It's been called "Satan's Velodrome" and for many competitors it has certainly been hell. And yet they return, again and again, from throughout Australia and around the world, for those five days of the year when this unique location plays host to an extraordinary cycling event ......

......... The Simpson Desert Bike Challenge

Ed Bourke on Day 3 2006

Race Overview

On 29th September 2008, competitors, support crew and officials will gather at Purnie Bore, South Australia, on the western edge of the Simpson Desert for the 21st Annual Bike Challenge.

At 6am on Tuesday 30th September the first of nine stages will commence. The riders will surge off into the heart of the Simpson Desert along the 'Rig Road'. This narrow clay capped track was originally constructed to facilitate oil exploration in the 60s, but it is fast deteriorating as time, weather and 4WD traffic takes its toll.

On the Gibber Plains 2007

The first 4 days have an 80km morning stage followed by a 50km afternoon stage. The final 80km stage on day 5 ends outside a classic Aussie icon - the Birdsville Hotel in the tiny outback town of Birdsville in Queensland.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Logo

Our fundraising effort goes to supporting

the Royal Flying Doctor Service

 

Koopsie on Day 4 2007

The total distance of around 580 km takes in some 700 sand dunes, salt lakes, vast cattle stations, gibber plains and even a potential creek crossing. The course is weather dependent and subject to alteration.

Birdsville Pub Group Shot 2007

For more race details Click Here

Terry pushing up a dune 2006

Simpson Desert Riders