus, and in waves reaching a real crescendo. Awesome stuff!




4" tyres were a must closer to Teewah beach. Without them I would have been walking:(

Enduro # 14

Issue 14 of Enduro has just hit the stands. Willo was obviously short of material because they ran this article;)

The article includes snippets of some memorable moments from my 10 deserts ride.

The crew from Freewheel do a great job on this mag, and it just keeps getting better. There's great reading for everyone from the elite to newb's, great gear reviews, plenty of racing tips, race reports etc etc.

Do yourself a favour and get a copy:)

10 Deserts - A photo tour